Joel Robinson

Sydney's top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

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The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

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Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

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Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

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Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

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Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Hotel Development

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Greaton has announced its appointment of a new construction contractor at The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Probuild, will take over construction on the 25-storey project from its previous contractors Grocon.

Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

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The building will include a five-star W Hotel, including 450 guestrooms and 143 suites, and will reintroduce an IMAX Theatre.

<img alt="" height="666" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/darling_harbour_ribbon_hotel_2.jpg" width="1200">

With $2 billion worth of development projects in the pipeline, Greaton’s portfolio includes property landmarks spanning hotel, residential and commercial developments. 

The company’s flagship project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, The Ribbon, will incorporate a 25-storey hotel development and new premises for Sydney’s IMAX theatre. 

Greaton’s projects elsewhere in Sydney include Oxford Central in the new Epping Town Centre, with the 251-apartment development, designed by Marchese Partners.

It is expected to be completed and fully settled in Q1 2020. 

Probuild’s national pipeline of projects worth $5 billion and an annual turnover of more than $2 billion is currently delivering Greenland Australia’s Greenland Centre in Sydney.
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Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

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Probuild take over construction of The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour from Grocon

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Plans have been lodged to the City of Sydney council for a new hotel in the heart of the CBD.
The $57 million plans by Element Property Group will see the heritage-listed 1930s warehouse at 499 Kent Street remain, incorporating a new hotel set back from the front of the building.
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Element paid $52.5 million for the 810 sqm site, which was famously the film exchange for Universal Studios, in February.
In 2018 it was listed seeking over $55 million.
They've had the Sydney CBD firm PTW Architects draw up plans for the 220-room hotel which will retail on the ground level, a gym, a cafe, dining and lounge area and eight levels of basement parking.
PTW engaged UAP, an internationally renowned art and design firm specialising in collaborative place-making and the management of integrated art and design solutions for the public realm.
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They prepared a Public Art Strategy doc for the development.
"The vision for the proposed redevelopment of the site is to deliver a boutique hotel that will provide welcoming ground floor public realm encouraging interaction between the building and the street frontage of Druitt Lane and Kent Street," the Public Art Strategy document reads.
"The façade of the building is unique and is designed in an Inter-War Stripped Classical Style, characterised by decorative panels with film motifs. 
"Public art will be integrated into the very fabric of the development, becoming a feature that will draw guests and visitors into the building from the street as well as promote, and further educate viewers on the fascinating history of the site."
In the early 1930s a building was built for iron merchants Thomas McPherson &amp; Son, who had been operating a warehouse and store at 493-95 Kent Street since 1884.
A few years later all buildings on the subject site were demolished, including part of the 1933 bulk store.
A new building was constructed for the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, to plans by architect Percy William Ritchie, by builders Stuart Bros.
The basement became the new bulk store for Thomas McPherson while the three upper floors are occupied by Universal Pictures, the lessee. 
 
 
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Plans lodged for new Sydney CBD hotel above former Universal Film warehouse

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A new 200-room hotel has been announced for the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood.
Marriott International announced the project, which will become part of company’s signature AC hotel chain.
“We are thrilled to be Sunstone Projects’ partner of choice for their first hotel development, under our distinctive AC Hotels by Marriott brand,” said Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.
“The AC Hotels by Marriott brand is renowned globally for its refined approach to design and its European-inspired touches, and we know it will be an exciting addition to the East End development and Ringwood area.”   The complex will house 200 guest rooms (including five suites), casual all-day-dining, a bar, and an indoor heated pool and gym.
The venue will span a total of 354 square metres.
The hotel is projected to be completed, and opened, in 2024.
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New AC Hotel announced for Ringwood in 2024

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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, located at No. 1 Martin Place within Sydney’s historic GPO building, officially opened earlier this month. 
The 416-room hotel was developed by the Fullerton Hotels and Resorts group, who also own The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.
"We are excited to open The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in a landmark building that is steeped in character and history," said Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, general manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.
"It is our aim to provide hotel guests and visitors with heartfelt hospitality and memorable experiences, all while showcasing the beauty and heritage of the former Sydney GPO building to a wider audience both nationally and globally," he said."
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/28/fullerton%203.jpg" alt="">
In an attempt to rejuvenate the historic buildings façade, an expert team with combined stonemasonry experience of 334 years, undertook a 38,000-hour chemical-free cleaning process to restore the building's facade to its former glory. 
"We are committed to conserving the Sydney GPO building for the enjoyment of generations to come; and the heritage façade remediation programme is just the first step in a multi-phase revitalisation programme to be continued following the opening," concluded Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale. 
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As of November 1, the building's vibrant history, dating back to 1874, will be on show through complementary heritage tours.
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The Fullerton Hotel Sydney opens at No.1 Martin Place

