<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Sydney

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The Block Vaucluse 2010 contestants Erin and Jake Michael have listed their Coogee apartment for 26 May auction following the birth of their son, Jagger last September.
Their two-bedroom Nathan Street apartment was bought in late 2008 for $406,000, having previously sold at $385,000 in 2003.
They spent around $100,000 on renovations for the 59 square metre apartment.
LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Sean Poche has been telling inspectees of <a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/MB1F93" target="_blank">8/3 Nathan Street</a> that more than $600,000 is the price guidance. 
<a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:x8FKPN_ZZwIJ:https://www.facebook.com/erinmichaelstyling+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=au" target="_blank">Erin</a> is a freelance interior and food stylist, briefly for Real Living Magazine, and remains accredited sports dietitian.
Jake Michael married to Erin Berghofer in September 2010.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Erin and Jake Michael - from The Block 2010 - list Coogee apartment

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The Manassen small goods family have listed their Bennelong apartment with $13 million expectations, given plans to remain on the Mosman harbourfront compound.
The two-storey penthouse at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/penthouse/nsw/sydney/?adid=2011125404" target="_blank">7 Macquarie Street</a> (pictured above) was bought in 2011 for $12 million from the bulky goods entrepreneur Brett Blundy.
The now renovated four bedroom four bathroom apartment has 600 square metre space, including a 190 square metre balcony deck space. It has been listed through Bill Malouf of LJ Hooker Double Bay.
There hasn't been much sales success since when I last tallied the number of <a href="/news/plenty-of-blue-sky-with-12-sydney-penthouses-at-10-million-or-more-which-one-to-buy">prestige apartments on the market</a> with the weekly He Said, She Said, Property Observer columnist Margie Blok.
A 24th floor whole floor apartment in The Quay on Phillip Street, overlooking Circular Quay has been listed through Morton &amp; Morton at $12.5 million.
There has been the recent sale of Frank Tagg's Market Street penthouse after years on and off the market, but prestige penthouse offerings are still at plague proportions.
Apartment 3510/70 Market Street (pictured below) cost $4.5 million off the plan in early 2000 when the McDonalds franchisee Frank Tagg bought into the complex.  It sits high above the Myer CBD retail development, in Tower Apartments. <a href="https://sydneysothebysrealty.com/3905505/3501-68-Market-Street-Sydney" target="_blank">Apparently it sold through Sothebys agent Richard Cooper at around $8 million</a>. Back in 2003 it was expected to bring more than $11 million, then in 2007 more than $8 million was tipped.
<img src="/images/2014/05/09/sydney%20may%209%20two.jpg" alt="">
Tagg, the former Western Suburbs first-grade footballer relisted the 640-square-metre Market Street penthouse when he and wife Sally move into their Rose Bay residence several years ago.
There has also been the sale of the penthouse atop <a href="/news/plenty-of-blue-sky-with-12-sydney-penthouses-at-10-million-or-more-which-one-to-buy">The Georgia which was listed for sale at more than $10 million</a> with expressions of interest through Jason Boon at Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay after being developed by the hotelier Chris Crawley.
It was for sale under instructions of receivers PPB Advisory. It has settled with the $10.95 million price revealed in its purchase by philanthropic Americans John Alchin and Hal Marryatt.
The Georgian on 22 Macleay Street was finished in 2010, with Crawley retaining the three-level penthouse as his own. It has 680 square metres of space with a rooftop pool and panoramic views stretching from the city skyline to The Heads.
The top apartments that still remain for sale include:
1) The ultimate - well priciest - trophy penthouse listing currently on offer is at 1 Macquarie Street overlooking Circular Quay (pictured below). In the Bennelong complex directly behind the Opera House, it is for sale with price hopes of more than $30 million. <a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/MD9F93" target="_blank">There is now a June 10 expressions of interest campaign</a>.
Originally designed as four separate apartments, this enormous harbourside penthouse was consolidated by hoteliers Cyril and Margaret Maloney after the couple purchased four units off-the-plan in 1999 for almost $14 million. The penthouse has been listed for the second time in five years. In 2010 it was listed with a $30 million price tag, but failed to sell.
Following the death of Mr Maloney last year, his widow has placed the property on the market through Bill Malouf of LJ Hooker Double Bay and Michael Pallier of Sotheby's International. With annual strata fees reported to be well over $100,000, the 700 square metre apartment has its own lift lobby, a wine cellar, billiards room, a grand main bedroom suite, dressing rooms and a multimillion-dollar view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House concourse. There are also five car spaces on title.
Malouf and Pallier suggest the penthouse will attract an international buyer due to its unique landmark position in the dress circle between Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. 
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/sydney%20march%2021%20one.jpg" alt="">
