Developments plans continue to pour in in the Sydney CBD.

While there's been skyscrapers sought and approved across the city in recent months, the latest plans are more boutique.&nbsp;

SLD Development has filed for a $30 million mixed-use building on a near-800 sqm site at 768-772 George Street, on the corner of Rawson Place, in Haymarket.

The adaptive reuse plans will see the heritage-listed GIO Building, built in the 1930s, redeveloped and incorporated into the new structure. It was designed in the "Inter-War Chicagoesque style", and has been subject to extensive internal alterations over time.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dickson-rothschild">Dickson Rothschild</a>&nbsp;has designed the new building, which will rise as high at 14 storeys. There will be an 83-room hotel across the first seven levels, behind the retained heritage facade, and a rooftop bar for hotel guest.

Above the hotel will be an additional six-storey structure, with 30 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="heritage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d46f11c-9746-4ffd-bc75-f1b9ad8a8348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%201.22.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=u2H9P0Pmg1kI.xZukLK15BkEoYPxQ3jz" />

The ground floor would be activated by two food and drink premises, supported by shared building services including a loading dock, plant, waste facilities, and end-of-trip amenities located in the basement.

According to the Urban Design Report, the design strategy centres on reinstating the heritage building’s prominence at this corner location, improving the public interface along George and Barlow Streets, and introducing finer-grained ground-level activation.&nbsp;

The new upper form is set back to respect the existing street wall, while providing a scale transition to taller nearby developments envisaged under the Central Precinct Renewal and Haymarket–Chinatown Public Domain plans.

The George and Barlow Street elevations, identified as the most significant heritage elements, would be retained, while less-significant facades to Parker Lane and the northern boundary would be adapted to suit the new program.

SLD Development was founded in 2015 and has developments in Killara, Kogarah, Sutherland, and Castle Hill.&nbsp;

They noted on their website that the Haymarket development is "set to redefine luxury living in the heart of Sydney."

"This prestigious project will feature an exquisite blend of a luxury hotel and premium residential apartments, offering unparalleled comfort and sophistication. Ideally located on George Street, this development enjoys high pedestrian exposure and provides seamless access to the best of the city."

The latest plans joins several major announcements in the last few months. Lendlease has sought to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/lendlease-buys-approved-liverpool-st-hyde-park-development-site-on-sydney-cbd-fringe">develop around 200 apartments on Hyde Park</a>, while Charter Hall has been given approval to develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/city-of-sydney-backs-charter-hall-s-925m-hyde-park-tower">its Hyde Park tower</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Apartment and hotel plans proposed for Haymarket’s heritage-listed GIO Building

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has kicked off construction at its new Edmondson Park masterplan, Chapter Place, a mixed0use residential and retail precinct that will bring up to 1,900 new homes to Sydney's thriving south west.

The ground was broken for the first 43, three-level terraces in the development, which will be completed within 12 months.

It is the first of Chapter Place’s five sites to be developed across 51,634 sqm. Located just 800 metres from Edmondson Park Station, an estimated 4,700 residents will call the $1.5 billion development home by mid-2030. &nbsp;

Urban CEO Patrick Elias said the precinct marked a new chapter in high-quality residential development for the region.&nbsp;

“This is the first step in creating an innovative, sustainable and welcoming community, offering a mix of well-connected homes that bring smart, practical living to Sydney’s South West,” Elias said. &nbsp;

“Chapter Place will support community growth and connection, contributing to the urgently &nbsp;needed local housing supply with beautifully designed, high amenity housing and shared &nbsp;open spaces.&nbsp;

“Importantly, the development will also include 272 designated affordable homes for essential workers.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Chapter Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef159ec6-4ee0-4e3e-a34b-3c71ce11eb0f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/250627%20-%20UPG%20Chapter%20Place%20-%20Kitchen%20SB-MB%20Side%20Final-min.jpg?VersionId=fwbw1IzDKXmSXwQQ7IbNB9INx2WUmT6E" />

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun welcomed the new development in the booming South West.&nbsp;

“Chapter Place is a wonderful new addition for Edmondson Park – an area that’s attracting &nbsp;residents drawn to its open green spaces, public transport, schools and thriving job market &nbsp;due to the construction of Western Sydney Airport and nearby Bradfield City," Mannoun said.

“This project will create another 5,200 new jobs over the next five years, which is another &nbsp;terrific boost for southwest Sydney residents.”&nbsp;

The site was acquired in 2021 from Landcom, the New South Wales Government's land and &nbsp;property development organisation.&nbsp;

<img alt="Chapter Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dc7da9a-b5a7-492a-a432-8bc0144393e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/250610%20-%20UPG%20Chapter%20Place%20-%20Rooftop%20Final-min.jpg?VersionId=InxydncyNnuezA6ccAnHeM.a.aZ0TU7B" />

Chapter Place showcases a range of innovative sustainability initiatives. In collaboration with Austral Bricks, Urban has created a custom brick produced just 22 kilometres from the site and incorporating 21 per cent recycled content. Carbon-neutral bricks will be used &nbsp;throughout the construction of Chapter Place apartments, reflecting a strong commitment to &nbsp;environmentally responsible design.&nbsp;

