ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="b086848">
Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

Agent Profile

<html><body>
Nic Krasnostein, one of the leading agents in Sydney’s east and inner-city precincts, has been recruited by Ray White Double Bay.
He had been at BresicWhitney since January 2007, so just short of 12 years.
His celebrity clients through the year have included the MasterChef semi-finalist Karlie Verkerk, the Rivkin family, marketing consultant Bruce Pollack, and the hairdresser Stefan Ackerie at the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo.
Ray White has also signed on <a href="/news/ray-white-signs-on-matthew-carvalho-for-inner-west-expansion">Matthew Carvalho</a> as part of their inner west expansion.
It was last September when Elliott Placks took over the Double Bay agency from the founding directors, Craig Pontey and Michael Finger.
The property veterans stayed on at the estate agency as sales agents and mentors to the 30-strong sales force.
The Ray White Double Bay office sold more than $930 million in property last year, being the number one office in Ray White’s Australian network for the last seven years.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
Pontey said this was a very natural succession plan which the trio had all been working towards for some time.
Placks had been at Ray White Double Bay for 15 years and as a director for the prior seven years.
Rival Double Bay agencies also appear to be on a expansionary recruitment drive cherry picking select agents from other agencies.
Jane Schumann, who has worked in real estate since 1990, quit Di Jones for Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay late last year.
<div>
Schumann was part of the team at Di Jones Real Estate Eastern Suburbs for the previous 13 years.
She was credited as the firm’s number one agent in the east. 
</div>
<div>
The other big name joining Raine and Horne Double Bay is Peter Starr, an agent for more than 27 years, who moved from McGrath Edgecliff.
The recruitment coup was led by the company’s head of sales, Luke Hogan, who was McGrath eastern suburbs sales manager until earlier last year.
Both Schumann and Starr were reputedly offered sign on fees.
Directed by Ric Serrao and Martin Maskin, the Raine &amp; Horne office has been recognised for the past 14 consecutive years as Raine &amp; Horne’s best performing office in both number of sales and dollar value.
Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay has been the flagship office of the Raine &amp; Horne brand since it opened in 1968, the network’s first suburban office.
In 2012, Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay acquired Raine &amp; Horne Bondi Beach, which was established in 1979.
</div>
 
 
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Nic Krasnostein recruited by Ray White Double Bay from BresicWhitney

<html><body>
High-profile real estate agent John McGrath has reportedly scrapped plans to step up as executive chairman of his agency. 
Peter Lewis seems set to be announced instead as the new chairman of the agency John McGrath founded in 1988. 
Lewis is Kerry Stoke's former chief financial officer, Peter Lewis.
He left the Seven Network in 2013, then joined Southern Cross Media, but left the radio and metropolitan radio broadcaster.
McGrath is to remain as an executive director, but not its chief executive.
<div class="_1665V undefined" data-reactid="372">
Privatising the company ''is off the agenda,'' spokesman Tim Allerton said on the weekend.
McGrath Estate Agents currently has 95 offices located throughout the east coast of Australia.
McGrath listed on the ASX in December 2015 at $2.10 and closed last week at 41¢.
</div>
 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

McGrath looks to Peter Lewis to lead agency board

<html><body>
Ray White Double Bay director Elliot Placks has claimed John McGrath wouldn't see his then junior staffer so he left for Ray White.
Placks said McGrath believed he was too young as Placks sought to move into sales.
He had created a business plan for McGrath to look at.
“I was getting 10 appraisals each week and I was only 20. I was good at it,” Placks said.
“I knew my target area and my commission based on the leads and appraisals I had created over the last two years," Placks recently said in a self promotional press release.
"But (then McGrath CEO) John McGrath wouldn’t see me.
"I was too young - told to stay as an assistant for a few more years."
After McGrath's snub, Placks joined Ray White Double Bay in 2003 and was made a director in 2011.
“I knew in my heart that I was ready and if he didn’t see the vision, I told him I’m going out to see who else sees it.
“I just wanted to become a sales agent, so I marched down to Ray White Double Bay and spoke to (former director) Trevor Leach, Craig Pontey and Mike Finger.
“Within the first half hour Mike told me I had a job, and that he’s never done that with anyone before.”
In his first year of selling real estate in 2003, Placks was named the number three top selling agent for Ray White in NSW and since then he’s consistently been a top 10 sales performer within the group.
Placks began his real estate career at McGrath while also working a boutique restaurant at Rose Bay and in fact he was "working in real estate to save enough money to buy the restaurant”.
Faced with the decision between buying the restaurant, he shifted to real estate full-time.
“The great thing about the restaurant in Rose Bay was I talked to a lot of people about their property and I got a lot of leads,” he said.
“That’s the unique part of real estate, sometimes you can sit at a coffee shop and chat to people and get leads.”
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

