Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<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.

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

Student accommodation

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<h2 class="legacy">Opinion</h2>

Victorian universities <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">recently re-proposed</a> a previously conceived plan to get international students back under a similar model used to fly in tennis players for the Australian Open. Under the proposal, universities would help pay for around 1,000 foreign students to be flown into Melbourne every two to three weeks and placed into special lockdown arrangements.

Similar plans to get international students back have been considered in various states since borders closed in March last year – and then quietly shelved. So far, only the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-30/international-students-arrive-in-australia-coronavirus-nt/12933370">Northern Territory has been able to bring 63 students to Australia</a>.

But 63 students is an almost negligible number compared to how many visa holders are still stranded outside the country — an estimated 30% of 542,106 (or around 160,000) student visa holders were outside Australia as of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-15/international-student-ghost-tower-in-carlton/13058916">January 10 2021</a>.

In February, Phil Honeywood, the CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, expressed uncharacteristic desperation in his monthly email to members. He wrote:

When we directly lobby our federal politicians to promote student return plans, we are told that state/territory governments have full control of quarantine and we have to persuade them first. However, our discussions with state and territory politicians invariably produce the response that because the federal government controls Border Force, the ADF and international airport arrival caps, they are the ones actually in control!

Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">last week also blamed Canberra for the lack of progress</a> to bring students back:

If you don’t get that from the federal government then it doesn’t matter what other ideas, whether it’s the City of Melbourne, SA, NSW or ourselves, doesn’t matter what idea you have to deliver it, if you can’t get people [students] on the flights, it’s a no-goer.

But Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge is on the other side of the blame game, <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/australian-universities-2022/">saying, at the end of March</a>:

There is still the opportunity to bring students back in small, phased pilots. This could occur if an institution works with the state or territory government and presents a plan to us for quarantining international students […] I have discussed various plans with government and university leaders but to date have not received any concrete proposal.

This is all very confusing for the international education sector, which has come up with a number of concrete plans. Neither level of government seems to be able to either offer a sufficient explanation for why a plan it was considering was abandoned or, when an explanation is offered, when that plan may be resumed.

This creates the perception, among those working in the sector and international students, that no governments care about their fate.

South Australian and ACT plans shelved

The Australian Capital Territory and South Australia were the first jurisdictions to <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/international-students-to-fly-to-canberra-next-month-under-pilot-program-20200617-p553hb">announce plans</a> to bring back international students. In June 2020, they proposed pilots that would bring in 350 and 800 students to Canberra and Adelaide respectively. But both these plans were put on hold after Victoria’s second wave hit at the beginning of July.

The South Australian pilot was <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/international-students-set-to-fly-back-to-south-australia-from-these-nine-countries">resuscitated in November</a> — with preparations reportedly well advanced — before an outbreak later that month sent Adelaide into a snap lockdown and the pilot was again put on ice.

Not to be deterred, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7051694/barr-wants-international-students-to-return-to-canberra-by-february/">announced in December</a> he had requested Commonwealth approval to bring students back by February this year, but this too was quietly shelved with no explanation given.

Victoria and NSW try and try again

In Victoria universities and student accommodation providers have put a series of proposals to the state government, the first of which were scuppered when Victoria went into extended lockdown from July during the second wave.

In <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/international-students-could-quarantine-in-hubs-from-january-20201210-p56mf7">December the Victorian government was considering</a> a plan to fly in up to 23,000 international students early in 2021, who would serve out their quarantine in student accommodation. By <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jan/15/victoria-plans-for-international-students-return-with-special-quarantine-housing">January the state government was upbeat</a> saying it was “working closely” with the federal government to finalise the plan.But that all changed in February. In a national cabinet meeting at which an international student return plan was to be agreed, Prime Minister Scott Morrison <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/return-to-australia-2021/">instead said</a>:

Within weeks, a small number of cases of community transmission from a Melbourne quarantine hotel caused a snap lockdown and the cessation of incoming international flights, which only resumed in April.

It was agreed once again that the return of Australian residents is the priority in terms of arrivals to Australia. We must remember that our borders are actually shut. No one can just come to Australia.

Now that the dust appears to have settled once more, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/universities-hatch-desperate-plan-to-fly-students-in-quarantine-them-20210406-p57gvo">Victorian universities are trying again</a>, with a proposal to fly in 1,000 students each fortnight. The state government’s response so far appears lukewarm at best.

