Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Student accommodation

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UniLodge Park Central has opened its doors today and is the first of a trio of projects planned by Singaporean-based property developer Wee Hur Capital.

Woods Bagot was given a brief to create a ‘home away from home’ for international and inter-state students, to provide a seamless transition into tertiary student life in Buranda, Brisbane. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/unilodge1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unilodge1.jpg?itok=Pd1KnT-k" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>UniLodge, Brisbane. Credit: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The purpose-built high-rise features 1,578 rooms and offers lifestyle, comfort and convenience, as well as catering to the current demand for more student housing in the city.

<blockquote>
“To create a welcoming environment for students from over 50 countries we researched how they rest, play, work and interact with one another at a time when they are just beginning their adult lives.”

- HangChung Ling, project architect
</blockquote>

Students can enjoy private zones for relaxation, communal spaces, sky garden common rooms and sustainable transport options such as a bicycle centre and car share facility. At street-level, a selection of retail stores will be available for the convenience of students and the wider Buranda community.

Prior to Uni Lodge Park Central, Woods Bagot completed the design for an 11-floor student living facility at <a href="https://www.studyinternational.com/news/ideal-student-accommodation-australia/">80 Stirling Street</a> in Perth, which has been noted as “blurring of the lines between traditional student accommodation and a co-living space”. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the second and third UniLodge developments later this year. 
</body></html>

Olivia Round

‘A home away from home’ - new UniLodge opens in Queensland

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International student visa numbers are continuing to rise at double digit growth levels and because of this PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) is a rapidly growing industry, according to the latest Savills report on student accomodation.
<a href="http://www.savills.com.au/blog/article/170261/australia-articles/the-2018-savills-australian-student-accommodation-market-update.aspx?utm_source=PropertyObserver&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAdvert&amp;utm_campaign=POOnlineBannerLeaderboard-StudentAccomm-19Nov2018" target="_blank">The report</a> found there are 76,201 beds of PBSA in the eight Australian capital cities, however the existing supply in each city is less than 12% of the full-time student population with the exception of Canberra (27.2%).
Over the first three quarters of 2018, the key focus for the major developers in this sector has been the continued acquisition of sites and the construction and delivery of new PBSA.
Sydney currently has a total development pipeline of 4,787 beds (2.2% full-time students) expected to be delivered over the next four years, of which circa 41% is proposed by universities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne has the largest development pipeline of 16,137 beds (5.5% full-time students), which is a quite significant increase compared to 12 months ago.
However, the Melbourne market is underpinned by a strong demand for accommodation, with new schemes trading well.
Melbourne’s universities are active in developing their accommodation, with several projects contributing to just over 25% of the proposed pipeline.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
The pipeline of new PBSA projects in Brisbane has slowed somewhat in the past 12 months, following an extremely busy period over the 18 months prior, backed by the positive initiatives of Brisbane City Council.
Brisbane’s development pipeline is currently 6,865 beds (4.8% of full-time students).
There are some concerns Student One, 363 Adelaide St, Brisbane (pictured above) regarding the potential uptake of new PBSA being delivered into the market in the short to medium term, as there is also an increasing pipeline of residential apartments being delivered in the city in the same timeframe.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
A number of new PBSA projects have entered the development pipeline in Adelaide, predominantly focused towards the northern end of the CBD and North Terrace.
Recently completed schemes are trading with good occupancy levels.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/22/Savills%20Graph%204.JPG" alt="">
Currently there is no direct-let accommodation in Perth.
It is also a market that has witnessed a new phase of development, with a number of direct-let projects being promoted in the past 12 months.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia's student accommodation industry a rapidly growing opportunity: Savills

