There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

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That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

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That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

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Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Byron Bay

Prominent luxury property developer Luxcon Group are set to break into two new markets.

The Sydney-based developer, who has a string of high-end projects across Sydney's eastern suburbs and Melbourne, is set to launch two new high-end projects in Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay.

The two projects, Escape in Surfers Paradise on Garfield Terrace and Bohemian in Byron Bay on Jonson Street, located on the popular tourist spots most sought-after streets, will be part of Luxcon's new Coastal Collection.

Escape, Luxcon's first project in Queensland, will comprise 28 full floor and dual level penthouse-style residences, each with four bedrooms. There will be two floors of amenities including a pool, gym, sauna and spa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=206730]

Sydney architecture firm PBD Architects suggested in their design statement submitted as part of the development application process back in July that Escape&nbsp;will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise, towering out amongst the Gold Coast cityscape as a new destination for those looking for resort-style luxury living.

"Its uniqueness is comparably contemporary and "edgy" amongst a sea of beachfront architecture incorporating coastal curvature and sleek ripple effects in their designs. It also creates a highly sophisticated urban design," PBD noted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=206732]

"Inspired by the natural transition or movement from the coast to the air by the cooling coastal breeze, Japanese art of paper folding, origami, a simple rectangular paper begins to articulately transform into a sculptural object."

PBD were also in charge of the designs for&nbsp;Bohemian at 96 Jonson Street Byron Bay. That will home 44 two and three-bedroom apartments, at the heart of Byron Bay’s main strip and just moments to the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108275 project_image_fid=206721]

The Byron Bay project will sit above a 1,750sqm retail shopping and international food plaza and will also include a rooftop terrace with infinity edge pool, gym and spa.

Both developments will feature VZUG Swiss appliances and interiors by Coco Republic.

The Bohemian and Escape developments will see prices start from $2.2 million.

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Highland Project Marketing CEO David Highland, who secured quick-fire sales at the Sydney-based Sammut's Coast development down the road, said&nbsp;it is a pleasure working alongside such a highly credentialed developer to bring the exclusive range of apartments to market.

“It is incredibly rewarding to be collaborating with Luxcon to deliver these projects and doing the unveiling at Margaret was phenomenal,” Mr. Highland said.

“We never expected anything less from Neil Perry, but with Margaret he raised the stakes and having him there on the night was just wonderful.”

Luxcon Director Ilya Melnikoff said the team are excited to have launched the projects to market and look forward to what is to come.

“We have worked closely with PBD Architects to evolve a design that is both sophisticated and functional, capturing the essence of true coastal luxury living,” Melnikoff said.

Luxcon Director Ilya Melnikoff said the team are excited to have launched the projects to market and look forward to what is to come

Luxcon launch new Coastal Collection apartments in Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay

Byron Bay's only beachfront backpacker hostel is set to make way for a new luxury off the plan apartment project.

Vitale Property Group are behind the plans for the luxury development which will comprise just 26 three-bedroom apartments across three separate three-level buildings on an amalgamated site incorporating Cavvanbah, Milton, and Shirley Street's.

Hayball has designed the project with apartments starting from 130 sqm internally and ranging in size to as large at 170 sqm internally. Each apartment will have large outdoor areas, with balcony space starting from 50 sqm and ground floor terraces from 71 sqm, the latter each with their own private lap pool.

The eight apartments that will sit on the third level of the project will have two levels, the upper level featuring 125 sqm plus roof terraces. Every apartment will also have parking for three cars.

There will be extensive central landscaping on the ground floor, nearly 1,400 sqm, which will incorporate a resort-style pool set beside an established Moreton Bay Fig.

<img alt="The luxury Byron Bay pool area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="741df418-5be9-45da-9f10-5af4596f9c17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-11%20at%2010.32.42%20am.png?VersionId=V_6F8uM6i_DzTZ8VYcZxuggC.QgQ.Gz5" />

The rooftop will also have resident amenity in the shape of more landscape gardens.