New South Wales has also had its share of pilot announcements. A well-developed scheme to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/hard-to-see-a-safe-corridor-nsw-shelves-plan-for-return-of-international-students-20210107-p56scz">start returning 1,000 international students</a> to Sydney each week was shelved in January after the outbreaks in the northern beaches and Western Sydney.

The NSW government subsequently tried for <a href="https://www.examiner.com.au/story/7158868/tasmania-refuses-quarantine-request-for-overseas-students-in-nsw/">international NSW university students to quarantine in Tasmania</a> before coming to Sydney. Unsurprisingly the idea was quickly quashed by the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.

So, what now?

Only <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-30/international-students-arrive-in-australia-coronavirus-nt/12933370">63 international students have come to Australia</a> through the Northern Territory in November 2020. They were quarantined in the Howard Springs facility. In March 2021, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-05/howard-springs-covid-quarantine-returned-passengers-expanding/13220188">Scott Morrison announced</a> the Howard Springs facility’s capacity would increase to 2,000 people per fortnight. But there is no suggestion any of those places will be available for international students.

A <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/research-papers/enhancing-the-design-quality-of-purpose-built-student-accommodation">recent study</a> I was involved in identified nearly 12,000 beds in student accommodation facilities in the City of Sydney and nearly 19,000 in the City of Melbourne. Using some of these properties could <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-unis-can-use-student-housing-to-solve-international-student-quarantine-issues-150180">provide a parallel quarantine pathway</a> for international students – without taking hotel quarantine spaces away from returning Australians.

New South Wales recently launched the <a href="https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.scheme.showClosed&amp;RFTUUID=3E178749-AECF-E64F-52BC8491F542DAEC">International Student Accommodation Quarantine program</a>. The NSW government has invited student accommodation providers to apply to be assessed for eligibility (based on things like location and building layout) to house international students.

This is promising. We all agree bringing Australians home is a priority. But we have the capacity to bring back both. We know costs will be borne by students and education providers, and students will be subject to the same quarantine requirements and testing regimes already in place for returning Australians.

It’s just not good enough for the education minister to keep parroting the line returning Australians “<a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6238700355001">remain the priority</a>” over international students. If the government refuses to continue plans to bring students back, it must show them respect by providing a clear reason.<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/158778/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" wu8tx1wxf="">

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christopher-ziguras-956941">Christopher Ziguras</a>, Professor of Global Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-government-keeps-shelving-plans-to-bring-international-students-back-to-australia-it-owes-them-an-explanation-158778">original article</a>.
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So far, only the Northern Territory has been able to bring 63 students to Australia, abysmal

jordan_55689

The government keeps shelving plans to bring international students back to Australia

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Although some student apartment markets are currently impacted by a lack of demand due to the fall in international students, investors can still secure a strong performing long-term investment.

Apartments in student markets more affordable than ever, and according to the Demographics Group’s Simon Kuestenmacher, international students will likely drive a correction in prices for student-focused apartments in the longer term.

“Sooner or later, international students will come back to Melbourne because the demand for a high quality, English-speaking, in-person university experience is not going to shrink while we’ve got those growth economies in Asia,” Kuestenmacher told Domain.

As one of Victoria’s best performing universities, Monash hosts more than 85,000 students at its various campuses around Melbourne.

Urban takes a look at five apartments perfect for students nearby Monash, ideal for scholars and academics, high-income postgraduates and investors.

<h2>Apartments close to the Monash Parkville Campus</h2>

Home to the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Parkville campus is made up of five buildings on Royal Parade and is close-by Monash Law’s city campus.

Property investors with investments in the surrounding suburbs benefit from the campus, which enrols around 1,100 undergrad and postgrad students, which attracts international students, part-time students and professional researchers.

1. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne 
Address: 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
One-bedroom apartments from $498,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

Winner of the HIA ‘Victorian apartment complex of the year 2020,’ Central Equity’s Melbourne Grant provides an outstanding living experience.

Less than a kilometre away from Monash University’s Parkville campus, postgraduate students and investors alike will enjoy the residence’s ideal location.

The residence features various amenities, including resort-style facilities, residents’ lounge, 17-seat theatre and coffee bar.

2. Parkhill Apartments, West Melbourne 
Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 
One-bedroom apartments from $479,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Although a bit further from the campus, three kilometres south, the well-connected Parkhill Apartments offers stylish residences on the fringe of the Melbourne CBD.

