Builder-developer Urban Property Group (UPG) is continuing to expand into new markets. UPG is heading to the Hills District, where it is planning a 40-storey mixed use building near Castle Hill Metro Station.

They've gone down the favoured developer route of a State Significant Development Application, which should see developments approved within the space of nine months.

The tower will comprise 371 apartments, 42 of which will be affordable housing, above a ground-floor retail precinct at 16-20 Old Castle Hill Road, on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and within walking distance of Castle Hill Metro Station, an area identified for higher density under both local and state strategic planning frameworks.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio SC</a>, the tower would rise from a brick podium base, accommodating one retail tenancy and communal open space, before transitioning to a slender glazed residential form above. Six basement levels are proposed beneath the building to house parking and services.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08dc82f9-b826-4e18-8c60-4c90f7472317" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28b%29%20-%20Ground%20level%20render.jpg?VersionId=EOv1ly45k_Bc1F73C0hdwXSG4FVSTETt" />

“Castle Hill is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a traditionally low-rise suburban centre into a true metropolitan destination anchored by the Sydney Metro Northwest," the Architectural Design Report prepared by Studio SC noted.

The majority of apartments (194) will be two-bedrooms. 90 one-bedroom apartments are planned, 83 three-beds, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Studio SC’s design adopts a podium-and-tower composition, with warm-toned masonry at the lower levels intended to anchor the building within its streetscape context.

"At the podium, the architecture is anchored through solid brickwork in warm, earthy tones, reflecting the local sandstone formations and the natural colour palette of the surrounding hills," Studio SC added.

Above, the tower transitions to a lighter glass expression, articulated with fins and tonal variation to reduce visual bulk and respond to changing light conditions.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f13cb2ee-ebfc-4204-9aba-e2dbd9e5d4bd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28a%29%20-%20Pool%20view.jpg?VersionId=Dnpusa.b5d6Nkx2clPlzWosDdh_1QW2V" />

Urban Property Group is one of Sydney's most active developers. They have projects currently under construction in Little Bay, Penrith, and Macquarie Park, with future projects earmarked for Wollongong.

Castle Hill has been one of the most popular suburbs for development across Sydney in the last five years, as developers scramble for land around the newly extended Sydney Metro.&nbsp;

Kassis Homes kicked it all off with Grand Reve, along with Deicorp who has delivered over 1,000 apartments in the area and continues to develop. The likes of Dubai-backed developer Arada will take to market their project in the coming months, while Masscon has just launched Avenue on Cadman Crescent.

Joel Robinson

First Look: Urban Property Group unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill

One of the Gold Coast’s ‘bridesmaid suburbs’ is experiencing a wave of local suitors, with the latest sales figures from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> revealing over two thirds of buyers will be relocating from within a 5km average radius of the 16-hectare masterplan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the figures underlined a powerful shift for Biggera Waters that would reshape it into a thriving force behind the region’s growth corridor.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen a huge wave of interest from residents of Arundel, Paradise Point and Runaway Bay who recognise the urban transformation that is well underway here and want to be part of it,” Long said.&nbsp;

“Interestingly, 25 per cent of our Gold Coast buyers are also coming from the city’s southern hotspots, including Burleigh and Palm Beach.&nbsp;

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/biggera-waters-qld-4216">Biggera Waters</a>, and Harbour Shores in particular, has all the advantages of waterfront living with the benefits of resort-style amenity, for greater value than the southern beachfront suburbs.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290031]

Long said half of the purchasers at Harbour Shores were under the age of 55.&nbsp;

“When locals choose to stay local, it creates a genuine community, turning the most sustainable master planned community in the Gold Coast’s history into a diverse and vibrant ‘village of villages’.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=336743]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Gold Coast Sales Director David Higgins said the hyper-local market demand was unique to Harbour Shores when compared to other projects in the region.&nbsp;

“We are seeing as much as 60 per cent of new apartment sales on other projects go to interstate or international buyers, but Harbour Shores is bucking this trend and attracting a larger proportion of the local market,” Higgins said.&nbsp;

“Only 13 per cent of Harbour Shores’ existing purchasers are interstate. There has been a resounding endorsement from local buyers and that validates the project’s vision and investment in design, lifestyle and liveability.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=4579]

Harbour Shores is 16ha visionary masterplan dedicated to wellness and an active, healthy lifestyle. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, Harbour Shores embeds extensive green connections and more than 2.5km in pedestrian networks – including a 1.2km boardwalk along the water’s edge.

