Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

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Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

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Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Commercial Hotel

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A 143 year-old Blue Mountains guest house, that was originally built for the Fairfax family, has come onto the market.
Mount Victoria Manor, at 11 Montgomery Street, Mount Victoria, is currently a working hotel.
It features 10 rooms with ensuites, four large family rooms with ensuites, one two-bedroom apartment and one four-bedroom apartment.
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The hotel also has a commercial kitchen, a restaurant dining room that can seat 80 people and an enclosed alfresco-styled observatory.
<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/2019/10/14/mt%20manor%202.jpg" alt="">
It sits on a 7,622 square metre block.
Built in 1876, the Fairfax family owned the property until 1887.
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It most recently traded in May of 2015, when it sold for $1,100,000.
The historic house has been listed through Hartley Realty &amp; Lifestyle Properties. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic Mount Victoria Manor listed for sale

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Hotelier Justin Hemmes has bought the Centennial Hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs as his commercial property splurge continues.
The reputed $15 million purchase comes after recent acquisitions of the Royal Hotel in Bondi, the Vic on the Park in Marrickville and Collaroy's beachfront hotel.
Hemmes also recently spent nearly $9 million on a commercial kitchen to service his growing portfolio.
Ray White's Asia Pacific director of hotels Andrew Jolliffe secured the off-market sale of The Hotel Centennial without formal price disclosure.
Jolliffe has now sold in excess of $1.75 billion in hospitality assets in the past five years.
Jolliffe has long espoused the view that market conditions for A-Grade hospitality properties enjoy strong favour and tightening yields.
"We've been both liberal and robust in our view over the past 24 months that the spread between cost of funding and yield for A-Grade hospitality assets is well placed to contract further next year" he said.
"The fundamentals are all pointing to this outcome, and the argument supported by astute hotel investors, by virtue of deed, is illustrative of this market response" Jolliffe concluded.
The Hotel Centennial is a landmark double storey Eastern Suburbs Hotel occupying a 780 sqm Oxford St location opposite Centennial Park.
lt was sold by the Medich family, who recently sold the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, The Woolwich Pier Hotel and Mosman's Buena Vista Hotel.
The Medich family, via their Halcyon Hotels vehicle and headed by Anthony Medich, acquired the hotel in 2014 and undertook substantial renovations; consequently attracting clientele from both the broader Eastern Suburbs; as well as the design, art and fashion industry.
"Like a handful of other iconic hotels, The Hotel Centennial is a very valuable piece of Sydney commercial property, and for decades has been a favoured meeting place for local residents and visitors to the area," Jollifee said.
"We are delighted to have again enjoyed the Medich family's trust with such a valuable asset, and feel equally pleased to have matched this famed property with such an appropriate suitor in Justin Hemmes."
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Jolliffe was announced the 1000 office Ray White Group's number one agent internationally in 2017.
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Merivale's Justin Hemmes adds Hotel Centennial to portfolio

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Newtown's iconic Marlborough Hotel has been sold to to a company managed by Bruce Solomon and Matt Moran's hospitality group Solotel, price undisclosed, but reported as around $33 million.
Andrew Jolliffe, director, Ray White Asia Pacific said the property sold following a six week international EOI campaign launched in March.
"The level of international interest was significant; and is reflective of material off-shore equity tranches looking for a home in high yielding Australian property investments with exposure to management functions, and business operation," he said.
The sale of the Marlborough Hotel by the Australian Pub Fund - headlined by John Singleton and Geoff Dixon - represents the fifth by the group.
Following the sale of the Marlborough, the Australian Pub Fund will have five pubs, three in Sydney; Kinselas in Darlinghurst, Unity Hall in Balmain and the Vic on the Park in Marrickville and two in Brisbane; the Stock Exchange and Elephant Arms. 
Matthew Beach, director of APF said consistent with our strategic objectives, we have divested a number of pubs where we feel the price the market has offered reflects the value of our assets.
"We will continue to apply this strategy where applicable," he said.
"Our strategy of buying the best pub assets within each local market area has attracted experienced buyers to pursue the acquisition of our assets.
Andrew Gibbs, APF chief executive officer said the Marlborough was a unique proposition given both its sheer scale, and proximity to both Sydney University and RPA Hospital
"The large footprint the hotel adorns, complete with multiple outdoor areas and 30 very valuable gaming machines, enabled us to significantly grow the earnings of the pub during our ownership period," he said. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Newtown's Marlborough Hotel sold