<html><body>
Investment in residential alternatives of all types is rising, global residential investment volumes exceeding all retail or industrial investment in the past year, according to new research from Savills. 
The latest Global Living report reveals that student housing investment volumes have risen 87 per cent in the past five years, with the provision of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) highest in the UK and lowest in southern Europe.
Savills Australia’s director for Student Accommodation, Conal Newland, said that the supply of new PBSA in Australia was growing in many of the major cities, underpinned by a lack of existing accommodation and strong student population growth.
“As the 20- to 39-year-old age bracket becomes more prevalent in the rental market, the increasing influence of Gen Y’s demand for higher-quality rental accommodation is creating opportunities for developers to provide hybrid co-living developments,” he said.
 <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/2018/10/25/student%20accomodation%20.jpg" alt="">
“The recently completed UKO Stanmore is an example of a communal accommodation option available in Sydney, which has been delivered under the new generation boarding house planning designation.”
UKO is Australia’s first co-living residential series emulating similar concepts in Europe, the UK and the US, with its Stanmore offering comprising 33 units. Developments in Newton and Paddington are set to follow.
In Melbourne, there is Urban Coup, which comprises 30 households ranging from first-home buyers to young families.
Mr Newland went on to say he expected “a steady increase” in PBSA transactions in the short term, which he believed would be the catalyst for a surge of investment into other residential-based asset classes.
“Increasing transaction volumes will, in our opinion, drive down PBSA yields in Australia, which currently sit much higher than other more mature markets, such as the UK and many European countries,” he said.
The report outlines the growing popularity of co-living across the globe, which is a more luxurious form of share-housing and extends the convenience and amenity of PBSA to non-student markets. Targeted at graduates and young professionals, as well as students, co-living accommodation offers fully furnished units, extensive amenities, community events, all-inclusive bills and pro-active management.
“Given the increasing global capital flows attracted to a growing range of residential investment opportunities, Australian lawmakers should be mindful of passing legislation that may reduce the attractiveness of investments, or this country may run the risk of becoming less attractive to millennials and Gen Zs looking to study, live and work here,” Mr Newland concluded.
</body></html>

Student accommodation and co-living drive residential investment in Australia

<html><body>
A planning application has been lodged for a proposed $85 million student accommodation tower in the Adelaide CBD, set to become the tallest purpose-built student-only accommodation building in the world.
The application for the 124.2 metre tall tower has been lodged by developer Hines Property on a site it owns at 29 Twin Street between Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall adjacent the Ibis Adelaide Hotel (also developed and owned by Hines Property).
The world’s tallest student accommodation building is currently the Student One Wharf Street tower in Brisbane at 122 metres tall.
Hines Property has planned the 38-storey solely student-use development with architecture firm Woods Bagot.
The building will include a range of accommodation options from single studio rooms through to five and six-bedroom apartments, incorporating a total of 510 beds.
In addition to the ground floor lobby and cafe, the tower will include a communal mezzanine lounge, cinema and events space, study and dining area, garden retreat and rooftop lawn, gym, wellness and yoga space. 
<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/2018/9/27/Twin%20hero%202.jpg" alt="">
Construction of the 29 Twin Street project is anticipated to commence next year and take 18 months to complete.
James Hines, Managing Director of Hines Property said:
"There are already over 10,000 international and interstate students enrolled at the city-based universities and they provide a significant economic benefit to the state.
"This development will undoubtedly be the drawcard accommodation option for students considering Adelaide as a destination to undertake their studies."
Established in 2003, Hines Property is a privately-owned property development and investment group focusing on high-rise residential, office, hotel and mixed-use development projects.
Hines Property is also the largest owner of hotel accommodation in Adelaide, with more than 600 hotel rooms in its portfolio, including the Pullman Adelaide Hotel and the Ibis Adelaide Hotel.
</body></html>

World's tallest student-only accommodation tower proposed in Adelaide

<html><body>
Adelaide's CBD is set to welcome the arrival of two new developments; one the city's first Indigo Hotel and the other a sizeable new student accommodation complex.

It was revealed yesterday that Hotel Indigo will gain access to the Adelaide market via 23-29 Market Street which will host a 17 level purpose-built hotel. Adjacent to Adelaide's Central Market, Indigo Hotel Adelaide Markets is backed by Primefield Property who will develop the tower for InterContinental Hotels Group who will assume management rights.