2) In second place, with reported $20 million hopes, is the Darling Point penthouse of the late Macquarie Bank co-founder David Clarke. With about 740 squares metres of Babworth House (pictured below), the Arts and Crafts mansion built in 1915 for retailer Sir Samuel Hordern, the Mount Adelaide Street apartment was bought by Clarke in 2003 for $8 million.
Architect Michael Suttor and designer Michael Love collaborated on its interiors, which boast a grand reception hall, sweeping staircase, study, gym, and formal and informal living areas. Clark’s widow Jane Clarke has it listed with Sotheby’s Michael Pallier.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/darling%20point%20march%2021%20one.jpg" alt="">
3) The next most expensive is the Darlinghurst penthouse of high-rise Horizon which remains for sale after it was withdrawn from auction last weekend through Bill Bridges of Ballard Property.
Crowning the distinctive Harry Seidler-designed tower, the 43rd-floor penthouse (pictured below) is owned by Tasmania’s gambling arts patron, David Walsh, who’s the proprietor of the much-admired MONA gallery and Moorilla Estate vineyard. Walsh had listed his penthouse with $16 million price expectations.
To entice buyers and sweeten a deal for prospective purchasers, he was to offer the buyer select artworks from his private collection, including a watercolour triptych on paper by John Olsen to remain, though it makes more sense to keep the oil painting by Michael Johnson in situ. Walsh bought the penthouse from property developer Lang Walker in 2002 for $10 million through Bridges - it exceeded Sydney's then $8-million penthouse record.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/darlinghurst%20march%2021%20one.jpg" alt="">
4) The Residence on College Street overlooking Hyde Park still has a sub-penthouse (pictured below) remaining for sale with $16 million hopes.
Known as The Archibald, it was withdrawn from recent auction by CBRE agent Ben Stewart. <a href="/expert-insights/investing/chinese-riddle-unravelling-over-the-lucky-penthouse-88-in-sydneys-the-residence">I honed in recently on the mystery $17 million buyer</a> of The Residence's true penthouse known as The Sulman and luckily numbered 88 in the building.
The buyer is Huang Shannian with clues about him coinciding with a person of the same name who featured on the 2009 Huran Richest Chinese People list at 88th place before disappearing from public view. With 690 square metres of space, the three-bedroom Archibald sub-penthouse has panoramic views and includes a private pool and spa, a rooftop kitchen and outdoor terraces.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/l_hyde-park-feb-14-breakout.jpg" alt="">
5) At Bondi Beach, a pair of penthouses, owned by celebrity accountant and yachtie Anthony Bell, is listed for sale by expressions of interest closing March 28 through McGrath agent, James Dack.  
Atop The Bondi, a modern complex on Campbell Parade, the two penthouses were purchased by Bell for $7,725,000 in 2006 and then a supposed $9 million in 2010. Each has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, large open-plan living spaces, a Calacutta marble kitchen and a staircase leading up to an enormous rooftop entertainment deck. Bell and his Getaway presenter wife, Kelly Landry, are off to a waterfront house at Watsons Bay bought for $12.5 million last year.
There have been $15 million reported expectations for Bell’s pair of penthouses in The Bondi.
6) There are $15 million-plus hopes for The Eliza penthouse on Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Developed by Edward Doueihi of Ceerose, The Eliza is under construction and due for completion this year.
Spanning three levels overlooking Hyde Park, the 460-square-metre penthouse will sit atop a 17-storey building designed by the architects Tony Owen Partners.
It features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a home theatre, a private lift, 3.5-metre-high ceilings, a massive 13.5-metre frontage overlooking the park and full automation through C-Bus. The top level comprises the entertainment terrace with a 10-metre lap pool.
Many of the lower floor sales have been through Savills. The full floor offerings are being marketed by Nigel Napoli and Irene Lau of Savills, in conjunction with Richard Shalhoub and Hamish Robertson of McGrath.
7) Some years after completion, The Stamford Residences penthouse at 171 Gloucester Street (pictured below), Sydney remains listed with $15 million expectations.
In 2007 when, when the Stamford Residences was the latest high-rise in The Rocks, the four-bedroom penthouse was been listed with $16 million-plus expectations.
With Thomas Hamel designed interiors and numbered 28A in the Kahn Finch-designed building, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom penthouse has 567 square metres of indoor and outdoor space with views to the north and west, and frontages to Gloucester and Cumberland streets. It is listed through Colin Griffin of CBRE Residential Projects.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/sydney%20march%2021%20two.jpg" alt="">
8) Two adjoining apartments in Highgate are offered for the first time together (pictured below).
With $12 million hopes, the two most northern penthouse apartments, numbered 2802 and 2803, have a total of around 600 square metres which includes eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, vast living areas and parking for five cars. Robert Alfeldi of Feldi Property Agents has the offering.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/sydney%20march%2021%20three.jpg" alt="">
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It's still crowded atop Sydney's penthouse market offerings

