A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Cafe

<html><body>
A ground-level café investment at the entrance of Melbourne's Botanicca Corporate Park has been sold for for $1,701,000.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi and Jordan Ceppi sold the property at Shop 1, 572 Swan Street at a 6.4% net yield.
The property encompasses a generous 500 square metres, comprising a modern fully-fitted café of 310 square metres, with a further 190 square metres of outdoor seating.
Leased to experienced café operator trading as The Shed on a 5+5+5 year lease, the property is currently returning a net rental of $110,000 per annum plus GST, with fixed annual increases of 4%.
Positioned on the corner of Swan Street and Central Drive at the entrance of Botanicca Corporate Park, the property provides highly exposed corner frontage of 34 metres.
Kombi said the Deadline Private Sale campaign saw a competitive process that attracted a range of investors, with a SMSF investor winning out.
"Investors are seeking strong income-producing, securely-leased assets in locations with healthy growth prospects," Kombi said. 
"Following further recent interest cuts, SMSF investors are looking in greater numbers for solid returns and are playing a more prominent role in the Melbourne retail investment market."
Major companies occupying neighbouring buildings include David Jones, Country Road, Harris Scarfe, GE, Fulton Hogan and Wells Fargo plus the 4.5-star Marriott Business Class Hotel and The University of Melbourne.
The property also benefits from its close proximity to the Swan Street tram network and the Heyington and Burnley train stations, as well as easy linkages to the CBD and broader Melbourne via the Citylink and Monash M1 Freeway.
Ceppi said Fitzroys has now sold three Melbourne retail investment properties to SMSF investors in the past two weeks.
"Investors are seeking retail assets across Melbourne with strong fundamentals in large numbers. This will likely continue in line with the low interest rate that is expected to remain long-term," said Ceppi. 
Fitzroys recently sold Shops 19-20, 190 Jells Road in Wheelers Hill for $2.4 million to a SMSF investor at a 5.2% yield, with a 10+5+5-year lease to renowned hair salon Rokk Ebony Properties.
That followed the sale of 2-6 Copernicus Crescent, Bundoora, also a high exposure quality café investment, which was bought by a SMSF investor for $2.6 million at a 5.5% yield and with a 5+5-year lease.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Café investment at Melbourne's Botanicca Corporate Park sold for $1.7 million

<html><body>
The oldest continuously Greek-run cafe in Australia is for sale for only its second public sale in 100 years.
The 1902 Art Deco Niagara Cafe at Gundagai is the last of the country’s traditional Greek cafes.
The future of the only other historic Greek cafe, the 1916 Paragon Cafe in the Blue Mountains, is in limbo after closing in 2018.
Niagara Cafe has been listed by Tina Loukissas, whose family bought the cafe in 1983.
The cafe was established by a Kytherian Greek, Strati Notara, and then by the Castrission family who installed the art deco interior and exterior in 1938.
It transformed the eating house into a “pleasure palace”, according to Macquarie University historian Leonard Janiszewski, who has documented the evolution of Greek cafes in Australia together with Effy Alexakis, in their book Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia.
It was always promoted as “Australia’s Wonder Cafe” with its semi-domed ceiling, once painted as a night scene with stars onto which lights would shine.
Domain reported it was later destroyed by fire but never replaced.
Ross Tout, at Elders Real Estate Gundagai, said it was difficult to put a price on it, although the National Bank building nearby, with a four-bedroom apartment above, sold three years ago for $600,000.
Photo courtesy of Visit NSW. 
</body></html>