Development site amalgamation specialists GV Property Group put together the site.

The Brisbane-based Vitale Property Group led by husband and wife team Chris and Letitia Vitale, are behind the Burleigh Heads hotel and apartment development The Mondrian. That will home Australia's first Ritz Carlton hotel as well as 84 luxury apartments.&nbsp;

The new Byron project is a rare opportunity to buy an off the plan apartment in the tourist mecca.

Earlier this year Sydney developers Podia launched The Barbotine, a collection of hotel-style apartments which operate in a similar vein to Airbnb, but will be managed more like a hotel when the apartment owner isn't in residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112757 project_image_fid=203482]

Podia had The Calile Hotel, Brisbane designers, Richards &amp; Spence, create the project at 116-118 Jonson Street, next to Mercato on Byron, the most used gateway into town. There will be just 41 apartments on offer across three low-rise levels, anchored by a landscaped central courtyard which will meet a mix of public retail, wellness and dining venues.

Vitale Property Group are behind the plans for the luxury development which will comprise just 26 three-bedroom apartments

Byron Bay's Backpackers Inn to become new luxury apartment development

Most known for where Chris Hemsworth lives, Byron Bay is set for a rare apartment development which will benefit the part-time investor, part-time holiday maker.

The Sydney developed Podia has launched The Barbotine, a collection of hotel-style apartments which operate in a similar vein to Airbnb, but will be managed more like a hotel when the apartment owner isn't in residence.

Podia had The Calile Hotel, Brisbane designers, Richards &amp; Spence, create the project at 116-118 Jonson Street, next to Mercato on Byron, the most used gateway into town. There will be just 41 apartments on offer across three low-rise levels, anchored by a landscaped central courtyard which will meet a mix of public retail, wellness and dining venues.

There are two, three and four-bedroom hotel-apartments, which offer an alternative to Airbnb ownership. Buyers will be able to own their own hotel residence to use as both a part-time personal Byron retreat and also use as an income stream when not using the property.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-byron-bay"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1064" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-25_at_9.41.54_am.png" width="1452" /></a>

Podia director Michael Grassi said The Barbotine intentionally redefines the hotel experience and curates an unforgettable destination in Byron Bay that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“The Barbotine is a new concept catering for guests who want the intimacy and home away from home feel of an Airbnb, but with the service of a boutique luxury hotel; and for investors who want the returns of an incredible holiday property but without the hassle of upkeep and security," Grassi said.

The dual key apartments allow apartments to be divided into two completely separate apartments, while also cater for larger groups.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-byron-bay"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1098" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-25_at_9.41.59_am.png" width="1658" /></a>

The hotel will be managed by Jeremy &amp; Jones, purveyors and operators of independent luxury hotels and deliver a guest experience unlike any other that is expected to make it a premier accommodation choice in a town where hotel-style tourism accommodation is scarce.

Jeremy &amp; Jones Director Jeremy Holmes said this is apartment living delivered through the lens of a hotelier.

"Not only will guests enjoy the kind of luxury personalisation you’d expect of a hotel, but owners visiting for the weekend benefit from a concierge they can instruct from afar to have a surfboard tucked away in their room ready for their arrival,” Holmes said.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bonobo-by-raes-byron-bay"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1110" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-25_at_9.42.06_am.png" width="1996" /></a>

A communal rooftop crowns the building and features a central swimming pool set amid landscaped surrounds, with private rooftop terraces adding further amenity.

Construction is expected to commence mid-2022, targeting a completion in late 2023.

The Sydney developed Podia has launched The Barbotine, a collection of hotel-style apartments which operate in a similar vein to Airbnb, but will be managed more like a hotel when the apartment owner isn't in residence.



Rare Byron Bay off the plan apartment development an alternative to Airbnb management

Byron Bay has enjoyed a COVID-induced boom, with capital city holiday makers and investors driving the housing market&nbsp;in the small northern New South Wales town.&nbsp;

But the area is set to welcome a new breed of holiday maker. There&#39;s rare plans for new apartments on Jonson Street, the main street on the way in to town.