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The Wollongong pub The Figtree Hotel sold at mid-week auction for $5.375 million.
The owner of the nearby Unanderra Hotel, Andrew Denmeade, bought the property.
It has a gaming room, a sports bar, a bistro and a drive-in bottle shop.
There is development potential for the 9300 sq m offer that sold through Ray White Hotels' Andrew Jolliffe.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Figtree at Wollongong sold

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A tavern in Queensland's ‘sugar capital’ of Mackay is being offered for sale by Ray White Hotels Australia.
The Andergrove Tavern at 64 Andergrove Road includes a public bar, sports bar, gaming room with 45 gaming machines, a bistro and dining area with a commercial kitchen and a drive-through bottle shop.
Marketing agents Tony Bargwanna and Leon Alaban of Ray White Hotels Australia are running an expressions of interest campaign till September 8
Bargwanna said the tavern is operated under management and has undergone a $4 million refurbishment. The land area is nearly 1.96 ha and has development potential subject to council approval, he added.
Mackay, nearly 970 km north of Brisbane, is known for being a major sugar producer and higher prices have helped the regional economy.
Alaban said other positives for Mackay include its proximity to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
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Tavern for sale in Queensland's 'sugar capital' 

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Casino Canberra’s $14 million makeover is complete and the gaming floor is open to public, with construction company Hindmarsh finishing the project on time. 
The refurbishment of around 1,500 square metres included a new high rollers’ lounge and is expected to provide a new lease of life for the casino owned by Hong Kong-based Aquis Entertainment.  
Hindmarsh’s contract was valued at nearly $6 million.
The company’s ACT manager-construction David Colbertaldo said it worked with local suppliers on the project.
Hindmarsh says it has delivered more than 4,000 residential units and undertaken construction work, including commercial, hotel, health and education projects, worth $3.5 billion. 
 
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Casino Canberra’s makeover complete

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Modular hotel company Tribe Hotel Group will partner with the Mantra Group to operate its inaugural property in Walker Avenue, West Perth.
Mantra Group will manage the West Perth hotel’s operations under the new Tribe brand when it opens in 2016.
The Tribe Hotel Group's modular design and construction methodology comprises pre-fabricated guest rooms with essentials for the modern traveller, deviating from traditional accommodation.
“Tribe aims to revolutionise the traditional hotel experience by challenging the norms to attract the new generation of traveller who is looking for simplicity, affordability, and connectivity in a high-end interior environment," Mark Peters, the founder of Tribe Hotel Group, said.
"We saw an opportunity to lower the cost of construction by designing and manufacturing a quality modular product from overseas and plan to pass these savings onto our guests who are travelling for business or looking to explore a new city.
“We look forward to bringing this vision to life with Mantra Group and our key business partners to revolutionise the market when we open our first hotel in West Perth.”
The first Tribe Hotel in West Perth aims to provide a smart, curated hotel experience with luxurious guest rooms supported by free WiFi, barista coffee and fresh juices with communal work and breakout spaces.
Construction company Probuild has been engaged to complete the project build, expected to be more efficient than the average build time for a similar sized hotel due to the modular application.
Construction is set to commence in November 2015 and the project is estimated to have an end-value of $30 million with completion expected in December 2016.
“The Perth market is in a solid position with strong occupancies. We expect this to be sustained by a growing leisure travel sector along with corporate travel and inbound tourism maintaining strong demand for the city and are confident this project will be a great success,” said Mantra Group CEO Bob East.
Mantra Group will play a major role in the success of the West Perth hotel alongside Tribe Hotel Group’s joint venture partners including prominent property developer, Salta Properties and the Victor Smorgon Group.
Tribe Hotel Group has acquired two additional sites in prominent locations with plans to start construction in 2016 on projects in Melbourne and Hobart.
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Tribe partners Mantra for modular-design hotel in Perth

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Caledonia Investments seems set to walk away from its ­hostile takeover bid for ALE Property Group, owner of a $900 million pub portfolio.
The largest investor in ALE Property lobbed its $770-million all-cash takeover offer in October.
But the Australian Financial Review's authoritative Street Talk column says Caledonia is expected to formally withdraw after prolonged talks with the company failed to strike a deal on the offer at a 74% premium to ALE's net tangible asset value.
ALE owns a $900 million portfolio of 86 pubs which are operated by ALH, a joint venture between Woolworths and Bruce Mathieson.
Woolworths is ALE's second largest shareholder with around an 8% stake.
Led by Mark Nelson, the Sydney-based private investment group holds around 26% of ALE, which engaged Macquarie Capital for its defence.
Caledonia, which hired Moelis &amp; Company, was set up in 1992 to manage the fortunes of the Darling family and later adding the Nelson and Vicars families.
It has $2.8 billion under management.
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