The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Commercial Lease

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Leading household and commercial appliance manufacturer and retailer Miele have signed a seven year lease at Mirvac's industrial development Calibre at Eastern Creek, west of Sydney.
The Miele facility, designed by Mirvac Design in collaboration with SBA Architects, comprises 17,000 sqm of high clearance warehouse facilities and 780 sqm of office and showroom space.
The 5-star green star rated building sits in a prominent position in the Calibre Estate, providing exposure to over 200,000 vehicles a day.
Fabian Nager, Mirvac's industrial development director said the building will establish a new standard for office, warehousing and showroom facilities in Western Sydney.
“At Mirvac we have a strong focus on providing our customers quality, amenity and efficiency, three key components also synonymous with the Miele brand," he said.
Miele’s building through its leading specifications will complement the brand and its business operations providing efficiencies and flexibility to meet the changing face of the retail industry”.
Miele ANZ managing director Sjaak Brouwer said Miele are happy to be joining the Cailbre estate.
"The leasing agreement bolsters our long-standing relationship with the business, as a major supplier of appliances to Mirvac’s residential business," Brouwer said.
“We are very proud to say that Miele Australia has seen substantial growth during the last years and expects this trend to continue, and as such a growing business needs more warehouse capacity and we had to look for a new location in NSW.
”We had some key requirements for the new site – it has to facilitate future growth, it has to be accessible and close to arterials and reflect the premium positioning of the Miele brand. Together with Mirvac we will develop this great new location. We are really pleased with our partnership with Mirvac.”
Miele will take up its tenancy at Calibre in December 2018. They will join leading kitchenware wholesale business Sheldon and Hammond, who will relocate to Building 4 in June 2018, and supply chain management company, CEVA Logistics, who relocated to Building 1 at Calibre earlier this year.
The transaction was introduced to Mirvac by Colliers International’s Peter Evans, Tony Durante and Jonty Lamb.
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Miele signs seven-year lease at Mirvac's Calibre in Eastern Creek

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Two Mornington Penninsula spaces have been leased within the retail food industry.
While 887 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud was leased for $29,000.00 per annum on a three-year lease term with three further options of three years. This equates to a building rate of $95.08 for the 305 sqm building. 
The 240 sqm retail premises at 889 &amp; 889a Point Nepean Road was leased for a total of $60,000.00 per annum on a lease term of three years with three further terms of five (5) years, equating to a building rate of $250 sqm. 
The leasing agents were Anthony Carbone and Seamus Bolst of CVA.
The sites are located with huge exposure to the traffic along Point Nepean Road and across from the Rosebud Pier and foreshore. 
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Mornington Peninsula sites leased to food industry operators

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A shortage of creative office spaces in the Sydney CBD is inspiring tenants to come up with own creative solutions to customise their workspaces.
A recent example is <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-500609535" target="_blank">6 O’Connell Street</a>, a building owned by Investa Office Fund which recently became home to two creative tenants: design firm Gensler and Axiom Workplaces.  
Both have transformed their new workspace using clever design to deliver premium creative space, according to Colliers International, which facilitated the leasing deals.
Dean Bracken and Trent Stephens from Colliers along with Cushman &amp; Wakefield have been appointed as leasing agents by Investa for 6 O’Connell Street.
“Given the limited supply of space in the CBD, tenants need to be quick to secure their ideal office spaces and make the tenancies their own. These companies are examples of those who have taken on the fit out themselves to create a workspace to their own standards,” said Dean Bracken of Colliers International, who was responsible for placing both tenants in the building.  
Axiom was represented by Luke Dutton from Colliers International Tenant Advisory.
“B Grade buildings are attracting quality tenants and high rents – this building in particular is one of the best located, fronting both O’Connell and Bligh Streets in the CBD which offers Harbour Bridge views and continues to attract a diverse range of tenants,” he added.
Global design firm Gensler were originally searching for a heritage building in the CBD location. They have transformed their 6 O’Connell Street tenancy into a sleek, sophisticated office with a homely feel. 
The office (picture above) has a residential feel upon entry, with a fireplace, wine rack and modern, wooden finishes and an artistic mural to reflect the creativity of the business.
“The ground floor space at 6 O’Connell that we now call home presented us with a great opportunity to really showcase our approach to workplace design, which often draws upon hospitality, retail and F&amp;B design influences,” Andrew Waddle, associate at Gensler, said.  
<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/2017/10/20/Gensler2.jpg" alt="">
Axiom Workplaces also recently relocated to 6 O’Connell Street, designing and delivering office space with a futuristic feel.
Their office space is designed to emulate a compass, with the middle being anchored by a virtual reality room, with exposed ceilings, concrete treated flooring and terracotta potted plants around windows adding to the overall affect. 
“We didn’t see 6 O’Connell St as just a B-grade property. In fact, we saw it as a prime location in the heart of the CBD and an opportunity to transform the space into something uniquely Axiom. Using our own expertise and talent, we’ve created our ideal workplace that encourages our teams to perform at their optimum from both a creative and a business growth standpoint,” said Alister Hales, head of Business Development and Client Services at Axiom Projects. 
“Design is at the core of what these businesses do, and their offices reflect this.” 
“With French cabaret restaurant Hubert and Spanish wine bar Balcon by Tapavino occupying lower levels of the building this location and other surrounding amenity means that 6 O’Connell Street is one of the most desirable B grade offices in Sydney’s CBD.”
 
