Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

Joel Robinson

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

Administration

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The Ralan Group, one of the country's biggest private apartment developers, has fallen into administration with debts estimated at around $500 million. 
Falling victim to sluggish unit prices amid a tough sales environment, the collapse will trigger job losses in the already east coast contracting construction industry.
Grant Thornton have been appointed to the group’s 58 companies, which undertakes developments of apartments across Sydney and serviced apartments on the Gold Coast.
The group's current project is 213 Princes Highway, Arncliffe (above) <a href="/buildings/bloom-arncliffe-213-princes-highway-arncliffe">designed by Stephen Bowers Architects</a>.
The project is backed by Westpac and the Melbourne-based non-bank lender Wingate.
Its head office was in Chatswood. 
The first creditors meeting will be held in Sydney on August 9.
The little known company founder, the Welsh-born William O’Dwyer, 53, is Bellevue Hill based where he owns a $5.7 million home.
He has been involved in the development of property since 1993, then founding The Ralan Group in 1998. 
<div dir="ltr">He prided himself of "maintaining a hands on approach to each and every Ralan project."</div>
The Ralan Group currently has a development pipeline of over 3,000 residential units which are in the construction or pre-sale stage.
The administrators are undertaking an urgent financial assessment of the group. 
“In terms of the operating businesses within the group, it is as far as possible, business as usual.
"We are working closely with key stakeholders to identify and preserve value for creditors,” said Said Jahani from Grant Thornton Australia.
Ralan sought to develop up to 600 apartments annually, concentrating on Sydney. At one staged Ralan had 11 sites underway on the North Shore, including a $13 million site in Killara. 
In 2015, he spent $95 million on Surfers Paradise properties and quickly becoming one of the Gold Coast’s biggest landholders. 
His big ongoing project was a $1.4 billion integrated residential and resort precinct at Surfers Paradise, the Ruby which was potentially set to span an entire city block.  
It was reported last year that Ruby buyers were facing difficulty in securing loan applications following a decline in valuation of up to 30 per cent.
Ralan's recent site purchases in Sydney included Turramurra where after spending $1.8 million on a 5,900 sqm site, it completed a six level, 83 apartment complex. 
There have been projects in Camperdown, Rhodes, Mascot, Wahroonga, Concord and Beaconsfield over the last two decades.
The collapse of Ralan is the latest of builders and developers experiencing financial difficulties since the property market slowdown began in 2017.
Martin North, from consultancy firm Digital Finance analytics, says there is "more bad news to come for developers."
He noted the slump in apartment demand arose from less buying interest from investors and foreign buyers, along with tighter lending criteria.
There was also concerns of buyers of off plan apartments who are not able or willing to complete purchases, North said.  
Just three years ago Ralan sold almost 100 in Lindfield and Roseville within 21 days of registering the strata plan.
“It’s obvious the demand is there and it’s obvious Australians are still having a love affair with property in Sydney,” Mr O'Dwyer suggested.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph.
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

William O'Dwyer's Ralan hits voluntary administration 

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UK retail giant Debenhams are closing their doors in Australia just two years after entering the market.
It was October 2017 when Debenhams stepped on to Australia shores, in Melbourne, where they secured a store on St Collins Lane in the CBD.
The retailer failed to expand across the country however, unlike other overseas retailers such as H&amp;M.
The decision to exit Australia comes three months after Debenhams entered administration back in the UK under a company voluntary arrangement.
They announced plans to close 22 stores in the UK, a move it said would help it to save millions year.
Lenders stepped in to restructure the company, with Sergio Bucher, the group chief executive, stepping down.
Debenhams was introduced to Australia by Pepkor South East Asia, which is part of Greenlit who run Harris Scarfe, Best &amp; Less, Fantastic Furniture and Snooze.
Greenlit chief Michael Ford said in a statement that "Greenlit Brands and our General Merchandise Division have carefully considered the implications of the administration … at Debenhams UK on our franchise and brand ­agreement.
“Due to change of control that has occurred at Debenhams UK, we believe that it is appropriate for us to start an orderly and managed process to cease this agreement.
“Our immediate focus is to support the Debenhams team members in Australia through this process and where possible, look at redeployment opportunities in the Greenlit Brands group once the business ceases to operate.
“This process will be undertaken carefully and sensitively while maintaining business as usual and continuing to serve our loyal Debenhams customers in Australia.”
The Project's Lisa Wilkinson was a fan, appearing on the hit Network Ten show, she wore a Debenhams' Wallis Red Animal Tie Top.
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