John McGrath's snub of a young Elliot Placks was a 'sliding doors' moment

<html><body>
NAME: Shaun Hendy<img src="/images/2015/04/01/Shaun-Hendy.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director - valuation, rural &amp; agribusiness
COMPANY: Colliers International
OFFICE LOCATION: Toowoomba/Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?  </li>
</ul>
I have been in the valuation industry for over 25 years starting as an assistant valuer in Toowoomba with Stanton Hillier Parker.  I cover an area from the Northern Territory to the Riverina in NSW specialising in broad hectare irrigated and dry land cropping and grazing properties.  I grew up with my family breeding stud cattle in Central Queensland and this love of the bush directed my career path.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
I specialise in agribusiness and presently we are seeing a lot of interest in Australia as a place to invest in agribusiness and we consider that this is likely to increase over the next few years as a result of recent Free Trade Agreements and the growing demand for soft commodities.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on.</li>
</ul>
I do not get involved with commercial property in CBD areas, however the most interesting property I have valued would be Cubbie Station at Dirranbandi.  It is the largest irrigation property in Australia and during its history received a lot of bad press due to water reform process during the 1990s and 2000s.  I believe a lot of the opinion was misguided with a lack of understanding of how the property operated and the rules of operation that dictate how it accesses water.  It has over 20,000 hectares of developed irrigation land, over 440,000 megalitres of on farm storage and a total of approximately 80,000 hectares of land.  It is developed to a very high standard and the size, efficiency and scale of the development can only be appreciated by being on site and seeing it for oneself.  There are other properties that in terms of quality are as good or better, however it size is what makes it the most interesting property I have been involved with.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?  </li>
</ul>
Being focused on understanding client needs/requirements.  Being able to communicate and speak to them about the process of valuation as it affects them.  Being honest, accessible and willing to answer the hard questions.  Looking for opportunities to add value to our service.  I have found that this has helped me build a loyal client base even when the client and I do not always see eye to eye.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? </li>
</ul>
 Doing property inspections and meeting people in their own environment.  Some of the places I have seen are icons of the Australian bush that tourists would pay to go and see while I get paid to inspect them.  I also enjoy the riding in helicopters to do many of the larger inspections as some of the larger properties are larger than some European countries.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?  </li>
</ul>
Buying and trading young cattle.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Queensland Reds
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
Solitaire and maps
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?  </li>
</ul>
Facebook to stalk my children (two girls 17 and 14 years) and Linkedin to connect with professionals with similar interests.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

In profile: Colliers International's director - valuation, rural & agribusiness, Shaun Hendry

<html><body>
NAME:  Rod Chadwick<img src="/images/2015/02/18/chadwick-feb-18-one.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
POSITION:  State general manager, Queensland
COMPANY:  AVJennings
OFFICE LOCATION: Milton, Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
15 years. I joined AVJennings in 2004 as NSW business development manager before relocating to Auckland, New Zealand in April 2008 to take up the role of project director with AVJennings’ Hobsonville Point Development. In July 2014, I relocated to Brisbane to join the Queensland team as AVJennings Queensland general manager.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Affordability continues to be a significant factor that consumers consider when purchasing a new or existing property. Interest rates are at a record low and as such we are seeing increased activity in the first home buyer market across our Queensland portfolio.
To ensure our products represent good value, AVJennings is continuously looking to innovate, whether this is in the urban design of new communities, the architectural design of new homes or in the materials and construction techniques we use when building new homes.
Our ability to provide innovative and consumer focussed products ensure that our products appeal to a broad range of customers from first and second home buyers and young families through to empty nesters looking to settle into a low maintenance home in established communities.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting property you have worked on? </li>
</ul>
Creekwood at Meridan Plains on the Sunshine Coast because of the diverse range of properties offered to the community. The entire Creekwood community spans 50 hectares and on completion will feature a total of 370 townhomes, terrace and loft homes and 470 homesites.
There is so much activity in the area, with the new Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital  at the Kawana Health Precinct set to employ 3,500 people - it's an exciting project in a beautiful part of Queensland.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? </li>
</ul>
Being consumer orientated is key.  Strong communication skills, unwavering commitment and patience are just as important as being inquisitive, numerate and strategic.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? </li>
</ul>
Creating communities and homes that people love to live in. At AVJennings, we are committed to our philosophy of creating fresh residential addresses that meet the individual needs of local communities and modern lifestyles.
Choosing a place to live is part of the great Australian dream. Our investment in innovative design, excellent land management practices, delivering outstanding community facilities and great living environments are our way of staying true to our goal of creating high-quality communities. It is great to be part of a dedicated team with values that align with the AVJennings brand.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
AVJennings’ Elysium Noosa community at Noosa Heads, Queensland.  The Noosa Heads property market is in the recovery cycle with sales prices and volume increasing. There are opportunities to purchase land and new homes in the Noosa Market for a fraction of the prices of being paid prior to the GFC. This represents the opportunity for capital gain as the market continues to improve and more buyers return to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of the Noosa region.
Elysium Noosa is one of the limited addresses where you can buy new land and homes with a Noosa Heads address. Elysium appeals to owner occupiers and investors alike as residents have access to their very own Rec Club with pool, tennis courts and residents lounge, plus its only 10mins to the restaurants of Hastings Street and Noosaville.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Wallabies.  Queensland Reds, Socceroos, Central Coast Mariners.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? </li>
</ul>
iPhone.  Now extension of the arm. Nearmap software allows me to access aerial images changing over time.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media? </li>
</ul>
Limited to be honest. I am on LinkedIn but I rely on my social media savvy team in the social media arena.
</body></html>

