Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

Joel Robinson

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Shopping Centre

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Queensland developer Honeycombes Property Group has unveiled plans to deliver a $140 mixed use development at Ferny Grove in Brisbane's north-west.

Part of the project, which will include a new shopping centre called Ferny Grove Central, will be an apartment complex called The Fernery, which will have 82 apartments and a recreational deck.

Construction of the development which adjoins Ferny Grove Station is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021.

<img alt="" height="500" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ferny_grove_apartments.jpg" width="1200">

The Townsville-based Honeycombes won the contract in 2017. The property financier MaxCap is its joint venture capital partner.

The project will transform the area into a vibrant suburban Transit Oriented Development (TOD). /in urban planning, a transit-oriented development (TOD) is a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transport.

<img alt="" height="1000" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ferny_grove_central.jpg" width="1600">

Honeycombes have previously success in a TOD. In 2015 they completed their award-winning $252 million redevelopment of Coorparoo Square, along Brisbane’s CBD eastern fringe, which featured 366 residential apartments and retail space delivered over three stages in a partnership with Frasers Property Australia. The redevelopment of Queensland’s first Myer building awarded with the prestigious Best Mixed-Use Development by the Property Council of Australia. 
Peter Honeycombe, managing director of Honeycombes Property Group, says the Ferny Grove development will breathe new life in to the suburb and will create a neighbourhood village atmosphere.

"We have already received a high amount of unprecedented interest from the local market, highlighting the level of demand for both residential apartments and retail opportunities,” Mr Honeycombe said.

Honeycombe says the community feedback received has been an important part of their ongoing refinement of the approved development form.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6669]

“We have held more than a dozen different public forums, door knocked hundreds of residences neighbouring the project, and letter box dropped thousands of information fliers to keep the local community in the loop.

"This level of communication will continue during construction to ensure that the community remains aware of the progress on site.” 

Honeycombes and MaxCap are expecting to announce a number of major tenants in coming months to the 12,000 sqm shopping precinct, with a mix of high-profile national retailers including supermarkets, fitness centres, child-care and cinema providers expected to be secured on long-term leases.  
Ferny Grove is considered an ‘end of line’ rail station catering for more than 5,000 passengers per day transiting through the transport hub.
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Construction of the development which adjoins Ferny Grove Station is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2021.



Revealed: $140 million plans for mixed-use Ferny Grove Central project in Brisbane

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In anticipation of the establishment of the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, HomeCo has entered into a binding contract to acquire Glenmore Park Town Centre for $150 million.
It has also agreed terms to a contract to acquire a second Sydney metropolitan neighbourhood centre for total consideration of approximately $220 million.
Glenmore Park Town Centre is a Woolworths, Coles and ALDI anchored centre with over 40% of gross income derived from supermarkets and over 30% derived from healthcare and wellness services.
HomeCo Executive Chairman &amp; CEO David Di Pilla said, “the proposed HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is consistent with HomeCo’s stated own, develop and manage strategy and establishes the platform for HomeCo to unlock additional value and growth through further capital recycling and ongoing management fee streams from assets under management."
"The property acquisitions announced today provide the HomeCo Daily Needs REIT with additional exposure to key growth corridors within the Western Sydney metropolitan area and will be important seed assets for the Daily Needs REIT,” he concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Glendora Shopping Centre sells for $150 million

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A Sydney-based private investor with an overseas partner, has outlaid $21.3 million for a Woolworths anchored shopping centre at Coburg.
The strata-titled Coburg Hill Shopping Centre was sold with a WALE of 11 years including 14 years remaining on the Woolworths lease which accounts for 72% of the centre’s 4419 square metres GLA.
The sale was made on a passing yield of 6%.
The Centre is 97% leased with a net passing income of $1.28 million from Woolworths and the seven specialty stores including Degani and Regency Pharmacy.
According to CBRE’s Victorian Retail Investments team lead by Justin Dowers, Kevin Tong &amp; Lewis Tong the transaction represented an extremely good deal given the strata title nature of the holding.
The sale follows that of the Woolworths Group owned Keysborough South Shopping Centre which last month sold to a local investor for $33.13 million.
The property attracted 11 offers including locally based Chinese investors before the current lockdown.
Mr Dowers said the sale provided further evidence that investors continue to seek safe havens in assets underwritten by long term leases to non-discretionary spend tenants.
“This is the second sub $50 million shopping centre sale in Victoria, post COVID-19, and both have attracted significant interest from a range of local and off-shore buyer groups.
“Investors are obviously demonstrating that they have a good appetite for this sort of stock and that should give institutional owners confidence in their sub $50m retail holdings around the country,” Mr Dowers said.
The average yield of the last 10 Victorian neighbourhood centre sales is 6.15%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/12/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-10%20at%2012.25.20%20pm.png" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/12/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-10%20at%2012.25.20%20pm.png" alt=""> 
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Coburg shopping centre sold for $21.3 million