UK retail icon Debenhams to close its doors in Australia

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Ceres Agricultural Company has gone into administration.
The administrators are Philip Campbell-Wilson and Said Jahani from Grant Thornton.
In a statement published by the Beef Central website, the administrators said Ceres Agricultural Company operated one of Australia’s largest integrated cattle-finishing and cropping enterprises.
<div id="mobile_ad_3" class="mobile-ad">It said the company operated from leased properties at Oberon and Warialda.</div>
“While it is too early to confirm the factors which contributed to the need for the company to appoint administrators, it is understood that the company had been experiencing working capital/cash flow issues in recent months,” Mr Campbell-Wilson said.
“The drought, which has no doubt had an impact on many farmers, has had an effect on the company.”
The cost of expensive grain has made it very difficult for farmers facing a drought that has been going harder and longer and wider than anyone thought.
Campbell-Wilson said animal welfare was a key priority during the administration process.
“We are finalising arrangements in regards to the remaining 10,000 head of cattle on site which will enable the orderly finishing process for those cattle.”
Campbell-Wilson said the company being in administration would result in further redundancies, following a number of employees having been made redundant in recent months as the business has scaled back. 
“We are mindful that the closure of the company will have an impact not only on employees but on the local communities and businesses that were supported by the company.
“Our aim is to make the administration process as smooth as possible for employees and stakeholders, and to provide support and certainty around next steps."
The farmland is owned by separate corporate entities, with the administrators confirming their appointment did not extend to any related party entities.
The first meeting of creditors will be held on 9 April.
According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Ceres Agricultural Company’s directors are Vaucluse resident Garrick Hawkins and Singapore residents John Sheehy and Michael Sweeney.
<div id="mobile_ad_2" class="mobile-ad">Ceres is fully owned by Pegala Pty Ltd, who registered address is home to the Hawkins family’s showcase Mayfield Gardens.</div>
Sources have said Mr Hawkins intended to retain involvement with the Ceres’ Oberon properties, Mayfield and Ballyroe.
Ceres recently sold the 9000-hectare Brudle Park cropping aggregation (top) north of Moree for around $50 million.
Macquarie-backed Viridis Ag secured the cropping aggregation on the Newell Highway north of Moree.
The sale of the Brudle Park aggregation, which comprises the four properties of Brudle Park, Oaklands, Braden and Yileena, was the first major divestment by Ceres Ag since the business was put up for sale two years ago with a $200 million price tag.
Ceres Agriculture was established in 2012 when cropping and beef enterprise Pegela Pastoral Company received the backing of Singapore-based fund manager Duxton Asset Management in a deal put together by Mark Mason and Garrick Hawkins.
<div id="mobile_ad_1" class="mobile-ad">Ceres Agricultural Co’s other asset in northern New South Wales is Gunyerwarildi, which includes a feedlot and large-scale cropping operation at Warialda, east of Moree.</div>
“Brudle Park sold walk-in walk-out, and it settles next week. Contracts have been exchanged unconditionally,” CBRE agent Richard Royle said last week.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Drought tips Ceres Agriculture into administration

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Men’s fashion chain Ed Harry has become the first retail administration of 2019 with the bricks and mortar retail collapse putting 500 jobs at risk.
The first Ed Harry menswear store opened in Glenelg, South Australia, in 1993.
Ed Harry employs more than 500 people with over 80 stores.
They include new stories at Strathpine in Queensland, DFO Perth at Perth Airport, Western Australia, and Riverlink at North Ipswich, Queensland.
Longtime landlords include Stockland Green Hills at East Maitland, New South Wales; Westfield Plenty Valley at Mill Park, Victoria, Stockland Traralgon, Westfield Kotara in New South Wales, and Stockland Merrylands in Sydney.
Ed Harry continued a long tradition started in 1932 by Victor Harry (joined later by his son Edward) of affordable men’s clothing.
In 2011 Ed Harry was acquired by the Specialty Men’s Apparel group with many new-look stores opening in Victoria, Western Australia and Sydney. 
Ed Harry also relocated its national head office to Port Road in Hindmarsh, SA.
More than 100 South Australian retail jobs are at risk.
<div class="stockist-box" data-ind="87" data-id="90" data-latitude="41.934414" data-longitude="-74.002998" data-title="Riverlink (New store now open)" data-adr="Downs Street &amp; The Terrace&lt;br/&gt;North Ipswich, Queensland, 4305&lt;br/&gt;" data-desc="Phone: &lt;a href='tel:0438 209 323'&gt;0438 209 323&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;" data-ext="&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Store Hours:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Monday 9am–5:30pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuesday 9am–5:30pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wednesday 9am–5:30pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thursday 9am–9pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Friday 9am–5:30pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Saturday 9am–5pm&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sunday 10am–4pm&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;"> </div>
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Ed Harry collapse puts 80 retail landlords on alert