Other sustainability features include energy-efficient, fully electric appliances with maximum &nbsp;Energy Star ratings and solar battery storage to meet household operational energy needs. &nbsp;

Chapter Place follows Urban’s delivery of The Halston at North Strathfield, the first residential project to be completed under the NSW Government’s new affordable housing policy, which opened in June this year.&nbsp;

John Brogden, Chair of Urban’s Advisory Board, said the property marked another milestone in development for the Sydney market.&nbsp;

“This family-owned and run business is delivering a range of innovative and diverse housing &nbsp;choices that respond to changing needs and market demographics, especially in areas of &nbsp;high growth like Western Sydney.&nbsp;

“Chapter Place is another example of high-quality development that creates not just homes &nbsp;but thriving local communities.”&nbsp;

The first stage of 43 terrace homes, designed by Cox Architecture, is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Construction on the second stage - comprising 63 terrace homes also designed by Cox - is set to commence in October, with completion expected by April 2027.&nbsp;

Urban CEO Patrick Elias said the precinct marked a new chapter in high-quality residential  development for the region

Urban Property Group reveals first stage of Chapter Place, 1,900 new homes in Edmondson Park

The delivery of one of Sydney’s most significant urban renewal projects has taken a major step forward, with Metrics Credit Partners (Metrics) and leading developer Deicorp announcing a joint venture on the $1.8 billion Kings Bay Village development in Five Dock.

The State Significant Development, known as Kings Bay Village, will transform underutilised land into a vibrant new mixed-use precinct comprising 1,185 new homes — including 218 affordable dwellings for essential workers — along with 6,500 sqm of public open space, and 14,700 sqm of retail and commercial offerings.

Early works are due to commence in September following settlement of the three-hectare site at 129-154 Parramatta Road and will take approximately 40 months to complete.

Metrics has now partnered with Deicorp on 12 Sydney-based projects including in Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Petersham and Rockdale.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5481a09-99cb-4198-8a7f-db39b894d962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=3Me5ebh8sYpLKxRche8wxqVaCQN6o5bf" />

Metrics CEO and Managing Partner Andrew Lockhart said the company is proud to support more housing and infrastructure in a key Sydney corridor.

“Metrics and Deicorp share a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects that align closely with State and Federal Government housing and infrastructure priorities. Kings Bay Village marks our most significant Sydney development to date, offering quality homes, essential infrastructure, and dynamic public spaces.”

Lockhart said the project reflects their ongoing commitment to creating value by supporting economic growth, job creation, and delivering excellent outcomes for their investors.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b27a120a-ea99-461b-8cd1-26ce66a9958f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZY4oKse5kPML0hwdSgqeboxGcL4s4fRh" />

Deicorp Chairman Fouad Deiri OAM said the joint venture with Metrics reflected a shared commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed housing and infrastructure outcomes in high-demand locations.

“This partnership brings together two organisations with deep experience and a common vision — to deliver housing where it’s needed most, supported by infrastructure, public space and long-term value for the community.

“We are grateful to have Kings Bay Village endorsed as a State Significant Development and acknowledge the important planning reforms in New South Wales that have made this project possible,” he said.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d288620c-f5fc-4ac0-b48e-1477680b5361" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=lJ12ju99v8eZ1d3cL1XSZLRWr1P0hen2" />

Positioned just minutes from the future Five Dock Metro Station, Kings Bay Village is the first major urban renewal project supporting the NSW Government and City of Canada Bay Council’s bold vision for the Parramatta Road Corridor and will contribute more than 23 per cent of the Council’s 2029 housing target of 5,000 new homes.

In addition, Deicorp is committing more than $80 million to fund upgrades to local infrastructure, including more than $10 million in public domain works, delivering new pedestrian laneways, an activated streetscape, and a 2,290 sqm landscaped park and civic plaza — designed to become the social heart of the community.

Deicorp Chairman Fouad Deiri OAM said the joint venture with Metrics reflected a shared commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed housing and infrastructure outcomes in high-demand locations

Deicorp teams up with Metrics for $1.88 billion Kings Bay Village, Five Dock masterplan

Prominent Bondi developer RnB Property Group is making its mark in Byron.

The developer, who is currently delivering boutique developments Mangata and Allara in Vaucluse, has filed for a boutique shoptop development on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street.

The near $11 million plans, for an amalgamated site across 5 Marvell Lane and 8 Marvell Street, will see 10 three-bedroom apartments developed across a four-level building, above two ground floor retail spaces and basement parking, accessed from Marvell Lane.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="621b55e5-5b0a-40c0-984a-47d716814e1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Byron%20bay%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=MJyJqMzfMqom4a.l9EIiIZW8cYP24Mf1" />

The apartments, designed by&nbsp;SRH Architecture, will range in size between 114 sqm and 220 sqm.

SRH’s architectural plans indicate a contemporary façade treatment with varied setbacks to address both Marvell Street and Marvell Lane frontages.&nbsp;

Landscaped common areas are proposed, including 134 sqm of gardens, while deep planting is incorporated to improve the interface with surrounding properties.