Australia's oldest continuously Greek-run cafe, Niagara Cafe at Gundagai, listed

<html><body>
An investor has snapped up the cafe premises on the ground floor of The Blocktagon South Yarra redevelopment.
They paid $1.11 million for the space, currently leased to Mister Zen. It was bought on a 4.3% yield.
The new owner intends to hold property as a long-term investment.
Fitzroys agents James Lockwood and Chris Kombi sold the 5 Commercial Road premises.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<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/2019/2/27/Block3.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lockwood said they are already in the hospitality industry, with that experience providing them with further confidence investing in this type of asset.
“Interest came from local and offshore parties due to the quality of the tenant, which has been hugely successful in catering to the young and vibrant demographic of area, while the incredibly rare chance to own part of an iconic Melbourne property was also a drawcard,” Lockwood said.
He said the highly exposed property is in a vibrant location close to Punt Road and adjacent to the Alfred Hospital and Fawkner Park, and near tenants that include Caltex, Guzman y Gomez, Officeworks, Volkswagon, and L’Hotel Gitan.
 <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/2019/2/27/Block2.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
The café itself was designed, constructed and named by the participating teams of the season as part of a challenge on the 2015 series of The Block.
Under the direction of architect Julian Brenchley, the interior was created with combinations of concrete and timber and includes angular ceilings with negative spacing, feature light bulbs throughout, and a separate lighting system design imported from Italy, while its coffee and health-oriented menu have created a loyal following.
The 135 sqm cafe includes an architecturally designed courtyard of a further 195 sqm.
The space yields $48,801 per annum. Mister Zen currently holds a 4 x 4 x 4 year lease.
It was the first time the commercial aspect of the property had been up for sale since it last traded for $975,000 in 2017.
 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The Blocktagon South Yarra cafe sells to investor

<html><body>
The Queen Street, Woollahra premises best remembered as the former Zigolinis cafe have been sold for $3,125,000.
It was bought by an investor who plans to open the interiors up by moving the kitchen under an exisiting development application.
It will then be leased to a new food operator.
<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/2018/11/21/Cafe2.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/107-queen-st-woollahra-nsw-2025-2014688792" target="_blank">The 119 sqm premises</a> last sold at $2.62 million in 2013.
It has on-premises license to trader 5am to midnight, six days a week. It was offered at a $165,000 annual rental 2015.
</body></html>

Queen Street coffee shop premises sold for $3,125,000

<html><body>
An experienced café operator has chosen Melbourne’s inner-north cultural hub of Brunswick’s Sydney Road for their newest venture.
Fitzroys agents Ervin Niyaz and Terence Yeh negotiated the 10-year lease of the two-level, 196 square metre building at 391 Sydney Road.
It was at $52,000 per annum to Lojaz Pty Ltd, on behalf of a local private investor.
Niyaz said the tenant was attracted to the property’s location in the busy stretch between Albert Street and Victoria Street, close to Commonwealth Bank, Bunnings, Australia Post, Chemist Warehouse, and buzzing bars The Penny Black and The Brunswick Mess Hall, with a public car park at the rear and laneway access.
“As expected, the property received strong demand from food and beverage operators wanting to make their mark on one of Melbourne’s most renowned and vibrant lifestyle precincts,” Niyaz said.
Sydney Road, Brunswick has been one of the top performers of Melbourne’s famed retail strips. Fitzroys research for Volume 2 of Walk the Strip showed vacancies in the section from Brunswick Road up to Victoria Street came down from 6.0% to 3.0% in the 12 months to June 2018.
“The medium and high-density dwelling boom along and around Sydney Road currently has a further 1,500 apartments in the pipeline at various stages of construction and planning,” Yeh said.
</body></html>

Café operator brings new venture to Sydney Road, Brunswick

<html><body>
The lowest yielding sale at commercial auctions this week was the $2.68 million sale of the retail property leased to The Coffee Club in Redcliffe, Brisbane.
It sold at a net yield of 5.88 per cent.
The retail property in <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-redcliffe-502867550" target="_blank">Redcliffe</a> (pictured above) is leased to The Coffee Club on a seven-year lease with another seven-year option.
It last sold at $1.75 million in 2006.
The waterfront property at 171 Redcliffe Parade will bring in about $156,000 – excluding GST – starting from September 1.
The Coffee Club was established 1989 and currently operates 400 stores in nine countries
The oceanfront reserve freehold property overlooking Redcliffe Pier offered long term redevelopment potential to 12 storeys (STCA).
The premises occupy 332 sqm on the 405 sqm block – plus exclusive use of street front alfresco dining area
There is rear lane entry accessing parking for up to six vehicles.
There are views to Moreton Island at the high traffic Brisbane seaside tourism precinct.
The neighbouring tenants include Chemist Warehouse, Vast Interiors, Subway and Banjo's.
The tenant pays all outgoings as per lease and 3% per annum rental increases.
</body></html>