In profile: AVJennings' state general manager, Queensland, Rod Chadwick

<html><body>
NAME: Matthew Barr<img src="/images/2015/02/11/barr-feb-11-profiel.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: General manager - Queensland
COMPANY: Oliver Hume
OFFICE LOCATION: Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Coming up to 20 years in Victoria and Queensland.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
We're currently seeing an increase in the supply of land that's resulting in stronger enquiries and sales rates. We're also seeing some price growth as a result of that.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I've worked across a number of large masterplanned communities in Queensland and Victoria. Probably the most interesting is Providence, South Ripley, which I'm working on now. Once it's complete, it'll be about 7,000 homes for a population of about 20,000 residents.
It's a true masterplanned community. Open park space for sports and recreation, health and wellbeing; barbecues, al fresco dining and community; education, with two planned primary schools and two secondary centre. It'll have a main street with supermarkets, commercial spaces, retailers and the like. A lot of projects call themselves master-planned, but this is a true masterplanned community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
I think developing long-term relationships in both good and bad markets is the key. Obviously, honesty and integrity go a long way.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
I enjoy the variety of projects and obviously the challenges that come from that. Of course, the diversified group of clients we work with makes it a very enjoyable job.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I think I'd be looking at a residential property within a 5 kilometre radius of Brisbane CBD, with access to plenty of amenities and infrastructure. I think that's a pretty good bet at the moment.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Given the fact I'm ex-Victorian, Collingwood.
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
It'd be Card Munch, which allows me to enter business cards straight into my contacts by taking a picture.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I guess LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are the main ones I use, mostly to keep on top of what's going on and maintain a professional profile.
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In profile: Oliver Hume Queensland's general manager, Matthew Barr

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NAME: Tim Holtsbaum <img src="/images/2015/02/02/Tim-Holtsbaum-profiel.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director - residential site sales, NSW
COMPANY: Knight Frank Australia
OFFICE LOCATION: Sydney, NSW
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Over 10 years now.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Big things!  It's no secret that the residential markets across Australia and especially in Sydney have enjoyed substantial growth in both supply and demand economics.  Sydney experienced a relative under supply for several years’ post the GFC which when combined with a low interest rate environment has now led to aggressive price growth in the medium to high density residential market. 
This growth has been amplified by the influx of off-shore investors and developers, especially from within the Asian markets such as China and Malaysia.  Additional planning reforms along major infrastructure corridors with the aim of densifying key areas across metropolitan Sydney provide additional opportunities for both domestic and off-shore developers. 
With Sydney having experienced an approximate 35-40% growth in the median value on an apartment in the past five years, further growth is forecast for the coming 2-3 years as supply attempts to match ongoing demand for residential housing in Sydney.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
Perhaps due to their locations, it would be a tie between a 14 acre land acquisition for a new baby diaper manufacturing facility in Lagos, Nigeria and a commercial office acquisition in Islamabad, Pakistan.  Both presented unique challenges such as negotiating with local tribes in Nigeria through our Portuguese lawyers and having to discuss Ricky Ponting and the Australian cricket team for an hour before every meeting with a Pakistani Landlord.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
First and foremost, an infatuation with all things real estate.  If you find yourself sending your friends and family off to sleep with details of housing price movements in your suburb, growth in achievable gross realisations for high rise residential apartments and tightening cap rates due to an increased weight of capital in the market, you have found your niche.
In addition to general interest, I would also attribute my broad skill set having worked in multiple business lines across Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  Based on my experiences, I am a strong advocate for working cross-border in markets with contrasting cultures and individuals.  Globalisation may be the norm but understanding how various cultures conduct business can be pivotal in executing a successful transaction.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Two things:
<ol>
<li>Working with first class clients and focusing 100% of my energy on the residential development market and</li>
<li>The transaction. </li>
</ol>
My recent move to Knight Frank as the Director of Residential Site Sales, NSW helps me combine to two and build a team that will contribute to the growth of our Residential business as a whole.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Invest in promising young businesses with substantial growth potential.  I think Australian business will enjoy massive growth potential as our population increases year-on-year.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
For my sins I am a Dragons fan in the NRL and a diehard Liverpool FC supporter in the EPL.  I grew up playing rugby here in Sydney at school and Eastern Suburbs RC so supporting the Beasties and Tahs goes without saying.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
I would have to say my new phone.  I am not a mobile phone wizard by any stretch of the imagination but I have recently switched to the Sony Xperia Z3 and haven't looked back.  Of course, I have been given major amounts of grief for getting a Sony which just make me enjoy it more.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
Sparingly. I have the usual Facebook and Instagram accounts but my user levels are definitely on the low end of the scale. Can't say I am a huge fan of endless microblogging, hence no Twitter account for me.
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In profile: Knight Frank's director - residential site sales, NSW, Tim Holtsbaum

