National developer Fortis has received development approval for Crest &amp; Walker, its Newstead apartment development on Kyabra Street.

Construction by Binah is expected to commence on the 20-storey, Bureau^Proberts-designed building soon. There will be 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, starting at $1.8 million.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> marks the fourth active development to be delivered by Fortis in Brisbane, following River House, now nearing completion, a residential project in New Farm, and a mixed-use development in Hamilton. Several additional projects remain in the pipeline as the development manager continues to grow its footprint across South-East Queensland.

&nbsp;

Dan Boman, General Manager – Development, Queensland, said the continued expansion in Brisbane projects managed by Fortis reflects the company’s commitment to design-led development and thoughtful placemaking.

“We’re proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such lifestyle destination as Newstead," Bonman says.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves."

Bonman believes Crest &amp; Walker will&nbsp;attract a discerning buyer who values design, thoughtful amenity and a lifestyle that captures the best of contemporary Brisbane.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

&nbsp;

The building’s design features a contemporary brick podium softened by vertical greenery, creating a distinctive architectural expression within the Newstead streetscape. Positioned between Gasworks and James Street, the project sits within one of Brisbane’s most coveted lifestyle precincts, surrounded by dining, retail and cultural destinations.

A communal rooftop will feature a sun lounge and pool, BBQ facilities and a sauna, all set against panoramic views across Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

Slaite Projects will handle the sales campaign, which will kick off in May.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis to launch Crest & Walker, Newstead following development approval

Singaporean developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centurion-global">Centurion</a> has unveiled plans for a major mixed-use redevelopment of the former John Martin &amp; Co warehouse building on Adelaide CBD's dress circle North Terrace.

The $300 million redevelopment will comprise three towers, rising behind and above the preserved 19th-century sandstone façade. The proposal would retain and integrate the heritage-listed structure while introducing a trio of contemporary towers that combine student accommodation, residential apartments, and commercial uses.

There will be apartments to purchase, as well as a 30-storey, purpose-built&nbsp;student accommodation tower, designed to respond to growing demand for dedicated student housing in Adelaide’s CBD.&nbsp;Ground and podium levels across the development are expected to host retail, food and beverage, and entertainment uses, helping to activate the street edge and create stronger pedestrian connections between North Terrace and the nearby Rundle Mall retail precinct.

A key element of the proposal is the preservation of the site’s historic sandstone building, constructed in 1867 and designed by prominent colonial architects Edmund Wright, Edward John Woods, and Edward Hamilton. The building originally operated as a warehouse for the well-known Adelaide department store John Martin &amp; Co before the retailer closed in 1998.

&nbsp;

The site sits opposite several of Adelaide’s most significant cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the State Library, and the university precinct. Its location places it within a corridor that connects the city’s cultural, education, and retail destinations.

It is the second redevelopment proposal on North Terrace in recent months, with Palumbo Group set to redevelop the heritage-listed former Royal Hotel which has laid vacant for over a decade.

They are planning 211 apartments across two towers, just over a kilometre from Centurion's project.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/sa/palumbo-group-to-redevelop-kent-town-pub-into-new-apartment-development">Palumbo Group to redevelop Kent Town pub into new apartment development</a>

Centurion plots $300m triple-tower redevelopment for heritage John Martin’s warehouse on Adelaide’s North Terrace

After laying vacant for over a decade, construction is set to begin on a major residential and mixed-use development at the heritage-listed former Royal Hotel in Kent Town.

The Royal Apartments development by South Australian developer Palumbo Group will deliver 211 new dwellings across two residential towers while preserving and restoring the iconic State Heritage-listed building at 2-8 North Terrace.

<img alt="Royal Hotel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d48b7805-a5b0-42b8-b6bd-64ed49dfb81d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-09%20at%209.15.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=vtrtYAaCec5nYrYiNaivmC9d9nyHAXeQ" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-2-8-north-terrace-adelaide-sa-5000">Royal Apartments</a> will consist of a 15-level Hills Tower and a 16-level City Tower on the doorstep of the Adelaide Park Lands.

