Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-36" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:55d7c6ac-8e6d-4881-ad49-0ed9bf66d1cc-17" dir="auto">
Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

Fund Raising

<html><body>
Brisbane-based fund manager Cromwell Property Group are set to purse over $1 billion worth of strategic growth opportunities across Australia and Europe.
Cromwell have announced an underwritten $375 million institutional placement at a fixed issue price of $1.15 per new security.
They have identified a number of strategic growth opportunities across both its indirect and direct property investment segments.
The opportunities will be funded with proceeds from the equity raising, recycling of existing capital and introduction of new capital partners.
The proceeds, along with recycled capital from asset sales, will provide funding for over $1 billion of value-add development opportunities across Cromwell’s existing Australian Core+ and Active real estate portfolio.
Cromwell CEO Paul Weightman said: "Cromwell continues to identify value enhancing investment opportunities across both its Indirect and Direct Property Investments that will deliver significant medium term growth in enterprise value for Cromwell and realise significant capital returns for securityholders.
"The Equity Raising will provide certainty of funding to pursue these opportunities, strengthen the balance sheet and allow for growth in distributions.”
“Cromwell has identified over $0.5 billion of high quality Australian core office opportunities and over $0.5 billion of office and retail opportunities in Europe which are ideally suited to our ‘Invest to Manage’ strategy.
"The warehousing of these opportunities will allow us to seed new funds, co-invest alongside our global capital partners and accelerate growth of assets under management (AUM).”
“Finally, Cromwell will also look to use the proceeds from the Equity Raising along with recycled capital from asset sales and sell down of new funds to deliver over $1.0 billion of accretive value add development opportunities across the existing Australian balance sheet portfolio.”
Cromwell have reaffirmed the FY19 guidance of operating profit of no less than 8.00 cps and distributions of 7.25 cps2.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">The guidance for FY20 operating profit is expected to be great, a guide of 8.1 – 8.3 cps and distributions of not less than 7.5 cps3</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Cromwell Property Group identify $1 billion worth of growth opportunities

<html><body>
Listed property manager Charter Hall Group’s Direct Property business has launched a second automotive retail property trust, seeking to raise $48 million in equity to acquire an $82 million property portfolio.
The portfolio will have a 13-year weighted average lease expiry (WALE) and the trust has acquired four properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, said a media release.
The opening date for the equity raise offer is Tuesday, 16 May 2016 and is limited to $48 million.
The Charter Hall Direct Automotive Trust No. 2 (DAT2) follows the success of the first such trust, DAT1, in raising equity. DAT1 was launched in August 2015 and closed to new investment within six weeks of settlement of the property transaction on September 30, 2015. The assets have all been 100% leased by vehicle retailer Automotive Holdings Group (ASX:AHG) on long-term leases, whilst equity commitments are expected from retail, high net worth and self managed superannuation fund investors.
DAT2 would comprise a portfolio of established and new automotive dealerships, 100% leased to AHG and expects to offer stable earnings. The Trust will have an initial distribution of 7.25% for years one and two and the prospect of capital growth over the six-year initial period of the trust.
Charter Hall’s head of Direct Property, Nick Kelly said the DAT series was an example of the group’s success in with new funds that deliver strong returns to investors. 
“Our Direct Property business continues to deliver market leading returns for our retail investors and I am pleased with the consistent delivery of targeted income distribution yields. The DAT2 targeted distribution yield of 7.25% is expected to be appealing in this low interest rate, low inflation environment."
The DAT2 portfolio will be targeting an initial gearing of 49.9% and comprises the following properties and dealerships operated under AHG leases:
<img src="/images/2016/05/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-17%20at%202.18.57%20PM.png" alt="" width="757" height="161">
“We continue to see high levels of interest in direct property from SMSF trustees who, in a low yield environment, are seeking investments which provide for a strong income yield, high quality assets, and potential for capital value growth, low volatility and regular returns," Direct Property fund manager Steven Bennett said.
Charter Hall's Direct Property's funds hold five of the top 10 ranked positions in the Property Council/IPD Unlisted Core Retail Property Fund Index for the 12 months to January 2016.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Charter Hall launches second automotive retail property trust, expects to raise $48 million

<html><body>
Real estate investment management firm Qualitas has announced the successful first close of its Opportunity Fund, raising capital from institutional and high-net-worth (HNW) investors, to sit alongside its co-investment. 
The investment vehicle, which is funded by offshore and domestic investors, has a target size of $200 million. It will provide equity and mezzanine debt for high-quality commercial, retail and residential projects identified by Qualitas’ experienced investment team. 
Andrew Schwartz, Group Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Qualitas, said the fund allows investors to benefit from the unique dynamics of the Australian property sector.
“Australian real estate markets, particularly in the private capital space, tend to be localised and relationship-based. Well-established, local investment firms can therefore achieve superior risk-adjusted returns thanks to their access to information and on-the-ground knowledge.” 
“In the private, mid-market real estate sector where Qualitas specialises, we tend to have a first-mover advantage on profitable deals, thanks to our strong relationships. We can generate value by seizing opportunities early,” Mr Schwartz said.
Qualitas’ fund will focus on quality investment and development opportunities in the mid-market segment. 
“Australian core real estate has reverted to the prices and momentum seen in the pre-GFC period, and is heavily dominated by large-scale institutional and public capital. However, those sources have yet to turn their attention to the value-add and development spaces, and this is where we see significant opportunity for value creation by private capital investing.” 
“The big banks’ focus on capital requirements has led to a contraction in lending for property development, opening up the market to alternative capital providers who provide ‘gap funding’. However, the banks are highly selective - and not just about the projects they will finance, but the third party capital partners they’ll work with. In this environment, Qualitas is ideally positioned as an experienced, credible provider of debt and equity. That’s been a big drawcard for the banks we work with, and now, the investors in our Opportunity Fund,” Mr Schwartz said.
“A combination of a continuing low interest rate environment, lower currency, positive market dynamics and good governance make Australia attractive to overseas investors. However, they want local knowledge too. Many global investment managers adopt a ‘fly in fly out’ approach, so they don’t have the same access to deal flow or opportunistic investments. This is one of the reasons we had a strong response from investors."
"We believe development site values have peaked, which will create  opportunities for prudent  developers who have previously been priced out of the market due to the heavy weight of capital particularly from overseas investor groups .
"We are seeing cost input assumptions adversely affecting values such as lower availability of bank debt, higher costs of capital and increased construction costs, which can only be offset by lower site values.
"We are selective about the risk profile of our investments and more cautious at this point of the cycle.
"We would avoid open equity risk in a market like this, because there are better, de-risked alternatives available offering premium returns."
</body></html>

Fund Raising

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Fund Raising

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News