Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Western Sydney

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Fernhill on Sydney’s western outskirts has been resisted for sale after its prospective buyer failed to secure loan and state government approvals to be redeveloped into a cemetery.
Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust had agreed to purchase the historic Mulgoa property in March for $30 million, but their conditional offer lapsed on Tuesday after Penrith city concerns of the impact of a cemetery on the heritage landscape surrounding the 1840s-built mansion.
The estate is best known as the former home of property tycoon Warren Anderson before bankruptcy forced him out and the keys were handed over in 2011 to his financier Angas Securities.
Businessman Simon Tripp and his wife Brenda were reported as buyers in 2012 after he lodged a caveat on the title claiming an interest, but their arrangement with Angas faltered.
In a statement this week Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust chief executive George Simpson said "with no formal approval from the Minister at this time RGCRT is unable to proceed with the purchase of Fernhill estate. As such, we understand the vendor will place the property back on the market.”
Listing agent Ken Jacobs, of Christie’s International, appears set to resist Fernhill which was built by the Cox family in the 1840s and remained in the family until 1896 when it was sold to the Wright family, of the Wright, Heaton and Company carrying firm.
The eight-bedroom homestead has a 16-seater dining room and a ballroom
The original stables were home to two Melbourne Cup winners, Chester in 1877 and Grand Flaneur in 1880, and the sandstone building next to them dates back to 1812.
Last year and again earlier this year debenture company Angas ­Securities faced the prospect of receivers to oversee its return of the $135 million owed to investors, but fear of a fire sale saw Angas Securities retain control of its flagship fund.
Some 2000 investors were told they must to wait another two years for their money to be returned given Angas's borrowers had fallen into arrears.
“Almost all of Angas’ remaining loan assets are non-performing and all borrowers in respect of loan assets are now subject to external administration,” it told investors.
Warren Anderson told The Australian he had written letters to politicians at all levels of government in an effort to save the estate from being turned into a cemetery. “I’m ­absolutely happy,” he said. 
He praised Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, saying he had “seen the light as far Fernhill is concerned” by halting Rookwood’s plans.
 
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Ailing Angas loses yet another Fernhill, Mulgoa buyer

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Deicorp’s $400 plus million apartment development, Highline Westmead, promises to deliver more than 550 apartments as part of Western Sydney’s transformation. 
Inspired by New York’s urban masterpiece, Highline will comprise 556 apartments spread over five, 7-23 storey buildings.
The apartments are a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Approval for the first half of the project at <a href="https://deicorpproperty.com.au/property/westmead/" target="_blank">151 Hawkesbury Road</a> came recently. 
Stage 1 is expected to be complete by late 2019.
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Designed by well-known architects Turner Studio, the development will feature a swimming pool, sun decks, BBQ pavilions and communal green spaces. There is also a rooftop garden.
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Many of the units are under $650,000, and will suit both first homebuyers and investors.
“Westmead is critical to Western Sydney’s continued economic transformation, and is expected to generate up to 50,000 new knowledge jobs by 2036,” according to the Deloitte Access Economics report, Westmead Innovation District: Building Western Sydney’s jobs engine.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/09/15/5.%20Westmead_Pool%20Area.jpg" alt="">
With over $5.8 billion to be invested over the next decade, Westmead is also poised to be Australia’s fastest growing economy. Westmead has $1 billion expansion plans for local universities and an upcoming $900 million hospital redevelopment.
It is near Westmead Train station and will be close to the planned light rail stop. There’s plenty of shopping nearby. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/09/15/7.%20Westmead_Alternate%20Pool%20view.jpg" alt="">
 
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Deicorp's $400 million Highline Westmead part of Western Sydney's transformation 