The heritage Royal Hotel building, added to the State Heritage Register in 1986, will be retained and adaptively reused as part of the development.

The development will also include ground-level retail, communal open space including a swimming pool, bicycle parking, and 235 on-site car parks.

<img alt="Royal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c73b6752-a574-4e4a-927d-f36df076b61a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-09%20at%209.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EcIGi.Z0ijVPTDkq8jSEFd2pzfw6ryRN" />

Providing housing for key workers is central to this development, with 20 percent of dwellings set aside for doctors, nurses, police officers and other essential workers at a 25 percent reduction of rental costs.

The project is being delivered by South Australian family-owned developer the Palumbo Group, who have over seen several high-quality residential and commercial developments across Adelaide.

Palumbo Group to redevelop Kent Town pub into new apartment development

Southwark Grounds will transform into a fully serviced inner-city neighbourhood, with South Australian developer&nbsp;Commercial &amp; General&nbsp;selected as the master developer to transform two-thirds of the former West End Brewery site.

The State Government will partner with South Australian developer Commercial &amp; General to deliver more than 1,000 homes alongside a supermarket, a childcare centre, an aged care facility and a vibrant hospitality and retail precinct at Adelaide’s newest suburb.

Commercial &amp; General will work with Renewal SA on adaptive reuse of the historic Walkerville Brew Tower, which will anchor the precinct’s public space with hospitality and retail uses.

The newly announced homes, services and amenities form part of the broader 1,300‑home Southwark Grounds development, expanding on five apartment and townhouse projects on the western side of the site announced last year, which will deliver approximately 300 new homes close to services and public transport.

Local development group Commercial &amp; General are known for landmark projects across Adelaide including Eighty‑Eight O’Connell in North Adelaide and WEST at West Lakes.

<img alt="Full vision for Southwark’s transformation revealed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94a4827e-3a6d-4228-85d4-1f209ffd0a00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southwark-Grounds-View-2-Artist-Impression.jpg?VersionId=UGDDpeG8RqUm46gmL9p2S3EhO9qUnlwO" />

Commercial &amp; General is now finalising partnerships with a selection of architects and consultants to progress detailed plans and product designs for the precinct. Built form will be delivered by Commercial &amp; General’s integrated building division, Tandem Building, with work expected to begin in 2027.&nbsp;It should take about a decade to deliver the precinct.

Early stages are anticipated to include significant apartment complexes, public parking and the redevelopment of the Walkerville Brew Tower.

Other key elements planned for delivery within the next five years include a vertical residential aged care facility and a purpose-built childcare centre, with a supermarket and supporting retail to follow soon after.

This large section of the precinct will deliver more than 1,000 homes across approximately a dozen apartment buildings, with opportunities for increased yield to be explored through increased height allowances enabled by the recently launched Southwark Grounds Code Amendment.

Commercial &amp; General will also deliver a dedicated 80-space short stay public car park to support anticipated visitor demand, in addition to parking provided within individual apartment developments.

More than 20 per cent of homes within the development area will be allocated to affordable sale or rental, meeting Renewal SA’s increased commitment to affordable housing across the precinct.

Apartment buildings will be framed by activated public thoroughfares and a series of new reserves to be delivered by Renewal SA across 2026 and 2027.

The public realm, which will comprise a minimum of 15 per cent of the overall precinct, will be anchored by a major civic space known as ‘Brewery Green’, connecting the Walkerville Brew Tower to the river.

A detailed masterplan of the precinct alongside product typologies are set to be released later this year.

The State Government has embarked on several strategic infill developments to deliver critical housing supply to South Australia at pace. The Government purchased the Port Road site from Lion Beer Wine &amp; Spirits Pty Ltd in 2023 after the closure of the brewery two years earlier and has since fast tracked the construction of the first homes, set for occupation by the end of this year.

Full vision for Southwark’s transformation revealed

Apartment developer FYVE is continuing to pad out its apartment pipeline.