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According to JLL’s annual Australian Shopping Centre Investment Review and Outlook 2020, the retail sector will be a key focus for investors seeking to take advantage of the more attractive pricing and depth of opportunities available. 
2020 Outlook:
JLL’s Joint Head of Retail Investments – Australia Jacob Swan said, “While retail investment volumes were light in the first half of 2019 ($1.8 billion), we saw a real change in momentum in the back half of the year ($4.5 billion) which saw 2H activity rise to the levels seen over the last five years.
“Institutional owners with large existing retail portfolios continue to revise their investment strategies and are likely to selectively divest assets in 2020. 
“REITs are transitioning from a long term historical strategy of accumulating retail assets to a more selective approach to portfolio construction.
“There is also likely to be a growing shift towards the re-classification of sub-sectors (such as regional and sub-regional) which may have implications for valuations, performance benchmarks and the pricing of risk by investors,” said Mr Swan.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%201.jpg" alt="">
Source: JLL Research
Deep pool of capital remains in 2020:
Joint Head of Retail Investments – Australia Sam Hatcher said, “A range of dynamic new capital sources are emerging to absorb these institutionally owned assets, driven by the opportunistic timing, attractive yields relative to core office/industrial and the longer term potential for re-development and re-positioning. 
“A fragmentation of ownership will continue to occur in the retail sector as major owners become more selective towards the assets they retain in their portfolios and as new players build scale in the sector.
“Properties with strong underlying land value and long term future development potential are highly sought by investors. 
“While there has been less liquidity for larger centres, there has been a consistently deep pool of capital for non-discretionary anchored centres and single-tenant retail assets.
“Freestanding supermarkets and Bunnings Warehouses with strong covenants and long leases have continued to attract investor interest.
“In addition, retail assets in metropolitan areas with development potential remain highly sought after,” said Mr Hatcher.
Private investors expected to be active in 2020:
Mr Hatcher said, “The fact that private investors were net buyers in 2019, for the first time after six consecutive years as net sellers, is significant. Private Investors were net buyers in 2008, 2009 and 2010 when asset pricing was attractive. 
“Private capital is opportunistic and is acquiring assets to take advantage of the depth of opportunities available.  Demand is also strong for core retail assets, particularly for neighbourhood shopping centres in metropolitan locations and for single-tenanted retail assets with long leases,” said Mr Hatcher.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: JLL Research
The year in review 2019:
After a slow start for retail investment transactions in 2019, liquidity improved in the second half as more capital sources emerged to take advantage of more attractive pricing.
It was the slowest first half in 2019 for retail investments since 2009.  Sales in the first half were $1.8 billion, with activity for the second half of the year stronger at $4.5 billion.  Transaction activity was at a seven year
low in 2019 in value terms ($6.3 billion)
Net buyers and sellers changed as a result of caution in the markets.
The two major institutional categories, REITs and Unlisted Funds, turned from net buyers to net sellers in 2019.  Private investors were net buyers in 2019 ($795 million) following six consecutive years of being net sellers.
Regional centres accounted for the highest proportion of shopping centres sold over 2019 at 29% or $1.8 billion.  Neighbourhood and sub-regional centres accounted for 21% (1.3 billion) and 17% ($1.1 billion) of total transactions respectively.
New South Wales accounted for 33% of total sales by value in 2019.  Victoria was the most active market by number of transactions in 2019 (39) but transactions by value fell to 19% from 32% in 2018.
Offshore investor acquisitions were stable at approximately $1.4 billion – consistent with the previous two years.  As a share of total transactions, offshore investors accounted for 22% in 2019, up from 18% in 2018.  
JLL’s Senior Director of Retail Research – Australia Andrew Quillfeldt said, “While there are limited signs of distress among major shopping centre owners, some groups are motivated to reduce their weighting/exposure to retail which will drive a steady supply of investment product.
“Fundamentals for shopping centres continue to evolve and buyers continue to price-in conservative assumptions.  Nevertheless, recent major transactions show there is still capital available for large retail assets. 
“The macro-economic drivers of retail spending suggest conditions for shopping centre fundamentals will remain largely unchanged in 2020 given the counterbalancing factors at present.    
“Annual retail completions fell by around 27% in 2019 and have been trending lower on a per capita basis for most of the past 25 years, excluding single-tenanted large format retail. The 2020 to 2023 forecasts suggest per capita supply will be around half the historical average,” said Mr Quillfeldt. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/5/shopping%20centre%203.jpg" alt="">
Source: JLL Research
JLL’s Head of Retail, Property &amp; Asset Management, Tony Doherty said, “Shopping centres are evolving to include new space users and sources of tenant demand. Social infrastructure such as childcare and health care are becoming more mainstream and will be a key growth opportunity for the sector. Competitive social operators are also slowly gaining traction as a new concept for shopping centres, with the introduction of technology-related businesses like esports and other experience-based retailers. 
“Owners and shopping centre managers will be keenly exploring various strategies to backfill discount department stores spaces and the strategy will vary depending on the location of the centre, the demographics and the retail mix. Many shopping centre owners will be exploring development opportunities for alternate use as a way to maximise the value of their land and as the sector embraces its mixed-use future,” said Mr Doherty. 
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Retail sector will be a focus for investors in 2020: JLL

