Apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> is one of the latest entrants to the Gold Coast development market, with its debut project set to be one of the most boutique offerings on Chevron Island in recent years.

Martello has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, a collection of 33 large-scale two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across an 18-storey building on Mawarra Street.

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The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project. It is a direction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> plans to carry through its future developments along the coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning. Promax Construction has already been appointed to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence in the coming months as part of the group’s broader expansion into South East Queensland.

Rising above the low-rise fabric of Chevron Island, Aere’s design emphasises generous internal proportions and uninterrupted outlooks, with residences oriented to capture coastal, skyline, and waterway views. Interiors prioritise open-plan living, with large-format glazing and carefully considered transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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The upper levels are dedicated to larger-format homes, including four-bedroom residences designed as half-floor offerings. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, while the rest of the wellness spaces throughout the building include a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, dining areas and a gym.

The inclusion of both social and quieter retreat spaces reflects a broader shift in higher-end apartment design on the Gold Coast, where developers are increasingly responding to owner-occupier demand for buildings that support long-term living rather than short-stay use.

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Aere is positioned within walking distance of Chevron Island’s village centre along Thomas Drive, as well as the HOTA cultural precinct via the Green Bridge, connecting residents to parklands, galleries, and event spaces.

For <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>, Aere represents the first in a series of planned Gold Coast developments, with the group also exploring opportunities in other coastal precincts, including Kirra and Palm Beach.

The move north comes as sustained population growth and infrastructure investment continue to reshape South East Queensland, with developers increasingly targeting boutique, design-led projects in established lifestyle pockets. Aera’s relatively small scale and emphasis on spatial quality position it within this emerging segment of the market.

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Joel Robinson

Martello™ enters Gold Coast market with wellness-led Chevron Island development Aere

Development approval has been granted for Crescent, a boutique waterfront project on one of Palm Beach's most coveted and rarely developed streets.

Launched to market this month, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crescent-palm-beach-34-36-murlong-crescent-palm-beach-qld-4221">Crescent</a> will occupy four combined lots with frontage to both Murlong Crescent and Tallebudgera Drive. The project is among the first new developments to get a green light on the creekside strip, home to only 21 tightly-held properties.

“Murlong Crescent is one of those streets that people discover and never want to leave,” said Andrew Erwin of NPA Projects, who is leading sales and marketing.

“The lifestyle here is genuinely hard to find anywhere else on the Gold Coast.”

Designed by Queensland firm ᴮʸculprit and developed by DCS Property Group, Crescent offers two and three-bedroom residences across four levels, ranging from 119 to 283 sqm and priced from $2.5 million. Builder SNBX Constructions has been appointed, with completion expected in mid to late 2028.

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Residences face north to Tallebudgera Creek, with views that extend to Burleigh Headland. Upper levels also capture canal and hinterland views to the west.

“The creek is tidal, so it changes constantly. The colour, the light, the mood of it,” Erwin said.

“That view over the creek to Burleigh Headland is only possibly from this location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366213]

Crescent devotes two levels, spanning more than 1,100 sqm, to resident amenity.&nbsp; On Level 1, a gym, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, hot spa, cold plunge, and ice bath make up the private wellness retreat. Entertaining and recreation converge on the rooftop with a resort- style pool and sundeck, alfresco BBQ and dining areas, pizza oven, yoga lawn, fire pit, as well as a herb and zen garden. Residents can also jog or walk along a dedicated loop with views over Tallebudgera Creek.

“The amenity here is genuinely out of proportion to the size of the building,” Erwin said.

“Every resident, regardless of which apartment they choose, gets access to the kind of amenity normally associated with luxury resorts.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366257]

Residences feature natural stone and timber finishes throughout, brushed brass tapware, and New Zealand wool carpet to bedrooms. Two basement levels provide secure parking, with provision for electric vehicle charging.

Beyond calm water swimming, paddling and boating, residents follow the foreshore path to Tallebudgera Beach, local cafes, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, while across the bridge is Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Beach and the vibrant James Street dining and retail hub.

Palm Beach has been among the Gold Coast’s strongest performing suburbs over the past five years, with median house prices having risen by more than 91 per cent and unit values more than doubling in the same period.

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Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> continues to be a hive of activity for developers following the opening of the Crows Nest Metro station nearly two years ago.

The latest Transport Oriented Development plans are located directly across the road from the station, which sees around 6,000 commuters pass through during the morning peak.

A new State Significant Development Application, filed by an entity linked to Colin Rahim and Pierre Sukkar, directors at builder Growthbuilt and emerging developer Prosper, proposes a 40-storey mixed-use tower with 254 apartments on a 2,127 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/402-420-pacific-highway-crows-nest-nsw-2065">402–420 Pacific Highway</a>.

