ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

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There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

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Fresh off completing its mixed-use Malvern project Malvern Collective, Kokoda Property Group has acquired a prime site on Richmond's Bridge Road.

They are planning a mid-rise residential development with&nbsp;integrated wellness amenities and a vibrant ground-floor retail and dining offering.

The site, at&nbsp;487–495 Bridge Road, spans&nbsp;1,650 sqm with 50 metres of dual frontage across Bridge Road and Palmer Street. It is currently leased to Adairs, and has a large retail building and 20 onsite car parks.
</section>

<section data-element_type="section" data-id="534a164">
Kokoda Property Group’s acquisition forms part of a broader phase of growth in Melbourne, building on momentum from the completion of Malvern Collective and the recent purchase of a Burnley Street site for the developer’s first commercial project.&nbsp;

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating.

“Melbourne is regaining momentum,"&nbsp;Stevens said.

"After a cautious period post-COVID, we’re seeing buyer sentiment stabilise and capital leaning back into well-located, quality projects. Victoria now benefits from deep builder capacity and competitive delivery pricing, creating a rare opportunity to bring design-led inner-city developments to market without compromising on craftsmanship.

“Richmond ticks all the boxes for us – connectivity, culture and everyday amenity – making Bridge Road the perfect address for an amenity-rich, multi-use development."

<img alt="Kokoda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a8de51d-8092-480a-8b7e-e081816692c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-29%20at%208.54.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VRHpV5.6beOu2cieKHWrw3ErMPuVOAuj" />

Envisioned as an “urban lantern” the building will bring a distinctive new presence to Bridge Road with a sculptural retail frontage, designed to honour the street’s heritage character while contributing to its renewal.

Stevens said the acquisition reflects the developer’s commitment to design-led addresses in Melbourne’s inner city.

“Drawing on Richmond’s rich heritage and dynamic character, we’ve envisioned a contemporary building that respects the past while elevating the way people live today. With dual frontages, curated ground-floor spaces, and a focus on wellness, this project will contribute to the neighbourhood’s evolution, appealing to both downsizers and a new generation of professionals.”

Kokoda Property will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.
</section>

Mark Stevens, Kokoda Property Group’s Founder and Managing Director, said that the company’s Bridge Road site acquisition signals confidence in a city that is re-accelerating

First look: Kokoda secures Richmond site for new apartment development

Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=193023]

Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=190743]

One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

Kaufland

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Kaufland, the German supermarket chain, is applying to open a 'Hypermarket', one of its first Australian stores, in Toowoomba.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that the company submitted a DA to the Toowoomba Regional Council last Friday.
The proposed site for the Hypermarket, which is just a supermarket by another name, is 353-359 Anzac Avenue.
It will be located on the corner of Anzac Avenue and Carrel Drive at Harristown next to Bunnings Warehouse.
Kaufland is a subsidiary of the Schwarz Group, the world's fourth largest retailer and plans to open its first Australian store in 2021, with around a 12 locations planned around the country.
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It has previously secured store locations in South Australia and Victoria.
In Melbourne local businesses protested the development applications filed by the company.
The application is described as a “shopping centre hotel and food and drink outlet”.
It already has more than 1,200 locations in Europe.
Kaufland is known as a key rival for Aldi overseas, driving speculation its launch in Australia will be bad news for the German chain, which controls just over 10% of the local grocery market.
Initial estimates of Kaufland’s likely impact on Australia’s $103 billion supermarket industry suggest the retailer could amass $480 million in local revenue, according to Morgan Stanley analysts<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/retail/make-fortune-dick-smith-warns-kaufland-giant-injects-another-60-million-expansion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