Harbour Shores was recently recognised by the BETTER FUTURE World Design Awards 2026 as a silver winner in the category of environmental sustainability. Boasting a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating, Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 homes over the next ten years.&nbsp;

The first stage will deliver three residential collections including luxury three and four-bedroom waterfront villas at The Residences, as well as apartments in The Waterline and Palm House, surrounded by resort-style amenities.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Biggera Waters no longer a 'bridesmaid suburb' as Gold Coast locals jump to Harbour Shores

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a> has officially launched Lily Lane, the second stage of its Carrington Place masterplan in Sydney’s North-West. The new stage will deliver over 200 apartments to the sought-after Hills District, supported by new retail and resident amenity.&nbsp;

Located near the Hills Showground Metro Station at 32 Carrington Road, Castle Hill, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> has launched with the release of 105 apartments.

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane comprises a combined total of 213 units over two 12-storey towers anchored by a ground-floor retail offering. A range of floorplan configurations are available including 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments.

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $720,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $960,000 with sizes ranging from 75 to 132 sqm. The three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm, with prices starting at $1,350,000.&nbsp;

Six exclusive penthouses crown the Lily Lane towers, offering opulent interiors of up to 285 sqm. They are priced from $2.9 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says Lily Lane builds on the sell-out success of Carrington Place’s first stage, Atrium.&nbsp;

“Lily Lane offers everything north-west buyers are seeking - including spacious, flexible floorplans with premium finishes and sweeping views of the Hills District to the north," Schulze said.

"Its central location brings residents even closer to Hills Showground Metro Station, with retail, dining, recreation and essential services at their fingertips.

Schulze says early enquiries reflect pent-up demand for Lily Lane’s three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, reinforcing the appetite for house-sized units in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>,&nbsp;especially among downsizers.

Lily Lane has sought to incorporate features that are more&nbsp;traditional in freestanding homes. Over 75 per cent of residences include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries.

Buyers have two interior colour schemes to choose from. ‘Breeze’ is a light-toned palette with warm timber accents, and ‘Dawn’ is a cooler mid-toned colourway.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360572]

Apartments also feature premium Miele appliances, including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers. Larger homes offer integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

Lily Lane’s ‘village-style’ architectural design is designed to maximise walkability and access to green space. Its two elegant towers are separated by a central landscaped laneway lined with lily plants, giving the project its name.&nbsp;

The towers will be crowned by rooftop terraces with BBQ areas offering views of the Hills District. Residents can also access a shared community room, complete with a fully equipped kitchen.

“As the gateway to the wider Carrington Place masterplan, this new stage delivers a premium experience,"&nbsp;said Puja Khanna, Associate Director – Design, Marketing and Sales at Ellipse Property.

"It features beautifully curated landscaping, refined interiors and architecture designed to maximise space, light and views. With a supermarket and essential services just minutes away, the addition of Lily Lane’s ground-floor retail will elevate everyday convenience and deliver a vibrant precinct for residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360286]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder Decode Group, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages. Completion of the masterplan is expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 square metres of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse launches Lily Lane, stage two of Carrington Place

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a>, a Sydney-based global property development and investment firm, is set to transform a 1.4-hectare site in Five Dock into a $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct.

The integrated precinct is planned to include 750 apartments across five residential towers, a 150-key hotel, around 10,000 sqm of retail and lifestyle space, as well as health and wellness facilities, extensive landscaped open space, and community amenities.

Planning approval submission is targeted for June 2026.