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Some Sydneysiders may have walked past 201 Castlereagh Street in the past, noting the small 'Scientology' signs if they paid attention. However, this subtlety will be no longer, after a complete upgrade to the building and the introduction of large ‘Church of Scientology’ branding.
The beautiful 1908-built structure has had two storeys added, where initially three were proposed, and has had a number of its heritage features restored. The brick pilasters and bronze-glazed glass curtain have been brought up to the modern day. The building overlooks Hyde Park.
The $12 million lump sum contract, awarded to Kane Constructions in March 2013, had a vision of additional commercial offices and spaces, as well as new lifts, wet areas, a lobby and building services.
They worked with Nix Management and WMK Architecture to deliver the project.
<img src="/images/2014/05/08/scientology%20may%208%20one.jpg" alt="">
The launch of the completed building, on 3 May, saw 2,500 Scientologists attend. Official information says that the building’s congregation is ‘ever growing’ and that it serves as a hub for “people of all faiths and cultures across New South Wales”.
Launching the building with an address was David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of Scientology.
“There’s a new sign in the southern night skies and it points to something never seen before—your Ideal Org of Sydney. That it opens directly in the wake of what is a whole new Scientology world lends it even more significance. Because for all the help you thus far extended to the millions, you now possess the means—in this, our Golden Age—to uplift this city and this nation with the unqualified freedom of Scientology,” said Miscavige.
Attendees include Federal Member of Parliament Julie Owens, Australian Human Rights Council president Sev Ozfowski, Young Offenders Support Service programme manager Kalisi Bese and Aboriginal elder of the Dunghutti people Bill Allen.
Those who attend the newly refurbished building are provided with a Dianetics and Scientology introduction.
The Church of Scientology, Sydney, moved to the site in the 1980s. This year is the 60th anniversary since the formation of the Church of Scientology. Fundraising for this project through Ideal Org has occurred for some time, with online discussion as to when the building would be brought up to standard.
<img src="/images/2014/05/08/scientology%20may%208%20two.jpg" alt="">
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