Low-key Melbourne investor Adam Garrison&nbsp;and Singaporean real estate tycoon Dr Stanley Quek are behind&nbsp;$52 million proposal for the&nbsp;mixed-use precinct at 90-96 Jonson Street, with local architect Harley Graham Architects designing the three-level building.

That&nbsp;includes ground level&nbsp;retail, some 1,750 sqm which will&nbsp;incorporate&nbsp;a spice alley. There will also be a cascading pool in the landscaped piazza by Daniel Baffsky at 360 Degrees.

Baffsky was&nbsp;given an extensive brief to green the structure in keeping with local subtropical climate and the buildings orientation.

<img alt="" height="674" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/90-96_jonson_st_byron_bay_2_0.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The plans submitted to the Byron Shire Council. Source: Harley Graham Architects

Levels one and two will be a mix&nbsp;two and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 90 sqm to 120 sqm. Each will have a front terrace and a rear balcony, and most will have an internal lush lightwell.

Crowning the development will be a resident only rooftop, with swimming pool, pool deck, residential lawn, solar farm, yoga deck and native walking gardens.

There was a pre-lodgement meeting in March where it was revealed that when the notification to local Byron residents was distributed, there were three&nbsp;individuals expressing interest in the residential apartments, with two further sales enquiries received after the consultation closed.

They wanted to be kept updated on the proposal, however, were advised that a number of assessments and plans were yet to be finalised and that their interest was premature.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="658" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/90-96_jonson_st_byron_bay_3_0.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The plans submitted to the Byron Shire Council. Source: Harley Graham Architects

There&#39;s concerns from locals the apartments will just become lucrative holiday lets and not address the chronic shortage or housing in the area. There are some 3,500 properties listed on Airbnb in the Byron Shire,&nbsp;

It&#39;s the second plans lodged on Jonson Street this year.&nbsp;

Developer Podia has <a href="/news/nsw/27-million-byron-bay-serviced-apartment-project-lodged-by-podia">proposed a $27 million development including serviced apartments</a> at the Holiday Village Backpackers site in Byron Bay.

The project is proposed for 116 and 118 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, currently the Holiday Village Backpackers.

DESIGN SUMMARY

The overall design aims for an environmentally and socially sustainable development. Delivering an integrated experience between the architecture, landscape and varied public and private activates of the site, creating a vibrant precinct to live and visit. This is achieved through multiple devices, including;

&bull; Improved pedestrian connection 
&bull; Activated public frontage 
&bull; Inclusion of fine grain retail spaces 
&bull; Contemporary residential amenity 
&bull; Connection to public amenity including greenspace and transport 
 
The landscape is conceived as a holistic urban garden. The landscape is a counterpoint to the modern architecture and a complement to the district &rsquo;s vernacular. It is a juxtaposition of a wild oasis and a familiar domestic courtyard. It is both elevated and vertical, and being integral to the architecture, demonstrates a progressive whole-of-building approach to the urban landscape that breaks free of the typology of peripheral and interstitial boundary treatments and singular ground floor or podium landscape. The whole of building landscape approach seeks to create a cohesive environmental and socially sustainable landscape and living building.

The sequence of landscape components (streetscape and piazza, retail lane, podium gardens, and residential amenity) combine to create an integrated, verdant and diverse sequence of spaces that contributes to both the private domain of the building&rsquo;s residents and the public domain of the broader Byron precinct.

The overall design aims for an environmental and socially sustainable landscape and an integrated landscape experience with the buildings architecture and function, activating the site and creating a vibrant precinct and place to live. The podium gardens have been designed with the intention to form a focus on the development and provide complete site cover of landscape. These spaces also provide social and recreational opportunities for residents, while contributing to the urban character, visual quality and biodiversity of the area.

