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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woolworths

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The Woolworths in Middle Brighton has sold for $32.08 million, billed as the highest price paid for a passive supermarket investment in Australia.
CBRE had over 280 enquiries for the supermarket, with around a third of the buying interest coming from offshore.
It went to a local private investor who will see a 3.77 percent yield from the investment which is leased by Woolworths until 2040.
The buyer, a prominent Melbourne family, beat off 15 other formal offers CBRE received.
Woolworths however do have the right of refusal to match the offer and acquire the property, which is outlined in their lease agreement.
"Woolworths has a leasehold interest in this site only and is not in a position to speak in relation to the sale process," a Woolworths spokesperson said.
CBRE's Justin Dowers, who negotiated the Woolworths sale with Mark Wizel and Kevin Tong, said there's a recipe for a highly secure retail market.
''When you couple [the] strongest population growth in the country (1.7 percent) and highest consumer sentiment levels (105.8), you have a recipe for a highly secure retail investment.
"More and more population will increase retail trade, leading to improved security for these retail leased investments," he added.
The recently refurbished 3307 sqm supermarket on Brighton's popular Church Street hadn't traded since 1985 when Sestons Pty Ltd, controlled by Laurence Teh, paid $3 million for the property.
It stands on a 4700 sqm site with 85 parking spaces on title.
The sale follows a string of Woolworths sales across Australia this year, the most recent the new site in Sydney's Potts Point which was snapped up by New Zealand investor Brain Cook.
The last four:
Potts Point - New South Wales
Auckland-based investor Brian Cook paid $16.3 million for the retail complex in Potts Point's new Omnia development. The 1,190 sqm space is pre-leased by Woolworths for the next 15 years.
Logan City - Queensland
This was a Woolworth's anchored shopping centre, which went for $38.25 million when bought by an Asian investor. The deal translated to a net yield of six percent. Woolworths, which brings in 55 percent of the centre's revenue, is joined by 13 retail tenancies.
Burnie - Tasmania
The recently refurbished 4000 sqm supermarket on 10,978 sqm sold for $18.1 million to a Melbourne investor. The site is leased by Woolowrths until 2031 with a 6.8 percent yield.
Bella Vista - New South Wales
This was in fact Woolworths HQ, which sold to a Korean investor for $336.45 million in January. The site is 100 percent leased to Woolworths until 2031 and represents a yield of 6.07 percent.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Woolies supermarket buyers - the last four sales as Woolworths Middle Brighton sells on 3.77 percent yield

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Woolworths plans to shut 30 stores, including 17 supermarkets in Australia and six in New Zealand.
It was announced as part of a Woolworths restructuring into a new operating model that sees 500 fewer jobs, and the slowing of its store roll-out.
It involves closing underperforming outlets by the new chief executive Brad Banducci, who started in the role in February.
These 17 stores are all expected to shut before the end of the current financial year. They have not been identified from their 960 store tally, but have an average six years remaining on their lease. Under community pressure Woolworths reportedly advised that it Bundaberg region stores will not be closing.   
Woolworths also said that it has identified five Big W stores that are likely to close in the next three years based on current trading performance.
A further 34 stores across its broad portfolio are rated as underperforming.
Woolworths said there was "currently significant uncertainty around whether we would renew the lease at the end of the lease term".
These include 15 supermarkets in Australia and five metro stores.
There are also 20 development sites were the build will be delayed or not proceeded with.
He said sales per square metre and 'Return On Funds Employed' would be introduced as long-term executive performance indicators of how stores were performing under a new operating model.
Banducci had been managing director of Woolworths Food Group with 25 years in retail, including 15 years consulting to some of the world’s leading retailers, as well as private equity experience in retail.
He had had five years with Woolworths, including his role in leading the growth of Woolworths Liquor Group. During this time he was instrumental in the development of Dan Murphy’s.
The announcement comes as the German supermarket Aldi is estimated to now hold a double-digit percentage share of the Australian grocery sector.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims believes Aldi to now have “close to north of 10 percent of the market now”, according to Fairfax Media.
Sims believes this has knocked the dynamic duo of Coles and Woolworths down to a combined 70% share, whereas the two held closer to a 75% share a few years ago.
Aldi has over 400 stores across the country, employing over 9000 staff with sales in 2013 at just under $5 billion, up $2.86 billion from 2010.
Woolworths will open 45 stores over the next few years.
It typically closes around eight stores each year.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

17 Woolworths stores to close in Australia with another 15 under threat

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New Zealand investor Brian Cook has secured the $16.3 million retail component of the new Omnia residential development in Potts Point.
The Woolworths Omnia centre comprises the 1,190sqm retail component of the new Omnia residential development, anchored by a 15-year prelease to Woolworths. 
It is directly opposite Coles and close to Harris Farms outlet.
CBRE’s Nick Willis negotiated the sale on a yield of close to 5 percent with colleagues Justin Dowers and Sharon Yang.
The Omnia sale is subject to Woolworths not exercising a final right of refusal to acquire the property where it plans a new format Metro store.
Woolworths has been operating from the Ikon basement on Macleay Street, with its future in doubt, but Woolworths is coy on giving its rivals any indication of its formal intent.
"We ensure our Metro stores are all in locations which are convenient for our customers to easily access given their busy lives and we look forward to launching in the area by 2018."
The Auckland-based investor Ben Cook has taken his Australian retail property buying spree over the past nine months to over $100 million.
The Cook Property Group also acquired the Beach House Lane retail centre on Bondi Beach for $31 million and the Bunnings warehouse in Sydney's Eastgardens for $56 million last October.
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New Woolworths Potts Point premises sold