Delivered by Central Equity, the project benefits from bright apartments with up to 2.7-metre-high ceilings, spacious balconies and seven-day concierge service.

Located minutes from Queen Victoria Market, transport links and Flagstaff Gardens, this project is one to consider.

<h2>Apartments close to the Monash Clayton Campus</h2>

Clayton campus, the university’s main campus, boasts a student population exceeding 41,000.

The 1.1 sqkm site also hosts the majority of Monash’s 9,000 academic staff, as well as visiting researchers, scholars and doctoral students.

1. Aster Apartments, Clayton South 
Address: 456 Haughton Road, Clayton South VIC 3169 
One-bedroom apartments from $396,800

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4124]

Delivered by Cedar Woods and designed by DKO Architecture, Aster Apartments boasts affordable apartments in the award-winning masterplanned community, Jackson Green.

With over 4,700 sqm of public open space, residents at Aster can enjoy plenty of social spaces to connect with neighbours, just 1.8 kilometres from Monash’s main campus.

Clayton’s South is a hub for healthcare and education, connecting residents to employment opportunities, countless amenities and developed infrastructure.

2. M-City, Clayton 
Address: 2107 Dandenong Road, Clayton VIC 3168 
One-bedroom apartments from $371,300

[smartcode_project:default project_id=528]

Just 700 metres from the Clayton campus, M-City provides a sophisticated ‘mini-city’ in Clayton, within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, bars and more.

Shiavello’s development is situated in the lively Clayton, which has had an average annual growth of 12 per cent over the last three years.

Each apartment contains floor-to-ceiling glazing, spacious, private balconies and luxury resort-style facilities, including a heated pool, landscaped gardens and barbeque zones.

<h2>Apartments close to the Monash Caulfield Campus</h2>

Comprising over 13,000 students, the Monash Caulfield campus is the university’s second-largest.

Located within the Glen Eira City Council, Caulfield boasts good infrastructure, an excellent community feel and great schools.

1. 1060 Carnegie 
Address: 1060 Dandenong Road, Carnegie VIC 3163 
One-bedroom apartments from $459,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2882]

Located only 1.3 kilometres from the Caulfield campus, 1060 Carnegie enjoys the convenience of two train stations, four train lines and a dedicated tram route.

Beautiful parks, gardens and sport facilities provide vast amenity to students, homeowners and visiting scholars.

Delivered by Fortune Property Group and designed by Peddle Thorp Architects, the apartments feature landscaped lawns, rooftop garden and integrated storage space.

2. Equus, Glen Huntly 
Address: 28 Watson Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3163 
One-bedroom apartments from $470,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28063]

Placed in the intimate suburb of Glen Huntly, Equus affords a superior quality of life in an exceptional location, just 11 kilometres south-east of the CBD and 1.2 kilometres from the Caulfield campus.

Owner-occupiers and investors will enjoy the area’s relaxed energy and family-friendly neighbourhood.

Equus comprises 39 apartments and offers outdoor entertaining areas, considered space and bright open space.
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According to the Demographics Group’s Simon Kuestenmacher, international students will likely drive a correction in prices for student-focused apartments in the longer term

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Student apartments for under $500k close to Monash University campuses

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A $40 million project to refurbish university-owned residences in Sydney’s inner-city Darlington has been approved by the NSW Government in an attempt to provide more safe and affordable accommodation to students.

Owned by the University of Sydney, the terraces will offer 336 students and visiting academics affordable single and double room accommodation across the original Darlington Road complex and four new buildings, between two and four storeys.

“Darlington Terraces will be renovated and four new buildings built providing new and improved student housing in the heart of the inner-city and within minutes of public transport,” Stokes said.

The development will also include new landscaping, park upgrades and public art, delivering broader benefits to the local area.

University of Sydney vice-chancellor Professor Stephen Garton welcomed the approval. 
 

<h2>Other residences ideal for students or investors in Sydney</h2>

While COVID-19 may have halted the flow of international students to Sydney’s inner-city, suburbs, an off-the-plan purchase offers investors an affordable asset as they wait for the borders to reopen.

Urban takes a look at three residences located in high-student populated areas nearby the city’s leading universities:

1. Eminence, Zetland 
Address: 811 Elizabeth Street, Zetland NSW 2017 
One-bedroom apartments from $745,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

Delivering some of Zetland's most luxurious oversized apartments, Eminence is a new offering from Meriton. 