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The sod has been turned and work has commenced on Merrifield City, a retail-led town centre for Victoria’s largest mixed-use master planned community, Merrifield. 
The joint venture between QIC GRE and Merrifield developers – MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation sits at the heart of Merrifield.
It is a 900-hectare, master planned community located in Mickleham, Merrifield City where retail spending for the growth corridor is also projected to rise substantially to circa $2.7 billion by 2036.
Mr Stubbings said QIC GRE’s partnership with MAB Corporation and GPC was established in 2014 when QIC GRE acquired a 50% stake in the greenfield site, as well as development and management rights.
He said, “once complete, Merrifield will be home to over 8,000 dwellings and, with a dedicated business park, create more than 30,000 jobs.
“The first stage of the vision for Merrifield City will be dynamic and convenience-based, focused on food and essential offers that service people day and night, as well as introduce the region’s first supermarket, Coles.”
"It will incorporate 6,700 sqm of retail space comprising Coles, two mini-majors and 19 speciality retailers, as well as an at-grade car park for 350 vehicles and a kid’s play zone."
MAB Corporation Managing Director, Andrew Buxton, said with stage one works already underway, Merrifield City is expected to open its doors to the community in late-2020.
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Construction commences on Merrifield City retail centre

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Strathpine Centre has received the go-ahead to begin a complete redevelopment after receiving DA approval.
The upgrade will aims to enhance retail and community opportunities.
The centre has appointed Mainbrace Constructions for the redevelopment.
Mainbrace Queensland’s State Manager Duncan McAndrew says the focus of the redevelopment will be centred around engaging local trades and suppliers to deliver the project.
“Strathpine Centre is a vital piece of the retail infrastructure in the area and we’re expected to see approximately 50 new jobs for the community”.
The development is due to be completed by late 2020 with work commencing in the new year.
Strathpine Centre Manager Chris Gibbons says the upgrade will improve the shopping and dining experience for customers.
“The addition of six new retailers to the centre will greatly improve customer convenience and experience, better servicing the everyday needs of locals,” Chris said.
“This redevelopment will secure the long-term future of the centre and allow us to better service the community. It will improve the centre’s street presence and offer a combination of leisure, dining and shopping options to cater for the entire family,” Chris said.
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Strathpine Centre redevelopment received DA approval

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Fortius has acquired Stockland’s Sydney lifestyle shopping centre, Cammeray Square, for $39.05 million reflecting a yield of 7%.
Cammeray Square services 1 million customers annually on Sydney’s Lower North Shore and is set over a 6,815 square metre corner site fronting Miller Street and Amherst Street.
The centre forms part of a mixed-use development comprising four buildings surrounding a central plaza, with retail tenancies situated on the ground floor, anchored by Harris Farm Markets and comprising 15 specialty shops and restaurants.
The upper levels are occupied by five commercial tenancies, including childcare operator, Only About Children, and a medical offering.
The fully leased site has a Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 5.8 years by area.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s National Head of Retail Investments, Nick Potter, and Senior Executive, Billy Dent, managed the expressions of interest sale on behalf of Stockland.
The sale of Cammeray Square follows a number of other neighbourhood centre sales in New South Wales within mixed-use or potential mixed use sites brokered by Cushman &amp; Wakefield, including the sale of Abacus Property Group’s Liverpool Plaza shopping centre to a private development group for $46 million and, before that, the off-the-plan purchase of the Coles Crows Nest stratum in for $43 million.
Sam Sproats, Chief Executive Officer &amp; Executive Director, Fortius Funds Management Pty Ltd said: “The acquisition of Cammeray Square is consistent with the firm’s investment strategy of acquiring well-located innerurban retail and mixed-use assets underpinned by diverse income streams that are supported by strong and growing catchments."
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Stockland’s Cammeray Square, Sydney acquired by Fortius for $39 million