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GUEST OBSERVER
The revised Urban Renewal Corridor Strategy for Sydenham to Bankstown must keep urban densities that support the proposed Metro Rail.
The important Priority Precinct along the Sydenham to Bankstown rail corridor must support an urban density particularly around the new Metro Rail stations.
We are however concerned that the planning is taking a long time since the exhibition of the first Draft Strategy eighteen months ago.
The corridor is a good case study for how new Metro Rail infrastructure can stimulate new urban density but it seems the planning process could take three years from early planning to implementation.
Precincts like Campsie are having further investigation work undertaken by the Department of Planning and Environment and it is unclear if this could lead to a third round of exhibitions.
Former Governor of the Reserve Bank, Glenn Stevens, in his report to the NSW Government raised concerns about the time planning processes took relative to the ups and downs of markets.
The development industry gets a clear signal when a draft plan is exhibited that the government supports development in priority locations but actual planning approvals often have to wait for some years.
While there has been a reduction of around 2,000 new homes in some areas the overall proposed number of new dwellings at 35,400 is still a robust number. The Urban Taskforce urges the NSW Government to not make further reductions following the exhibition of this second draft.
The move away from medium density housing in Hurlstone Park and Dulwich Hill in favour of single dwellings due to community concerns about local character could be a signal that the government’s proposed ‘Missing Middle’ approach for medium density housing may not be preferred by existing communities of single homes.
The Draft Strategy seems to leave some areas unclear. The definition of Medium-high rise housing, which is the tallest, is not included. The Draft Strategy states that ‘specific building typologies for each individual Station Precinct’ are included in the revised strategy but is unclear where these typologies are. The Draft Strategy also states that detailed master plans are to be prepared for Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore and Lakemba Station Precincts so these will presumably occur some-time in the future.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to be involved in discussions with the NSW Government to ensure that the planning approach to Metro Rail related urban renewal is planned in a timely manner and with appropriate densities to accommodate future growth.
We are also keen to be involved in precinct planning around other stations on the Sydney Metro line at North Sydney and Crows Nest/ St Leonards. These are areas where there are excellent opportunities for quality urban development but the planning process for these precincts is unclear.
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Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Sydenham to Bankstown revitalisation corridor must keep urban density

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Developing suburbs in the south west of Sydney will reap the economic benefits of the Western Sydney Airport in Badgery's Creek once built, according to Craig Barnes from Sekisui House.
He said the announcement will directly benefit suburbs such as Gledswood Hills, Oran Park, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Leppington and Cobbitty.
“As part of the Western Sydney Priority Growth Area plans, which will support the future Badgerys Creek Airport, billions of dollars are being invested in the region via major infrastructure projects, new business development and the construction of thousands of new homes," he said.
"It is hoped the recent Badgerys Creek Airport announcement will accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects such as the South West Rail Link and major road upgrades to further accommodate the planned growth for the region.
"Current residents and prospective home buyers looking to secure a property within these key suburbs will appreciate the benefits of such growth. 
“The future growth, connectivity and lifestyle choices offered by developing suburbs such as Gledswood Hills are continuing to make South Western Sydney an appealing option to a broad range of home buyers.
"Employment opportunities expected to be created within the region over the next 8 to 10 years will cover a large cross section of industries including construction, hospitality and infrastructure.”
He said the region is fast becoming a destination of choice for a broad cross section of Sydney home buyers.
“We have also witnessed a shift in the last 12 months – North West purchasers choosing to move to the South West," he said.
"South West new home prices in several key areas represent great value when compared to similar properties in North West regions.
"For example, a double storey four bed home in <a href="https://www.sekisuihouse.com.au/the-hermitage" target="_blank">Gledswood Hills </a>on an average 450 sqm block is selling for around $800,000, whilst a similar new home in Kellyville is valued at over $1 million.”
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Developing Sydney suburbs set to benefit from Western Sydney Airport

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The federal budget has addressed housing affordability issues in the Budget with an emphasis on “building more homes”, and Western Sydney figures prominently in it.
Treasurer Scott Morrison said there would also be “tens of thousands” of new homes delivered in western Sydney as part of the “Western Sydney city deal”.
The population of Western Sydney is expected to reach 1.4 million people by 2036, so an additional 180,000 new homes and jobs creation is required to support this population growth. 
The Western Sydney City Deal between the federal and state governments, according to the Urban Developer, pledges to;
<ul>
<li>target additional infrastructure investment to increase public transport and reduce traffic congestion, so people can spend more time with their families</li>
<li>deliver more jobs closer to homes and services, with a focus on youth and indigenous training and skills development.</li>
<li>increase housing through better planning and density done well, and streamlining approvals across all three levels of government</li>
</ul>
Since the election of the NSW Coalition government in 2011, there has been a renewed push for not only better infrastructure in Western Sydney, but also to decentralise Sydney by moving government offices that have traditionally resided in the CBD and migrate them to outer suburbs such as Parramatta and Liverpool.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and then Prime Minister Tony Abbott had first announced a second airport in Western Sydney’s Badgerys Creek. Baird and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in October 2016 called the Western Sydney City Deal the "nation’s largest ever planning and investment partnership".
The federal government recently promised to build the Western Sydney Airport after the owners of Kingsford Smith Airport declined the offer.  It will provide up to $5.3 billion in equity to establish WSA Corporation Limited from 2017-18 to develop the airport. Works are expected to commence by late 2018 and airport operations by 2026, creating 20,000 jobs.
The push for Western Sydney housing began in 2014 when planning policy changes allowed 2,500 Western Sydney home sites to be instantly brought online.
Property Observer wrote that multi-storey residential towers are expected to be built in many parts of Sydney as numerous areas undergo a rezoning. 
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Western Sydney to have 'tens of thousands' of homes, says Budget 2017 