Having filed an application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/rose-bay-apartment-market-fires-up-with-200m-in-new-developments-filed">19 apartments on Dover Lane</a>, its first development in the eastern suburbs, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fyve">FYVE</a> is taking on another new market, this time in Northbridge, where it is planning 31 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-5-baringa-road-northbridge-nsw-2063">Baringa Road</a>.

<img alt="First Look: FYVE lodges plans for boutique 31-apartment project in Sydney’s Northbridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a971e259-ed8e-4d08-9d3b-feacf3139684" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1772685299976_11zon.jpg?VersionId=l1vSn6Hq1zRTHNONhD3l5rOIhlpN2G9L" />

The development, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/wmk-architecture">WMK Architecture</a>&nbsp;and located&nbsp;close to Northbridge Plaza and the suburb’s village centre, will span six levels above basement parking. Large balconies and terraces form a key component of the design, extending the living areas outward while maintaining connections to the surrounding landscape.

The building’s scale and articulation aim to respond to the established residential character of Northbridge while introducing contemporary architectural elements, according to the documents supplied to Willoughby Council.

&nbsp;

<img alt="First Look: FYVE lodges plans for boutique 31-apartment project in Sydney’s Northbridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3502e584-a397-472f-81a2-298349b47a4b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/699c44c7039d7b9c10230b0b_Northbridge%20Option%201.png?VersionId=1U.uYIPBX7issSkMNgVen.MekKcFOLK0" />

FYVE Head of Strategy and Acquisition Aris Dimos said the Northbridge project reflects the company’s strategy of targeting tightly held locations suited to owner-occupiers.

“Following on from our recent Rose Bay acquisition, Northbridge represents a continuation of our strategy to secure well located opportunities in tightly held, established locations with strong owner-occupier appeal,” Dimos said.

“We look forward to bringing this project to life in one of the Lower North Shore’s most desirable addresses.”

&nbsp;