One Global Capital Founder Iwan Sunito told Apartments.com.au that the Five Dock site, which he has owned for over two decades, is one of the best he's ever had.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito says.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76667592-c421-49f5-9ab8-45cfec815651" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%201.png?VersionId=puhL_lSxd5IB5VA9fQKPsKHgmkinuwuI" />

Sunito said he wants to create a "city within a city", designing a multi-cultural precinct with the convenience of retail and public space at the forefront.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community."

He adds that the Five Dock is emerging into a "really solid suburb", with the growth in&nbsp;the area continuing to be supported by rising residential values across the Canada Bay and Leichhardt local government areas, driven by major infrastructure investment and enhanced transport connectivity.&nbsp;

The new precinct will benefit from close proximity to a key transport network, including the Five Dock Metro Station, located approximately 1.1 kilometres from the site. The new Burwood Metro stop will be just 800m.

The project marks a renewed collaboration between Sunito and internationally acclaimed architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, the creative partnership behind some of Sydney’s most recognisable residential landmarks, &nbsp;including Infinity, Arc, and Skye North Sydney.&nbsp;

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a9184a45-f429-4628-87ce-9bd6c70cb597" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%202.png?VersionId=zJZRfLAZCkpww5VcmR_wgRXjoaSgPSyv" />

“The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Koichi Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised &nbsp;for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

A key feature of the mixed-use development will be a lifestyle retail precinct, offering shopping and dining &nbsp;experiences - including a proposed state-of-the-art car showroom - as well as communal spaces for community &nbsp;use. Veteran retail and commercial property practitioner, Simon McTigue, has been engaged to consult on the &nbsp;delivery and leasing of the retail precinct, having previously worked on notable mixed-use projects such as East &nbsp;Village Shopping Centre in Zetland and South Village Shopping Centre Kirrawee, as well as other projects with &nbsp;Iwan Sunito in Green Square and Parramatta, to name a few.&nbsp;

“The Five Dock site offers a unique opportunity for retailers, conveniently located within easy walking distance &nbsp;of the metro station. On completion, the integrated precinct will provide the community with a new Inner West &nbsp;town centre, offering daily convenience via a proposed large format supermarket and fresh food precinct, as well &nbsp;as a restaurant and café district situated alongside key services such as a medical and health centre. It will be a &nbsp;place to live, work and play,” said Simon McTigue, Director of Wallaringa Consulting.&nbsp;

Samuel Sunito, Director of Capital at One Global Capital, confirmed strong inbound interest from both domestic and global investors seeking co-investment opportunities in the project. “We are currently engaging with &nbsp;investors both locally but also globally from Indonesia, the United States, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Dubai &nbsp;to ensure alignment of vision and long-term value creation,” he said.&nbsp;

Investment participation will remain open until approximately Q2 2026, with equity allocations managed selectively.&nbsp;

“Equity available to the broader market will be limited, with priority given to long-standing capital partners. In terms of One Global Capital’s investment philosophy, we will continue to retain majority ownership, ensuring &nbsp;strong alignment of interests and preserving the long-term integrity of the project for all stakeholders,” Samuel &nbsp;said.

"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock

Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

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Australia’s property and real estate leaders will become Big Issue vendors this week, selling the street magazine as part of The Big Issue’s annual CEO Selling event.
CEO Selling is part of International Vendor Week, an annual celebration of 9,000 street paper vendors in 35 countries around the world.
CEOs and leaders from REA, Landcom, Stockland, PEXA, Cbus Property and many more will take to the street from Monday 3 February to show their support for vendors experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and marginalisation.
In Australia, more than 800 vendors sell The Big Issue each year. Vendors purchase copies of the magazine for $4.50 and sell them for $9.
Alongside CEO Selling, The Big Issue is also celebrating more than 13 million copies sold of the magazine since starting in 1996. 
Guest sellers are available for interview, photos and footage. See the full list <a href="https://www.thebigissue.org.au/news/2020/01/24/ceoselling-2020/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property CEOs and Leaders support The Big Issue magazine