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Commercial retail property transactions virtually ground to a halt in September, with the lowest number of completed deals since April 2016 recorded.
Whilst this lack of activity may be a reflection of retail spending uncertainty, reduced lending to the sector from the banks and the growing penetration of on-line shopping, it also means greater care than usual is required interpreting the data.
TDA estimate trend cap rates fell to 6.18% in September; some 33 basis points lower than August. Consequently, trend cap rates are now at their lowest level since December 2018 and 48 basis points higher from their cyclical low in March 2018. 
The price paid per square metre, in trend terms, continued to edge up further in September, to be over 16% higher since the start of the year, although still some 5% down from its peak in November 2017.
Whilst the number of completed transactions was particularly weak during September, the volume of stock being offered on the market was also low. Consequently, the amount of gross lettable area for sale was little changed, at close to 1.1 million square metres.
Irrespective of the low level of market activity during September, retail commercial cap rates have stabilised in recent months, while the price paid per square metre has edged higher.
Even so, there has been a meaningful underperformance of retail as an investment class in the past 18 months.
Whilst not conclusive, there are some early signs of an improvement in asset values in absolute terms.
Lower real yields and the cost of debt have driven other commercial asset class cap rates to record lows of late, and it is possible the rising tide of cheap capital may start to have an impact in lifting the fortunes of retail assets.
KEY FINDINGS
Highlights — Cap Rates
Cap rates for commercial shopping centres declined by 164 basis points in September to 6.54%.
In trend terms, cap rates declined by 33 basis points to 6.18% in September. Cap rates are currently 48 basis points higher from their low point of 5.70% in March 2018.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/1/Picture1.jpg" alt=""> 
-In trend terms, cap are virtually the same as a year ago.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/1/Picture2.jpg" alt=""> 
Highlights — Shopping Centre Turnover (Transactions) 
Due to the very low level of transactions, in trend terms, the volume of Gross Lettable Area (GLA) transacted moderated during September.
This fall-back in volumes is a break from past seasonal patterns which entailed a pick-up in volumes towards the end of the year.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/1/Picture3.jpg" alt=""> 
In trend terms, the volume of shopping centre GLA transacted and the number of transactions completed were both fell sharply during September.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/1/Picture4.jpg" alt=""> 
In trend terms, the low number of transactions ensured the value of transactions in September remained at a modestly low level.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Picture5.jpg" alt="">
The value of transactions, in trend terms, moved slightly lower in September, although remaining little changed from a year earlier.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Picture6.jpg" alt="">
In trend terms, the price paid per square metre has edged up in recent months, to be 16.7% higher than the start of the year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Picture7.jpg" alt="">
In trend terms the price paid per square metre is now 10.5% below its peak of November 2017.
 is a director at The Data App
Each month The Data App (TDA) releases information on the commercial retail sector transaction capitalisation rates, as well as data on turnover by floor area and value, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the retail sector's performance.
 
 
 
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Shopping centres fall quiet: The Data App

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The only shopping centre in the town of Katherine, in the Northern Territory, has transacted to a private Melbourne investor for $28.9 million.
Achieving a core cap rate of 7.43%, Katherine Central Shopping Centre was sold by Ben Parkinson and Rick Silberman of Savills.
Katherine Central is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket and Target Country, with a tenancy mix that includes BWS, Rockmans, Smokemart, Amcal, and Brumby’s.
The off-market deal was negotiated on behalf of Charter Hall.
“The Centre enjoys an excellent market share within an expansive 500 kilometre main trade area in the Northern Territory,” Mr. Parkinson said. “Aside from the Woolworths in Katherine, the closest full line supermarket is in Darwin, 316 kilometres away.”
The 7,159 sqm Katherine Centre also immediately adjoins a retail and commercial development known as the Southgate Centre and the Katherine Hotel.
Major industries other than tourism include the RAAF Tindal Air Base along with mining and grazing. The RAAF Tindal Base is approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Katherine and is home to several flight squadrons. This local market and long term employment base underpins the success of Katherine Central.
“The total retail spending market generated by the overall trade area population is estimated to be around $212 million,” said Rick Silberman, Director of Retail Investments at Savills.
“This amount is expected to increase on average by 4.2% per year, reaching around $346 million for the overall trade area, including $268 million in the Primary Sector and immediately surrounding Katherine,” he concluded.
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Savills sell Katherine, NT's only shopping centre for $28.9 million

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The bakery Parkwood Hotbread is set to open a new shopfront at the Hope Island Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.
The business, which has been operating locally for over a decade, has committed to a 60 sqm tenancy in the 10 Santa Barbara Road complex.
Hope Island Hotbread have signed a 5-year contract with the shopping centre, occupying a space formally owned by another bakery.
Tanaka Jabangwe, from real estate agency Knight Frank who negotiated the lease, said, "The operators had been looking for the right opportunity to open a second store...after reviewing multiple sites the opportunity at Hope Island Shopping Centre became available at the perfect time."
Hope Island Hot Bread is scheduled to be operational by August 5, 2019.
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