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NAME: Dean Landy<img src="/images/2015/01/21/dean-landy-jan-21-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Partner in Melbourne architecture firm <a href="https://www.chc.com.au" target="_blank">ClarkeHopkinsClarke </a>(CHC) and founder and director of the <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org" target="_blank">One Heart Foundation</a>, a not for profit organisation working to alleviate poverty in Africa.
COMPANY: Melbourne firm CHC has more than 50 plus years’ experience in creating vibrant communities across the design of entire urban communities as well as education, multi-residential, mixed-use, commercial, health and aged care projects.
OFFICE LOCATION: 115 Sackville Street, Collingwood.
One Heart Challenge operates out of an office in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been a registered architect for 13 years. I’m predominantly involved in the planning and design of retail and mixed use projects, multi-residential, commercial and community infrastructure projects.
My work stitches good architectural outcomes such as a strong design aesthetic, good buildabilty, integrated environmentally sustainable design principles and human-centred design solutions together with a strategic approach that creates a strong local social and economic environment as well as excellent developer returns. In other words, I aim to create vibrant communities.
I began work at CHC in 1998, when it was a practice of only 12 people. Today there are 65 people and the practice has been established for nearly 55 years.
In 2009 I received the ARBV Award for Architectural Services, a client nominated Award based on excellence in the design process. As a result, in 2011 I became an examiner for the ARBV Registration Board, assessing prospective architect’s registration applications for practice in Victoria.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
'<a href="https://%20www.creatingvibrantcommunities.com" target="_blank">Creating vibrant communities</a>' is how we describe CHC’s overarching approach to urban design. It’s a guiding philosophy that motivates us to carefully consider how the process of creating new places and communities should work to ensure new greenfield, brownfield and urban consolidation projects become more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable places to live.
CHC is currently undertaking research to rethink the way new places evolve. We are designing new processes that can be replicated to ensure a more creative and holistic view is taken when designing new places. From the initial idea, or the visualisation stage, through to the realisation of built infrastructure and beyond to activation by new residents and business and retail tenants. We call this the ‘place evolution process’.
This idea has gone beyond just research. We are currently developing a strong resource base and are looking to broaden the discussion in the design community to help contribute to our overall understanding for different stakeholders needs.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
St Germain is a new greenfield community by visionary developer Gordon Gill. It is being developed within the City of Casey, a fast developing growth area of the south eastern urban corridor of Melbourne. The development has recently been approved by the former Planning Minister Matthew Guy, and is also a demonstration project for the Metropolitan Planning Authority. We are well into the overall planning but it is still in the visualisation phase.
St Germain has been masterplanned with a strong focus on providing a vibrant and sustainable mixed use community – including a strong commercial aspect. The project features a unique planning initiative that is driven by the early delivery of key infrastructure projects around a village square such as a large medical centre and shopping centre to start contributing to the overall target of 3,500 jobs, and enabling more people to live and work in the same community. Community facilities, retirement living and diverse housing options will soon follow once construction starts in 2015.
The new village square and park will create a distinct sense of place, quality urban infrastructure and amenities, and start to build on the desired sense of community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
The key ingredient is to form strong relationships with the broad range stakeholders we work with on our projects. This can often go beyond an architect’s traditional role.
By connecting with stakeholders who are most knowledgeable regarding the planning opportunities during visualisation as well as with potential residents and business groups who will be affected during activation, we can much better understand the potential of a site and can act as a type of community advocate earlier on.
By behaving as a catalyst and facilitator of relationships between commercial, government and community stakeholders, greater value can be created for all parties throughout these stages, with the end result being a better place for people to live.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Combining my expertise as an urban planner and architect, with the community infrastructure projects we run at One Heart, means I can enjoy making a positive difference in the world in the profession I love to work in.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I would encourage any individual or company to invest in their people by supporting them to take part in the life changing leadership event that Run From Poverty will provide.
Since founding a charity to help abandoned and orphaned children I strongly advocate for wealthy western professionals to support those in poverty – so I would “invest” in making a future for some of the 22,000 children who die each day due to poverty. That's over 8 million children needlessly dying each year.
For me, rather than be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, I am inspired by the fact that I can help change the world for hundreds of children through the work that One Heart Foundation is doing in Kenya. And I believe this is just the beginning.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, CHC are sponsoring two staff members to take part in <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, as we know it will be an invaluable leadership development experience for them.
As a practice with a strong focus on the design of education facilities in Australia, it was an obvious connection for us to fundraise to construct more classrooms in Kenya through One Heart Foundation, as we know that education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle.
I would encourage other companies to consider supporting One Heart Foundation and Run from Poverty in the same way.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
St Kilda.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
Evernote on my tablet.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I have to admit to being a bit of a social media novice!
At this stage the use of social media has been very useful for updating sponsors on the work of One Heart in Kenya and to connect with potential sponsors for Run from Poverty. However, I’m keen to learn how I can use it more to connect with others involved in urban development and to share and exchange ideas. 
CHC is a supporter of Dean’s charity, which is holding its inaugural fundraising event, <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, in Kenya between 19 and 28 July, 2015.
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In profile: ClarkeHopkinsClarke's partner, Dean Landy