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Menswear chain Roger David will shut down all of its stores across Australia within a month, leaving 56 stores empty.
The 76-year-old company was placed in voluntary administration on October 18 citing "the influx of multinational retailers and the rapid, global evolution of online shopping" as the reason for their closure.
KordaMentha Restructuring administrator Craig Shepard said that while there had been some interest among potential buyers, there were no firm bids.
"Roger David was a victim of rising fixed costs, fierce competition from online and global competitors and cautious consumer demand," Mr Shepard said.
The embattled retailer is to close down by early to mid-December.
Roger David employs 300 full-time people and almost 200 casuals and part-timers.
Roger David has 193 employees in 19 stores in Victoria, 98 in 15 stores in Queensland, 77 in 12 stores in NSW, 60 in seven stores in WA, 15 in two stores in SA, 15 in two stores in Tasmania and four in one Canberra store.
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Menswear chain Roger David shutting down leaving behind 56 empty storefronts

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The Melbourne builder Bayside Construct has gone in to administration with 12 current projects being handed over to other builders.
The Port Melbourne-based company has debts estimated at around $20 million.
Administrator Sam Kaso told the Australian Financial Review that 49 people were made redundant upon being appointed as voluntary administrator last week.
Bayside managing director Craig Hopcroft told the AFR eight of the 12 projects were doing okay, but four were "pretty much under water."
"Two of those were terrible projects. That's all you need these days – you only need a couple of bad jobs when margins are so tight."
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Initial assessments showed that Bayside Construct owed up to $13 million to external unsecured creditors, mainly subcontractors.
Last year won the company won an award for the country's best medium-rise residential development for Mint at Port Melbourne.
Established in 2006, Bayside Construct specialised in the delivery of high-end and contemporary multi-residential developments and bespoke homes.
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Award-winning Melbourne builder Bayside Construct goes into administration

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After another spray from the Federal Court, the Mossgreen administrators have thrown in the towel, telling the no-pushover owners of $5 million worth of art and antiques that their insurance coverage had lapsed.
The letter sent by the BDO administrators on Anzac Eve stunned clients, already angered at the way the administration had been undertaken ever since their appointment just prior to Christmas. 
BDO have advised the auction house clients to help themselves to their stored contents, though not to come through the besieged accountancy firm which had expended a $1 million stocktake that the Federal Court described as "intermeddling".
BDO sent an update today to consignors of Mossgreen. The second creditors' meeting has been decided as May 4. Secured creditors have been advised their payment is likely to be 2 cents in the dollar.
"The voluntary administrators are without funds to meet the ongoing expenses of preserving and facilitating the return of goods," James White, the admonished BDO administrator advised all Mossgreen clients by email on Thursday.
"Consequently, the voluntary administrators are no longer in a position to retain the company’s remaining two leasehold premises and have no alternative but to arrange for possession of those premises to be returned to their respective landlords, as of close of business, Monday, 23 April 2018.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/24/MOSS_LETTER.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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"It will now be up to the landlords of those premises to co-ordinate the return of your consigned goods.
"Please contact the relevant landlord," the long suffering Mossgreen clients were told.
At the time of issuing the correspondence, the landlord for the Clayton warehouse indicated that he will seek to contact consignors directly in relation to the return of their consigned items.
BDO offered no indication of the return process of the former High Street headquarters.