This development demonstrates a progressive approach to landscape integration with residential development. In this project, the garden contributes as much to the character of the street and broader precinct as it does to the enjoyment of the buildings tenants. The studied integration of landscape and architecture also provides environmental benefits including reduction of the heat island effect, stormwater absorption and creation of urban habitat.

Fundamentally the Landscape Architectural design sets out to provide a stimulating environment responsive to the scale of the development that adheres to the local planning controls, including ESD initiatives and native planting requirements. Environmentally, the diversity of landscape expressions and significant site coverage will help reclaim a site that is predominantly carparking into a habitat for local flora and fauna.

Levels one and two will be a mix two and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 90 sqm to 120 sqm

Byron Bay set for new apartments as plans for $52 million mixed-use Jonson Street precinct lodged

Developer Podia has proposed a $27 million development including serviced apartments at the Holiday Village Backpackers site in Byron Bay.

The project is proposed for 116 and 118 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, currently the Holiday Village Backpackers.

Byron Shire Council has placed the proposal on public exhibition.

It&nbsp;involves 41 serviced apartments, ground-floor retail and dining spaces, plus a communal garden.

The proposed three-storey building has been designed by Richards &amp; Spence Architects lead by architect Ingrid Richards.

There will be a rooftop pool and basement carparking.

The application notes the process of urban renewal presented the town with an opportunity to address the major environmental challenges including climate change; health and wellbeing and resource depletion.

&quot;These sustainability principles give effect to this broad agenda for a more sustainable, attractive and competitive town,&quot; the application advises.

Katie Wilson, the proprietor of Byron Bay Backpackers, wrote a letter of &ldquo;unwavering support&rdquo; for the proposed development, according to the Byron Shire News.

&ldquo;Our family have owned and operated at this site for 38 years and it is quite emotional letting go, however, we are so pleased with the architectural design and overall vision for the site that we are very seriously considering our association with the property by purchasing one of the apartments within the development,&rdquo; Ms Wilson wrote.

The Sydney developer Podia paid $18.55 million in February to buy the 4287 sqm site after 150 buyer inquiries.

Head of development at Podia, Michael Grassi, said the firm was &quot;passionate&quot; about Byron and want to contribute positively to the Byron Bay town centre.

&ldquo;We wanted to open up the site, maximising solar access to the internal public park so locals, guests and visitors have more green space in the centre of town to lie under a tree and take a break,&rdquo; architect Ingrid Richards told the local paper.

&ldquo;Merging private and public spaces, the courtyard is pivotal.&rdquo;

Richards &amp; Spence are best known for their Brisbane project, Calile Hotel.

Podia is currently constructing 25 apartments in the Premier Place development at 14-20 Premier Street, Neutral Bay.

It has been designed by architect ess lifestyle, with interiors by Richard Stanisich, and landscaping by Dangar Barin Smith.

Premier Place comprises a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, including garden homes and a spectacular penthouse with city, skyline and Harbour Bridge views.

The last four three-bedroom apartments were priced from $3,700,000-$3,900,000, with two two-bedders priced from $2 million through Atlas by LJ Hooker.

Last July Podia took a put and call option over 18 strata lots at 45 McLaren Street, North Sydney with plans to build a larger mixed-use development.

The structured deal was worth more than $55 million, according to market sources, with the Australian Financial Review reporting it was contingent upon the site being rezoned to allow for higher density development.

The 1792sqm site is located 100m from the future Victoria Cross Metro station.

The $27 million development at 116 and 118 Jonson Street proposes 41 serviced apartments, plus retail and dining spaces and a communal garden

jchancellor

$27 million Byron Bay serviced apartment project lodged by Podia

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The popular ARIA-award winner Tones and I has returned to her roots where she made her name as a singer.

The pop singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, has spent $3.3 million on two holiday rentals on the same block just out of town. The homes, known as Starr Cottage and Skye Lodge, share the 1010 sqm parcel.

She's understood to be honouring rental bookings for the properties, with Starr Cottage still available to book at $880 a night. However, despite bookings coming up, Skye Lodge is no longer available for further bookings.

