Brisbane developer Zen Group has received development approval for its dual-tower apartment project in West End.

The approved plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/24-duncan-street-west-end-qld-4101">24 Duncan Street</a>&nbsp;are for&nbsp;two 17-storey towers comprising 202 apartments, ranging from one-bedroom plus study configurations through to three-bedrooms.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bettspartners">Betts + Partners</a>, the development is grounded in a climate-responsive and contextually sensitive approach, aiming to reinforce the emerging identity of the West End Riverside South precinct.

<img alt="West End set for climate-responsive apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Duncan%20Street.png?VersionId=.A9VkekWac99LJ7L8mqewo7AAsg4Vwb_" />

“The contextual design strategy is to celebrate the qualities found within the established <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a> suburban character,” Betts + Partners noted in the Architectural Design Report, “providing elevated high-quality subtropical apartment living with exceptional communal recreational amenity.”

The project includes a 2,600 sqm rooftop offering a comprehensive suite of resident amenities: three pools, a fitness centre, cinema room, private dining rooms, lounges, a library, and wellness facilities including hot and cold plunge pools, pilates, a sauna and a contemplative garden.

On the ground plane, active retail frontages along Duncan and Rogers Streets will sleeve ground-floor services and visitor parking. The two-level podium integrates green walls, planters, and textured façades, contributing vertical greenery and softening the street interface.

<img alt="West End set for climate-responsive apartments" 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/Duncan%20Street%20rooftop.png?VersionId=MzXW0hkOghQmE0HLxzI5iUwNNY6OfrVa" />

Apartments are oriented for privacy and outlook, with operable glazing and brise soleil elements supporting passive climate control. Balconies and structural articulation are designed to optimise light, airflow and private open space. “Each quality is reinterpreted in the sectional and plan parti and manifest in the three-dimensional building expression,” the architects said.

Located within a three-minute walk of the Brisbane River and in close proximity to local amenities including ALDI and Davies Park, the project reflects West End’s growing appeal to owner-occupiers seeking proximity to lifestyle amenity and urban vibrancy.

The development also aligns with Brisbane City Council’s broader planning vision to become a “New World City” by 2031, promoting a globally recognisable subtropical lifestyle through contextually responsive design.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146254]

Joel Robinson

200 "climate-responsive" apartments set for West End as Zen Group given green light

The ever-growing Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has commenced construction on its third project this year.

The new $640 million development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-8-alexander-street-crows-nest">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a>&nbsp;in Crows Nest, is Deicorp's&nbsp;first foray into Sydney’s Lower North Shore and will deliver 188 apartments in a new landmark building, with 48 dedicated to Affordable Housing.

Since December, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/deicorp-construction">Deicorp</a> has commenced construction on four projects in total that will deliver over 2,000 homes, maintaining their track record of quickly converting development approvals into commencements.&nbsp;

<img alt="Falcon &amp; Alexander" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f17b79a0-db7b-48bc-835f-e9b3e3117561" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-28%20at%203.55.13%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=.UKl.uSBs9zOeElc6jNUeuBB8EMAD5HP" />

&nbsp;

Located a five-minute walk from the new Crows Nest Metro station, prominently positioned at The Five Ways on Pacific Highway, Falcon &amp; Alexander will deliver an exclusive collection of architecturally designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from $1.3 million.

Conceived by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">TURNER</a>, Falcon &amp; Alexander will create a vibrant vertical village in the heart of one of Sydney’s most connected neighbourhoods. Thoughtfully arranged around a central atrium and lush communal gardens, residences will enjoy panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and the Lower North Shore, with interiors designed for modern, light-filled living.

Residents will benefit from premium amenities, including a resident-only skygarden, and boutique retail and dining spaces on the ground floor, all integrated with the local urban fabric.

&nbsp;

With the Crows Nest Metro station just steps from home, residents will enjoy unrivalled connectivity across Sydney’s transport network, placing everything from world-class dining to premier education and healthcare within easy reach.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="292460e8-2bc9-47c5-8805-cf59570972a2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-28%20at%203.55.22%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=UUerYKJzOGzpXyDv1nMlrV_oi6lUyiMS" />

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri said Falcon &amp; Alexander marks an exciting new chapter for Deicorp as it expands into Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;

“This is a community we deeply respect, and we’re proud to contribute with a project that reflects the character, energy, and potential of Crows Nest,"&nbsp;Deiri said.

“This is an iconic location, and a great location deserves a great design. With Falcon &amp; Alexander, we’re delivering more than just apartments; it will be a new landmark for Crows Next that not only delivers housing but will benefit the community with an activated retail offering."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135323]

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri said Falcon & Alexander marks an exciting new chapter for Deicorp as it expands into Sydney’s Lower North Shore

Deicorp breaks ground at Falcon & Alexander, Crows Nest apartments

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]

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

Illegal

<html><body>
Members of the public are being asked to report illegal dumping in their communities, after the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recorded a 34 per cent increase in illegal dumping last month compared to April 2019.
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said illegally dumped waste can harm our health, pollute the environment and cost millions of dollars in taxpayer money each year to clean up.
Reports to the RIDonline database which is used by NSW councils and government agencies to record and manage illegal dumping incidents of dumped household waste were up 42 per cent, green waste and mulch rose by 30 per cent.
COVID-19 is also putting stress on charity stores and volunteers. If your local op shop or charity bin is closed, EPA advised that you shoudln't leave your donations outside. Look for an alternative nearby, or revisit when the store is open.
Goods left outside op shops and charity bins often become waste, costing charities to clean up and dispose of.
“If you spot illegal dumping in NSW, you can report it at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or to your local council,” Mr Kean said.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Illegal dumping on the rise during Coronavirus crisis