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Australia’s first luxury pet-friendly hotel is set to be built in Melbourne.
1 Hotel Melbourne will form part of private-developer Riverlee’s $450 million mixed-use​ Northbank project and is expected to feature 280 room five-star rooms, 130 luxury residences, and an ​800-seat function hall. 
1 Hotels has operates four hotels in the United States, including New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, South Beach, Miami and newly opened 1 Hotel West Hollywood.
Pets will be allowed to stay free of charge.
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"Dogs are part of the family and we would never ask you to leave a family member behind," they advise.
1 Hotel Melbourne will offer plush in-room dog beds, treats available to purchase from the minibar, ​doggy-​day-care ​and​ dog-walking services, inbuilt doggy-doors and food bowls, and a dog-friendly concierge team with knowledge of dog parks, grooming salons and pet stores.
<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/2019/8/22/Pet%20friendly%20hotel.jpg" alt="">
“1 Hotels is renowned across the US for its commitment to sustainability and offering guests a truly memorable experience; one that fuses luxury with nature. Further to this, they also invite guests to bring their four-legged friends along with them, which we felt was a missing piece in Melbourne’s luxury hotel market and one that we are proud to pioneer” said Riverlee Development director David Lee.
The complex will be designed by Melbourne-based interdisciplinary design firm ODO, who will aim to utilise recycled materials in the construction, including the salvaged timber from the wharf restoration works, as well as native greenery and industrial steel.
The hotel is expected to open in 2022.
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Australia's first luxury pet hotel set for Melbourne

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Local developer Century Group Aus has secured Australia’s first hotel under the renowned luxury St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts brand to open at Flinders Bank in the CBD.
The 168 hotel rooms with interiors from world-leading hotel design studio Chada will overlook either the Yarra River of the city skyline.
There will be a number of speciality suites, supposedly fit for presidents, sheiks and other VVIPs (a very very important person!)
It is set for completion in 2022, with construction to begin next year.
St. Regis, owned by Marriott International, is one of the world’s most revered and prestigious hotel brands and is known for the legendary St. Regis butler service, which provides each guest with highly attentive personal service, and for its refined food and beverage experiences.
It was born out of New York City where St. Regis pioneered the Bloody Mary.
St. Regis operates luxury getaways in some of the world’s most enticing locations including Bora Bora, Bali, Mauritius and the Maldives.
The St. Regis Melbourne will offer the best in guest experiences, which can include anything from drinks upon arrival to unpacking services.
It will feature in Tower Two of the $800 million triple tower Flinders Bank project, which will transform the city’s former Convention Centre site into a luxury destination, comprising 650 apartments, 168 five-star hotel rooms and 2,100 sqm of retail.
<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/2018/8/29/REGIS2.jpg" alt="">
Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, it will also have a pedestrian precinct and plaza to Siddeley Street, to feature art elements, contributing to the city’s established cultural scene.
Richard Crawford, Mariott's senior director of hotel development in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said luxury hotel demand in Melbourne was strong.
“This signing is an indication of the investment community’s confidence in the Australian market, where we are seeing a growing demand for premium lodgings,” he said. 
“The St. Regis Melbourne will be an outstanding addition to our strong and growing footprint in the region, where we are on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, with two-thirds of the new supply pipeline.” 
The project’s first two towers have commenced selling, with strong interest among owner occupiers drawn to Flinders Bank’s never-to-be-built-out views that overlook the Yarra River and the view down to Port Phillip Bay.
Century Group Aus executive director Connie Wu said that the fact St. Regis had selected Melbourne as its first Australian location was testament to its status as the world’s most liveable city. 
“We are honoured that Flinders Bank will be the address for one of the most exceptional hotel and hospitality experiences in Australia, through The St. Regis Melbourne,” she said. 
“Flinders Bank will offer the pinnacle of luxury experiences for guests as well as residents. With its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, resort style amenity and landmark architecture, Flinders Bank will be a fitting gateway into the world’s most liveable city.”
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Residents of Tower Two, which will house The St. Regis Melbourne, will have an opportunity to enjoy the luxury brand’s pool, sauna and sundeck by purchasing a Marriott Club membership. 
This is in addition to a number of exclusive residential amenities including a gym, lounge and wine room.
Residents of Tower One also have access to their own separate lifestyle facilities including a gym, pool and wine room.
“The way we live is changing, and today we want all of life’s luxuries and necessities on our doorstep," Wu said.
"To cater for these new urban lifestyles, we wanted to offer our residents some of the most generous, thoughtful and well-designed amenity in Melbourne. We want Flinders Bank to be a haven and a home for all that our residents enjoy."
St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts is one of the world’s fastest growing luxury brands, more than doubling its footprint in recent years. There are currently more than 40 St. Regis branded hotels open worldwide. 
The St. Regis Melbourne will be set within the 33 levels of Flinders Bank’s second tower, with hotel rooms planned for levels 2 to 11. Residential apartments will comprise the remainder of the building. 
 