Skye Lodge (pictured top and below) is the grander of the two homes, comprising six bedrooms and three bathrooms, a media room, games room and its own pool. 

<img alt="" height="796" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/skye_lodge_2.jpg" width="1200">

Starr Cottage has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a private parents retreat upstairs with ensuite. The lounge opens to private backyard with a swimming pool set in established gardens.

On the property is a separate self-contained one bedroom managers quarters with its own private courtyard and entry. 

Marketed as ticking all the boxes for an investor, owner occupier or holiday maker, both homes have been renovated in keeping with their heritage features including tongue and groove VJ walls, double hung timber windows, ceiling roses and hardwood timber floors.

Watson bought the property in a company name, Johnny Run Away, the name of her debut single released last year. The music video depicts her time busking in Byron, with her CD’s available at $10.

Last year Tones spent $5.1 million on a five bedroom mansion in Melbourne Mt Eliza, the suburb where she was born.
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The pop singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, has spent $3.3 million on two holiday rentals on the same block just out of town



Tones and I spends $3.3 million in Byron Bay

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Australian actor Liam Hemsworth has paid $6.5 million for his Byron Bay retreat.

It was a former wedding venue at Newrybar.

The youngest brother of Luke and Chris secured the 3.87 ha hinterland property in November.

The home, marketed in 2011 as one of the finest homesteads in the Byron Bay hinterland, was built in a U-shape around a central swimming pool and pavilion. It was restored and re-designed by its former owner, architect and Hollywood production company director Jason Schepisi.

<img alt="" height="820" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hemsworth_2_new.jpg" width="1200">

Schepisi had paid $1.3 million for the property before undertaking a full scale renovation. It was sold in 2013 for $1.8 million to the Rooke family. 

It has five bedrooms and two living areas.

Across the garden courtyard there's a second residence, a two bedroom apartment.

Now all three Hemsworth brothers, and their parents, have a Byron Bay property.

It all kicked off in with the purchase at Broken Head by Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky in 2014 for $7 million.
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The former wedding venue comes with a five-bedroom house plus a detached entertainment pavilion and a synthetic grass area.

Actor Liam Hemsworth secures $6.5 million Byron Bay retreat

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The Nick Scali boss Anthony Scali has continued his weekender splurge amid his booming furniture retail business.
Anthony spent $9 million on the Iluka Road dress circle at Palm Beach earlier this year, expanding his footprint on the exclusive street to three properties.
And now he’s emerged as a buyer in Byron.
Opting for the hinterland, Scali has paid $4.2 million for a 53.4 hectare in Wilsons Creek.
<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/2020/12/Scali%203.jpg" alt="">
It had been marketed earlier this year as a unique hinterland estate with Byron Shire’s best views, with 270 degree panoramic views from the private property near Mullumbimby.
The three bedroom home was built on the top of the mountain ridge, in around 8,000 sqm of landscaped surrounds which include a 12 metre pool.
The three bedroom pavilion style home was built from Oregon and blue stone.
<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/2020/12/Scali%202.jpg" alt="">
There’s also a two bedroom, two bathroom guest house with separate spa room.
It sold with concept plans to turn the home in to a world class resort style home. 
Scali’s Sydney home has been on the Point Piper waterfront Wunulla Road since 2008.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Nick Scali boss Anthony Scali buys Byron weekender

