<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

Joel Robinson

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

Shopping Centre

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A shopping centre at Helensvale near Surfers Paradise has sold for $9.85 million to a private investor on a tight yield of 6.7 percent through Savills.
Monterey Keys Shopping Village’s tenants include a mix of food, service and medical stores, including an IGA Supermarket and Jetts Fitness outlet.
The sale was brokered by Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson of Savills Retail Investments following an expressions of interest campaign. 
Located at 175 Monterey Keys Drive at Helensvale, the single-level centre comprises two buildings set on a 9,961 sqm site, with the current gross lettable area of nearly 2,000 square metres representing a low site cover of circa 20 percent.
“This sale continues a strong run of retail sales on the Gold Coast and highlights the increasing demand from investors seeking yield in a low interest rate environment,” said Tyson.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Gold Coast convenience centre sells for $9.85 million on tight yield

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An IGA-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre in the residential pocket of Ellenbrook in Perth is on the market.
Located at 20 Sunray Circle, Woodlake Village comprises an IGA supermarket, 24 specialty stores and a standalone building with three tenancies, including a medical centre and gym.
The centre is up for sale through an offers to purchase campaign. The listing agents are CBRE’s Andrew Woodley-Page and Richard Cash.
Woodley-Page said the centre would be a good investment as Ellenbrook is one of Perth’s fastest growing residential locations.
“With a population of approximately 40,000 people – and substantial year on year population growth - an investment opportunity in Ellenbrook of this quality is expected to attract a strong pool of interest from both interstate and local buyers,” Woodley-Page said.
Cash said the tenancy profile -- IGA, Chemmart, Liquor Barons and Plus 24/7 -- would be a key selling factor because of the income security and scope for further capital return.
 
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IGA-anchored shopping centre in Perth's Ellenbrook up for sale

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Vicinity Centres and ISPT’s first joint venture in New South Wales to redevelop the Warriewood Square Shopping Centre in northern Sydney is complete, with the refurbished complex opening on Thursday.
The $87 million makeover added around 8,000 square metres of retail space, while also upgrading the existing centre. 
In all, there are 110 speciality stores and kiosks at the shopping complex, including a new Aldi, an upgraded Woolworths and a redesigned Kmart. 
“We are proud to offer the Northern Beaches community a new destination for vibrant fashion, fresh food, dining options and a place to meet friends and family,” said Jon Savell, Vicinity Centres director of development. 
ISPT’s general manager, Retail Services, Sam Curry, said: “We’re proud to unveil features including a Vicinity Kids Play at the Square zone with a unique beach-theme, new parents’ rooms and upgraded amenities.”
 
 
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Warriewood Square shopping centre opens after $87 million makeover 