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Herron Todd White has announced the appointment of a new CEO - Gary Brinkworth effective in the first quarter of 2020.
Mr Brinkworth joins Herron Todd White from United Petroleum, where he is currently Group CEO.
Prior to his current role at United Petroleum, Mr Brinkworth was CEO and Managing Director at Barristers Chambers Limited, which owns and operates a material property management portfolio in Victoria.
Incoming CEO Gary Brinkworth said he was excited to take this next step in his career by helping to further cement Herron Todd White’s envied reputation.
“Herron Todd White has a strong reputation and the company has a very bright future,” Mr Brinkworth said.
“It is an honour to have been selected to join the company."
Herron Todd White Chairman Jeff Forbes said the company was thrilled to have attracted Mr Brinkworth to lead Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White’s current Acting CEO Jacqui Bayles will continue in the role until Mr Brinkworth commences in early 2020, working closely with clients, industry peers and other stakeholders.
Ms Bayles will then resume her executive leadership role as General Counsel, Company Secretary &amp; Head of Legal, Risk and Standards.
Mr Brinkworth will be based in Melbourne and report to the Board.
Mr Brinkworth is also on the Board of disability services provider Scope (Aust) Ltd, a Member of Scope’s Risk and Audit Committee and a Member of the Investments Committee.
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Gary Brinkworth appointed as next CEO of Herron Todd White

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Tom Forrest has been announced by The Urban Taskforce as its incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Forrest will formally start in the role on 11 November 2019, succeeding longstanding CEO Chris Johnson.
Johnson will retire after eight years at the helm.
Peter Daly, Chair of the Urban Taskforce, said Forrest has a proven track record as a public policy expert and solutions-focused industry advisor, with specific expertise in planning and urban development matters.
"On behalf of the Urban Taskforce Executive Committee and membership, I congratulate Tom on his appointment and look forward to his commencement in the role," Daly said.
"Tom comes to the organisation with a wealth of public and private sector planning and policymaking experience, and an intimate grasp of how to shape balanced policy outcomes that support sensible and sustainable urban growth.
"He was a trusted advisor to various NSW Ministers (Premier, Treasurer, Planning, Health and Olympics) before joining the senior ranks of the public service in the key Department of Premier and Cabinet and Transport portfolios. More recently, Tom assisted private sector clients, including commercial and residential developers, navigate often complex regulatory landscapes.
"The development industry is currently facing a range of public policy and perception challenges, and its role as a key driver of economic growth has, in recent times, been diminished. We believe Tom has the right background, experience and energy to advocate strongly and effectively for the industry in an increasingly complicated space."
Forrest said he was delighted to take on this leading advocacy role at a time when the NSW and Australian economies need a consensus approach to housing supply.
"Developers deliver not only our housing supply, but also economic multipliers for the community in the form of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and taxes that support the growth of cities and economies. This needs to be more prominently acknowledged," Forrest said.
"A strong and consistent supply of quality new housing and apartments will deliver improvements in residential amenity, sustainability through smart design and technology, and housing affordability.
"The key challenge is to work co-operatively with Government and community stakeholders towards a constructive approach to enabling this growth, in a way that complements recent substantial investments in public transport and roads infrastructure,” Forrest said.
Forrest said he takes on the role with a strong desire for an evidence-based policy approach to housing supply and development.
The Urban Taskforce represents the top 100 development companies and equity financiers in Australia and represents the industry on policy formulation, responses to Government policy, the state of the planning system and the impact of the taxation regime on the future housing and apartment supply for Sydney.
Daly acknowledged the contribution Johnson has made as CEO of the Urban Taskforce since 2011.
“Chris has been an excellent and prominent advocate for our members and has led the organisation with distinction. We look forward to him remaining a friend and supporter of the Urban Taskforce well into the future.’
Forrest and Johnson will work together as part of a CEO transition process starting 11 November as the handover date.
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Urban Taskforce announces Tom Forrest as new CEO