Located a short 600-metres from Green Square and 3.5-kilometres from the CBD, Eminence brings together beautifully-considered living environments with vibrant onsite amenities, including a childcare centre, podium gardens and retail.  
 

2. Polo Collection, Rosebery 
Address: 55 Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 
One-bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7588]

Designed by award-winning architects SJB, Polo Collection comprises 275 luxury apartments in the conveniently-located Rosebery. 

Also delivered by Meriton, the four-building complex enjoys connected inner-city living, an expansive floorplan and green vistas thanks to the neighbouring Rosebery Park. 
 

3. Spectrum, Mascot 
Address: 42 Church Avenue, Mascot NSW 2020 
One-bedroom apartments from $620,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5873]

Strategically located under approximately five kilometres from both the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, Spectrum presents 367 spacious apartments across four boutique residential towers. 

Spectrum is surrounded by leafy walkways and podium gardens and offers ideal north and east aspects over the lush central park towards Sydney CBD in over 75 per cent of residences.
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Owned by the University of Sydney, the terraces will offer 336 students and visiting academics affordable single and double room accommodation

NSW Government greenlights Darlington Terraces rebuild for affordable student housing

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Singapore-based developer Wee Hur Holdings Ltd has announced the launch of Y Suites, the brand of their Australian purpose build student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio.
Y Suites’ portfolio will include 5,609 beds across their seven projects in various stages of development in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane.
The first property to be launched, <a href="/news/adelaide-primed-for-two-telling-new-developments?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">124 Waymouth Street</a>, which was purchased for $9.275 million, will be Wee Hur’s second PBSA in Adelaide.
Operational from January 2021, the residence will include 811 rooms.
<a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Wee Hur Holdings’</a> focused PBSA portfolio includes two operational residences run by student accommodation operator UniLodge.
Y Suites will partner with UniLodge under a white-label arrangement, which will see it as the strategic brand driver for marketing, sales and reservations.
The two operational PBSAS, Unilodge Park Central at Brisbane and Unilodge City Gardens in Adelaide, are currently operating under UniLodge branding.
Both buildings will operate under Y Suites in 2021 with UniLodge continuing with property management.
The remaining four PBSAs in the Wee Hur portfolio are scheduled to be operational between 2022 and 2023.
One of which includes the under-construction <a href="/news/profiling-the-next-wave-of-melbourne-student-accommodation-builds?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Y Suites on A’Beckett in Melbourne</a>, which will have 888 rooms upon completion.
Executive chairman Goh Yeow Lian said he was happy to see the birth of Y Suites after it was conceptualised one year ago.
“We have built up a sizable PBSA portfolio in Australia since we embarked on this business 5 year ago, and developing our own brand was a logical next step for us,” Lian said.
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Wee Hur launches new student accommodation brand Y Suites in Adelaide

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Investment into the Australian student accommodation market has reached record levels in 2019, according to the latest report from Savills Research.
The study ranks the main global student accommodation markets according to their attractiveness to investors, with Australia topping the inaugural index. It looks at a range of factors including demographics, migration, affordability, local legislation, delivery of accommodation, and University rankings and student numbers.
While much of the developed world ages, Australia’s most urbanised cities are forecast to remain youthful, underpinning demand for student accommodation.
Savills 2019 Global Living Report identifies six Australian capital cities which feature within the top 100 cities around the world which in ten years’ time will be the most ‘youthful’ (the largest share of people aged 15-39).
Forecast youthfulness is shaping investment into Australia’s student accommodation sector, with demographic change shifting the profile of the student accommodation investor (figure 1).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/28/figure%201.png" alt="">
Improving Higher Education standards across the globe is broadening choice and making competition for international students greater than ever. Although University tuition fees are a drag on Australia’s ranking, its institutions have a strong international standing and remain a top destination for foreign students.
The US and the UK still remain by far the top two countries globally for universities within the top 400, with 75 and 45 respectively in 2020, followed by Germany (23) and Australia (22). 
Australia’s post-study work visa provides a huge incentive for many people to consider studying in Australia. Between 2012 and 2017 the total number of students in Higher Education has increased by 11% to exceed 220 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/28/figure%202.png" alt="">
The report said, "many major student markets, including the UK and US, have seen the size of their university-aged populations decline over the same period. Australia has benefited greatly from its geographic proximity to major Asian source markets such as China, India, Vietnam and Malaysia."
"The number of international students enrolled in Higher Education in Australia now accounts for around a third of total students. The US remains the largest market for international students, host to one million international students (but only 5% by share of total students)."
"The UK is the second largest market for international students by number with 460,000, closely followed by Australia, host to 430,000. Together, these three countries account for a third of all globally mobile students, according to UNESCO. Having addressed the above mentioned factors, low levels of PBSA provision, transparency around investment, and political, social and economic stability pushes Australia to the top of the investability ranking (figure 3)."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/28/figure%203.png" alt="">
"Until early 2019, a lack of available operational assets to purchase has held the sector back from an investment, liquidity and access perspective. However, with over 24,240 student accommodation beds completed since January 2017 and a further 4,170 expected to be completed by the end of 2020, we expect transaction volumes to continue tracking upward," the report concluded.
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Australia recognised as the most investable student accommodation market globally: Savills