First Look: FYVE lodges plans for 31 apartments in Northbridge

Soil Quality

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/68499/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
In our recent study we found that 40 percent of 203 Sydney homes we sampled contain lead in garden soil above the Australian health guideline of 300 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). 
This presents a hazard because soil lead can adhere to or get absorbed into edible plants. An additional pathway of exposure occurs when contaminated soil dust enters homes and is accidentally ingested. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that affects childhood development. 
<h2>Urban agriculture and VegeSafe</h2>
Urban agriculture is becoming more popular across Australia. Almost half (48%) of all households in metropolitan areas are now growing some form of edible produce.
Most lead contamination is a result of the historical use of lead petrol and lead-based paint (now phased out) and previous industrial emissions. Scientists and regulators are well aware of these legacy issues, but the general public remains underinformed about the potential risks. 
To help urban gardeners assess contamination risks associated with their garden soils, we started the community science initiative VegeSafe in 2013. This program offers free soil metal screening to participants.
Each participant receives a formal report on their soil metal results and advice about what to do next if soils contain elevated concentrations of metals. We have provided 5,500 free soil metal tests to over 1,300 homes and community gardens (Australia-wide), the largest program and study of its kind in Australia. 
<h2>What did we find?</h2>
As well as the 40% of Sydney gardens containing soil above the 300 mg/kg Australian health guideline, approximately one in seven homes had soils lead levels greater than 1,000 mg/kg. Soil metal concentrations were typically greatest around drip lines. 
Soil lead concentrations were greatest in the City of Sydney and former local government areas of Leichhardt Municipal Council and Marrickville Council, which had mean soil lead concentrations of 883 mg/kg, 960 mg/kg and 689 mg/kg, respectively. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/17/image-20161122-14964-1w7krx6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/01/17/image-20161122-14964-1w7krx6.jpg" alt="">
Soil lead concentrations of vegetable garden soils from 141 Sydney homes. Map represents one of four areas around homes (front yard, drip line, back yard and vegetable garden) in this study. Source: Rouillon et al. 2016
Homes with painted exteriors built before 1970 were more likely to have soils contaminated with lead. The highest levels are at homes 80 years or older. This is likely to have been caused by lead-rich paint, which contained up to 50% lead prior to 1970. Lead in paint was reduced to less than 1,000 mg/kg (0.1%) by 1997. 
We observed the environmental benefit of the withdrawal of lead from paints and leaded petrol (removed in 2002) in our study. Garden soils at newer homes contain the least lead. Soil lead concentrations decrease with distance from Sydney’s city centre, where there are more old homes and greater density of traffic and industry. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/17/image-20161122-10973-1aft5jx.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/17/image-20161122-10973-1aft5jx.png" alt="">
Cross-section schematic of a typical inner-Sydney residential home with median soil Pb (lead) concentrations for painted pre-1970 homes, non-painted pre-1970 homes, post-1970 homes and reference homes. The vegetable garden is displayed at the rear of the back yard, as this was the case for the majority of homes. Source: Rouillon et al. 2016
<h2>Public health</h2>
Lead exposure is especially detrimental for children because their neurological and skeletal systems are developing. Adults are also adversely affected, with studies showing increased blood pressure and hypertension associated with sub-clinical exposures.
Toxicological evidence also shows that exposure reduces semen quality and extends the time to pregnancy. In short, lead is detrimental to all human systems and exposures should be avoided or minimised at all times.
Our study demonstrates lead contamination in garden soils is greater at painted homes than non-painted homes. Many pre-1970 Australian homes still contain paint with up to 50% lead on exterior walls, fences, eves, doors and window frames. 
The main risk of exposure arises when lead-based paint deteriorates or is removed improperly. Indeed, many home renovators unwittingly expose themselves and others due to a lack of knowledge of lead hazards.
Paints containing lead are no longer used in Australia, but remain on countless homes.
<h2>Reducing exposure</h2>
The United States Environmental Protection Agency introduced legislation specifically targeting houses with lead paint to prevent contamination and to minimise avoidable lead exposures. 
Unfortunately this regulatory gap has not been filled in Australia. Despite the widespread historic use of lead-based paints and the high proportion of exposure related to it, our data reveals a concerning legacy of soil lead contamination in older suburbs. 
We recommend that people residing at or planning to purchase or renovate homes built before 1970 should get their soils and paint tested for lead. Using a qualified lead-abatement decorator in older homes would also help prevent exposure. Where parents and homeowners think they may have caused exposure, their GPs can provide a blood lead test. 
Reducing even low-level exposures is critical, as demonstrated by Bruce Lanphear’s “prevention paradox” (see the image below). The graphic illustrates that the most IQ points across a population are lost from low-level lead exposures. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/17/image-20161122-14944-ruxd0e.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/01/17/image-20161122-14944-ruxd0e.jpg" alt="">
<div class="enlarge_hint"> </div>
Bruce Lanphear’s prevention paradox. The majority of IQ points lost to lead exposure occurs in children who have low-to-moderate exposure to lead. Adapted from Reference (Lanphear 2015)
<h2>What can gardeners do?</h2>
Where non-food-growing soils exceed the Australian soil metal guidelines, we recommend maintaining year-round cover of lawn or mulch to minimise dust generation. 
Where metal guidelines are exceeded in food-growing soils, we recommend either replacing existing soil with new, uncontaminated soil, or relocating the food garden to an above-ground vegetable plot (again with new soil). 
In this way, gardeners can exercise our motto, which is to carry on gardening knowing their soils are clean.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marek-rouillon-139693" target="_blank">Marek Rouillon</a> is PhD Candidate, Macquarie University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-kristensen-124418" target="_blank">Louise Kristensen</a> is postdoctoral research fellow, Macquarie University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-patrick-taylor-11394" rel="author">Mark Patrick Taylor</a> is professor of Environmental Science, Macquarie University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-harvey-106637" target="_blank">Paul Harvey</a> is researcher of Environmental Science, Macquarie University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-g-george-317844" target="_blank">Steven G George</a> is researcher of Environmental Science, Macquarie University.
All are authors for The Conversation.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Elevated lead levels in Sydney backyards: here’s what you can do