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The board of Sydney Fish Market has welcomed its new chief executive officer.
Greg Dyer, is succeeding Bryan Skepper, the general manager of Sydney Fish Market, who retires in September following four decades with the organisation. 
Sydney Fish Market Chairman, Grahame Turk said: “Greg has a strong commercial background, with a grounding in property, and has significant experience in leading the change and growth of prominent development precincts. He has held successful senior roles in high profile private and public enterprises, focusing on leadership, team cultivation, strategy development and community engagement.” 
Greg Dyer said: “My initial focus will be on bringing my commercial background to benefit the operating and business models of Sydney Fish Market.
“As well as leading Sydney Fish Market through a period of change, my priority is to ensure that we build upon the status of being on Sydney visitors’ ‘bucket lists’, a huge drawcard at seasonal moments in the year, and the important role that we play in many Sydneysiders’ lives.”   
Dyer brings to the role extensive experience driving change in large-scale commercial environments, requiring the management of diverse stakeholders.
He was previously CEO of City of Parramatta Council, leading the development of Parramatta as the central city in the GSC’s three city model and successfully instigating the city-defining $2b Parramatta Square urban renewal project. 
There will be a transition period with Skepper, who departs following a 44-year career with the company.
Skepper will be retained by Sydney Fish Market in a part time advisory capacity in the lead up to the redevelopment.  
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New CEO appointed to the helm of Sydney Fish Market

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The Victorian Government program tackling high-risk cladding has appointed Dan O’Brien as its chief executive.
Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) was established by the Labor Government to oversee a $600 million program of rectification works on hundreds of buildings across Victoria found to have high-risk cladding.
O’Brien will lead the agency as it manages the funding and works with owners corporations from start to finish to make sure buildings are safe and compliant with all regulations.
The establishment of a dedicated cladding agency was a key recommendation of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, which has worked with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to conduct a global cladding audit of buildings.
O’Brien has experience in the public and private sector, most recently as Chief Executive of Incolink – delivering services to Victoria’s building and construction industry.
He’s also held executive roles at the National Australia Bank and Medibank Private, and senior roles in both the Victorian and Federal governments – including Chief Executive of Regional Development Victoria and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Regional Development, Arts and Sports (Federal).
He was also Chief of Staff to former Victorian Premier John Brumby and is currently a Director of VicTrack and the Brodies Law Foundation.
O’Brien will report to Victorian Building Association Chairman Dr Owen Donald when he starts in the role this month.
The Victorian Government is also set to introduce new design standards for the outside of apartment buildings, to ensure new developments are built to a "high-quality, and improve the look and feel of local neighbourhoods".
In 2017, the Labor Government introduced the Building Better Apartment design standards to ensure apartments have adequate daylight, storage, ventilation, acoustic performance, energy and waste efficiency.
The proposed changes will affect landscaping, external walls, vehicle access, site servicing, wind effects and the management of building construction impacts.
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Victorian Government appoints cladding safety CEO and proposes new apartment designs

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The property group, <a id="LPlnk1025" href="https://p4bne.sharepoint.com/Current%20Clients/31BB/Media%20Materials/optimusdevelopments.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Optimus Developments</a>, has announced the appointment of Alex Windsor as it's new CEO.
Earlier this year Alex Windsor (pictured below) officially joined the business.
He had previously been working on behalf of Optimus Developments for more than four years as Development Director on the EQ Tower, a 65-level residential project comprising 634 apartments in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Mr Windsor brings more than 15 years of industry experience across architecture, engineering, construction and project management.
Originally from England, Mr Windsor moved to Australia in 2004 and was employed by boutique property company Sinclair Brook in an advisory capacity, before becoming Associate Director and staying at the firm for more than 10 years.
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Mr Windsor believes the country’s economic stability ensures a promising future for investors. 
“Australia really is a safe haven for investment compared to the global uncertainty from Brexit and the US/China trade war and our view is that 2019 will remain flat with some market sectors under or over performing,” Mr Windsor said.
“With a strong renewal of market sentiment in 2020, an increased availability of capital funding for mortgages and overall a much more positive outlook and environment for the residential property market, I’m confident we will see the sector continue to grow.”
Mr Windsor added that the company’s upcoming activity remained strongly in providing premium residential options to Australians, though expanding in new areas was also on the cards. 
“We are very focused on Australia’s Eastern Seaboard and specialising in all things residential,” he said.
“That said, we are also interested in diversifying our portfolio to include industrial and commercial assets for long term yield generation and redevelopment opportunity.”
He is currently focused on Optimus Developments making its début into the Queensland property market following the 2017 launch of the $65 million beachside development, 31 Broadbeach.
“With construction of 31 Broadbeach well underway, I'm personally very excited to see this project come to life in my new role as company CEO.”
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Optimus Developments welcomes new CEO