The Coffee Club in Redcliffe, Brisbane sold at a net yield of 5.88 per cent

<html><body>
Savills are marketing the Collins Street premises of Hugo's Expresso.
The popular cafe has been located at <a href="http://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/c3b0756b-0a41-e811-80cd-005056813885/Sale/Melbourne/Shop-3,-601-Little-Collins-Street" target="_blank">shop 3 at 601 Little Collins Street</a> since 2009. 
Hugo's has a 10 year lease with two five year options to 2029.
<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/2018/5/30/hugos2.jpg" alt="">
There's been a brand new fitout on the space which currently returns just over $62,000 per annum, with five percent annual increases.
Savills agents Benson Zhou, Nick Peden and Dorothy He are marketing the shop as a high profile ground level CBD retail property.
 
 
</body></html>

Collins Street's Hugo's Expresso premises listed through Savills

<html><body>
A property in Sydney’s Darlington leased to a cafe has fetched $1,000,000.
The retail space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-darlington-502612834" target="_blank">7/245-249 Abercrombie Street</a> was advertised for auction on November 30.
The property is rented out to the well-known café operator “Choco-Latte which is on a new five-year lease.
It earns $42,681.00 per annum net plus GST.
The property has an internal lettable area of 54 sqm and the zoning is B1 - Neighbourhood Centre.
The selling agent was John Race of Khoury &amp; Partners.
It previously traded for $680,000 in 2016 and for $530,000 in 2006, data from CoreLogic shows.
</body></html>

Cafe in Sydney's Darlington snapped up for $1 million

<html><body>
Construction will begin on an open plan cafe in Sydney's Hyde Park South this year.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new café will be set back to allow better access and lines of sight to the park and recently upgraded ANZAC war memorial.
“Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park and one of the most culturally and historically significant public spaces in the country,” she said.
“The Transport for NSW upgrade of Museum Station has coincided with our major improvement works on the ANZAC War Memorial, Pool of Reflection and the park path network.
“As part of the agreement between the City and Transport for NSW, we’ve committed to building the café, and we’re thrilled the stunning design is consistent with the heritage setting of Hyde Park and Museum station.
“These combined works will enhance Hyde Park’s status as an urban oasis and make it a more attractive place to visit for the 1.2 million people who live, work or visit the city daily. 
The project includes two unisex toilets with one accessible to park users, seating for around 90 people, a lift lobby with new paving, more accessible routes from Museum Station to the Anzac War Memorial, new garden beds, retaining walls and stairs; and paving in the café and station surrounds.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

New open plan cafe for Sydney's Hyde Park South

<html><body>
The Piccolo Bar, just off the main strip in Sydney’s Kings Cross - which recently featured in the ABC-TV series Rake - is closing its doors after 65 years.
“It is very sad,” says its longtime owner-operator Vittorio Bianchi, 82, who came to work as the barista in the tiny café as a 29 year old in 1964.
He said the Cross was so quiet now - blaming the lockout laws and the ban on smoking inside, and outside, cafés for the likely end of the Cross's oldest coffee bar.
"The politicians have done a good job of killing the place,” he told Fairfax Media
The Piccolo Bar, on Roslyn Street, had a clientele that’s included prime ministers from Gough Whitlam to Malcolm Turnbull.
There were the screen stars like Mel Gibson, Judy Davis and Jeremy Irons, artist Brett Whiteley, writer Dorothy Hewett and murdered activist Juanita Nielsen.
“We used to be open 24 hours,” says Italian émigré Bianchi. 
His café is now up for lease through agent Ron Danieli with hopes that someone will keep it running as a coffee shop.
The lease is around $500 per week, plus GST and outgoings.
The café opened first in the 1940s and in its current form as the Piccolo Bar in 1952.
After Bianchi suffered a heart attack, a triple by-pass in 2014, and then suffered a bout of cancer last year, his niece-in- law Tina Newton-Carra took over the cafe.
Bianchi still dropped in regularly to chat to his regular loyal clientele, and take a turn on the coffee machine.
Now she wants to work full-time on her new business, creating a same-sex online wedding directory, OneLove Wedding Directory.
</body></html>

Cafe

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Cafe

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News