"We remain in discussions with the landlords regarding how we might be able to assist them with the goods collection process, and to make available the work we have done to date to bring order to that process."
"However, you will appreciate that as we are without funds, we can no longer maintain insurance in respect of the consigned goods.
"We strongly recommend that you immediately ensure that you have your own insurance in place," White said.
One client indicated the "BDO's bloody-mindedness will tip the scales to ensuring state government's move to ensure in future that auction houses are covered by trust fund style regulations."
Mossgreen clients hope both landlords are disposed to readily assist in the return of the goods and chatels. Property Observer anticipated the landlords would become key stakeholders in our reportage last week.
BDO never provided "any satisfactory explanation" as to why they did not adopt a "common-sense approach" on an earlier quick return of the $5 million in art and antiques caught in the Mossgreen administration, the Federal Court of Appeal noted earlier this week.
The now published judgement that admonished BDO came after BDO was thrawted in its attempt to impose a hefty fee on all clients of the collapsed auction house, as they sought to recoup the $1 million in expenses undertaken without reference to the courts.
The fee often was more than the content's value.
The initial judgement by Federal Court judge Nye Perram ruled the BDO administrators were "intermeddling" in other people's goods in circumstances "where they had not been invited to do so, were not performing their statuatory functions and had not been appointed receivers."
While not agreeing to the entirety of Justice Perram's ruling, the judgement, signed off by the Honourable Chief Justice Allsop and Justices Banks-Smith and Colvin, reiterated the error in BDO's administration.
The judges noted given that the BDO administrators only sought directions after the event, in effect to approve the course that they had already undertaken.
It was initially estimated that Mossgreen held in excess of 10,000 items on consignment, held across three premises in Victoria, their High Street, Armidale premises, a site in NSW on Queen Street, Woollahra and a third party warehouse in Clayton, Victoria.
The goods were classified into the following categories:
1.    Items sold at auction prior to our appointment and not yet collected by purchasers;
2.    Unsold items of recent auctions held on consignment on behalf of vendors;
3.    Items held on consignment for future auctions;
4.    Items abandoned by purchasers and vendors;
5.    Items stored at the Company’s warehouse awaiting collection by vendors; and
6.    Artwork consigned to the Company to hang in the gallery.
The stocktake identified that Mossgreen retained 6,935 lots (or 4,663 lots excluding stamps and coins) on behalf of in excess of 800 consignors (or in excess 600 consignors excluding stamps and coins).
After including abandoned items, and allowing for the prospect that owners of such items were unlikely to make claims, the judges noted it could be seen that the extent of claims by individual owners to the return of individual items was not as overwhelming a task as BDO advised.
The total cost of the stocktaking exercise was $1,048,072. It comprised the following: wages of $240,747 as of the company’s 36 employees, after 19 were terminated in January 2018, the remainder were kept on.
An amount of $180,075 had been included for rent. An amount of $54,000 was included for insurance and $45,849 was included for security.
There was $122,605 allocated for the costs of engaging the Tiger stocktake company to undertake a complete stocktake of all consigned goods. 
Some $72,500 had been included for legal costs for obtaining advice as to consignor Tasks and seeking directions from the court.
Fes for the administrators were put at $126,551 and disbursements of $11,033 to 31 January 2018.
Actual administrator’s costs from 1 February 2018 to 16 March 2018 have been $200,715.
All of the above were based on estimates to 31 March 2018. 
The names of the art and antique creditors are a who's who from across Australia, ranging from passionate collectors, socialites, low key business tycoons to deceased estates.
Caught amid the clients, were Sydney's society Coppleson family listed as owed $465,000, the third highest-owed creditor.
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BDO says Mossgreen contents are now uninsured after copping a Federal Court shellacking 