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NAME: Tom Jordan<img src="/images/2014/12/10/jordan-dec-10-porfile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Managing director
COMPANY: Hayball (architecture, interior design, urban design)
 OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne, Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
30 years.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
As a design director I’m involved in the multi-residential sector, with projects in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. There’s a significant re-emergence here of owner/occupier demand for larger apartments, primarily local buyers but also offshore.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
Trillium Residents Club, which is more than just a building. With leisure facilities for residents in a new suburb north of Melbourne, the club is contributing to a new community as it takes shape. The design program was diverse, and as a project it has a very strong yet elegant architectural response that we held a strong vision for, and we survived a demanding process to see it get through.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Having the best people possible you can get around you.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
The combination of projects being realised, and seeing the practice flourish.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I’d be looking at commercial and residential property.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Geelong
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
At work, I’m never far from Nearmap [geospatial map technology]. Away from the practice, it’s Navionics, for electronic nautical charting.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I am increasingly using LinkedIn to stay in touch with business associates. As a company, Hayball maintains a presence on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hayball" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/HayballArch" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. We’re also gaining a strong following on <a href="https://instagram.com/hayball_arch" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, which is a platform I’m really enjoying. 
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In profile: Hayball's managing director, Tom Jordan

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NAME: Robert da Silva<img src="/images/2014/12/03/Robert-da-Silva-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Head of research, fixed income and alternatives
COMPANY: SQM Research
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 1, 9 Castlereagh Street Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been in the funds management industry since 1984, so 30 years.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Fixed income is my current focus - the challenge in that area for funds is how to protect the downside from interest rate rises (when they eventually come) and maintaining income distributions at reasonable levels in a low interest rate environment.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I haven't had a direct involvement in commercial property.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Extensive knowledge of the markets, keeping up to date on economic and market developments, attention to detail, an ability to communicate well and interact with clients/ fund managers.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Meeting and interacting with the best fund managers in the business, across a wide range of markets, asset classes and investment styles.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Mainly in defensive assets, cash, absolute return fixed income, defensive alternatives that have some downside mitigation and a smattering of the riskier elements small cap stocks and emerging markets equities. Would keep an eye on commodities as well.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
South Sydney Rabbitohs
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
The usual suspects from Apple - iPhone, iPad, iPod.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/rob-da-silva/21/598/149" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>for professional reasons, outside of that not really much of a user (yet).
</body></html>

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