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Mirvac Group has exchanged contracts for the sale of 1 Woolworths Way, Bella Vista for $336.45 million, representing a yield of 6.07 percent.
As part of the transaction, Mirvac Projects will remain responsible for the delivery (including cost) of a new multi-story carpark via a development management agreement.
The Woolworths headquarters at 1 Woolworths Way is located 30 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD within Norwest Business Park.
It is 100 per cent leased to Woolworths Limited until 2031 with Woolworths recently signing a new 15-year lease extension.
South Korean-based property investors, advised by Inmark Asset Management, bought the property which was marketed by Paul Noonan, Rob Sewell and Simon Storry of JLL and Graeme Russell, Ian Hetherington and Ben Azar of Savills.
It had a recent book value of $250 million before the new lease and before the envisaged car parking arrangement.
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Woolworths HQ at Bella Vista sold to Koreans

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Marketed as Australia's most affordable Woolworths, Burgess Rawson have the George Town, Tasmania premises listed for August 5 auction.
The 8 Bathurst Street, George Town tenants come with an established lease with 20 + 10 year lease through to 2042. 
The rent is $336,682 pa.
The 1978 square metre Woolworths at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P1087#.Va8OqSqqqko" target="_blank">8 Bathurst Street, George Town</a> has been described as a "consistent and progressively performing investment" with a captive trade catchment. 
The single tenant offering has minimum management investment with income tax saving depreciation. 
George Town is described as a residential and service centre for major industry including Bell Bay Aluminium generating a 1,500 workforce. 
George Town is a large town in north-east Tasmania, on the eastern bank of the mouth of the Tamar River. The Australian Bureau of Statistics records the George Town Municipal Area had a population of 6,906 as at the 30 June 2011.
It is also a popular tourist and holiday region providing a seasonal boost. 
The auction will be held at Crown Casino Melbourne.
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Woolworths cheapest landlord offering? Burgess Rawson 

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Woolworths is looking at a sale of its Thomas Dux gourmet food store chain, The Australian Financial Review  reports.
The company has reportedly sought expressions of interest from trade buyers and private equity investors.
It is asking between $10 million and $20 million for the 10-store chain, according to the report which suggested potential buyers could include South African retailer Woolworths Holdings, which purchased the upmarket department store chain David Jones.
The first Thomas Dux store opened in 2008 in Sydney's lower north shore suburb of Lane Cove, with the second in Paddington.
In 2009 Dux opened is recently closed store on Crown Street, Surry Hills.
The company bought leases on eight Macro Wholefoods sites, including Crows Nest and Hornsby.
Tim Morris, from New Zealand-based Coriolis Research, advised in 2008 that no "middle market" retailer in the world had ever been able to make a success of an upmarket small-format store.
The 10-store gourmet food chain became profitable last year.
Thomas Dux was pitched as not quite as fancy as upmarket rivals Simon Johnson or Jones the Grocer, but taking on Norton St Grocer and Harris Farm Markets in the middle ground of specialty grocer-cum-deli with an emphasis on fresh foods.
It was pitched as selling niche brands which Woolies didn't stock in its then 777 supermarkets nationwide.
 
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Thomas Dux food chain listed for sale by Woolworths

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David Jones, Australia's only upmarket department store, has fallen into the hands of South African retail giant Woolworths, in a deal worth $2.15 billion. 
Woolworths, which already has a majority shareholding in Country Road, has out muscled Myer, which had proposed a merger deal between the two departments. Myer withdrew its offer this morning.  
In an announcement to the ASX, the board of David Jones said it unanimously recommended the offer to its shareholder, which will see Woolworths acquire all of DJ's shares via scheme of arrangement. 
The proposed scheme offer is for $4 cash per share - reflecting a 25.4% premium to its closing price on 8 April. 
Woolworths chief Ian Moir said the combination of the two would create a "leading southern hemisphere retailer with meaningful scale, able to leverage common fashion seasonality with enhanced sourcing capability". 
"Woolworths will bring extra capability, financial strength and significant scale to accelerate these strategies and offer a greatly enhanced value proposition, delivering on-trend product within the most exciting and innovative shopping experience in the market".  
David Jones chairman Gordon Cairns described the proposal as "compelling", which represented a "significant premium to not only our intrinsic value but also to broker valuations and to recent share prices". 
"It represents a substantial earnings multiple". 
In reaching its conclusion, he also said the board considered a number of alternatives. 
Among them were "standalone value creation opportunities, realising the value of the freehold properties owned by David Jones or pursuing a merger with Myer. 
As at noon, the upmarket retailer's share price was up 23% or 73c to $3.923. 
Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote on the scheme proposal in late June.   
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