<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

Commercial Office

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Australian CBDs are still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, with new data revealing a deceleration in the rate of workers returning to their offices.

The Property Council of Australia’s latest office occupancy survey has found little growth in the number of workers returning to offices in February across most Australian CBDs.

Especially following recent snap lockdowns, Melbourne and Perth CBDs both had less workers at the end of February than they had at the end of January. Melbourne’s CBD recorded only 24% occupancy in the final week of February.

Sydney’s CBD experienced the strongest growth last month with 48% occupancy recorded - up from 45% in the final week of January.

<img alt="" height="1016" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cbd_office_vacancy.jpg" width="1200">

Survey respondents identified worker preferences for greater flexibility as the main barrier to achieving full occupancy despite office building owners and managers working to ensure workplaces are COVID-safe.

“As Australia’s public health response reaches a new phase and the vaccination program rolls out, we’re looking forward to more CBD workers coming back to their offices to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face connections and collaboration,” said Property Council chief Ken Morrison.

“Lively city centres are not only important for the thousands of businesses who rely on foot traffic, but also for millions of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in broader economic activity generated in our CBDs,” he noted.

But boosting office occupancy levels remains a big challenge, especially in the secondary office space which is at risk of lower occupier demand and high vacancy, and likely in need of being retrofitted or repurposed. A recent PWC report advised around 12% of Australia’s economic activity during the 2019 financial year can be attributed to four of the country’s largest CBDs, but were likelier than the wider community to work from home.

"We believe that this so-called ‘death of the CBD’ has been exaggerate," PWC advised. "As the risks of COVID-19 recede, we can expect people to return to work in Australian CBDs." RMIT planning Professor Michael Buxton believes the emptying out of commercial buildings will be temporary, telling The Age the greater threat to the CBD was the loss of international students and short-term renters in high-rise apartments.
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Survey respondents identified worker preferences for greater flexibility as the main barrier to achieving full occupancy. 

jchancellor

The return to workers in CBD offices slows

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Charter Hall has taken a 100 per cent interest in the Sydney CBD tower block currently leased to Telstra.

Their Charter Hall WALE Limited, a responsible entity of the Charter Hall Long WALE REIT, has paid $281.5 million for the 76-78 Pitt Street building, which will be leased back to Telstra on a 10-year, triple-net agreement at a yield of around 4.75 per cent.

Telstra will see a fixed annual rent increase of 2.5 per cent.

Avi Anger, fund manager of CLW, said the property has a high underlying land value and future optionality.

Charter Hall's REIT has also entered in to an agreement to take a 100 per cent interest in a new Bunnings property to be developed in Caboolture, in Queensland's Moreton Bay region, for $28.1 million.

The REIT have also announced they've completed the acquisition of a 49.9% interest in an Endeavour Group leased pub the Parap Tavern in Darwin, paying for $9.8 million.

“Bunnings Caboolture and the Parap Tavern are located in strong trading areas and identified growth corridors for Bunnings and Endeavour Group," Anger said.

"The acquisitions increase the proportion of triple net leases in the portfolio from 50% to 53% and increase the proportion of fixed rent reviews to 55%, further supporting the REITs secure and growing income.

"The Acquisitions also increase CLW’s exposure to high quality tenants in Telstra, Endeavour Group and Bunnings.”

The REIT will undertake a fully underwritten $250 million institutional placement to partially fund the acquisitions and associated transaction costs.

 

 
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Charter Hall acquire 100% stake in Sydney's Telstra building

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Super Retail Group, an Australian retail conglomerate, has opened a new workplace in the Moreton Bay suburb of Strathpine.
The building was designed by Cottee Parker architects, while global architecture firm Woods Bagot designed the interior.
With an annualised turnover in excess of $2.5 billion, SRG is one of Australasia’s largest retailers of auto, sports, and outdoor leisure products.
Within its stable are notable brands including BCF Boating Camping Fishing, Macpac, Rebel and Supercheap Auto.
Located adjacent to the Strathpine shopping centre and rail corridor, and the sole tenant of the building, SRG’s new workplace sits within what will become a larger mixed-use precinct being developed by PrimeWest.
Woods Bagot associate principal and project design leader Sarah McMahon says that SRG setting up permanently in Strathpine is a tremendous vote of confidence for the area.
The new support office accommodates 650 of the company’s key customer care, visual merchandising, product testing, and retail experience staff across three levels. It comprises of 7000 square metres, and cost $75 million to build.
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Super Retail Group reveal new Strathpine headquarters