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A shopping centre of the future design has won the Brickworks Living Building Challenge by using a 'screwed not glued' approach than enables it to be rebuilt elsewhere in the future.
The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, run by the Living Future Institute of Australia with principal partner Frasers Property Australia, aims to explore the boundaries of sustainable design within the retail environment and redefine ‘best practice’ for the sector.
The shopping centre project, titled 'The Difference is Living', is the result of a collaboration between DWP Suters, Aurecon, CJ Arms, Reedbed Technology, Eco Harvest, Biomimicry Australia, Future Food and Watpac, featured a vision for the shopping centre of the future by comprehensively and creatively addressing key design principles, said Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA) Vice- Chair Stephen Choi.
He said the way the modular design came together in a functional, well-conceived way, to potentially be re- purposed elsewhere at the end of the centre’s life cycle, significantly reduces construction waste compared to a standard retail centre, and is not an approach normally considered to this extent.
“Additionally, the winning design recognises and celebrates the innate connection between human beings and the natural elements that surround us, through its 'Bush Tucker' interpretive green walls and approximately 3900sqm of billabong plantings, including over 2000sqm of vine growing structures along site boundaries," he said.
“The billabong idea is very strong. Billabongs are usually formed when the path of a creek or river changes, leaving the former branch with a dead end. Billabongs, reflecting the arid Australian climate in which these "dead rivers" are found, fill with water seasonally and are dry for a greater part of the year. 
“We were inundated with thought-provoking, progressive submissions that highlight the breadth of sustainability expertise that the competition tapped into, resulting in a diverse range of thinking underscored by a shared passion to re-imagine the retail sector."
<img src="/images/2016/06/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-17%20at%2011.31.17%20AM.png" alt="">
Peri Macdonald, general manager of retail, Frasers Property Australia, said the design competition was an important initiative to progress the sustainable possibilities for retail not only in Australia, but internationally. 
“This competition opens the industry’s eyes to new possibilities when it comes to the design, creation and operation of shopping centres. It provides us all with food for thought when we begin to conceptualise a new retail centre for any given site,” he said.
The official awards ceremony for the Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition was held at the Melbourne School of Design. The competition was coordinated by the LFIA, the local arm of the International Living Future Institute. Frasers Property Australia was the Principal Partner and the company’s Brickworks shopping centre site in Melbourne was the subject of the competition.
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A full list of winners and commendations is included below.
Professional winner: The Red Williams Award
The Brickworks - The Difference is Living 
DWP Suters, Aurecon, CJ Arms, Reedbed Technology, Eco Harvest, Biomimicry Australia, Future Food, Watpac 
The winning design comprehensively and creatively addresses the principles of the Living Building Challenge, with its modular construction a great initiative in a well thought out and functional design. The design’s market roof concept was interesting, with links to heritage, a striking roof structure and beautiful finishes. 
Professional runner-up: The Power for Life Award 
For the Common Good - A Restart to Retailing 
Buchan Group, Grün Consulting, Inhabit, Rushwright Associates 
A beautiful design and functional retail space, with an interesting digital communication and education concept, where the centre becomes a community gathering space instead of just a shopping centre. This design challenges traditional thinking and approaches by starting with sustainability and working backwards to make retail fit. 
Professional commendation: The Manna Gum Award 
The Gathering 
KPA Architects, Link Engineering Consultants, Ionic Design Australia, REALMstudios, Sustainability House 
The visually striking design comprises an interesting basement garden and grand entrance, with good construction methodology detail. A central garden connects two levels of a building that behaves like a flower, with inwardly embracing elements that stretch outwards. 
People’s Choice Award 
For the Common Good - A Restart to Retailing 
Buchan Group, Grün Consulting, Inhabit, Rushwright Associates
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Special commendation 
Living Retail 
NH Architecture, Ark Resources, ASPECT Studios, E2Designlab, CERES, Mott MacDonald 
A visually impressive 'long life loose fit' design which utilises natural ventilation and the venturi effect, and includes high density residential. Interesting features include a mobile batching plant on site for construction waste, and a user (tenant) pays for power system to incentivise battery storage. 
Volunteering champion: The Shiny Wallaby Award for Volunteering 
The BioVale 
DesignInc Melbourne, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff, Outlines Landscape Architecture, Mend 
The team behind this design has contributed in a volunteer and pro bono capacity to a number of not-for-profit community and environmental groups over the duration of the design competition. 
The Primary School Challenge Award 
Sustainability for the Future! 
Olivia Murley, Antonio Park Primary School 
Olivia’s drawing clearly represents some key ideas of what is relevant for sustainability in shopping centres. The design has a human scale, with a focus on pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a community space with lots of plants, public seating and a community garden. Practical ways to reduce energy include solar panels, natural light and external shading devices for the windows. Water is captured with cleverly placed funnels to filter down through the vertical gardens. 
Olivia wins a solar panel system for her school to be supplied and installed by competition sponsor Solgen Energy Group. 
Student winner: The Candlebark Award
Burwood Life Centre 
Team 42: Bhargav Sridhar, Monica Sutisna 
A plan with clever aspects like power generation and the inclusion of bees for pollination and regeneration. The incorporation of the Brickworks history and heritage connection is powerful, and a point of difference is the commercial catchment. An amazing rammed earth visual feature uses excavated materials on site. The design also included a research lab and library. 
Student commendations: The Red Box Award 
Brickworks Green by CE Arch (Elise Fancourt, Claire Murray) Farmulous: Urban Agriculture Education Centre by Dan Parker and Hui Li Yeoh 
For more information, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Shopping centre of the future crowned winner of Brickworks Living Building Challenge