 
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Tenants get creative at Investa’s 6 O’Connell Street in Sydney CBD

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Property NSW has announced the lease sale of a heritage-listed commercial property in The Rocks with the funds to be utilised to improve the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-502585746" target="_blank">16-18 Grosvenor St</a> property, formerly known as the Housing Board Building, is listed on the State Heritage Register. It was built in 1921 to house the Resumed Properties Department which was responsible for the resumption of land for the Department of Lands and played a major part in reshaping The Rocks and Millers Point.
It would be sold through a tender closing on November 8 and is being offered via a 99-year lease.
“The Rocks and Darling Harbour are two of the State’s most popular tourism precincts and we must continue to invest in them to ensure the visitor experience exceeds expectations,” said Brett Newman, CEO of Property NSW.
In 2015, the NSW government said that proceeds from the divestment of some select government-owned assets in The Rocks would be allocated to the Restart NSW fund, with at least $200 million reserved for the Circular Quay ferry wharf upgrade. 
“New developments along the Harbour foreshore must be complemented by ongoing investment to maintain and conserve our existing assets,” Newman said.
“The sale via long-term lease will deliver immediate funding to invest in our precincts while ensuring the property remains in government hands and is subject to heritage protections.”
The property has a Conservation Management Plan endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW to guide any purchaser’s plans for the property.  
The listing agents are Mitch Noonan and Harry George from CBRE.
 
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Property NSW offers long-term lease sale of heritage office building on The Rocks

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“With office vacancy rates in Perth still above 20 percent and conditions continuing to favor tenants, proactive landlords have been completing speculative fit-outs or redecorating existing fit-outs in order to present a more attractive offering to tenants. This trend is likely to continue.” – James Phelan, Associate, Office Leasing 
Pro-active landlords are now completing speculative fit-outs or redecorating existing fit-outs as the competition for tenants intensifies with Perth’s office vacancy rate still hovering above twenty percent.
According to Savills Associate, Office Leasing, James Phelan, landlords are under increasing pressure to present their office assets in ready-to-use form, a trend which could see owners using display suites in much the same way that developers use them to present their apartments to the market.
“Tenants have shown a preference for brand new, fitted, ‘plug n play’ type office space and recent activity suggests savvy landlords are achieving increasing inspection numbers resulting in reduced letting up periods, earlier income returns, and higher face rents when this sort of product is offered to the market. 
“Over the next few years there is the distinct possibility that we are going to see owners creating display suites in order to demonstrate the quality of their asset and the point of difference with their competitors,” he said. 
Ready to use fit-outs a win-win 
Mr Phelan said ready to use fit-outs were a win-win for landlords as they also offered tenants a smoother and less complicated transition into new office accommodation.
“The primary driver for this strategy relates to achieving cost efficiencies. That is, if an existing fit-out can work for a new tenant then they can take the majority of any incentive offered in the form of rent abatement, rather than as a cash contribution to build a new fit-out.
“By not having to allocate their incentive to fit-out costs, tenants can reduce their effective rental costs which makes it easier and more compelling for them to consider a relocation,’’ Mr Phelan said.
He said generic fit-outs with open-plan working environments that could accommodate a variety of industry groups and with the flexibility for tenants to make modifications, were strategically the preference for a speculative fit-out.
“This strategy is particularly prevalent for smaller tenancies from 200-350 square metres, however larger deals have transacted also, as evidenced by Resolute Mining taking 1200 square metres of speculative fit-out at Australia Place, 12-14 William Street, in April.” Mr Phelan said.
He said, anecdotally, the most common enquiry size for tenants looking for CBD space was 150 to 350 square metres.
“Owners that can have ready-to-go, ‘plug n play’ redecorated or fitted out tenancies will be well placed to tap into this enquiry, entice tenants to relocate and subsequently secure new leasing transactions,” Mr Phelan said.
Perth fit-outs completed in 2017 on the back of a speculative fit-out or redecoration of an existing fit-out include: 
 