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Older Dubbo offices are struggling to attract leasing inquiry.
The location of Dubbo office accommodation has diversified significantly in recent years with the development of a number of business park precincts, exemplified by the Blueridge Business Park in East Dubbo (above) and Riverview Business Park in North Dubbo, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.
Both offer single ground level office unit accommodation and have drawn a divergent range of office users to these areas according to the report.
These business park developments offer the particular advantage of onsite parking and purpose built amenity.
But older CBD office space, particularly those without lift services in multi floor buildings, struggle to attract leasing enquiry.
This can be compounded where car parking is limited, the report suggests.
As a consequence, office users who don’t rely on physical client contact have gravitated to periphery CBD locations or the aforementioned business park developments.
It noted government and allied agencies that require face to face dealings with the public need to be located within easy access to public transport and other support services.
According to the report this necessity has confined these agencies to within the Dubbo CBD and they are the major source of leasing demand for larger, modern, publicly accessible and NABERS compliant office space.
 
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Older Dubbo offices struggling to attract leasing inquiry: HTW 

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The Trocadero and Académie de Musique, a Victorian Fleming-style commercial building at 69-77 King Street, Newtown, has been sold.
The non profit cancer charity, CanTeen has paid $13 million to the Moore Theological College, which bought the property in 1974.
CanTeen has been the anchor tenant in the heritage-listed building since 2014, occupying most of the 1700 square metres of internal space.
There were more than 250 inquiries, and more than 50 inspections.
The agents were quoting more than $10 million, offering comparables including the historic Chippendale warehouse, which the University of Technology Sydney bought for $11.25 million last March.
Built during the 1880s boom, the Trocadero was one of 25 roller skating rinks in Sydney.
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Cancer charity CanTeen buys Newtown building for $13 million

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Designer William Smart has proposed $4.9 million alterations and additions to his intended Alexandria office property. 
It follows the<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-alexandria-502372482" target="_blank"> recent purchase</a> by Smart Studio Design.
There was a $2.65 million purchase from NID Pty Ltd of the 3360 square metre site along with $6.55 million of the adjacent warehouse space.
The warehouses of 12-18 Stokes Avenue are representative of Post-War and late twentieth century warehouses constructed during the industrial development of Alexandria during one of the peak periods of Australia's industrialisation.
The 12-18 Stokes Avenue space will accommodate the new fitout for Smart Design Studio and a caretaker's apartment.
A portion is located within the North Alexandria Industrial Heritage Conservation Area, triggering a Heritage Impact Statement.
Two buildings are located on the subject site 12-16 Stokes Avenue and both buildings have primary frontages to Stokes Avenue and rear access via Balaclava Lane.
While 18 Stokes Avenue forms part of the subject site, no works are proposed to the existing warehouse located on this lot.
The properties within the vicinity of the subject site are predominantly commercial in character, with properties surrounding consisting of a mix of warehouses and office spaces.
Buildings designs are typically simple and robust, reflecting the modular building forms, with heavy geometric massing and restrained ornament limited to the brickwork and parapet wall, as is typical for industrial buildings of the inter-war and post-war periods.
The Inter-War and Post-War characteristics of the North Alexandria Industrial HCA can clearly be seen through the stepped parapets and sawtooth roofs.
The development of Stokes Avenue was slow to begin, with subdivision only occurring from 1922. The first developments on Stokes Avenue were single storey residences, which were later replaced by industrial and warehouse buildings during the 1950s and 1960s.
The development of the subject site took place in two stages, with 18 Stokes Avenue being developed as a warehouse site from as early as 1943, followed by the development of 12-16 Stokes Avenue into a warehouse during the 1950s.
The 1951 Civic Survey of Sydney identifies the owners of 18 Stokes Avenue as J. Gadson Pty Ltd, a company which manufactured cans.
Founded in 1879 in Melbourne and begining its first plant in 1912 in Sydney.19 In November 1951, J. Gadsen Pty Ltd merged with R. Hughes Pty Ltd, continuing the use of the Alexandria factory as a can making facility. R. Hughes Pty Ltd had been founded in Sydney in 1880, developing three factories, one of which concentrated in lithographic metal printing and lacquering. 
During the 1950s, 12-16 Stokes Avenue changed uses from residential to industrial, with the construction of a new single storey warehouse building at 12-16 Stokes Avenue, for the manufacturing of confectionary machinery in 1958, owned by Hans Faerber.
Hans emigrated to Australia from Germany following the end of World War II.
Faerber's company was soon designing and building its own sugar sanding and starch moulding machines.
By 1958, Hans's business had grown and was incorporated as New Industrial Design (NID), functioning out of both the new purpose built warehouse at 12-16 Stokes Avenue and the existing warehouse, previously under the ownership of Gadsen- Hughes Pty Ltd at 18 Stokes Avenue. 
Since NID's founding in Alexandria in 1958, the business has continued at 12-18 Stokes Avenue. The property was offered with a year long lease back.
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William Smart Design Studio take on its own ambitious Alexandria warehouse office project