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Unilodge has launched a specialised build-to-rent property management arm as the asset class continues to expand.
Essence Communities will provide property management services to investors and developers.
Build-to-rent projects are becoming an increasingly prominent part of the Australian property sector, following the success of similar dwellings in countries such as the US and UK. 
Executive Chairman of UniLodge, Peter Bates, said there is growing demand in the rental market for greater choice and long-term accommodation security.
“We know many Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase property and we are seeing an attitudinal shift with many now seeking high-quality community offerings and the security that comes with longer lease terms,” said Bates.  
“While multi-family developments can address the demand for longer-term accommodation options, the success of the build-to-rent model is contingent on the provision of high-quality amenities and services, with more than one third saying they’d pay a higher rent for attractive community offerings and services.  
“Across our portfolio of more than 70 student accommodation and serviced apartments, we’ve seen how essential security and high-quality community offerings are to creating environments that occupants call home, which in turn delivers high-occupancy rates. 
“Our market-leading technology, bespoke services and understanding of unique community requirements, are key elements of our success and will translate to thriving build-to-rent projects through Essence Communities.”
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UniLodge launch specialised build-to-rent property management arm

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A 405 bed student accommodation facility in Adelaide is set to hit the market with price expectations of $50 million.  
It offers 96 apartments leased to The University of Adelaide under a long term agreement until 2024.
Located at 210 Grote Street, Adelaide, the purpose built complex is set on a site of over 5,333 square metres with a gross building area of 11,600 square metres.
It has been listed for sale through Conal Newland and Paul Savitz of Savills Australia and Jamie Guerra and Roger Klem of JLL.  
International education is considered a key contributor to the state’s economy, positioned as a top export sector for South Australia that generated more than A$1.6 billion in 2018, according to Conal Newland Director, Student Accommodation, Savills Australia.  
“A State Government organisation established in 1998, Study Adelaide, has supported student growth in the city, promoting the state as an education destination and helping international students settle into the broader community,” Newland said.  
“Recent announcements of extensions to temporary post-study visa for international students will further strengthen the attraction of the city globally for both study and work.”
As such, international enrolments across South Australia have grown by 13.6% over the year to March 2019, outpacing the national average over the same period, reaffirming the state’s standing as the preferred destination for international students. 
Located in the Adelaide CBD, the asset is situated within proximity to The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Flinders University City Campus, Torrens University, the Adelaide Central Market, Chinatown, Rundle Mall and the Royal Adelaide Hospital.  
Jamie Guerra, Managing Director/South Australia, JLL, noted the University of Adelaide Village is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides a safe and supportive environment with a focus on fostering a strong sense of student community. 
Adelaide is home to four universities, three of which are well renowned public South Australian universities and Adelaide has over 71,540 full-time students with about 60% studying in the two main Universities, including The University of Adelaide. 
According to research from Savills Australia, the critical undersupply of appropriate purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) in many capital cities, high occupancy levels within stabilised operational properties, robust revenue growth and attractive yield pricing in comparison to other domestic and global real estate asset classes, all contribute to student accommodation being an attractive investment. 
Offers on 210 Grote Street, Adelaide close August 15.
 