<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/2017/09/19/Savills-chart.jpg" alt="">
 
--------------------------------------
James Phelan is an Associate in the Savills Perth <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/office-leasing.aspx" target="_blank">Office Leasing</a> team. Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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Landlords create speculative fit-outs as rivalry for tenants intensifies: Savills

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National not for profit training, employment and community services organisation STEPS Group Australia is expanding in the Northern Territory after securing space in the CasCom Centre business park in Darwin.
STEPS has leased a 416 sqm office at the CasCom Centre at <a href="https://www.sentinelpg.com.au/properties/cascom-centre/" target="_blank">13-17 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina</a>, from Sentinel Property Group, which purchased CasCom last year for $34 million.
The CasCom Centre is a six-building business park with nearly 10,944 sqm of gross lettable area.
The property is predominantly leased to territory and federal government departments.
STEPS has taken up a six-year tenancy at a gross rental of $430 per sqm per annum.
Established in 2010, Brisbane-based Sentinel has a total national portfolio of more than 40 retail, industrial, office, land, tourism infrastructure and agribusiness assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory with a total value in excess of $1 billion.
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STEPS leases space in Darwin business park

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia has leased space in Melbourne’s Glenferrie Road shopping strip, which according to leasing agent Allard Shelton is the largest dollar value letting deal in 2017.
The agreed rent of $275,000 p.a plus GST and outgoings for <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-malvern-502202670" target="_blank">142 Glenferrie Road, Malvern</a> works out for a rent of $859 per sqm.
“Demand for retail property in Melbourne is still strong and freehold buildings on high exposure corners like this are always sought after,” said Allard Shelton’s Patrick Barnes.
Commonwealth Bank is expected to occupy the new premises by October 2017 with the owner of 142 Glenferrie Road fitting out the building in line with the Commonwealth Bank’s retail design strategy. The fit out is expected to take over two months to complete and will comprise of an internal and external renovation.
The site is part of one of Melbourne's busiest shopping strips and is close to other quality tenants such as Coles, ANZ, Westpac and Dan Murphy’s, added Barnes. 
Allard Shelton, Victoria’s oldest, Australian owned commercial property agents, facilitated the rental transaction after an introduction from Fitzroys director, David Bourke.
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Commonwealth Bank leases space in Melbourne's busy Glenferrie Road shopping strip

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The Blue Lady Tattoo Parlour will be carving tattoos from its new leased space in the Melbourne CBD.
The leased space is on the first level of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501367339" target="_blank">67-73 Hardware Lane</a>. It spans 102 sqm.
The three-year lease with options for two further three-year options commenced at an annual rental of $55,000 plus GST.
The shop is operating with seven artists working on a seven-day a week opening basis from 11.30 until 8 pm.
<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/2017/08/28/HardwareLane.jpg" alt="">
The deal was negotiated by Gray Johnson agent Rory White.
The tenancy offer was inclusive of an introductory two months rent-free period.
“Hardware Lane is noted for its restaurant and bar outlets close to major city legal and business offices so this tenancy adds a new service dimension to an activity precinct,” White said.
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High-end tattoo parlour takes lease in Melbourne CBD