BASIX commitments show the project exceeding NSW sustainability targets, achieving a water score of 49 against the target of 40, and an energy score of 61 over the target of 60. All apartments have been designed to achieve compliance with thermal performance standards.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be1365f4-91b0-4c79-9e30-b91c6867140b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Marvel%20St%20byron%20bay.png?VersionId=PXxTyxp.HkNEQxiIwuUDlbQn2f.UC_l5" />

The development would involve the demolition of a single storey cottage on the site.

RNB Property Group has developed across Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs for decades. They met with the Byron Bay Council prior to the recent submission. They only received one written submission from locals, who requested a redesign of the building to respond more&nbsp;to the local context through form, material palette and native landscaping.

Changes to aspects of the design have been undertaken in response to the feedback.

Eastern Suburbs developer heads north to Byron's Marvell Street

Once home to MacRobertson’s Garage and Workshop, a small corner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> is soon to host a new sculptural landmark, with its design intent rooted in the textures and stories of the streets around it.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/chapter-group">Chapter Group</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cdl-australia">CDL Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/crema-group">Crema</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fitzroy-fitzroy-411-421-smith-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy Fitzroy</a> comprises 63 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments behind the heritage brick façade.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183064]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> led the design process with a clear vision.

“What really inspired our vision for Fitzroy Fitzroy was to create almost a sculpture that could sit on the actual heritage base itself,” says Koos de Keijzer, Founder and Principal at DKO.&nbsp;

The design team shaped the western side of the nine-storey building into a chamfer, opening interiors to light and views while defining the building’s distinctive form.

The façade’s rhythm is broken by recessed loggias.

"We feel quite strongly about loggias, an outside area that sits inside and is quite protected from the wind and from the sun. We've also got these Juliet balconies where&nbsp;the wall starts to open up just to captivate the outdoors and bring it indoors.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183066]

Inside, DKO crafted flexible layouts to encourage residents to live their own way.

“We really wanted to create something which people have an individual say on how they live,” says Michael Drescher, DKO's Interior Design Director.

Kitchens feature two contrasting stones, a durable surface at the cooktop and a natural stone island, with abundant storage and built-in banquet seating to encourage shared meals and socialising.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183071]

Bathrooms carry the same stone for a cohesive aesthetic, informed by hotel design cues to create “a high level of glamorous” while remaining highly functional.

On levels seven and eight, apartments are tucked behind the building’s chamfer, creating outdoor terraces that range from expansive entertaining areas to sheltered, intimate spaces beneath the pitched rooflines.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=1010]

Residents also have access to a rooftop retreat with panoramic views, alongside the Smith Club, a private lounge for social gatherings, and a laneway arcade linking Smith and Leicester Streets, a deliberate nod to Melbourne’s arcade culture.

For de Keijzer, the outcome is a project that feels inherently local, that that is “truly authentic in a Fitzroy context”.&nbsp;

Fitzroy Fitzroy is already 70 per cent sold, attracting predominantly local owner-occupiers. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/cobild">Cobild</a> is expecting to complete construction in Q4 2025, with residents moving in shortly after.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14394]

For Koos de Keijzer, Founder and Principal at DKO, the outcome is a project that feels inherently local, that that is “truly authentic in a Fitzroy context”

Fitzroy Fitzroy: Designed by locals, rooted in place

John Cornell

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John Cornell, the comedian-turned-entrepreneur, has spent $3,375,000 on a Byron Bay purchase.
It seems he’s intent on creating a family compound in the hinterland.
The purchase expands his McLeods Shoot holding by just the 1.4 hectare.
The property sits adjacent to the 18-hectare parcel that Cornell has owned since the 1980s.
Previously Cornell and his wife Delvene Delaney owned what was the biggest compound on the beach at Belongil. But a few years back the couple offloaded it all.
Their sales included the Don Street beachfront to Harvey Norman heir Glen Norman for $10 million in 2015.
Cornell is best known for his comedic work with Paul Hogan.
While he was working as a producer for A Current Affair, he recognised the talents of the Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger and became his manager. He often appeared alongside the actor in The Paul Hogan Show, along with his wife Delvene. 
The latest hinterland acquisition looks a savvy purchase for Cornell, with the property last trading for $3,825,000 10 years ago.
It had been on the market for six years most recently through LJ Hooker Byron Bay agent Glen Irwin.
The single-level home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a number of large timber verandas that open to the swimming pool.
The 1.4 hectare estate was advertised as having more than enough room for a cricket pitch, music to the ears of the businessman who was instrumental in the introduction of World Series Cricket in 1977.
Cornell was highly sucessful with his ventures in Byron Bay commercial and tourism property investment including the Beach Hotel which was sold in 2007 to the Melbourne businessman Max Twigg, who is rumoured to have found a $70 million buyer following its relisting in 2016.
The couple’s actor daughter, Liana, recently sold her Georgian-inspired Woollahra home for $3.9 million which cost $2.8 million in 2013.
Liana, who splits most of her time between Byron Bay and LA, is set to star in Sky’s new historical series Britannia, which draws comparisons with Games of Thrones, paid $2.8 million.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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John Cornell

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