137 rooms are included, supplemented by meeting spaces, a gym, pool and sun deck, café and rooftop bar.

Construction on the Market Street site will begin shortly, ushering in what will be the sixth Hotel Indigo in Australasia, adding to existing Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and dual Melbourne locations. Another Melbourne presence has been mooted in South Yarra.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image273.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image273.jpg?itok=Y_UvcLTk" title="Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Adelaide's newest hotel. Image: IHG</figcaption></figure>For Primefield Property Director Nick Lee the signing underpins Adelaide's strong hotel development credentials. “Adelaide is currently one of the more stable Australian hotel markets and the Central Market is the most visited place in South Australia, with approximately 8 million visitors per year.

We are thrilled to partner with IHG, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies, to bring the Hotel Indigo brand to Adelaide."

Indigo Hotel Adelaide Markets joins an already crowded Adelaide hotel development scene. Among other developments in the works are <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa">Westin Adelaide</a> on King William Street, <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa-5000">Tribe</a> on Wakefield Street, <a href="/developments/adelaide-sa-5000">Quest's</a> continued expansion to a new North Terrace location and Adelaide Casino's new addition which is at construction.

The City of Churches highest profile hotel in waiting is the proposed six-star Riverbank hotel which would cost up to $300 million and span 27 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image277.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Student accommodation is proving popular in Adelaide's CBD. Image: IPG"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image277.jpg?itok=B1nzT3YD" title="Student accommodation is proving popular in Adelaide's CBD. Image: IPG" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Wee Hur's initial Adelaide development is under construction. Image: IPG</figcaption></figure>Close to Market Street, 124 Waymouth Street is also subject to development with Intergen Property Group securing the site for Singapore-based Wee Hur.

In line with Wee Hur's rapid expansion into the Australian student accommodation market the Waymouth Street site is earmarked for a new $90 million build. Spanning 1,836 square metres, as many as 721 student beds are expected onsite by late 2021. Design's for Waymouth Street have yet to be revealed.

124 Waymouth Street was purchased for $9.275 million and follows on from 89-109 Gray Street. Currently under construction, the Grey Street site is Wee Hur's initial Adelaide project and will see 772 beds created over 17 levels.

Wee Hur's latest Adelaide play comes on the tail end of a rash of additional student accommodation projects being built across the city. More recent applications have become taller and more sophisticated, as evidenced by GSA Australia's <a href="/buildings/269-north-terrace-adelaide">approved North Terrace Tower</a>; the project involves 680 student beds over 34 levels.

In a sign of the underlying strength of demand for student accommodation within Adelaide, an application submitted during August for 29 Twin Street is seeking to go even higher, providing accommodation for 510 students over 36 levels.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image190_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Adelaide's new tallest syudent accommodation building? Image: Hines Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image190_1.jpg?itok=wjFaFb0P" title="Adelaide's new tallest syudent accommodation building? Image: Hines Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Twin Street may be Adelaide's new tallest student accommodation building. Image: Hines Property</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Adelaide primed for two telling new developments