201 Castlereagh Street, or The Church of Scientology, restored

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september21lewis]}
The former Sydney Harbour home (pictured above) of the late arts patron Ann Lewis has returned to the market.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/rose-bay/?adid=2011161743" target="_blank">Amaroo</a> has been listed by its 2011 Hong Kong-based expat buyer who paid $15 million, and briefly tenanted it.
It now comes with approved new dwelling plans with a $2.9 million design by Collins &amp; Turner. There are $18 million expectations.
Its latest marketing is through Alison Coopes, and presumably starkly empty. Its rooms last time were still covered with artworks, though a large John Olsen painting that hung in her dining room for 45 years had been donated it to the Newcastle Regional Gallery. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/ann-lewis-sydney-harbour-home-ready-for-its-next-patron/2011092151632" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/ann-lewis-sydney-harbour-home-ready-for-its-next-patron/2011092151632" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The 1909 residence</a> at 8 Bayview Hill Road comes with direct access to a sandy beach and private deepwater jetty.
Ken Jacobs at Christies International in conjunction with Andrew Livingston and Brett Talbot from McGrath Estate Agents secured the last sale which was bullish especially for the harbourfront reserve location.
It has been listed by Shaun Browne from AME Group, the minerals analysis company.
It was the home of Ann Lewis for about 55 years, and was listed by her four children, Amanda Zsebik, Tony Lewis, Annalise Scanlan and Daniel Lewis, following her death in May 2011. A Mungindi grazier's daughter, Ann Livingston met building construction magnate John Lewis on the dance floor at Prunier's in Woollahra.
The sale fell short of Rose Bay's $18.2 million top sale, which was a newly built contemporary house when sold in 2006.
There has also been the nearby higher sale, but the mystery remains on the sale details given extended settlement terms.
It was the early 2013 sale by the veteran technology investor Neill Miller who sold his Rose Bay mansion for a rumoured $30 million.
There was no public marketing of the contemporary Rose Bay abode built on the harbourfront reserve location at the base of the steep cul-de-sac sandwiched between the Kambala and Kincoppal-Rose Bay schools. 
The land was bought for $7.75 million in 2002 along with a $3 million acquistion in 2005 of a portion hived off from Sacred Heart convent land holdings.
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Expat lists Amaroo, Ann Lewis' longtime romantic Rose Bay villa

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New 20-level AQUA development is to be the new gateway to Bondi Junction, located on the corner of Oxford Street and Hollywood Avenue, just 500 metres from Bondi Junction train station. The 129 apartments in <a href="https://www.aquabondijunction.com.au" target="_blank">AQUA</a> on offer are aiming themselves towards owner occupiers and investors, with Leighton Properties, in a joint venture with Qualitas, bringing the properties to market. The apartments are one-,two- and three-bedrooms, the majority with car spots, and all with access to the 146 bicycle spaces.
Property Observer previously noted that <a href="/news/nsw/two-20-storey-apartment-towers-aqua-to-be-launched-in-bondi-junction">the apartments were soon to be launched</a>.
Architect Kannfinch, with DC8 Studio, are behind the design - looking to maximise the apartments' aspect to ensure all are north-westerly or north-easterly. The majority face north-west. There are two towers with a central corridor connecting them.
The development will include two rooftop gardens and lobbies on each level. It also has a podium with a retail and outdoor space mix.
<img src="/images/2014/05/08/aqua-may-8-one.jpg" alt="">
Kannfinch senior associate, Mark Sheargold, said that the north-west facade of the north tower has city views, while the south tower has ocean views, both taken advantage of from floor-to-ceiling glass windows and balconies.
“In perspective, no entire elevation can be viewed at once which is intriguing to viewers and strengthens the gesture that you are looking at a sculpture form in-the-round,” he said. The interiors have been designed by renowned Koichi Takada Architects.
Koichi Takada said that he incorporates a Japanese sensibility into the architecture.
“Our inspiration comes from the location of AQUA, which is an interchange between a connected, convenient and bustling shopping and transportation hub and some of Sydney’s best beaches – an escape to nature, water and waves,” he said.
“We’ve created two distinct schemes; one called ‘Breeze’ and the other ‘Drift’, and used new materials to experiment with playful shapes. The finishes are a balance of polished modern materials coupled with the warmth of textured, natural timber.”
Peter Chittenden, managing director at Colliers International, said that the development is on the most prominent site at Bondi Junction, and is one of the last high-rise opportunities for the foreseeable future.
“Residents need never use their car to get to work, do the shopping or meet friends for a drink, reducing the stress of urban life and easing pressure on the environment,” Chittenden said.
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Bondi Junction's AQUA launched to be area's new gateway