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Inghams Enterprises is selling a 4.115 hectare landholding in Sydney's west with the possibility of subdividing up to 80 residential sites.
Ingham’s will take a three-year leaseback over the site, 160-168 Heath Road, with an additional one-year option.
Peter Vines from CBRE said the site was strategically located between the cities of Liverpool and Campbelltown in a surging growth precinct.
"It is governed by favourable R2 and R3 zoning controls, allowing for 55 residential blocks and 25 medium density dwellings subject to planning approvals," he said.
“The sale provides an opportunity to capitalise on the buoyant conditions in the south-west Sydney housing market.
“Leppington has been identified by the NSW Government as a South West Priority Growth Area and is integral to accommodating Sydney’s growing population. The site also benefits from its close proximity to the new Leppington train station and proposed Badgerys Creek airport.”
CBRE’s Frank Oliveri said residential subdivision sites are arguably the most sought after commodity in Western Sydney and very few are presently available for sale.
“This opportunity will be particularly appealing, providing the chance to acquire a future residential development opportunity safeguarded by a short term leaseback, which will help offset planning and holding costs,” he said.
Expressions of Interest close Wednesday 12 April, 2017.
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Inghams to sell western Sydney development site

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/71791/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
So “fixing housing affordability” in Sydney is one of three top priorities for the new premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian. It’s good that the state’s new leader recognises this as an intensifying problem that can’t be ignored.
Berejiklian will appreciate the electoral importance of this issue. It’s an especially sensitive topic in western Sydney, which no longer provides Sydney with the large reserve of less-expensive property that it once did. Unless they can draw on family wealth, even middle-income first-home-buyers are now locked out of huge swathes of Sydney – including areas far from the inner city.
But given she came to the top job from the Treasury portfolio, Berejiklian would also be expected to have a clear understanding that the lack of well-located affordable housing is an economic productivity concern as well as a social problem.
One aspect of this, as shown by our recent research, is that central Sydney’s booming hospitality sector is facing growing pressure to find and retain suitable employees. This is because of workers’ limited ability to find affordable housing within a reasonable distance. To work in the inner city they must weigh up other compromises – such as living in shared housing, or paying a very high proportion of income in rent. 
Relying on backpacker labour supply isn’t an ideal business strategy. And, as inner Sydney housing affordability deteriorates further, there’s every possibility other CBD industries will see their lower-income labour market thinning out.
The broader issue is the growing stress caused by the continuing focus of employment creation in inner-city areas. This applies especially to the so-called “global arc” stretching from the airport in the south to Macquarie Park in the north. 
The mismatch between where affordable housing and jobs are available is a key cause of traffic congestion. Dan Himbrechts/AAP
In the last few years annual job growth here has been running at more than 2%, but only 0.5% in western Sydney. At the same time, housing market pressures mean more and more people needed to fill these new jobs are having to live in outer western Sydney. The resulting traffic congestion is damaging Sydney’s economy. 
Nationally, the cost of congestion in 2015 was A$16.5 billion – up by 30% on 2010. Anyone who commutes by car in Sydney will know it is a major part of this problem. Ultimately, some companies may choose to relocate to places where these problems are less severe.
<h2>Housing supply is only part of the solution</h2>
On the other hand, it must be hoped that Berejiklian will leave behind at Treasury the flawed analysis that fixing Sydney’s housing problems is simply a matter of increasing housing supply. 
No-one disputes that, with continued population growth, maximising new house-building must be part of the policy mix. But the idea that this can provide any kind of silver bullet for housing unaffordability is shot dead by the experience of the past few years. Record construction rates have co-existed with unprecedented and ongoing property price hikes. 
As premier, Berejiklian should therefore lend support to her ministerial colleague, Rob Stokes, who called it right by arguing recently that Sydney’s housing problems partly result from a market pumped up by excessive tax concessions for landlord investors.
These powers are held at the federal level, not with the states. So Berejiklian can do little more than lobby for such reform. 
<h2>Adopt the best policies from others</h2>
And yet the premier does have important powers of her own that can make a difference.
Recognising that even a moderation of property prices isn’t going to provide relief for tens of thousands of hard-pressed renters, the NSW government must take a leaf out of the book of cities like London and New York by using its planning muscle to ensure the inclusion of affordable rental housing in all major new housing developments. 
Under the former premier, Mike Baird, a promising initiative in this arena was the recent proposal by the Greater Sydney Commission to introduce a scheme of this kind. Private housing developments on sites “upzoned” under the planning system should include 5-10% affordable rental housing.
If she is serious about this issue, Berejiklian should back the commission’s move. She can prove her commitment to finding solutions by setting a much higher affordable rental housing target for development on government-owned land. This would ensure that a significant affordable component is locked in for flagship projects such as the Central to Eveleigh and Bays Precinct urban renewal schemes. This is a one-off opportunity that must not be squandered.
The new premier should also recommit to the innovative Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) created under her predecessor, following his 2015 commitment to a “billion-dollar fund” for affordable housing. 
An announcement on the promised second phase of the SAHF has been long-awaited. Perhaps Berejiklian can pledge to underwrite this by dipping into the huge stamp-duty bonanza the government has reaped in recent years.
Above all, NSW needs an overarching housing strategy that encompasses much more than just the social end of the spectrum. Recognising the urgency of the problem, Berejiklian should pledge that her officials will get to work on this right away.
Hal Pawson is associate director - City Futures - Urban Policy and Strategy, City Futures Research Centre, Housing Policy and Practice, UNSW Australia and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hal-pawson-147969" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