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Australia’s student housing sector is set to boom in coming years, according to a report from Knight Frank.
Australia’s PBSA (purpose built student accommodation) sector is undergoing "rapid growth" due to an increasing number of Australian and international university students.
This year, over 8,000 new PBSA beds will become operational across Australia, approximately 20% more than in 2017.
Demand is outstripping supply with a growing population of both local and international students strengthening current demand.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of 18-25-year-olds in Australia is projected to increase by 104,000 between 2016 and 2026, increasing the number of Australian university students.
Chinese Higher Education enrollments in Australia could more than double by 2027; rising from the current figure of 124,700 to 294,000 enrollments according to Knight Frank Research estimates.
Knight Frank’s Paul Savitz, Director, Research and Consulting, Australia, said that speculation about the negative impact of high-ranking Chinese universities is unwarranted.
"There has been speculation of late that because Chinese global university rankings are improving, that this may have negative consequences for Australian universities; given their part reliance on full-fee paying international students," Savitz said. 
"However, when students are looking to study abroad, research shows that lifestyle factors are equally as important as the quality of education and because Australia offers international students a fantastic lifestyle with excellent employment opportunities, we have every confidence international student numbers will continue to rise."
In addition to freestanding PBSA developments, an additional opportunity for developers lies in upgrading existing university accommodation.
As a result, it’s expected that some of the largest investment opportunities will be in partnership with regional or metro universities to redevelop older on-campus stock.
Recent examples of public-private partnerships include the Living + Learning Partners consortium investment in the University of Wollongong’s on-campus student accommodation facilities, and ANU’s agreement with investment management firm H.R.L Morrison and Co over nine student residences.
The report suggests that establishing long-term partnerships with universities is the key to success in the PBSA sector.
"Whether it’s upgrading university accommodation or targeting overseas students in the direct let market, the key is developing long term relationships with universities to help meet their specific needs and investors and developers who are able to match a university’s vision will benefit long term; much more than those who simply target particular cities,” Savitz said. 
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Rapid growth in student housing demand presenting opportunities for developers: Knight Frank

A trio of current construction tenders are heralding the next wave of student accommodation builds that will aid in servicing the sector.

Three major projects are at tender; <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">183-189 A'Beckett Street</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> and&nbsp;<a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">500 Swanston Street</a>. Combined they stand to add in the vicinity of 2,140 additional students beds.

Largest is&nbsp;<a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd">Wee Hur Holdings</a>' A'Beckett street plot which the developer pounced upon after it was offered for sale with approved plans for an apartment development in tow.&nbsp;183-189 A'Beckett Street forms an integral plank in&nbsp;Wee Hur Holdings' expansion into the student accommodation sector.

The pending build will form part of an expected portfolio of developments that will eventually contain&nbsp;3250 beds across Australia.

<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> have conceived the redesigned tower which spans&nbsp;48 levels, and are also responsible for&nbsp;625-631 Swanston Street. Dubbed Little Hall, that mid-rise build aims to deliver 669 students beds in conjunction with the University of Melbourne opposite Carlton's Lincoln Square.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image198_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="606" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image198_1.jpg?itok=K0gl7QhS" title="Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Hayball's take on A'Beckett Street</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="/developers/little-projects-co">Little Projects</a> head Paul Little is backing the development,&nbsp;with a personal donation used to fund a new “philanthropic” model of student accommodation where at least $2 million of returns from the hall will be used to fund a scholarship program.

A head contractor is on track&nbsp;to be appointed and commence works by October 2018, with a 2020 completion date in mind.

Demolition works have just wrapped up at 500 Swanston Street. The former CFMEU headquarters has made way Journal Student Living's next Melbourne project. When appointed the prevailing builder will construct a&nbsp;METIER3-designed tower that includes near on 600 student beds and an activated laneway&nbsp;at street level.

The current tenders follow on from Watpac announcing last month that it was&nbsp;awarded a $49 million contract to build <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>. That project involves the delivery of 579 beds for developer Cedar Pacific, with the building to be managed by UniLodge.

Also in the construction queue are <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">UniLodge Place</a> at&nbsp;478-488 Elizabeth Street and South Yarra's first dedicated student accommodation building, <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">Iglu at 6 Claremont Street</a>.

A sweep through <a href="/">Apartments.com.au's</a> current Melbourne student accommodation builds sees a dozen projects at construction, combining to add 4,385 new beds to the sector.