German supermarket chain Kaufland set to break into Toowoomba

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Vaughan Constructions has won the contract to build Australia’s largest distribution centre for key German supermarket player Kaufland.
The Melbourne facility will have more than 117,000 sqm of building area and will be built over two stages.
Stage one will comprise 98,700 sqm of building area and 107,210 sqm of concrete hardstand, along with 168 recessed loading docks and substantial temperature control areas.
The facility has a total projected investment of $255 million and will create 600 new jobs in Mickleham, around 30 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD.
"Kaufland were very mindful that the European climate, construction and building materials can be very different than those in Australia and were thus keen to partner with a builder with a sound track record in delivering quality facilities along with the requisite experience building state-of-the-art temperature control areas,’’ Vaughan’s senior development manager Chris Telley 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/2019/6/26/Kaufland%20Victoria%20.jpg" alt=""> Source: www.kaufland.com.au
He said a detailed Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process had assisted in delivering substantial savings and design improvements for Kaufland.
"Our team worked very closely with the Kaufland team to overcome key supply chain issues and meet strict budget expectations.
"Through the ECI we were able to jointly explore a number of design options and put in place a detailed value management process,’’ Telley said.
The buildings will sit next to the Vaughan Constructions-built award-winning Dulux paint manufacturing facility next door.
Vaughan have previously built complexes for Aldi, Coca Cola, Coles, PFD, Kraft, Made Group, Ferguson Plarre, and Murray Goulburn.
In March Kaufland Australia announced the approval of it’s first three stores in Victoria in Dandenong, Epping and Chirnside Park.
Kaufland Australia has also received planning approval for two sites in South Australia.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Vaughan Constructions to build Australia’s largest distribution centre for German supermarket giant Kaufland

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Kaufland, one of the world’s largest supermarket chains, has confirmed it will open its first Australian distribution centre at the Merrifield Business Park (pictured) in Melbourne’s north.
The supermarket chain has purchased a large 28-hectare site.
It plans to construct a 110,000 sqm distribution centre, one of the largest of its kind in Australia.
It will feature temperature controlled storage, the latest automated warehousing with a 40 metre high bay storage as well as a 3,600 sqm office.
The total investment in the facility is upwards of $450 million and is expected to be completed in 2020.
The facility is expected to bring an additional estimated 600 jobs to the local area upon completion.
Kaufland, which is owned by Schwarz Group, the fourth largest retail chain in the world, will be joining Dulux, D’Orsogna and Steritech in Victoria’s largest business park.
MAB Director of Business Parks, Michael Martin, said the park had successfully lured a number of brands to relocate from interstate, including D’Orsogna from Western Australia and Steritech from Queensland, to take advantage of the location.
A spokesperson from Kaufland said, “our new state of the art distribution centre at Merrifield Business Park will be the company’s single biggest investment in Australia and enable Kaufland’s expansion. Merrifield was selected for its strategic location and ability to cater for future expansion of the facility.”
“The ability to tailor a solution for a client and to deliver opportunities of scale is very rare and why Merrifield Business Park is able to lure a global brand like Kaufland and other companies from interstate,” said Mr Martin. 
Daniel Eramo, Associate Director CBRE, said Merrifield Business Park was unique in Australia, being one of the only industrial land holdings offering such significant scale and flexibility for premier brands across the country.
“There are very few other areas where Kaufland – or any business – could purchase 28 hectares on one of Australia’s major freeways. These sites just don’t exist in proximity to major roads and transport links,” Mr Eramo said.
Merrifield Business Park in Mickleham is the largest masterplanned business and employment precinct in Victoria, spanning 330 hectares.
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Kaufland to open first Australian distribution centre in Merrifield

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The supermarket wars are set to set up as Kaufland has secured its first site in Melbourne.
Kaufland, a discount German retailer, has purchased an empty Bunnings site in Dandenong for $16.4 million.
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group, the fourth-biggest retailer in the world.
Its “hypermarket” stores are typically four to five times bigger than a Coles or Woolworths.
The Gladstone Road, Dandenong property in Melbourne’s south-east includes 12,000 square metres of retail space on 3.3 hectares of land.
The Herald Sun said Spanish-born Jon Ruiz del Portal was appointed to the Kaufland Australia board this week.
It spent $25 million to buy a major site in the fringe of the Adelaide central business district last month.
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Kaufland hits Melbourne as supermarket wars step up

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German retail giant Kaufland is set to arrive on Australian stores.
The big-box has established an Australian website to seek suitable flagship retail sites.
It is hiring for a number of management positions, including an architectural planner.
The company states it “is coming to Australia”, and is seeking staff and property locations to establish its flagship stores.
It currently operates 1230 stores across Europe and employs over 150,000 workers.
Kaufland says it is seeking plots of land with a minimum size of 10,000 square metres, and a preferred size between 20,000 and 15,000 square metres.
“Kaufland has an ambitious Australian investment and development programme.
Therefore we are always looking to purchase land and/or existing or projected developments,” the company website states.
Kaufland stores will be “destination retail”, and unlikely to be placed near other prime shopping locations.
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Kaufland

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