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Calling Barangaroo an important precinct in Sydney, Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson has said that the City of Sydney’s concerns prompting suggestions for the site to be reduced should be rejected.
Citing a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers report, that saw Sydney CBD as being low growth in economic output, compared to Melbourne and Brisbane, Johnson said that the City of Sydney Council’s reduction in scale ideas for Barangaroo should not become a reality.
“Melbourne’s annual economic growth was 4.7% a year, Brisbane’s 4.4% while Sydney’s was only 2.2%,” he said, arguing that Barangaroo is crucial for the future of Sydney. What Sydney will be like in 2050 was a recent topic of discussion on Property Observer.
“We need to get Sydney CBD back as the leading economic driver of Australia and that requires leadership from state and local government to encourage new development rather than trying to stop it,” he said.
Bold thinking that aims for growth, specifically in the CBD, is crucial, he explained.
“Barangaroo has 22 hectares of land and even the latest potential for 680,000 square meters of development is just over a three to one floor space ratio. Most of the city has buildings over 10 to one floor space ratios so Barangaroo is not excessive.”
He said that the Council should not be taking a negative position on this development, but should get behind the important precinct and help promote it.
However, significant changes have occurred since the Council’s initial involvement. Fairfax Media recently reported that the development has doubled in size since its conception, and that relations have recently deteriorated between the council and the government over the development.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia/Creative Commons.
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Urban Taskforce criticises suggestion to reduce size of Barangaroo

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An article in the weekend Financial Review opened with:"Macquarrie Group, a bellwether for the strength of the office leasing market, is expanding."
And this clearly accords with a recent report released by BIS Shrapnel, which confirmed the office recovery would be stronger in "service and trade exposed markets like Sydney and Melbourne, but weaker in the mining-based markets such as Perth and Brisbane".
<img src="/images/2014/05/06/lang%20may%207%20one.png" alt="">
Source: Knight Frank/Australian Financial Review.
For Melbourne, you are now seeing strong demand in and around the city fringe — mainly within Southbank and the Docklands precinct.
Developers in these areas enjoying obvious cost advantages, which are then reflected in a lower rent profile for their prospective tenants.
And this is what led the likes of ANZ and NAB to relocate to Docklands, over a decade ago.
A growing number of major corporate tenants are progressively realising they no longer need be located within the heart of Australia's CBDs.
Instead, they can pre-commit to prime-grade Offices at very competitive rentals — and have that accommodation designed and fitted out, to meet their specific needs.
And this demand appears to be flowing through to established suburban markets as well.
With most of these new developments having significant pre-commitment from major tenants … this should curb the tendency for speculative development, over the next 3 to 5 years.
And this will help safeguard against an oversupply of space, within the Sydney and Melbourne office markets.
 
