One of the primary characteristics of a university campus is its location in high-amenity, well-connected suburbs, as it caters to the thousands of students who walk through its doors every day.

It’s this enviable central location that makes Hamton’s newest neighbourhood so appealing to discerning buyers. The 1.6-hectare site was formerly home to a University of Melbourne campus.

This relocation paved the way for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a>, best known for their $3 billion joint venture development Moonee Valley Park, a vibrant new residential community emerging around the Moonee Valley Racecourse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327680]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/scotch-hill-gardens-hawthorn-147-robinson-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Scotch Hill Gardens</a> benefits from excellent transport connections and local amenities, further enhanced by the revitalisation of Bills Street delivered as part of the development. Thanks to its history as a university campus, the site is within five minutes of Glenferrie and Auburn Villages and 10 minutes to Kooyong Station.

In addition, the site lies within the prestigious Scotch Hill catchment, which includes highly sought-after educational institutions such as Scotch College, Bialik, and Auburn Primary and Auburn High. This makes it an attractive location for both young families and working professionals.

Understanding that the location would appeal to owner-occupiers, particularly rightsizers and downsizers, Hamton focused on creating a collection of residences tailored to this demographic. The design prioritised community over density, with a series of low-rise buildings nestled within nature.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327652]

The development retains 77 established trees on the site and will add a further 151, creating a unique topography visible from the upper levels of the building. A collaboration between placemaking specialists Woods Bagot and landscape architect Tract, the design dedicates over 40 percent of the 1.6-hectare site to landscaped green open space, seamlessly woven between the low-rise buildings.

Landscaping subtly defines boundaries between public and private zones, ensuring a harmonious blend of spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327686]

Inspired by nature, the masterplan reflects the organic formations of lily pads on a pond, discreet yet interconnected, sitting lightly within their context. Following the principles of “nature-based cities,” the site integrates nature, amenity, wellness, and community.

This commitment to nature complements the already well-established landscape nearby. Adjacent to Gardiners Creek, the site offers both recreational and ecological benefits, while the Yarra River trails, Patterson Reserve, and Hawthorn Velodrome, further enhance the area’s outdoor amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327694]

Residents will have access to a range of facilities, including a bathhouse with wellness amenities, a gym, co-working spaces, and communal dining and lounge areas.

Hamton will announce a builder in the coming months. Demolition of the old Campus is underway with construction on the first stage, anticipated to commence early 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149097]

Joel Robinson

Scotch Hill Gardens, a new life for the former University of Melbourne Hawthorn Campus

Brisbane-based developer Red &amp; Co. is venturing into the Gold Coast apartment market, spending $8 million on a vacant site in Varsity Lake.

The plan is to developer 156 apartments on the 2,857sqm, 22 Lake Street site, near Varsity Central Park.

Colliers Queensland Residential Development Sites Director Troy Linnane said Colliers had been &nbsp;working closely with Red &amp; Co. to help them secure their first Gold Coast site, with this site offering a great opportunity due to its location and existing approval.&nbsp;

“This off-market transaction highlights the value of strong market knowledge and relationships, we were able to align the right buyer with the right site given the relationships we have with many active &nbsp;developers seeking sites across the SEQ market,” Linnane said.&nbsp;

“Those groups with in-house construction capability or strong builder alliances are leading market activity as they are best positioned to deliver projects in the current market."

Linnane said with&nbsp;confidence strengthening in 2025, they are seeing increased competition for prime development sites.

“Developers are actively seeking well-located sites, to take advantage of the under supply of &nbsp;apartment stock and the significant uplift in revenues due to strong buyer demand."

<img alt="22 Lake St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcd9176e-4e38-4519-a868-0748419c1d2b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22_Lake_Street_001.jpg?VersionId=Z7tUSkVLqv8qf.JTyMXmzasxvudP_u2p" />

Colliers Queensland Residential Site Sales Executive Jackson Robinson said the transaction reflected confidence in the market and increasing demand for well-located, DA-approved sites to develop into &nbsp;housing.&nbsp;

“Red &amp; Co. recognised the depth of unmet demand for well-priced apartment stock on the Gold &nbsp;Coast, particularly in sought-after suburbs like Varsity Lakes, which offers excellent connectivity, expansive views and close proximity to major employment and education hubs,” Robinson said.&nbsp;

There will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with views over&nbsp;Lake Orr and out to Burleigh Headland and the Hinterland, with additional outlooks north towards the Broadbeach skyline.&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co., led by co-founders Keiran Foster and David Laverty, have previously completed several developments across Brisbane.