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Jennifer Cunich has departed the role of CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects.
The institute's board terminated Ms Cunich's appointment last Friday, The Australian Financial Review reported.
Neither side commented publicly on the reason for the departure.
Cunich took up the role two years ago.
"Change is a very difficult thing to embrace for organisations," Ms Cunich (pictured below) told the paper.
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"I am very proud of what I did. I've secured the finances.
"We have surpluses, I have implemented a massive digital transformation program worth about $1.4 million."
The institute confirmed her departure in a statement.
"The Institute thanks Jennifer for her contribution during her two years of service and wishes her well for the future," it said.
Ms Cunich took up the role when the 150-year-old institute was suffering financial problems, in part related to the development of its own Melbourne CBD building.
At the time of her appointment, Ms Cunich said one of her first tasks at the peak body for architects was to restore its relevance in the eyes of the whole profession including the needs of firms at the bigger end of the design and construction industries.
The institute has total membership across all categories at more than 11,000 members.
Cunich was a former Victorian executive director at the Property Council of Australia where she held the position for nine years having been previously been the executive director for the Property Council in the Australian Capital Territory for six years.
Clare Cousins, who established her Melbourne practice, Clare Cousins Architects, in 2005, has been appointed acting CEO.
 
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Jennifer Cunich departs The Australian Institute of Architects

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<div>Professionals Real Estate Group, one of Australia largest networks, has appointed David Crombie as their new CEO as it goes through an organisational restructure.</div>
Crombie, who was previously CEO of Australia’s largest real estate co-operative, has taken the reigns at Professionals as it moves from a state-based structure to a central, national operation.
Professionals Real Estate Group, which was founded by six independent real estate agents in 1976, now has 225 offices and is among the top 10 largest real estate networks in the country.
Crombie said he would be focussing his efforts on the unification of the national group.
“My short-term goals for the network are to lead it through the move to a national organisation from the previous state-based structure and putting in place the necessary governance, systems and teams to increase the levels of service nationally,’’ he said.
“The outcome will be a stronger brand and the creation of a stronger base, allowing for better delivery of initiatives and servicing of the members.”
Crombie said one of his goals would be Improve services to members and improve service to consumers. 
“One of the major advantages that Professionals have is that they are a membership group rather than a typical franchise,’’ he said. 
“We provide the members with the ability to use a well-known real estate brand and access to extensive support through a comprehensive suite of tools and services. 
“The real differences are that the members have the opportunity to drive the direction of the organisation rather than being dictated to and the membership fees are much more attractive than franchise fees.”
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Professionals Real Estate Group appoint David Crombie as new CEO 