<img alt="Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc2264f-d701-4493-88e8-d2286770ed20" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%209.19.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZayWJRJQvrngii1roqjR85EvTTmGXq6E" />

The development will comprise 40 one-bedroom apartments, 105 two-bedroom apartments, half of which will include an additional study, 101 three-bedroom apartments, and eight four-bedroom penthouses. These will sit above a four-storey podium, with four levels of basement parking providing 148 spaces.

fjcstudio has designed the building, which it says “embodies the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) by promoting higher-density, mixed-use urban living in close proximity to the Crows Nest Metro Station, consistent with the Crows Nest Precinct Design Guide.”

The practice adds that the development supports economic activity, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and enhances the public realm through active ground-floor uses, public domain upgrades, improved permeability, and fine-grain street activation.

“The proposal aligns with the Precinct Vision by contributing to a vibrant mixed commercial and residential centre that integrates housing, jobs, and services while strengthening the local village character of Crows Nest.”

<img alt="Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d87ca5b0-d7d7-4721-b332-8c046afb4577" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%209.08.01%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZCkGc4neaSZc6EHnsP2d2V0ZhRS2_BCz" />

Crows Nest has become one of the most sought-after suburbs for both apartment developers and buyers since the Metro opened in 2024. Developer Third.i quickly sold out half of the apartments at Elevate Hume Place, located directly above the station.

Deicorp recently launched its debut Lower North Shore project, Falcon &amp; Alexander, while Abadeen and Lindsay Bennelong have completed boutique developments in the suburb.

Prosper is also active in Crows Nest, having recently launched Kora, a boutique development of just 10 apartments on Willoughby Road. Its development pipeline has expanded significantly in recent years, following the completion of its luxury Bellevue Hill project, Splendour, in 2024. The group also has plans for a boutique development on Cowan Road in St Ives, as well as a 55-apartment project in Drummoyne.

&nbsp;

First look: Crows Nest Metro apartments pitched by Prosper

Private equity real estate firm Conquest is upsizing plans for its recently acquired Quadrangle Shopping Centre in Sydney’s Castlecrag.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="581d49cf-7f03-4d17-a864-88700bf1fef1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%208.24.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=K1U7nXEFcwuYHEKJwEKlnmtggRb2XjDQ" />

fjcstudio has designed the shop-top housing development, which it says will “deliver a more efficient and future-focused design outcome.”

“The site occupies a strategically significant position within the Castlecrag Local Centre, situated along Edinburgh Road and surrounded by established low-density residential areas and natural bushland,” the studio said.

“The proposal responds to this context through a carefully considered design that integrates built form, landscape, and public domain improvements, while respecting the suburb’s strong landscape and heritage identity.”

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c170ad2-0a65-43a3-a5de-8bea82b69b11" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%208.25.38%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqsRHFKAlG7kH4t4Q9rkFWTMpmEbKmI8" />

The architects say the increased height and density are consistent with the NSW Housing SEPP objectives, supporting greater housing diversity and affordability while achieving high standards of architectural and environmental performance.

The proposal also references the draft Willoughby Local Centres Strategy 2036, which aims to promote a network of thriving, attractive and distinctive village centres across the local government area.

“The current trend shows that Castlecrag’s population is set to increase significantly over the coming years. The site falls within the study area for Castlecrag and is in an ideal location for higher density to meet anticipated urban strategy targets at both a state and local level. Aligning with metropolitan strategies, the proposed development will contribute to a more walkable local centre and help meet demand for an additional 1,500 dwellings across Willoughby’s local centres by 2036.”

Of the roughly 1,000 homes in Castlecrag, only around 11 are apartments, according to the latest ABS Census data.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

First look: Conquest targets higher density at Castlecrag shopping centre site

Federal

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Ad man turned environmental warrior Geoff Cousins and wife, author Darleen Bungey, have joined the Byron Bay hinterland eco-scene.
They've emerged as the $2.55 million buyers of the Federal retreat of Anytime Fitness Australia co-founder Jacinta McDonell.
McDonnell had paid $2.1 million in 2015 for the Queenslander which came with an award-winning extension.
The classic character weatherboard wrapped in verandahs overlooks a 15 metre heated salt water swimming pool.
Helen Huntly-Barratt at First National Byron Bay sold the home. 
It's Cousins and Bungey's first move in the property market since 2007 when they traded Whale Beach for Point Piper.
It was also the same year Cousins crime fiction novel The Butcher Bird was published.
They sold The Wedge, the luxury Whale Beach home, for $13 million to mining services billionaire John Grill.
Cousins and Bungey then spent $10 million on a four bedroom Wolseley Road, Point Piper mansion overlooking the harbour.
Cousins, one of the most successful ad men of the 1980s, was chairman of the George Patterson advertising agency.
He was also the founding chair of the kids’ cancer charity Starlight Foundation.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Environmental warrior Geoff Cousins buys Federal retreat for $2.55 million

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Rural land at Federal, in the Byron Bay hinterland, is for sale at $1.85 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential%20land-nsw-federal-201570158">330 Federal Drive</a>, the 35 ha of prime agricultural land has a picturesque rural outlook.
It features two large sheds and a large dam with frontage to the creek.
The property is offered by Byron Bay LJ Hooker agent Tony Farrell.
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