<html><body>
Allan Raad of Wentworthville, NSW and his brother-in-law Yousef Joseph Bazouni of Sandringham, NSW, have been convicted and sentenced in the Downing Centre District Court after pleading guilty to ASIC charges concerning a breach of director’s duties and the fraudulent removal of company assets. 
Raad pleaded guilty to using his position dishonestly to gain an advantage and for having fraudulently removed property. 
Bazouni also pleaded guilty to these offences on the basis of complicity, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured the commission of the offences by Raad. 
Raad was sentenced to a total of 18 months' imprisonment for the offences and released on a recognisance order to be of good behaviour for two years. Bazouni was convicted but no penalty imposed and ordered to be of good behaviour for 12 months. As a result of the convictions, both men are automatically disqualified from managing companies for five years. 
ASIC had alleged that on 2 July 2011 in Sydney, NSW Raad engaged in illegal phoenix activity by dishonestly using his position as a director of Cornish Property Services Pty Ltd (the Company) with the intention of indirectly gaining an advantage for himself by causing the sale of the assets of the Company to Bazouni’s newly-incorporated company Flow Management Pty Ltd (Flow Management) for an amount of $20,000. Raad later onsold some of those same assets for $176,000, Raad received the proceeds of the sale and subsequently used the proceeds to pay: 
<ul>
<li>$50,000 for outstanding legal fees owed by the Company but for which he was personally liable;</li>
<li>$23,509.20 to creditors of the Company who held personal guarantees against Raad and/or his wife;</li>
<li>$51,731.81 towards credit card debts for which he was personally liable;</li>
<li>$10,000 towards repayments for a home loan account Mr. Raad shared with his wife;</li>
<li>$22,300 to Bazouni’s credit card; and</li>
<li>$4,000 was paid to existing unsecured creditors of the Company.</li>
</ul>
The Company was placed into voluntary liquidation soon after with an estimated deficiency of $1,110,695.93. 
ASIC also alleged that between 21 July 2011 and 13 August 2011 Raad fraudulently removed $21,609.16 and $16,044.93 from the Company’s account. It was alleged that Bazouni was complicit in helping Raad remove the funds.
ASIC commenced an investigation following the lodgement of a report by the Liquidator Bruce Gleeson of Jones Partners Insolvency &amp; Recovery.  ASIC assisted the Liquidator to conduct an investigation and prepare his report by providing funding from the Assetless Administration Funding. 
ASIC Commissioner John Price said, ‘ASIC is committed to addressing illegal phoenix activity.  ASIC is a member of the Australian Taxation Office-led Phoenix Taskforce, which comprises 29 Commonwealth and State governments agencies who are sharing intelligence and information to detect, deter and prosecute directors and facilitators that engage in illegal phoenix activity.' 
Suspected illegal phoenix can now be reported directly to the Phoenix Hotline on 1800 807 875. Further information is also available from <a href="https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/contact-us/how-to-complain/illegal-phoenix-activity/">ASIC’s website.</a>
The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
</body></html>

Two former company directors convicted for engaging in illegal phoenix activity 

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Australian Tax Office is investigating 195 possibly illegal real estate sales to foreigners.
They have identified one foreign investor who appears to be linked to over 10 properties ranging from a $300,000 unit to a house worth $1.4 million.
A second divestment order - that will follow Point Piper's Villa del Mare - is expected over a Perth property after an investor from the United Kingdom admitted a $700,000 purchase.
Under the current amnesty, investors who declare unlawfully purchased properties before November 30 would avoid prosecution.
Up to 24 foreign investors have come forward under an amnesty to disclose they may have breached home-ownership rules, Treasurer Joe Hockey has advised. 
Tax commissioner Chris Jordan told a recent senate committee hearing that the 195 investigations had arisen after people came forward voluntarily and from other people dobbing them in.
"There's 195 in total that we are looking at," Mr Jordan said, in response to questioning from Labor senator Sam Dastyari.
"Some have come forward, some are complainants, because they think the people have breached; sometimes they have, sometimes they haven't," Mr Jordan said.
"We are aware of some instances where they are not just the trophy property but there might be a number of properties that cover the spectrum; in total they might add up to a significant amount."
When asked if one the houses being investigated was Altona, a $52 million mansion in Sydney, the ATO said it could not comment on investigations.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
Fairfax Media has reported a preliminary audit of foreign investment in Australian real estate had also identified a network of "high risk" investment advisers.
</div>
<div class="related-quotes section">
The Australian Tax Office audit was initiated by Treasurer Joe Hockey and parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer.
It came after resources available at the Foreign Investment Review Board, in the Department of Treasury, were found to be inadequate.
The audit is being assisted by a boost in funding in last month's federal budget, building an investigation force of 60.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
ATO Second commissioner Neil Olesen said investigations would be mostly on top-end properties
"I'd be surprised if a fair slab of them were not towards the top end of the market. One of the compliance activities we have in mind would be to look at significant sales over the last five to 10 years."
Meanwhile Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen said "any allegations of breaches of foreign investment rules should be thoroughly investigated" but dismissed Joe Hockey's hardline stance on trophy home purchases as addressing housing affordability.
"Joe Hockey has held up forced sales of Point Piper mansions as somehow being a contribution to first home owners and housing affordability," Chris Bowen said.
"Young Australian first home buyers want action from this government. Joe Hockey promised a housing affordability policy before the last election but has actually delivered naught."
</div>
</body></html>

Illegal

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Illegal

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.