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A commercial property in NSW's Moss Vale anchored by IGA and Australia Post sold under the hammer for more than $9 million at Burgess Rawson auction.
The <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/NSW/Southern-Highlands/Moss-Vale/Retail/2P1181#.Vzu_XSN97-Y" target="_blank">11-13 Clarence Street</a> building in the town centre is on a long and secure 15-year lease to IGA (Metcash) extending to 2023 with a further 15-year option.
The rest is securely leased to Australia Post extending to June 2021 with a five-year option.
The combined net income from the property is $670,596 pa + GST (as at 23/07/16) with around 90 percent coming from IGA (Metcash). 
A majority of outgoings recoverable from IGA, as per the lease and there is a guaranteed 3 percent fixed annual increases from IGA.
The auction amount of $9.03 was reported by the Australian Financial Review.
Moss Vale is a town in the Southern Highlands, an hour from Sydney's outer suburbs.
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 Australia Post leased building sells for $9 million 

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GUEST OBSERVER
The NSW case of Spuds Surf Chatswood Pty Ltd v PT Ltd <a name="x__ftnref1" href="https://outlook.office.com/owa/projection.aspx#x__ftn1" title=""></a>has considered whether a tenant can claim damages or rent relief when a shopping centre landlord has interfered with the tenant’s trade from its premises. 
The case considers principles which are relevant to landlords and tenants of shopping centres in both NSW and the ACT.   What happened? 
Spuds Surf Chatswood Pty Ltd (‘Spuds’) leased three shops in a prime area of Westfield Shoppingtown Chatswood, Sydney from PT Ltd (‘the Landlord’). Spuds, who had leased shops 415 and 416 since 1999, took a new lease of shops 415 and 416 as well as shop 417 (‘the Premises’) in July 2002 (‘the Lease’).   At the time of entering into the Lease, Spuds raised concerns about the sightlines to the Premises being obstructed by kiosks and requested a clause protecting its interests be included in the Lease. The Landlord did not agree to this request.   Between November 2002 and February 2005, the Landlord entered into leases of three new kiosks which were positioned in the walkway in front of the Premises. For each of the kiosks, the Landlord approved signage which exceeded the maximum height restrictions imposed by the fitout guidelines for the centre. Spuds conveyed to the Landlord its concerns about the contravention of the guidelines and the affect that would have on the sightlines to the Premises. 
However, the Landlord refused to grant rent relief. In January 2005, the Landlord amended the fitout guidelines for the centre so that, from the date of amendment, the signage for each of the kiosks became compliant with the amended guidelines. Spuds’ sales revenue declined and consequently it took action against the Landlord. The Landlord also took action against Spuds for rent arrears.   Unconscionable conduct 
Under the relevant leasing legislation in NSW and the ACT a party to a lease must not engage in unconscionable conduct.<a name="x__ftnref2" href="https://outlook.office.com/owa/projection.aspx#x__ftn2" title=""></a> In the initial decision between Spuds and the Landlord, <a name="x__ftnref3" href="https://outlook.office.com/owa/projection.aspx#x__ftn3" title=""></a>it was held that the Landlord had engaged in unconscionable conduct by: 
<ul>
<li>approving kiosk signage that exceeded the height restrictions imposed by the fitout guidelines </li>
<li>failing to notify Spuds of approval and installation of the non-compliant signage </li>
<li>using unfair tactics by relying on the greatly liberalised version of the guidelines amended in January 2005 to ensure artificial compliance with the height restrictions and </li>
<li>utilising the Landlord’s superior bargaining position to block any attempt by Spuds to obtain acknowledgement of the Landlord’s error and its true impact on Spuds.  </li>
</ul>
The Landlord’s conduct was described by the court as highly unethical and had a sufficient degree of moral tainting for the court to find that the Landlord had engaged in unconscionable conduct. <a name="x__ftnref4" href="https://outlook.office.com/owa/projection.aspx#x__ftn4" title=""></a>   Was the tenant entitled to damages? 
The question to be decided in the most recent case was whether Spuds was entitled to damages for loss of profits and lost value of business due to the Landlord’s unconscionable conduct.   The court found that Spuds failed to show that the Landlord’s unconscionable conduct had an immediate and continuing impact on the revenue generated at the Premises. The court noted that Spuds’ sales revenue did not begin to decline until a substantial time after the erection of each the kiosks. Further, evidence suggested that other factors may have contributed to a decline in Spuds profits. Accordingly, Spuds was not entitled to damages.   However, the court noted that damages were not the only remedy available to Spuds. It also considered equitable remedies and found that Spuds was entitled to rent relief as the Landlord had been enriched, at the expense of Spuds, by its unconscionable conduct. Although this was a win for Spuds, the rent relief granted by the court was less than the rent arrears.   What are the implications? 
Landlords 
When landlords of shopping centres are erecting kiosks or other similar free standing mall tenancies they should keep in mind that it may be considered unconscionable conduct if they approve signage or other components of the kiosk which are not in compliance with fitout guidelines and which may obstruct the sightlines of other tenants.   Tenants 
Tenants considering whether to pursue a landlord for damages for unconscionable conduct should be aware that, in order to receive an award for damages, a tenant must be able to show the conduct had an immediate and continuing impact on the tenant’s business. A general decrease in profits over time is not enough to establish a claim for damages, especially if there are other factors to consider.   What should landlords do?
It is best practice to ensure that all approvals are given in accordance with fitout guidelines. It is not sufficient for a landlord to subsequently amend its fitout guidelines in an attempt to avoid a complaint by another tenant. However, there may be other options available to a landlord. For example, the court suggested that if the Landlord had granted Spuds rent relief, then the court may not have found that the Landlord engaged in unconscionable conduct. 
Landlords should consider offering new signage or other promotional activities to an existing tenant who may be impacted by a new kiosk, in order to minimise the effect of the new kiosk on that tenant’s business. 
<div>
<div id="x_ftn4">Christine Murray is Partner, Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="mailto:Christine.Murray@MVLawyers.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
 Jennifer Jaeschke is Senior Lawyer and can be contacted <a href="mailto:Jennifer.Jaeschke@MVLawyers.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
</div>
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Rent relief and shopping centre landlords: Meyer Vandenberg