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First Australian St. Regis Hotel set for Melbourne

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An iconic 1840s heritage building in Launceston is on the market with a price guidance of $2.85 million to $2.95 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-tas-launceston-128779082" target="_blank">Kinross House</a> at 91-95 George Street is a mixed commercial and residential building in the city’s café enclave.
It currently has nine apartments and four retail tenancies with a net rental of approximately $169,438.
The marketing suggests the building has “a unique fusion of architectural styles acquired over the years”.
It also suggests that it would be a target for investors looking for Airbnb rentals or a boutique hotel conversion.
The building is listed through Shepherd &amp; Heap agents Blake Shepherd and Ian Singline.
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Launceston's Kinross House hits the market with boutique hotel conversion potential 

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Canberra's Garema Centre has been sold to Geocon for $13.35 million.
Garema Centre, 70 Bunda Street, Canberra City is a standalone retail building, on a 1,052sqm site zoned CZ1.
Matthew Winter, Manager at Colliers International said the listing recording the highest level of enquiry for a Colliers International listed building so far this year.
“Enquiries for 70 Bunda Street far exceeded that of 50 Bunda Street, with a more diverse group looking to secure the asset," he said.
“Unlike many assets offered for sale this year, the flexibility of the 70 Bunda Street site made it an attractive option to a very broad range of buyers.
"We saw significant interest from developers, investors, student accommodation providers, owner-occupiers and hoteliers.
“We saw significant enquiry from hoteliers, and it is not surprising considering the strength of the Canberra hotel market.
"Canberra hotels were the best performing in the country, with RevPAR up 12.8 percent, compared to Australia-wide which saw an increase of just 2 percent, June year-to-date.”
Developer Geocon is looking to develop a hotel, with architects Fender Katsalidis working on the project.
Works are expected to commence in 2019.
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Geocon buys Canberra's Garema Centre

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The Emporium Hotel Southpoint project, sister to Emporium Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, has received EarthCheck Design Certification, the first in the country to achieve such status.
EarthCheck is a leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Achieving EarthCheck Design Certification places the new hotel in a unique worldwide group of sustainable buildings that are certified to the internationally recognised EarthCheck Building Planning and Design Standard, with the exclusive EarthCheckTM science inside, according to a media release. 
Emporium Hotel Southpoint will open in mid 2018, and feature 143 suites, a patisserie, restaurant and Sky Bar. It will have views to Brisbane’s CBD and beyond.  
Located in the same tower as the hotel are 217 luxury apartments, with owners having access to Emporium’s services. 
On the EarthCheck Design Certification, Anthony John Group managing director Tony John said it was a proud achievement.
“We created this building from the ground-up with a vision to deliver a hotel and precinct unlike any other in Brisbane, and achieving this design certificate brings with it  global recognition, credibility, best practice performance markers, cost reductions and clever building benefits,” he said.
The hotel is being built by Hutchinson Builders. 
“Like its sister at Fortitude Valley, we expect Emporium Hotel Southpoint to create new pathways for tourism and service when we open next year,” added John.  
Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, said its standards are based on Agenda 21 principles and are structured to help tourism projects become not only great places to visit and work in but also improve the quality of life of local communities, - which is exactly what the project has delivered for the South Bank Precinct. 
 EarthCheck’s certification is awarded to projects that demonstrate that match or exceed current industry best practice performance levels. 
A limited number of Emporium Residences remain available for sale from $1,950,000, with owner’s enjoying access to the services of Emporium Hotel Southpoint.
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Emporium Hotel Southpoint in Brisbane gets sustainability tag from EarthCheck