If you’re serious about affordable Sydney housing, Premier, here’s a must-do list: Hal Pawson

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Pemulwuy, a western Sydney suburb named after an Aboriginal warrior, is a high second on the list of suburbs predicted to grow most in the next eight years by a research report.
The <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/top-100-predictions-report?utm_source=blog.residex.com.au&amp;utm_medium=article-link&amp;utm_campaign=kd-160117">Residex Predictions Report</a> ranks the top 109 suburbs where predicted capital growth is forecast to be between an average of 4.0 percent and 11.1 percent per annum over the next five years, and between an average of 5.1 percent and 8.4 percent per annum over the next eight years.
The report is a valuable starting point for property investors researching where to buy next.
House values in Pemulwuy (postcode 2145) are expected to provide an average of 8.34 percent growth per year over the next eight years, according to the report. It ranks behind Gordon in the ACT where house values are predicted to grow by an average of 8.4% per year till 2025.
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s Asia Pacific research director said the suburbs listed in the report are the ones that we would expect to perform well in future years based purely upon the statistical patterns that the Residex algorithm has identified in their historical growth rates.
“Residex’s predictive model doesn’t allow for new developments, changing demographic patterns, improved infrastructure or any other such factors and these can have a substantial impact on the capital gain prospects across a suburb or town,” he said.
The December report is the first <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/top-100-predictions-report?utm_source=blog.residex.com.au&amp;utm_medium=article-link&amp;utm_campaign=kd-160117" target="_blank">Predictions Report</a> compiled by Residex since the business was purchased by CoreLogic in 2016, and uses the combined data resources of the two businesses.
The data is drawn from median values using the CoreLogic automated valuation model, rather than median sales prices. This is an important distinction as it takes into account the value of all properties within the suburb, not just those that have transacted across the period. This makes it a more reliable and stable indicator of values across the region.
The median value of houses in Pemulwuy was $914,000 as at October 2016, with an annual average growth of 8.22 percent, according to CoreLogic data.
Around the median price, some of the houses recently sold or on the market were:
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-pemulwuy-124063734" target="_blank">7 Cummings Avenue, Pemulwuy,</a> (below) NSW 2145, which is on the market with a price guide of $899,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/17/ResidexPemulbuy1.jpg" alt="">
Another four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-pemulwuy-123775782" target="_blank">23 Bulbi Street, Pemulwuy, NSW 2145</a> has been listed for $980,000.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/17/ResidexPemulbuy2.png" alt="">
Besides the ones on the market, some houses that recently changed hands include a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-pemulwuy-123857974" target="_blank">36 Bulbi St, Pemulwuy, NSW 2145</a> that sold for $930,000 in November 2016. The selling agency was Riverbank Real Estate. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/17/ResidexPemulbuy3.jpg" alt="">
Another sale was that of a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-pemulwuy-123405206" target="_blank">19 Stanbury Ave, </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-pemulwuy-123405206" target="_blank">Pemulwuy, NSW 2145</a> for $915,000 in September 2016. This too was sold through Riverbank. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/17/ResidexPemulbuy4.png" alt="">
 