The dramatic slow in new development applications&nbsp;is in part reflective of the industry's rapid delivery of student accommodation builds in recent years to match latent demand. No new major development applications have been lodged this calendar year for&nbsp;student accommodation projects across inner Melbourne.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image199_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="388" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image199_0.jpg?itok=6PYcXhOm" title="Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Demand is set to be absorbed by projects such as 1 Flemington Road</figcaption>
</figure>

Profiling the next wave of Melbourne student accommodation builds 

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Urbanest Darling House will welcome its first tenants next month.
A twin bedroom with ensuite will start from $560 per person per week, while a single bedroom with ensuite starts from $646, with prices inclusive of all meals at The Eatery, water, electricity, contents insurance and 100GB of wireless internet per month.
Urbanest is one of Australia’s largest PBSA providers.
Its CEO David Munro stated Urbanest had been at the forefront of this industry since opening the doors on their first property in South Bank, Brisbane almost 10 years ago.
It now has 12 properties throughout Australia.
Urbanest Darling House is the final part of a three-year development of two buildings in the Darling Square precinct, with Urbanest partnering with Lendlease, Buildcorp and AJ+C architects on the projects.
The 664 bed development on Darling Drive is connected via a bridge to the Urbanest Darling Square.
 "We are set to revolutionise traditional student living again with the opening of Urbanest Darling House,” said Mr Munro.
“Urbanest will for the first time provide students with a fully inclusive product that incorporates in-house world-class catering,” said Mr Munro.
Branded ‘The Eatery at Urbanest Darling House’, the new dining space will see a team of top chefs recruited for the in-house operation.
“Our goal is to give students more than just a meal with a focus is on providing safe, secure facilities in a fun environment, supporting both the social and academic needs of students whilst away from home.” said Mr Munro.
Munro noted investment in the Australian Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market has witnessed major growth over the past decade.
Driving this investment is the value of the international education sector to the economy, which is expected to almost double to an excess of $33 billion by 2025.
 
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Urbanest Darling House to open in Darling Square precinct 

<html><body>
A Redfern apartment block is set to be converted into student accomodation, with a proposed $52 million purchase by Singaporean company Wee Hur Holdings.
Wee Hur, also known as The Group, have lodged a put and call option deed on the Gibbons Street block near Redfern Station.
They're intention is to redeveloper the property to be a purpose-built student accomodation (PBSA) with more than 500 beds (below).
The Group, a SGX mainboard-listed property developer, has proposed an 18-storey building with two podium levels and 16 levels of student accommodation.  
The proposal will consist of studios and cluster bedrooms, indoor and outdoor communal spaces for students and a small retail tenancy on the ground level.  
Designed with students in mind, the proposed student accommodation complex will provide facilities and amenities such as kitchen, laundry, bicycle parking, study rooms and games rooms etc.  
<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/2018/6/5/Gibbons.jpg" alt="">
The current freehold residential block comprises 32 apartments (top).
The 1,365 sqm site is a 10 to 20 minute walk from the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney respectively
If the proposed acquisition is successful and the PBSA redevelopment plan is approved, the total number of PBSA beds under the Wee Hur PBSA Master Trust can reach approximately 3,765.
The Group’s first PBSA with 1578 beds in Buranda, Brisbane is ready to take in students in July 2018. 
Its second PBSA with 772 beds along Gray Street, Adelaide is expected to complete by early 2019 for 2019 first semester student intake. 
Construction of the Group’s third PBSA with 900 beds along A'Beckett Street, Melbourne is expected to commence by end-2018 and to complete by 2020.
The Group executive chairman Goh Yeow Lian said they have wanted a PBSA in Sydney.
“We are very pleased to find this acquisition opportunity in Sydney as we wanted very much to have a PBSA in this city. 
"We find this site attractive as it is close to two universities, the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney, and also close to railway train and metro stations.”
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Redfern apartment building to be converted to student accomodation

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The flow of student accommodation projects into planning across Melbourne's inner suburbs has slowed considerably, allowing for the massive associated spike in construction to take its place in the spotlight.

With the effective completion of <a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> on Swanston Street and Iglu at <a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">229 Franklin Street</a>, there are still nine separate projects under construction. These nine alone will yield thousands of new beds for tertiary students.