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From hip lobbies with a coffee shop ambiance to shared living spaces linking guest rooms, more hotels are turning their focus to providing inviting community areas.
For corporate travellers, it may mean sending a few emails from a co-working alcove complete with power and USB outlets, while leisure visitors may linger around tables stacked with board games or post photos to social media from the lounging zones.
“Today’s travelers often place greater value on convenience, sense of place and community than they do on the traditional luxuries offered by hotels,” says David A. Black, Americas Hotels Lead, JLL Project and Development Services. “That’s one reason why hotel companies are developing so many soft brands that have an emphasis on communal areas with spaces and experiences that bring people together in new ways.” 
The forthcoming Tru by Hilton is just one of the growing number of hotel brands encouraging its guests to spend less time in their rooms and more in specially designed communal areas. Aimed at Millennials — or people with a “Millennial mindset” — who want to connect with other travelers, the hotel’s innovative space called “The Hive” embodies the brand. Instead of a traditional lobby, guests have access to four zones — work, play, lounge, and eat — all designed for interaction and engagement.
Moxy Hotels, Marriott’s new boutique hotel brand, offers an industrial-style lobby with fun games on hand, along with coffee and full-service bars. And while not everyone will fancy the hotel’s signature feature, a communal ironing nook, Moxy Hotels is banking on Millennials appreciating its fresh approach.
“Some of this communal space is nothing new,” says Lauro Ferroni, JLL’s Global Head of Hotels &amp; Hospitality Research. “Hotels have always had lobbies, pools, bars and restaurants. But now the design and features of these communal spaces are being driven by hotels wanting to appeal to younger travelers.”
Going beyond the idea of a pool and sun-loungers as an outdoor communal space, one New Jersey hotel, The Asbury, has created a perennial backyard barbecue zone with Ping-Pong tables, live music, craft beer (served from a converted VW van), and food trucks.
<h2>Getting travelers together</h2>
The growing popularity of home rental platforms, such as Airbnb and HomeAway, and boutique hostels is also driving hotels to find new ways to accommodate larger groups of friends and families traveling together.
Marriott’s mid-range brand Element, which is aimed at guests staying beyond a few nights, is testing blocks of private rooms built around a communal kitchen and living room. “Really it’s about a much more shared economy these days. It’s much more about socializing and a sense of community when you travel,” says Toni Stoeckl, a Global Brand Leader at Marriott, in an interview with KTLA earlier this year.
The challenge for hotels is designing their communal areas in a way that appeals to their target guests – and provides them the requisite amount of privacy.
“Although there has been a growing focus on the Millennial traveler, hotel brands can’t afford to ignore their more “seasoned” travelers,” says Black. “That’s why design solutions must be flexible enough to provide both communal spaces which appeal to the co-working, co-living generation as well as spaces which appeal to baby boomers.  It’s not a one size fits all approach.”
In addition, people traveling in a group have different needs and expectations to those traveling in a couple.
“When you’re traveling, the communal experiences could turn out to be the most memorable part of the trip,” says Ferroni. “Yet you’re also going to have a lot of people who will say right off the bat that they have no interest in trying something like this, whether they’re business travelers who need their own space to get the job done or leisure travelers who want some time on their own.”
<h2>Is communal the way forward?</h2>
With the concepts of co-living and co-working taking off, bigger and more innovative social areas in hotels could well be in the cards – especially for brands targeting younger segments of the market.
Within the U.S., Ferroni believes it’s a concept that will take root in the bigger cities.
“I think it’s going to gain traction in large gateway markets like New York, Miami, or San Francisco where you have a large share of people coming from Europe who might be more comfortable with this concept,” he says.
Hotel executives might not be sure whether this is the next big thing, speculates Ferroni, but he says that it would be foolish for them not to give it a try. “They’re looking at it from a trial-and-error standpoint. Large hotel companies that want to be innovative can’t afford to ignore the potential of shared spaces – even if Millennials are not their key audience.”
This article by Laura Agadoni was featured in <a href="https://www.jllrealviews.com/industries/hotels-take-a-fresh-look-at-communal-spaces/" target="_blank">JLL Real Views</a>.
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