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Car and home insurer Youi has unveiled its new Sunshine Coast headquarters building at the Sippy Downs technology precinct.    
The completion of Stage 1 of the four-level building provides the insurer with 12,500 sqm of high-tech office space and accommodation for up to 1,700 staff.  
Stage 2 of the project will see a 12,500 sq m wing added to the new headquarters providing space to accommodate up to 3,000 staff.
“We are one of the region’s major employers and have been part of the Sunshine Coast since Youi commenced its Australian operation with 30 staff in 2008,” said Youi CEO Frank Costigan.
“The decision to build our new headquarters at Sippy Downs reinforces our commitment to growing with the community and providing additional employment opportunities across the region.”
He added that the new location places Youi close to the University of the Sunshine Coast that would enable a partnership.
The unveiling was attended by Mayor Mark Jamieson.
“Sunshine Coast Council has been working with Youi for the past decade as it grew from a start-up business to be one of the region’s major employers now based in this very impressive global HQ,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Their investment is one of the largest non-governmental related investments in our Sunshine Coast’s history.”
The global headquarters will be home to all corporate positions including IT, marketing, HR and other professions.
It will also have an innovative advice hub where customers and public can drop in to discuss their insurance or obtain advice about Youi’s products, Costigan said.     
The energy efficient building is complimented by a sophisticated security entry system that does away with access cards by recognising each employee.
The close to 900 staff will move in to the new office from its offices on Lake Kawana at Birtinya before Christmas.
 
 
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Insurer Youi unveils new $73 million Sunshine Coast headquarters