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Developer Consolidated Properties had the official opening of its Casuarina Village Shopping Centre, which is a full house after surfwear retailer Rip Curl secured the final tenancy in the precinct.
Rip Curl, which signed a lease for a 144 sqm space with an expected July open, adds to Casuarina Village's line up of retailers that includes cafes and restaurants, doctor’s surgery, bottle shop and a travel agency. 
The $25-million centre also includes a 2,500 sqm market-style Coles, the only full-line supermarket in the Salt Village/Casuarina residential and resort precinct.
Tweed deputy mayor Gary Bagnall, Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O'Rorke went on a tour of Casuarina Village.
"Casuarina Village has had an extremely successful first few weeks of trade, vindicating our decision to create a dedicated retail hub for the Casuarina township," O'Rorke said.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, said the Casuarina Village Shopping Centre had created around 220 jobs during the development stage, while the 100 ongoing, long-term jobs within the centre would benefit the local community.
"I think particularly looking at the local economy relying on tourism and retail, this centre adds so much value and is especially great for the locals who already love the new services they can access right on their doorstep," said Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond.
Casuarina Village was developed by Casuarina Beach developer Consolidated Properties along with capital partners CVS Lane Capital Partners.
The centre is on the corner of Grand Parade and Casuarina Way, which links the north and central residential villages of Casuarina Beach, and also provides a direct connection to the adjoining $1 billion Salt Village community.
"I've lived in Casuarina for 13 years and I've always loved it here, but now it's even better because I can shop locally instead of having to drive to Kingscliff or Cabarita," said local resident Lisa Burgess.
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Full house at Casuarina Village shopping centre