Red & Co.’s first acquisition on the Gold Coast demonstrates increasing  confidence in the Gold Coast market

Red & Co. plots new Varsity Lake apartments

There’s no slowing down Gold Coast builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>.

Led by construction industry veteran John Kearney, the developer has made its move into the Brisbane apartment market, securing a prime site on Sylvan Road in Toowong.

It’s a location filled with nostalgia for Kearney, who studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told Apartments.com.au.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road — as have most people in Brisbane. It’s one of the city’s most well-known hotels, and with several cafes, restaurants, and a CityCat stop nearby, it’s become an even more attractive place to live.”

Kearney describes Toowong as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

He also noted the opportunity to take advantage of significant view corridors from the new development site: across Toowong Memorial Park, north to the city, and east along the Brisbane River.

CBRE’s Will Carman and John Nucifora brokered the sale of the 1,760 sqm site, citing strong demand for strategically located development opportunities in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

"Its proximity to transport, retail, and educational facilities made it an opportunity of strong interest to the broader development community," Carman said.

<img alt="22-24 Sylvan Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49eb466f-69dc-4790-8d50-5173d0cf104a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

Nucifora said the acquisition reflects confidence in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a>, and more broadly Brisbane, as a market of strength for integrated builder developer groups.

"Those with an integrated model, or with strong existing relationships with builders have continued to be at the forefront of development acquisitions over the past two-year period."

Kearney has long operated Greyburn Constructions, and recently expanded into multi-residential development, with great success. They've delivered a new project in Kirra, and they're currently working towards completion at&nbsp;Ombre Robina. Then they have a new project in Kirra, on Haig Street.

They will submit a development application for Toowong later this year.&nbsp;

It’s a location filled with nostalgia for Kearney, who studied at the nearby University of Queensland.



First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition

A track record of delivering new projects not just across the Sunshine Coast, but in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> specifically, gave builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG) all the IP needed to make Bask even more refined.&nbsp;

After completing Zinc Bokarina last year - positioned directly adjacent to Bask - GVG leveraged years of feedback from original purchasers and current residents, enabled by its community-focused approach and ongoing engagement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The feedback pointed to two clear themes: larger apartments with more bedrooms, and amenity suited to the active downsizer.

GVG then designed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask</a> - a collection of one to four-bedroom apartments - tailored to the end user: local downsizers or those seeking more spacious holiday homes than a compact getaway by the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333361]

A pool was essential, but a lap pool wasn’t. Instead, GVG designed a heated plunge pool, ideal for a refreshing dip. Key to the amenity offering were shared spaces designed to foster community connection. These include shaded garden areas with barbecue facilities, a firepit zone, and a communal herb and vegetable garden.&nbsp;

There’s also a fully equipped gym, designed specifically for the lifestyle exerciser.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333365]

Another key insight was the desire not just for pet-friendly living - but for a development that embraces it. GVG listened and installed a dedicated dog wash bay, perfect for rinsing off after a trip to the dog-friendly Bokarina Beach, just 250 metres from Bask's front door.

Having already helped establish a vibrant lifestyle precinct with retail and amenity at Zinc, GVG is now expanding the offering with more street-level retail, set to complement the existing restaurants, wine bars, convenience, and specialty stores in the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333362]

Bask represents the final new residential offering in the Bokarina Beach precinct. The two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, have been cleverly designed so that every apartment captures glimpses of either the Pacific Ocean, Lake Kawana, or the Glass House Mountains.&nbsp;

Construction is already underway, with GVG expecting residents to move in by summer 2026/27.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

How GVG is designing for the active downsizer at Bask Bokarina

With completion now on the horizon, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The Queensbridge Building</a> in Southbank is beginning to reveal the depth of its amenity and residential design offering ahead of a planned move-in from late 2025.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a> in partnership with MaxCap Group and construction giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, the 65-level tower recently topped out at 208 metres, marking a major milestone for the precinct-shaping project.&nbsp;

Once complete, the development will deliver 350 apartments and a 188-room boutique hotel as part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

We recently visited The Queensbridge display suite, and a recently completed display apartment within the building, and spoke to Time &amp; Place Sales Director, James Herbert, to find out more about the project.