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Project Group Constructions, a builder working on residential and commercial projects across Melbourne with contracts valued at about $190 million, has gone into voluntary administration.
The Burnley-based Project Group is a company with about 100 staff.
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The projects listed on Project Group's now disappeared website include the 16-unit Carlton Apartments project by MQ Property Group; Codstream's $30 million 48-unit Merri Green residential project in Melbourne's inner northern suburb of Northcote; the 19-unit 70 Wattletree Road project in Armadale by developers Buxton Group and Roulston; Outline Projects' 29-unit Little Oxford development in Collingwood, and the QMAX Development in Prahran.
It went into administration last Friday with a preliminary estimate, excluding employee entitlements, of $22 million in debts – $7 million of that secured to banks and unsecured debts worth $15 million – Matthew Jess of Worrells Solvency &amp; Forensic Accountants told The Australian Financial Review.
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Project Group Constructions calls in the administrators

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The Perth-based sandalwood company Quintis has collapsed, with KordaMentha now in administration, following Friday’s decision by a US fund manager to exercise an option demanding Quintis buy back $37 million of sandalwood plantations.
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“The company does not have the financial resources available to it to pay the put option price and the directors have therefore resolved to appoint Richard Tucker, Scott Langdon and John Bumbak of KordaMentha as voluntary administrators of Quintis and its Australian subsidiaries,” Quintis said in a statement.
“We are very disappointed with this outcome given the huge efforts made over the last nine months to recapitalise the company in order to deliver its sustainable future,” Quintis chairman Dalton Gooding said.
It is understood noteholders with $US250 million invested in Quintis intend to appoint receivers and managers from McGrathNicol, over the administrators to protect their interests.
Quintis owns more than 3000 hectares of Indian sandalwood plantations across Australia’s north and manages a further 2000ha on behalf of other investors and growers.
The collapse of the high-flier, which had previously used former cricketer Adam Gilchist and F1 star Daniel Ricciardo to promote its business, follows failed hopes for a recapitalisation or buyout needed to survive.
The former cricketing great Gilchrist and F1 racing ace Daniel Ricciardo proudly announcing themselves as Quintis ambassadors in early 2016. 
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The pair met in 2015 through listed sandalwood producer TFS Corporation, which was rebranded Quintis, which Gilchrist sat on the board of until 2014. 
In December 2016, Quintis shares topped $1.70, valuing the group at nearly $700 million. Its shares last traded at 29.5¢.
Its former managing director Frank Wilson has been critical of Quintis’ financial performance since he left to pursue a buyout in March last year.
The local paper reported on the weekend Wilson was involved in an angry clash with a company executive at a western suburbs shopping centre last year.
Wilson alleged Quintis reacted to the confrontation by delaying site tours organised for Wilson as part of the due diligence associated with his proposed buyout of the company, citing its duty of care to employees.
Timbercorp, a MIS that had 18,500 investors invest into $2bn worth of tax effective timber projects over 17 years, was an earlier collapse in 2009.
Investors were advised that a TFS investment of $9,405 got 35 trees, that equates to 700kg of heartwood which could sell for $135 per kg giving $94,500, reflecting an internal rate of return of 15%, but then paying $605 per lot per annum with an expected year of harvest 2032 (15 years). 
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Daniel Ricciardo-promoted Quintis sandalwood company collapses  

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The anticipated rescue of auction house Mossgreen is not happening.
Its 330 plus creditors were advised Mossgreen founder Paul Sumner had indicated his proposed deed of arrangement was not proceeding.
Instead Sumner will do everything in his power "to help creditors, to maximise what they receive,’’ he told Fairfax Media.
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Some $5.8 million is owed to clients who sold paintings, books, cars and other collectibles through the company over recent months.
Around 30 of the firm's 40 plus staff were made redundant by administrators on Wednesday.
The remaining staff will do a stocktake of items still being held on premises.
The items are not considered Mossgreen assets having been consigned goods, although their return will be delayed until a full stocktake is complete, a statement said.
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The former backer Jack Gringlas's Jadig Investments is the major secured creditor.
The secured loan facility from Jadig was provided to fund its expansion with interest being charged at $40,000 a month
The auction house fell into voluntary external administration last month.
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Mossgreen, known for its Armadale tea rooms at 926-930 High Street, and single-owner house content sales, owes $5.8 million to auction clients, plus $6 million to its former part-owner, Jack Gringlas.
There were 330 creditors identified at the meeting last week who were told no law required trust accounts for the auction proceeds.
The names of the creditors are a who's who from across Australia, ranging from passionate collectors, socialites, low key business tycoons to deceased estates.
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The biggest unsecured creditor stemmed from the auction of a book collection.
Some $1.75 million is owed to the family of <a href="http://www.mossgreen.com.au/content/event/the-collection-of-martin-copley-am/" target="_blank">the late wealthy insurance underwriter Martin Copley</a> who auctioned off the books in October.
The second biggest client was another deceased estate, that of the late South Australian building industry icon Alan Hickinbotham and his late wife Margaret. 
It was billed as the highest value collection ever to be sold in Adelaide when auctioned in May by Mossgreen's chief, Paul Sumner.
Mossgreen's most recent auction on December 7 last year was the contents of the Sheehy family with just 274 of the 438 lots being sold. The family, who are owed $45,000, inquired at the meeting whether Sumner's passport would be surrendered.<a href="https://www.mossgreen.com.au/content/event/the-ralph-drexel-collection-online-part-6/" target="_blank"> </a>
The collapse of the much heralded restructuring plan means that an earlier hope of the gallery's co-founder to return all vendor money is now uncertain, according to Fairfax Media.
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"When I said that vendor creditors would be paid 100 cents in the dollar and staff would keep their jobs, it was based on a witnessed agreement with the secured creditor," Sumner told The Australian Financial Review on Wednesday.
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But when previously asked the about creditors' chances of getting their money back, Gringlas had officially noted Sumner had "written to every vendor and told them they're going to get 100 cents in the dollar ... that he is putting in place arrangements to ensure that they all get paid. So he must believe it. I don't know where that money is coming from because there isn't the money in the company, so I can only assume he's planning to bring more money into the company."
Gringlas sold the leased High Street, Melbourne premises mid-last year for around $10 million to John Karkar.
The collapse of this supposed agreement with Jadig Investments, which Sumner declined to detail to The Australian Financial Review, means the distribution of funds is in the hands of administrators.
The inside suggestion is 20 cents in the dollar.
In a statement, the administrators said they would now "begin the process of an orderly wind down of the business. Notwithstanding this, a sale will be considered and expressions of interest shall be sought."
Mossgreen was founded in 2004 by Sumner and wife Amanda Swanson.
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