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Stockland has acquired the remaining 50 percent stake in the shopping centre formerly known as Sugarland Shoppingtown in Bundaberg, completing its 100 per cent acquisition of the centre.
Stockland acquired the remaining stake in the centre, which will now be rebranded as Stockland Bundaberg, for $61.5 million from a client of AMP Capital.
Stockland acquired its initial 50 percent stake in the centre from an AMP Capital managed fund for $59.25 million in October 2014.
John Schroder, Group Executive and CEO Commercial Property at Stockland, said Stockland Bundaberg SAT amongst the most productive shopping centres in their national retail portfolio. 
Stockland Bundaberg is a 22,795 square metre sub-regional shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, Big W and JB Hi Fi, and includes four additional mini-majors and 64 specialty stores. It is the anchor mall at the centre of the rapidly growing West Bundaberg retail precinct.
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Stockland takes 100 percent of Sugarland, Bundaberg

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The majority of shopping centre managers polled for a recent survey expect turnover growth for the year ahead, with traditional bricks and mortar retail outlets, online sales and the economy as possible hinderances to future growth.
Some 55 percent of respondents to JLL’s Retail Centre Managers' Survey for February expect turnover growth in the year ahead, up from 51 percent in the previous survey six months ago, concerns remained from shopping centre managers about the economy.
JLL’s Australia head of property &amp; asset management Richard Fennell said the big change since the August 2015 Survey was the impact of fuel prices.  
"Fuel prices are at or near seven year lows, meaning the average motorist is spending significantly less on fuel and this could translate to more disposable income for other items such as retail goods and services," he said.
“However the volatility in the share market and low commodity prices are still cause for concern.
“Centre Managers continue to show concern with the economic outlook, with a net balance of -20 highlighting this as a factor that could impact turnover in 2016.  Although this has somewhat diminished since the last survey in August last year where the net balance was -33.
“The most positive factors for turnover outlook highlighted by Centre Mangers in the February survey continue to be issues that are specific to particular centres, such as changes to tenancy profile, growth expectations within the trade area and planned refurbishment activity,” said Mr Fennell.
<a href="/images/2016/03/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-29%20at%202.37.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> <img src="/images/2016/03/29/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-29%20at%202.37.32%20PM.png" alt=""> 
JLL Strategic Consulting director, David Snoswell said mproved speciality rental growth in both neighbourhood and sub-regional centres was a highlight in the second half of 2015 across the JLL-managed portfolio of retail centres nationally, with rents in neighbourhood shopping centres increasing by 4.2 percent in 2015 while Sub-Regional centre rents grew by 3.1 percent.
“Vacancies in Neighbourhood centre improved marginally from 3.9 percent in June 2015 to 3.7 percent in December 2015.  This continues the long-term improvement in neighbourhood centre vacancies. The vacancy rate has trended down over the last 2.5 years from 5.8 percent in June 2013.
“Tenant enquiry remains positive, but only just. The last four JLL surveys have reported positive tenant enquiry levels, although respondents have become less positive over the last 12 months. By far the most common response in the February survey was ‘no change’ to the level of tenant enquiry, with 63 percent of respondents not seeing a definitive change either way in tenant interest."
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Shopping centre managers expect turnover growth for the year ahead

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The planned development and expansion of the Busselton Central Shopping Centre has been approved by Western Australia’s Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).
The shopping centre is owned by the Australian Unity Diversified Property Fund (DPF), an unlisted property fund that invests in retail, office and industrial properties in Australia.
Busselton is about 230 kilometres south-west of Perth. 
Over the five years to June 2013, Busselton has experienced an average annual growth rate of 3.9%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.7% over the same period. The residential growth area is also a popular seaside tourist destination and is recognised as one of Western Australia's premier tourist spots and events capital.
Nikki Panagopoulos, property portfolio manager with Australian Unity Real Estate Investment, said JDAP’s approval was a significant milestone.
“This is the first step in developing Busselton’s main shopping centre, increasing in size by 40% to 16,000 sqm. The expansion will include a discount department store, additional specialty shops, and an entertainment precinct with cafes and a restaurant."
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