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A fully leased commercial office building in Sydney’s CBD and overlooking Darling Harbour is set to hit the market, while another opposite Hyde Park has been listed.
The building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-501644761" target="_blank">160 Sussex Street</a> is a renovated 15-storey office asset comprising 8,269.6 sqm of net lettable area on an 853.6 sqm site.
The building was constructed in 1992 and has an elegant heritage façade while incorporating modern office accommodation.
It last traded for $51.2 million in 2015, according to Corelogic RP Data.
It offers a Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 3.26 years (by income) with a net income of nearly $4.6 million.
Vacancy rate in the Sydney CBD office market has remained the lowest among the national capitals, helping drive strong growth in both capital values and rental growth, according to the latest research data from Savills.
With vacancy currently at a low of 5.9 per cent and expectations of further tightening over the next two years as net supply remains negative, rents have grown in double digits over the past two years and risen to record levels, according to Savills, which is partnering with Colliers International to market the freehold B-Grade commercial office building. 
Given forward indicators and a distinct lack of short term supply, this trend appears to have further to run, while investor demand for quality assets remains strong in the Sydney CBD, particularly from Asian investors, despite concerns over tightening capital controls.
The marketing is being done by Graeme Russell, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar of Savills and Vince Kernahan, Tom O’Neill and James Barber of Colliers International.
The property is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign closing November 2.
The vendor is local property investor, Stephen Burcher, of the Burcher Property Group.
The property is fully leased with major tenant Education Centre of Australia (ECA) occupying 46 per cent of the building. Other major tenants include Rankin Ellison Lawyers, Fortinet International, Dual Australia, Trippas White Group, Turner Freeman Lawyers and Health Care Australia.
The CBD's Western Corridor precinct where the building is located has the highest net effective rental growth, according to Graeme Russell of Savills Australia.
“What is happening within the Western Corridor precinct is changing the dynamics of the Sydney CBD. New construction worth billions in office, residential, hotel, transport, infrastructure and entertainment developments in the area gives Sydney a new focal point," said Russell.
“The commitment by both public and private sectors promises that this precinct will bring a new standard of working and living to the area with 160 Sussex Street perfectly positioned to benefit from this development activity” he said.
Vince Kernahan of Colliers said more than $6.5 million has been spent on services and refurbishment works throughout the building since 2012.
Meanwhile, a freehold corner office tower opposite Sydney CBD’s Hyde Park has also come to the market.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-501680013" target="_blank">299 Elizabeth Street</a>, on the corner of Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, the property offers access to major retail destinations such as World Square, Westfield Shopping Centre, QVB, Chinatown and Darling Harbour Live.
 <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/2017/09/20/299ElizabethSt.jpg" alt="">
The building comprises nearly 5,974 sqm of net lettable area with ground-floor retail space. It is nearly fully leased.
It also has direct access to the underground Liverpool Street entrance to Museum Train Station. 
The listing agents are Knight Frank’s Dominic Ong, Andy Hu and John Bowie Wilson along with JLL’s James Aroney and Steven Tsang.
They are acting on behalf of a private Asian investor and the property will be sold via an international expression of interest campaign starting September.
Knight Frank’s Dominic Ong said investment demand was extremely high in the Sydney CBD. 
“There remains a lot of capital chasing solid assets in Australia. We are expecting interest from local and offshore buyers, including syndicates and high net worth individuals,” he said.
“The high profile corner is directly opposite Sydney’s Hyde Park and is an appealing investment package due to its current level of occupancy and diversity of income through the retail and commercial tenancies,” added JLL’s James Aroney.
The building recently underwent a $1.55 million upgrade and is nearly fully leased – primarily to legal occupiers – due to its proximity to the Local &amp; District Court within the Downing Centre.
 
 
 
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Sydney CBD building overlooking Darling Harbour listed: Savills

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The award-winning penthouse office in Melbourne's South Yarra has sold after having price expectations of $6.5 million plus.
It is understood to have been bought by parties associated with SecureCorp joint managing director Craig Harwood
The two-level office with 675 sqm of flexible space is set in one of Melbourne's top retail hubs.
It sits on the corner of Arthur and Chapel Street, perched above the vibrant precinct.
In 2015 it took out the Interior Design Magazine's Best Interior Design Award, one of New York's most prestigious design awards.
It was also named a finalist in the Workplace Design and Workplace Less Than 1,000 sqm categories at the 2015 Interior Design Excellence Awards in Australia.
Colliers International secured the sale of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-south+yarra-501998198" target="_blank">529 Chapel Street</a> on behalf of local developer Bill McNee.
“This is a truly unique offering – there is no other office in Melbourne that compares to this one,” agent Daniel Wolman said before the sale.
“On offer is the world’s best office in the heart of one of Melbourne’s trendiest and most sought after suburbs."
The office has communal and private workspaces, innovative entrances, steam rooms and luxury finishes with multiple rooftop terraces.
Luxury features include a Sonos sound system throughout, automated bi-fold doors, a teppanyaki grill and beer taps on the external terrace. 
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World's best small office design sells on Chapel Street

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An East Melbourne property scored more than 20 percent over its reserve at a Savills auction recently, selling for $9.53 million to an investor.
The 96 Wellington Parade property, located opposite the MCG and Jolimont Station, drew 128 enquiries.
Selling agents, Savills’ Nick Peden, Clinton Baxter and Jesse Radisich, said the result represented a strong building rate of $8456 a square metre of net lettable area, and $18,613 a square metre of land.
The property is a five-level, 1,127 square metre (NLA) office building on a 512 square metre, and is zoned Commercial 1. Savills represented the Catholic Church for the deal.
The building covers around 65 percent of the site, while the zoning allows for a building height of 24 metres or eight levels subject to council approval.
It offers uninterrupted views across parkland to the MCG, said Baxter.
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