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University of Adelaide Village student accommodation set to hit the market

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The Department of Home Affairs released the latest temporary entrants visa holders which are always worth a squint. 
The number of bridging visas continued its apparently endless increase to record highs, representing the surge in temporary migrants looking to extend their stays on another visa type. 
But the most striking move year-on-year was the +77,000 increase in international student visas to a stock total of 613,000.
Student visas have increased by +48% or +200,000 over the past five years, adding substantially to the capital city populations.
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PARQ9oBbZyU/XOvHpn53cpI/AAAAAAAAwOY/HvtNOk769R8uTOw8G89sdZ3jQ2D-ktQUQCLcBGAs/s640/Visas1.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1406">
An interesting sub-plot is the steady but determined increase in the number of students obtaining graduate visas, granting them permission to join the labour force for two to three years (many of these will then surely become permanent residents in due course). 
Over the past year the number of temporary entrant visa holders increased by +92,000 to a record high of 2,322,000.
And over the past five years the increase has been a thumping +430,000 or +23%. 
Australia's estimated resident population has ballooned to 25,386,400.
It's always worth considering that some temporary visa holders might be inclined to depart in the event of severe downturn in economic fortunes.
On the other hand Kiwis may be inclined to remain in situ, depending upon what's playing out across the Tasman, students would presumably keep studying, and a lower Aussie dollar might also boost demand for visitor visas, so it's not quite as clear cut as it first appears.
In the end, there is just a helluva lot of demand for Australia Inc. and over the years this has been consistently reflected in surging visa numbers and massive growth in the estimated resident population. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>. 
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Big surge in student visas: Pete Wargent

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Construction is now underway on La Trobe University’s $100 million student accommodation project at its Melbourne campus in Bundoora.
It is the largest investment for a single project in the university’s history.
The project is part of a $5 billion plan to transform its Bundoora campus into a University City of the Future.
JCB Architects have designed the sustainable and environmentally-conscious spaces, with construction by Multiplex.
Providing an additional 624 beds, the accommodation will be delivered in two new buildings that will utilise mass timber construction to be the largest project of its kind in Victoria.
The accommodation will comprise a range of apartments and common amenities spaces, as well as landscaping connecting the two buildings.
<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/2019/4/26/18-040_La%20Trobe_6%20-%20Photo.jpg" alt="">
La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the project will greatly enhance the experience of students living on campus.
“Our exceptional new accommodation will enable more of our students to live on campus, close to where they are studying,” Dewar said.
Graham Burrows, Director at JCB Architects, said the company was thrilled to be part of such an exciting and creative project.
“The design of the new buildings is very much inspired by the extraordinary landscape in which they sit,” Burrows said.
“As the largest mass timber project in Victoria, the buildings will not only offer huge environmental benefits, but they will also provide calm and beautiful spaces in and around which both resident students and the wider La Trobe community can interact.”
Multiplex Regional Director Ross Snowball said this is an innovative and ambitious project which Multiplex is also pleased to be part of.
“We are particularly passionate about emerging design technologies which respond to environmental and sustainability needs, and we love working with universities – so this project perfectly marries the two and I’m really looking forward to seeing the outcome next year,” Snowball said.
Dewar said the accommodation development project would be a major boost to the local economy, with construction supporting more than 500 direct and indirect jobs.
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La Trobe University starts $100 million student accommodation project at Bundoora campus

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A Sydney city fringe property with future development potential has been listed.
The mixed-use freehold corner site at 18 City Road, Chippendale has a two level building on a 259 square metre site.
It has B4 zoning allowing mixed-use and student accommodation development, potential to strata subdivide (STCA) and dual street frontage.
<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/2019/4/5/18%20city%20rd%20living%20area%201.jpg" alt="">
Savill’s Tom Tuxworth, David Hickey, and Jacey Lee are marketing the property.
Hickey said the investment offers a diverse tenant mix with strong annual income.
“This is a prominent, highly sought-after and strategic location within the booming city fringe and fast developing cosmopolitan suburb of Chippendale,” said Hickey.
“We expect interest from owner occupiers, local and offshore investors, student accommodation developers, mixed-use developers and value add investors.”
<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/2019/4/5/18%20city%20rd%20rooftop%201.jpg" alt="">
According to Savills Australia, over the last 18 months, five out of 10 freehold transactions in the Sydney city fringe with a value of $10 million-plus were sold to local buyers.
Tuxworth said competition between local and offshore, in particular Asian investors and developers will be fierce.
“Throughout 2018 many owners sold their assets for a number of reasons including strong rental demand and record capital growth being achieved,” he said.
“The increase in values can be attributed to, in part, record low interest rates and a surplus of global capital flowing into Sydney over the last few years.
“With stock supply reduced in 2018, demand and competition was and continues to intensify which resulted in record-breaking prices in the city fringe.
“However, in the New Year we have seen a resurgence in Asian capital and active offshore buyers looking to secure prime investment stock.”
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