<html><body>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/65332/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Most people think of soil only in terms of the dirt that sticks stubbornly to their hands and shoes. But soil is much more than that.
A handful of soil is a small and very complex ecosystem which includes soil particles, pores, aggregates, organic matter and a staggering number of microorganisms, all of which interact to keep the soil healthy and productive.
Each soil is different. The primary factor determining the physical properties of a soil is particle size. Sandy soils have a coarse structure, large pores and little ability to hold on to water and nutrients, which makes them prone to leaching.
Clayey soils hold nutrients and water, but because the pores are small they are prone to waterlogging.
The pores between soil particles are important for water flow but also for the movement of gases. Particularly important is the exchange of oxygen with the atmosphere, because plant roots and most soil organisms need oxygen to breathe.
Sand, silt and clay particles are bound together to form aggregates. These aggregates form the skeleton, or matrix, for chemical and biological processes which are critical for soil functions.
<h2>Nitty-gritty</h2>
Organic matter and soil microorganisms play key roles in the formation and stability of aggregates.
Think of organic matter as being the glue or mortar between soil particles. But the organic matter needs be decomposed to be most effective. And this is where soil microorganisms come in.
Each gram of soil contains a billion bacteria, which is almost as much as the human population of China or India, and about 50 times the number of people in Australia.
And this number does not even include soil fungi. All these bacteria and fungi can coexist because they have different needs or don’t interact.
For example, a bacterium on one side of the aggregate is quite isolated from a bacterium on the other side of the same aggregate. So even if these two bacteria have similar needs, they don’t compete.
They may also not compete because they are not active at the same time. In a given soil condition, only a small proportion of the bacterial population is active. The majority are inactive (dormant) and come to life only when conditions are optimal for them.
Another reason for the staggering number of microbes in a gram of soil is the huge diversity. A gram of soil contains around a million different species. Among them are generalists but there are also specialists, such as those capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere or degrading wood.
The food of the vast majority of soil microbes is organic matter, which is mainly plant matter. When plant matter gets into the soil, it is attacked by soil microbes for energy and nutrients.
This attack is aided by soil animals such as earthworms or mites. They mix the plant matter in the soil and its microbes, fragmenting it and thereby improving contact between plant matter and soil organisms.
During decomposition of plant matter, microbes multiply and produce carbon dioxide and nutrients for plant uptake. The dead microbes and the components of the plant matter that are very difficult to decompose help to bind the soil particles together.
This binding is also aided by slimes produced by microbes and the long filaments of <a href="https://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/NaturalHistoryOfFungi/Thallus">fungal hyphae</a>. The aggregates formed in this way are stable, which is important for adequate water and air supply for plant roots and soil organisms.
If aggregates are not stable, such as in sodic soils, water and air supply are restricted and plants and soil organisms will suffer.
<h2>Feeding your soil</h2>
Maintaining a certain level of organic matter in soil is critical for sustained soil health and function. Organic matter not only ensures that aggregates are stable, but also acts like a sponge, holding water, which is particularly important in sandy soils.
Another important function of organic matter is supply of nutrients required by plants. As mentioned above, decomposition of plant matter releases nutrients and it also can bind nutrients which can become available later.
But organic matter also decomposes, so needs to be replaced regularly. You can do this by adding plant matter growing in your garden or from outside to the soil, either directly or after composting.
Compost is more stable in soil than litter or straw because it is already decomposed during the composting process. It is a good glue for soil particles and binds nutrients, but it will not supply much nutrients for plants.
Fresh young plant matter is a good source of nutrients, but also decomposes very quickly and may initially release more nutrients than the plants can take up.
Mature cereal straw is nutrient-poor and decomposes slowly. So for good nutrient supply and long-term soil productivity, you may have to supply a mix of different types of organic amendments.
Of course, you can bypass this organic loop by adding inorganic fertilisers. Plants will grow well, but you have to match supply and plant demand carefully, because most fertilisers are dissolved quickly.
In your garden, you may get the best results by combining organic and inorganic fertilisation: various organic amendments for long-term soil health and stability, and inorganic fertiliser to overcome short-term nutrient deficiencies.
Petra Marschner is professor of Agriculture, University of Adelaide and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/petra-marschner-299098" target="_blank">here</a>.
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