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Byron Bay's hot property market has continued its bull run, with a Wategos Beach home reportedly smashing the township's price record after less than a week formally on the market.
The luxury home at the pricey end of town secured just shy of the top end of its $20 million to $22 million guide.
The Marine Parade property was listed by the recruitment industry veteran Geoff Morgan, co-founder of Morgan &amp; Banks, and his wife Roslyn.
It was a second record for the home, which topped the Byron Bay price charts when the Morgan's bought it for $1.24 million in 1994.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/2/Marine%203.png" alt="">
They had architect Timothy Moon redesign the home on the 665 sqm, toward the coveted end of Marine Parade facing Wategos Beach.
The property, set in landscaped gardens with manicured lawns, now spans two levels and has five bedrooms, a number of indoor and outdoor living areas and a heated infinity pool.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/2/Marine%202.png" alt="">
It features recycled one hundred year old timber throughout.
The sale, secured by LH Hooker Byron Bay agent Glenn Irwin and LJ Hooker Avnu agent Michael Coombs, in conjunction with Helene Adams and Vanessa Cole, of First National Real Estate Byron Bay, tops the previous high, set last year when Eli Havas, the wife of F45 founder Adam Gilchrist, paid $18.85 million for Wategos House, down the road, from developer Danny Goldberg.
The whisper of its sale leaked so quickly the national listing sites still had it available for sale.
 
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Byron Bay record broken with near $22 million sale

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As Covid-19 travel restrictions have eased, property sellers and real estate agents in Byron Bay have heaved a collective sigh of relief, according to the August Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm presented an 'investor playbook' of real estate performance within each service area this month. 
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"Property sales have kicked upward over the last month in the Byron Shire as intrastate and interstate travel brought non-local buyers back into the fold. But in the blink of an eye, we are faced with border closures on the Murray River and hot spots in Sydney restraining the market once more," the valuation firm said. 
It is truly a fluid situation and one that will develop further as rates of Covid-19 infections wax and wane, the report noted. 
The COVID-19 issue is of particular relevance to the Byron Shire market as many of the transactions that occur are for investment purposes with many of those investors originating from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with a smattering of buyers from overseas. 
The absence of these buyers from the market because of coronavirus has caused much angst to sellers. 
"In turn, some absentee investors have resorted to purchasing properties sight unseen in what must be an indication of their strong desire to invest in the Byron Bay area. Maybe it’s a bit of FOMO?" the valuation firm said. 
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There are some locally-based investors active in the area as well. 
There is very little new land being released in the Byron Shire but with a growing population there’s increasing pressure on housing affordability, particularly for first home buyers, and with a large portion of the population unable to afford a unit or house (see last month’s topic “lazy $700,000”) and a steady turnover of short- to-medium stay holiday makers utilising AirBnb style properties, there is consistent, if not strong, demand for rental accommodation.
Because of the high buy-in prices of property in the area, investors are looking to maximise returns by utilising the holiday market or by purchasing properties with multiple letting opportunities such as dual occupancy properties, the report noted. 
A three bedroom house in Mullumbimby with possibility for dual occupancy development has been sold for $857,000.
Set on a 854sqm block, the home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mullumbimby-133587634" target="_blank">8 Myokum Street</a> (pictured below) is only two blocks from Mullumbimby town centre. 
It comprises three bedrooms, open plan lounge and dining, and huge backyard. 
<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/2020/9/14/mullumbimby.jpg" alt="">
Yields for investors in the area can appear to be relatively modest. For example, a one-bedroom unit in a new development on the northwest fringe of Byron Bay recently sold for $610,000 and was leased for 12 months at $550 per week, or $28,600 per annum, gross income.
That reflects a gross yield of 4.68 per cent. Costs such as rates, body corporate fees, management fees and incidentals will eat away at that before the buyer has to meet their mortgage payments.
A one bedroom loft apartment in Byron Bay has been listed for rent with a price guide of $570 per week.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-byron+bay-430095174" target="_blank">39 Easy Street</a> top floor home (pictured below) comes with one bedroom with built-in, mordent bathroom, kitchen and private balcony. 
It is situated within close proximity to cafes, restaurants and the beach. 
<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/2020/9/14/byron%20bay.jpg" alt="">
The relatively modest return is a reflection of the popularity of the area, the report noted. 
"In the more central and beachside locations of Byron Bay, yields are firmer still. It’s a good thing we still have negative gearing, right?
"Many of those absentee buyers are not, however, investing for the rental returns alone. The properties they buy are seen by many investors as a future retirement destination or as a holiday home, so rental return is but one facet of some investor’s decision process," the valuation firm said. 
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