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

Demand for office space on the improve

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Doubling the height of Sydney's skyscrapers by 2050 is a necessity to retain its position as Australia's number one city, according to the Urban Taskforce.
In fact, Melbourne, Brisbane and "even Parramatta" have plans for taller buildings than Sydney, said CEO of Urban Taskforce, Chris Johnson. He noted that this step is required if Sydney wants to stay on par with other Australian cities, and with Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
“Sydney needs to take a strong pro-growth position as recent data from a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers indicated that Sydney’s annual economic growth over the last 10 years was half that of Melbourne and Brisbane. Sydney grew economically each year at 2.2% while Brisbane grew at 4.4% and Melbourne at 4.7% each year," said Johnson.
He warned that Sydney is being held back by out of date planning rules, setting the underside of the 1970s-built Sydney Tower as the cap on heights for new buildings.
“The world now has dozens of high-rise towers planned or built that are double the height of Sydney Tower. Across Asia many cities are building towers that are symbols of the prosperity and the optimism of that city’s economic growth," he said.
The topic of how Sydney will cope by 2050 has seen many commentators weighing in. Observer <a href="/expert-insights/investing/our-politicians-are-ignoring-the-realities-of-population-growth">Robert Simeon previously warned that politicians are ignoring the realities of population growth</a>, which is expected to grow by 60% to 2050, that may leave the city in strife unless they plan now. Is this what Sydney will look like in 2050?
As part of this debate on pushing Sydney into the future it needs, Urban Taskforce called on three top architects to share their visions for what the city could look like in 2050.
<a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/urbanideas/may2014/Bates-Smart.pdf" target="_blank">Bates Smart's Philip Vivian: 'Sustainability, Economic Development, Amenity'</a>
<img src="/images/2014/05/02/sydney-2050-april-2-four.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>A new metro system crossing the harbour. 
</li>
<li>Development of super tall towers around the new metro stations (which could fund this system).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/urbanideas/may2014/FJMT.pdf" target="_blank">Richard Francis-Jones: A 'symbiotic' city</a>
<img src="/images/2014/05/02/sydney-2050-april-2-five.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>New green parks crossing the Harbour Bridge. 
</li>
<li>High-rise developments with solar access planes (which could fund the parks). 
</li>
<li>East and West green blocks to be the focus. 
</li>
<li>Extension of Prince Alfred Park.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/urbanideas/may2014/F-P.pdf" target="_blank">Fitzpatrick+Partners' James Fitzpatrick: 'Keeping, Restoring, Creating'</a>
<img src="/images/2014/05/02/sydney-2050-april-2-six.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>A number of centres within itself, including North Sydney, Glebe Island, Central Station and Woolloomooloo, each with a different 'theme'. 
</li>
<li>These would be connected by a circular metro line. 
</li>
<li>Foot, ferry, bike and light rail linking the separate centres should all be considered.</li>
</ul>
Urban Taskforce:
<ul>
<li>Mixed-use metropolitan centre. 
</li>
<li>Workforce increasingly connected to world finance and consulting services. 
</li>
<li>Cafes, restraints, public spaces and culture facilities. 
</li>
<li>World class transport system based on a metro network.</li>
</ul>
What do you think the Sydney of 2050 needs the most?
You may also want to read:
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/big-australia-is-going-to-get-a-whole-lot-bigger">'Big Australia' is going to get a whole lot bigger</a> by Macquarie University associate professor Nick Parr
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Is this what Sydney will look like in 2050?

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Manly-Warringah fullback Brett Stewart has sold his Balgowlah house having achieved his hopes of $1.35 million-plus.
The four-bedroom townhouse, with water glimpses, sold this week pre-auction.
It cost $1.33 million in late 2011.
It had been scheduled for 4 May auction through Anthony Calacoci of Belle Property Manly.
<a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/12P4661" target="_blank">The three storey Nield Avenue townhouse duplex</a> was built five years ago.
The News Ltd local paper, The Manly Daily reported its sale.
The Sea Eagles says the sale was about downsizing, with the likelihood he would be remaining in Balgowlah.
 
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Brett Stewart finds pre-auction Balgowlah buyer

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The tennis champion Pat Rafter has listed his Woollahra terrace with $2.6 million plus hopes for June 7 auction through Paul Ephron of Run Property.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-woollahra-116801671" target="_blank">The contemporary Wallis Street three-bedroom terrace</a> cost $2.35 million in 2007.
The Noosa-based sportsman previously had his Sydney home on Hopetoun Avenue, Mosman which was sold in 2007 for $7.75 million.
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