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One of Brisbane's top hairdressers has snapped up the first commercial tenancy at Kangaroo Point's new apartment development, The Marc.
Sarah Seymour, a leading hair stylist who has worked with some of Australia's top models, Sydney Fashion Week and runs Brisbane's most regarded salons for the past decade, will open the doors to her first New York style, loft salon The Mane Attic, on August 26.
Seymour committed to a 48 sqm street level tenancy on a five-year lease, with options at the <a href="https://www.themarcapartments.com/" target="_blank">616 Main Street</a> development.
The space shares a floor with the apartment building's lobby and will spill out onto Main Street.
Three tenancies remain at The Marc, a short walk from the Kangaroo Point lookout, with leasing rates priced from $700/sqm and spaces ranging in size from 60 sqm to 121 sqm.
Seymour said in addition to The Marc's chic architecture, its prime location and proposed Boulevard style streetscape were key attractions.
"The Marc is a very contemporary building and while it's located just a few minutes from the city, it's out far enough out to allow my clients to switch off for a few hours in a more relaxed environment," she said.
"My salon will radiate a New York loft style design and will complement it perfectly.”
The Brisbane City Council has cited Kangaroo Point's Main Street as the east side's 'high street' and Seymour says the street's Boulevard style development covenants were great signs of the area's future growth.
The Marc consists of 69 contemporary apartments and is almost 85 percent sold with sales in excess of $30 million. The building is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Development partner Anthony Conomos said in addition to The Marc's location close to the CBD, Main Street's boulevard-style development covenants were proving key benefits to prospective tenants.
"Kangaroo Point is the first eastern suburb outside of the Brisbane CBD and Brisbane City Council granted Main Street the trophy 'high street' status, meaning the area has great appeal for both residents and visitors from surrounding regions," he said.
The four commercial spaces are on the ground floor. Bulk of the foundational work, such as installing air-conditioning, grease traps and exhaust ducting have already been done.
The eight-level apartment project, developed by joint venture partners - Artaria Developments, Main St (Bris) Pty Ltd and Chad is the third project by the group in Kangaroo Point.
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Top hair stylist leases space in Brisbane's Kangaroo Point development

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Fast-food franchisee SumoSalad has reportedly managed to negotiate lower rents from reluctant landlord Westfield through its tactic of insolvency laws.
The two parties are close to a mutually favourable commercial outcome, with the final details to be sorted out by early next week, Australian Financial Review columnist Tony Boyd wrote in Chanticleer.
The deal is expected to attract great attention from retailers operating in large shopping centres because it will show that it is possible to tip the balance of power from landlords back to tenants, Boyd said. 
SumoSalad co-founder Luke Baylis said on Tuesday he was negotiating better rental terms at Westfield centres, without going into details. 
SumoSalad’s boss put two of the 20 companies in his group into voluntary administration in June, escalating the tension between the fast food chain and Westfield after failed attempts over six months to negotiate cuts in leasing charges.
The two companies, Sumo Westfield Leasing Pty Ltd and Sumo Leasing Pty Ltd, were put into voluntary administration with Morgan Kelly and Peter Gothard from Ferrier Hodgson appointed voluntary administrators. 
Baylis’s contention was that SumoSalad franchisees had suffered from the opening of new food eating areas which, according to him, was designed to increase foot traffic but had cannibalised the sales of SumoSalad outlets because of increased competition.
"Using the voluntary administration law involved a more strategic approach in terms of negotiating," Baylis said.
He added that SumoSalad was well prepared for using the insolvency laws because all of its leases were held in separate companies within the SumoSalad Group. The two SumoSalad leasing companies had 63 separate leases across 25 different lessors. Westfield was responsible for 19 of them.
Kelly compared the use of the voluntary administration laws by SumoSalad to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy law in the United States. 
“You have protection from your creditors while you negotiate a commercial outcome,” he said.
"I believe the use of the laws in this way is unprecedented.” 
Kelly said in a report to creditors that many SumoSalad franchisees were not trading profitability "primarily due to high levels of rent" and led to a number of them “abandoning their sites”.
Baylis says that while the strategic use of insolvency laws had been effective, it would cost him about $250,000.
 
 
 
 
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