<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/ZLV_4kRyuj0?si=ff-i-yjmcdRHQ3Hh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Herbert says there are two key points of difference with The Queensbridge.

"The first we call 'modern nostalgia', or the feeling of home. It is one of the reasons we appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/flack-studio">Flack Studio</a> to handle the interiors. We studied some of Flack's most famous residential homes, and we've created a series of design moments, from the edge of the island bench to the door hardware and the materiality of the homes."

Apartments range from one to three bedrooms, with current pricing starting from $632,000. Most one-bedroom layouts include integrated study nooks, while select two and three-bedroom configurations feature dual bathrooms and generous storage solutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272073]

Herbert says the second key point of difference is their&nbsp;commitment to community and experience.

"That's one of the reasons why we took our common amenity spaces and we've brought them together in a concept we call Queensbridge Clubhouse.

"We have all of the typical common amenity facilities you would see in any luxury hotel or building throughout the world like a swimming pool, steam room, gym, and outdoor spaces, but we've also got an amazing co-working space,&nbsp;a private izakaya, and a ground-floor dining space."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272090]

Herbert says the community experience was about bringing&nbsp;people together, so Time &amp; Place has built a bespoke app, and they're appointing an experienced director, to manage the spaces.

"We believe living in the urban environment in a building like this, is about an idea of togetherness, and accessing the very best that Melbourne has to offer."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272097]

Positioned at 90 Queens Bridge Street, The Queensbridge Building benefits from its location at the confluence of Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne, the Yarra River, and the city’s Arts Precinct.&nbsp;

Residents will be within a 15-minute walk of over a dozen green spaces, world-class sports and cultural venues, and South Melbourne Market

The inclusion of the Hannah St. Hotel adjacent to the residential lobby also introduces a unique layer of amenity, providing additional hospitality experiences that extend the lifestyle value of the precinct.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1504]

Inside The Queensbridge Building: Apartments.com.au Video Spotlight

Hamilton Hill

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The opulent late 1980s Brisbane mansion built by Christopher and Pixie Skase has been sold for $10.138 million.
Star Hotel Group boss Steven Shoobridge secured the luxurious home, best known for his 2016 Brisbane CBD penthouse sale to former prime minister Kevin Rudd and Therese Rein for $8 million.
Shoobridge also recently secured the sale of their Abian apartment for $4.12 million.
<div>
The hotel-like residence on Dickson Terrace was constructed by Skase and his wife Pixie in 1988 who quit Australia for Majorca in 1991.
The recent occupants were Sir Yii Ann Hii and his estranged wife, Soo Hian Beh. They got around town in a with 1VIP numberplates on their 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom.
Set around the medieval circular staircase as 50ft internal Bell tower, they paid $6.25 million for the already palatial residence in 2001.
The property had been on the market with multiple agents since 2016 with hopes as high as $25 million.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.
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Skase-built Bromley sold on Hamilton Hill 

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The historic hillside Brisbane home, Cremorne at Hamilton has been sold by Fone Zone co-founder David McMahon and wife Tracey, following their move to Aspen, Colorado.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton-123306210" target="_blank">Mullens Street home</a> on its 2400 square metre block fetched $5,975,000 when auctioned through Sarah Hackett at Place Estate Agents.
The couple, who paid $6,625,000 in 2015, were only the third owners.
<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/2017/10/13/Cremorne12.jpg" alt="">
Cremorne, built by a publican, James O'Connor in 1905, sold to the Gunn cattle farming family descendants, Galen and Lynda Gunn..
Galen Gunn is the director of Hawcs, an aerial surveying company that servicespowerlines and utility providers. Their Brisbane move was prompted by schooling opportunities for their two sons.
Designed by architects Eaton and Bates, it comes with a new pavilion extension by BVN Donovan Hill, crafted from imported French zinc and featuring floor to ceilings glass, that received the 2009 Queensland division Australian Institute of Architects Award for residential architecture.
<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/2017/10/13/CREMORNE2.jpg" alt="">
 