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Domain has appointed Jason Pellegrino, the managing director Australia and New Zealand at Google, to its vacant CEO position.
Earlier this year former CEO Anthony Catalano <a href="/news/melbournite-antony-catalanos-shock-departure-from-domain-as-family-demands">stepped down from the top job</a> citing family concerns.
Pellegrino had been in his current role at Google since May 2016 when he replace Maile Carnegie, who quit as managing director to join ANZ bank.
Pellegrino's background is a range of sales leadership positions in Google, which he joined in 2008.
He lives in Sydney and has four children.
Domain wrote in early 2016 that Pellegrino and wife, Helen upgraded from Kensington to a heritage-listed Bellevue Hill residence, Inverinate which cost $5.75 million.
The Georgian-style property had been on and off the market for about five years before it was sold by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay agent Martin Maskin.
His 1919 Kensington house sold at $2,625,000 through Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agent Jason Pantzer.
Domain chairman Nick Falloon said they are delighted to have Jason Pellegrino on board.
"Jason’s career as a digital executive with deep experience in sales, strategy, operations and product and technology speaks for itself," Falloon said.
"His leadership acumen and track record for inspiring and driving performance at Google will greatly assist him to take Domain, and its many talented people, into an exciting next stage of growth.”
Pellegrino joined Google in 2008 and held a range of leadership positions before being appointed Managing Director Australia and New Zealand.
He has been the managing director of Asia-Pacific sales operations and strategy; sales director, Australia; and head of sales and operations and strategy for Google’s Australia &amp; New Zealand business.
Prior to joining Google, Pellegrino worked in several roles over 15 years spanning corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions and finance at Dakota Capital Partners, LEK Consulting, PepsiCo International and KPMG in the mid 1990s.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Wollongong and an MBA from London Business School.
“I am delighted to be joining the incredibly talented team at Domain and I can’t wait to be part of the exciting growth journey ahead," Pellegrino said.
"I have spent close to a decade with Google and consider myself enormously lucky to have worked with fantastic colleagues, partners and customers, dealing with the rapid shift in technology, from desktop, to smartphone and now the AI powered world ahead.
"Throughout this time, I have always prided myself on supporting the growth of incredibly strong teams and establishing transparent and trusting relationships with partners and customers, something I am looking forward to continuing as I join Domain.”
The Domain Board ran a global search for the role attracting a strong field of international and local candidates.
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Falloon will continue as Domain’s interim executive chairman until Jason joins Domain, after which time he will resume his role as non-executive chairman.
Pellegrino will be paid fixed remuneration, including superannuation, of $1.2 million.
Domain offered its new chief executive a $500,000 cash bonus payable December 31, and issued, subject to shareholder approval, shares worth $2 million which will vest after two years of employment. 
He will be eligible to receive short-term incentives based on financial and performance metrics worth between $720,000 with a maximum of $960,000, the company announcement said.
He will also be eligible for annual allocation of options equivalent to 120 per cent in value of his fixed remuneration, which will vest over a three-year period based on total shareholder return.
Domain shares are trading at $3.13 today, having been at $3.32 before Catalano's departure and at $3.80 on its late 2017 float.
Tony Boyd's Chanticleer column in the Fairfax-published Australian Financial Review noted since listing on the ASX as a separate company last December, Domain has under-performed the S&amp;P/ASX 200 by 21 per cent. Its main rival REA has outperformed the index by 11.6 per cent.
Catalano was on a base salary of $1.2 million with short-term incentives worth $960,000.
He lost eligiblity for a one-off allocation of long-term incentive options worth $5 million.
 
 
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Domain appoints Google's Jason Pellegrino as new CEO

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Former McGrath chief operating officer Geoff Lucas has emerged, according to the Australian Financial Review, as the lead candidate to take the top job at real estate company.
It suggests Lucas could start his role as chief executive next Monday. He was previously at McGrath for a decade until just after the 2016 float.
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Its former chief executive Cameron Judson left last Friday.
The paper suggests Lucas was a "clear choice" for the role, having seen "through a period of growth to 80 agencies from 16 on the eastern seaboard," sources indicated/calculated.
The Financial Review contacted Mr Lucas but he reportedly did not respond.
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<div>The paper says McGrath and Lucas are still in negotiations.</div>
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<div>Lucas, who was overlooked for the chief executive role in 2016 in favour of Judson, then briefly joined artisan NSW bread maker and cafe group Sonoma as its chief operating officer.</div>
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He is selling his Cremorne house through McGrath on Sydney's lower north shore to upgrade locally. 
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