<h2>At construction</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image157_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="610" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image157_2.jpg?itok=iwhnISTM" title="A small sample of student accommodation construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A small sample of student accommodation construction</figcaption></figure>Latest to construction is <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/whitley-college-263-royal-parade-parkville">Whitley College</a> on Royal Parade. Builder Hacer has commenced early works across the site which will eventually see a new 6 storey building added behind the existing and unique circular brick building, for a total of 367 beds for GSA Australia.

Also in the starting blocks, UniLodge's 411-bed project across <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/15-27-wreckyn-street-north-melbourne">15-27 Wreckyn Street</a> with LU Simon tasked with the build.

Beyond that, the balance of projects are at various stages of construction and are generally confined to Carlton and North Melbourne. The notable exception is <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">42-50 La Trobe Street</a> which is rapidly reaching its final height of 43 levels as builder Hickory utilises its HBS unitised building method onsite.

One of the tallest student accommodation towers anywhere, the development will see 783 beds built in studio, twin share and cluster formats.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image159_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="853" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_3.jpg?itok=ptVZZT-C" title="Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Atira La Trobe Street is approaching its highest point</figcaption></figure><h2>All but complete</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image158_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="288" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_0.jpg?itok=kbhQE1-V" title="Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Scape Melbourne and Iglu's first local offering</figcaption></figure>Two developments are ready for handover as final touches are being applied.

<a href="/buildings/scape-melbourne-393-swanston-street-melbourne">Scape Melbourne</a> is the operator's first local tower and sees approximately 700 beds all but completed at the hand of contractor Built. The Denton Corker Marshall-designed high-rise is a vanguard project of sorts, ushering in the city's first student housing as skyscraper development.

<a href="/new-apartments/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">Iglu Franklin Street</a> is a 594-bed student accommodation building that also resides in the northern reaches of Melbourne's CBD. Builder Hacer carries images of the project's <a href="http://www.hacer.com.au/projects/residential/iglu-229-franklin-street-melbourne">completed internals online</a>, although finishing work is still being carried out.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image162_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="721" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image162_0.jpg?itok=AyF8nO09" title="Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Inside Iglu Franklin Street. Image: Hacer</figcaption></figure><h2>Developments in waiting</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image160_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160_0.jpg?itok=TA_1fVia" title="500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>500 Swanston Street and 135 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>Pending projects are among some of Melbourne's tallest projects inching toward construction. <a href="/news/atira-hits-melbourne-as-further-student-accommodation-projects-line-up">Atira A'Beckett Street</a>, <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-west-end/183-189-abeckett-street-melbourne">Wee Hur's 183-189 A'Beckett Street</a> and GreenFort Capital's <a href="/news/488-elizabeth-street-turns-to-student-accommodation">478-488 Elizabeth Street</a> are among the tallest towers in Melbourne expected to start construction in the short to medium term.

Wee Hur's A'Beckett Street project stands to become Melbourne's tallest approved student housing project; the approved permit allows for a 58 storey tower spanning 178 metres.

Scape's intended tower at <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/cbd-east-end/97-franklin-street-melbourne">97 Franklin Street</a> was to have been the tallest student accommodation building on the planet at 199 metres, but has been rejected by the State Planning Minister. Whilst that project invariably goes back to the drawing board, Scape can pursue their freshly approved <a href="https://urban.melbourne/projects/melbourne/557-591-swanston-street-carlton">557-591 Swanston Street</a>; it will yield 870 new student beds.

The balance of projects looking to take their place in the skyline are via established operators. Iglu's <a href="/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra tower</a> is at construction tender, Melbourne University is backing both the <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton Connect project</a> and <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">625-631 Swanston Street</a> whilst UniLodge are looking to make good on another location at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">123-135 Bouverie Street</a>.

Not to be left behind is the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne which is pushing for a new accommodation project at <a href="/developments/carlton-vic-3053">197-235 Bouverie Street</a>. The design has changed markedly since its initial submission and is now seeking approval for a mid-rise building sporting a new vivid exterior.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/carl1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/carl1.jpg?itok=FNFoXPb_" title="MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MGS Architects have designed 197 Bouverie Street</figcaption></figure>
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