 
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Historic Hamilton Hill home Cremorne sells 

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The hillside nine bedroom Christopher and Pixie Skase-built mansion in Hamilton Hill has returned to the market again.
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“I believe it will exceed the latest highest sale in Queensland of $25 million,” the Sotheby’s International Realty Ascot agent Stephen Weber told The Australian.
Dr Soo Hian Beh and her estranged husband the Malaysian Chinese industrialist Sir Yii Ann Hii, who is in dispute with the Australian Taxation Office over a $64 million tax bill, bought the Dickson Terrace mansion for $6.5 million in 2001.
Only Soo Hian Beh’s name remains on the title.
They got around town in a with 1VIP numberplates on their 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom.
Bromley was built in 1988 into a 2759 sqm parcel with views across the Brisbane River and the CBD.
The grounds include a large pool, cabana, floodlit tennis court, ponds and fountains.
An eight-person lift services three floors including a self-contained housekeeper’s quarters at the Dickson Terrace property.
“This is very much Queensland’s trophy home and Sotheby’s is looking for a visionary, like Christopher Skase who, let’s face it, built some amazing developments in the late ‘80s, to update it and bring it to its former grandeur,” Weber said.
“To replace this property would be cost prohibitive,” Weber told The Australian.
Skase and his wife Pixie quit Australia for Majorca in 1991.
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Sotheby's seeking a Christopher Skase-like visionary for Hamilton Hill property offering

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Cremorne, the historic Hamilton Hill home of Fone Zone co-founder David McMahon and wife Tracey failed to sell at its re-arranged auction last week despite the best effort of the agents.
The auction had been brought forward to midday from its scheduled 6.30pm by Place Bulimba agent Sarah Hackett due to the looming aftermath effects of cyclone Debbie hitting the east coast.
Built in the early 1900's by Brisbane publican James O'Connor, the McMahon's were only the third owners of the award winning property with sweeping views of the Brisbane River.
According to the Queensland Heritage register, Cremorne is the only example of the domestic work of renowned Queensland architects Eaton &amp; Bates.
They paid $6,625,000 for the five bedroom home in late 2015.
Four art pieces that have been original to the house were painted in 1899.
The home receieved a heritage-approved pavilion extension by Donovan Hill Architects - now BVN Donovan Hill, in consultation with heritage specialist architect Robert Riddel.
David retired from Fone Zone in 2013, having co-founded the company, now Vita Group in 1995. It is now valued at over $750 million.
David sold the former Ascot home he shared with ex wife Maxine Horne for $8,615,000 to Domino's Pizza head Don Meij last year.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.
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Fone Zone's David McMahon fails to sell historic Hamilton Hill home

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A Hamilton Hill home sold for $5,385,000 at its recent auction, $1,265,000 over its reserve.
Built in 2011, the imposing five bedroom, five bathroom home on 607 sqm is set against a backdrop of panoramic river views and the city skyline.
The <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/hamilton/1556823/?lang=en" target="_blank">four level home </a>with lift access to all levels features a number of private terraces, a self-contained guest wing, home theatre, swimming pool and rooftop terrace.
The home came with a reserve price of $4.1 million through Ray White Ascot agent Damon Warat.
It last traded for $2 million in 2008, before the house was built.
 
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Hamilton Hill home smashes reserve by $1.2 million

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Bromley, affectionately known as the landmark Hamilton Hill home that businessman Christopher Skase built, has been listed for sale again in disgrace.
The hotel-like residence on Dickson Terrace was constructed by Skase and his wife Pixie in 1988 who quit Australia for Majorca in 1991.
The current co-owner, Sir Yii Ann Hii is in a $64 million battle with the tax office.
It was bought with his wife, Soo Hian Beh. They got around town in a with 1VIP numberplates on their 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom.
Set around the medieval circular staircase as 50ft internal Bell tower, they paid $6.25 million for the already palatial residence in 2001.
Offers close November 25 with Andrew Murray at Murray &amp; Associates.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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