In the national report, 107 suburbs had top predictions for houses while there were two suburbs for units. Across the country, 60 of the top 109 suburbs were in regional Australia and 49 were in city areas.
 
Broken down by state, 16 were in the ACT, 39 suburbs were within NSW, 15 were in Queensland, there was 1 from SA, 13 from Tasmania, 6 from Victoria and 19 from WA. Separate reports are also available for Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
 
Lawless said the report was not definitive and other suburbs could also perform strongly. Investors should conduct their own additional research before deciding to commit to a purchase.
 
“As with any forward looking analytic, the reports are predictions, not a guarantee of future growth, and taking into consideration your own personal circumstances is vital,” Mr Lawless said.
 
Get your full copy of the <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/top-100-predictions-report?utm_source=blog.residex.com.au&amp;utm_medium=article-link&amp;utm_campaign=kd-160117" target="_blank">Residex Predictions Report here</a> for $195 per state or $250 for the national report.
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Sydney's Pemulwuy follows Gordon as suburb with best growth prospects: Residex report

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The NSW government has committed to the largest ever government agency leasing deal in Western Sydney, with more than 62,000 square metres of A-Grade office accommodation to be built by Walker Corporation at 4 Parramatta Square.
The new building will accommodate at least 4,000 public service roles, including more than 1,600 planning and environment roles relocating directly from the Sydney CBD by 2019.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Dominic Perrottet, said the development would establish a major public service base in Parramatta, the heart of Sydney’s second CBD.
The development will bring together around 2,500 roles from the Department of Planning and Environment, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority, creating a Western Sydney Planning and Environment “hub” and improving opportunities for these agencies to work together.
Around 1,600 Department of Finance, Services and Innovation roles already located in Western Sydney will also be co-located in the new building.
The selection of Walker Corporation as preferred proponent followed an expressions of interest process and subsequent detailed tender phase.
Development approval for the site has been obtained and construction work is expected to commence in March 2017.
Since 2014, the government has announced the relocation of more than 4,200 public service roles from the CBD to Western Sydney.
This includes more than 1,800 jobs from the Department of Education, which will be relocated to 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta in 2018.
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NSW government jobs bound for Parramatta Square

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Chinese developer Dahua Group Australia (Dahua) has bought a 134 hectare land parcel in south western Sydney’s Menangle Park, previously owned by Campbelltown City Council, with plans for nearly 800 homes.
The site, adjacent to a 364 hectare site Dahua purchased from UrbanGrowth NSW last year, is the third bought by the Shanghai-based developer since last year. The deal amount was not revealed.
Dahua also acquired a third land parcel in Edmondson Park from UrbanGrowth NSW in November 2015. It recently started construction on its New Breeze community in Edmondson Park which comprises 1,280 allotments. The project launched in April and 241 allotments have already been sold.
Eric Li, general manager for Dahua Group Australia, said, “We are very excited about acquiring our third major land holding in Sydney’s South West. All three land parcels are located at the epicentre of the South West growth corridor and will benefit greatly from the state government’s multi-billion investment in infrastructure, jobs and community facilities in the area.”
The developer plans to build more than 4,380 homes over these three land parcels. Plans are afoot for a new town centre in at Menangle Park, a school, community facilities and open spaces. 
“The three masterplanned developments will help accelerate housing supply in one of Sydney’s rapidly expanding areas. A broad range of lot sizes and housing types will be provided to cater for a wide range of purchasers.
Mayor of Campbelltown Cr Paul Hawker said the sale was another step towards cementing Campbelltown City as the leading regional city of South West Sydney.
The Menangle Park masterplanned developments are nearly 60 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD and is close to the train station. 
Dahua is ranked among the top 50 developers in China, according to a media release.
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