<p>Builder-developer ALAND has drawn back the curtain on its first city-focused new apartment development.</p>

<p>The North Sydney development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, is the first time the company has ventured this close to the city, having previously completed thousands of apartments predominantly in Sydney's west, and more recently in Gosford.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> acquired the prime North Sydney site, spanning Walker and Hampden Streets just down the road from the Victoria Cross Metro station, for $240 million in June.</p>

<p>Now they've unveiled the new project, a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across a 30-level building designed by Rothelowman.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6384]</p>

<p>The Walden will capitalise on the site’s front-row position on the eastern fringe of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> CBD, which offers uninterrupted Sydney Harbour views stretching from the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way to Sydney Heads.</p>

<p>The main tower will be flanked by a small four-level amenity building known as The Pavilion, offering exclusive resident-only amenities including a dedicated concierge service, a sauna and private wellness studio, a gymnasium and fitness studio, a resort-style rooftop pool and sundeck.</p>

<p>There will also be a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, private dining and a wine cellar, and co-working facilities with an on-site meeting room and boardroom.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6382]</p>

<p>ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto said the company knew they could create something "iconic" with The Walden when they saw the site.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic – being the last development with a view offering this exceptional.</p>

<p>“We identified the attributes and quality of the site as being perfectly aligned for ALAND – and we feel that this off-market acquisition is a perfect opportunity to showcase our craftmanship and expertise through a truly unique offering."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]</p>

<p>Hrsto pointed to ALAND’s longstanding development expertise as a significant benefit in delivering a positive outcome for The Walden.</p>

<p>“Being a fully integrated development and construction business with a highly experienced team, we have the benefit of in-house experts across the development spectrum, from acquisitions, design, planning, and construction, to sales, marketing, property management, through to building management.</p>

<p>“As one of Australia’s largest private development and construction groups, we’ve been in operation for 23 years, with a Gold Star iCIRT rating and a 100 per cent delivery success rate across numerous masterplanned and mixed-use projects – and we’re very much looking forward to bringing this expertise to The Walden and contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of North Sydney."</p>

<p>The Walden is the latest development in Sydney to have the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy by Resilience Insurance, protecting buyers from any structural or waterproofing-related issues for 10 years post-completion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Demolition of existing structures on The Walden site has already commenced through specialist civil contractor Moits, with the aim of completing preparatory ground works by the end of 2025, ahead of construction commencement in early 2026.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]</p>


Joel Robinson

ALAND unveils The Walden, North Sydney's latest luxury apartment development

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> has opened sales for the final building in Macquarie Rise, its latest mixed-use development in Macquarie Park.</p>

<p>Since launching its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Rise</a> in late 2023, TOGA has secured over 125 sales in the Herring Road development, to a range of purchasers, from first home buyers to investors and downsizers. Around 65 per cent of purchasers have been owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>TOGA has now launched a new release of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the final building, Saunders Rise. Many of the apartments feature multi-purpose rooms and offer views of the surrounding greenery. Also part of the release is a series of&nbsp;sub penthouses housed on the upper floors.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242696]</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re delighted with the ongoing strong interest in our Macquarie Rise development, which is testament to the need for premium housing in this much-loved Sydney suburb,"&nbsp;Allan Vidor AM, Managing Director at TOGA, said.</p>

<p>"We’re proud to be able to offer buyers a unique product that includes luxury amenities, spacious living areas and flexible layouts, designed to suit all kinds of buyers, from young professionals to families and investors.</p>

<p>“We have long been advocates of Macquarie Park, and once Macquarie Rise is complete, TOGA will have built 1,000 apartments in the area, delivering much needed homes within a thriving precinct. It’s great to see the area become renowned for high-quality apartments, proximity to amenities and green spaces."</p>

<p>TOGA, one of Australia’s few Gold Star iCIRT rated developers, is also handling construction of Macquarie Rise. They are on track to complete the building in 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=310789]</p>

<p>Macquarie Rise boasts a prime location, placing residents within immediate reach of Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University, and the newly completed Macquarie University Metro, connecting to the Sydney CBD is just over 20 minutes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macquarie Rise residents also have access to Club Rise, an exclusive, residents only lounge designed by luxury hotel designers Stack Studio, offering an abundance of work and break-out areas, a Pilates studio, a gym, and a karaoke room. As well as these premium amenities Macquarie Rise will also feature an impressive podium top 20m lap pool.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242695]</p>

<p>“Offering luxury, spacious apartments in a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Macquarie Rise remains popular with a range of buyers," said TOGA's General Manager of Sales, Anthony Falas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With interest rates tracking downwards, we expect the final apartments to continue to receive high levels of interest.”</p>

<p>Located at 122 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, the development will be delivered in partnership with Baptist Union NSW and Morling College with a value of over $400 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89243]</p>


TOGA launches final stage apartments in Macquarie Rise

<p>Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.</p>

<p>Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-level project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm Bourke St site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335425]</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.</p>

<p>The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335422]</p>

<p>Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.</p>

<p>Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.</p>

<p>Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.</p>

<p>Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335426]</p>

<p>The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.</p>

<p>The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.</p>

<p>A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.</p>

<p>Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335427]</p>

<p>This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apartments are priced between&nbsp;$640,000 and $3.95 million. Off the plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]</p>


640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

<p>Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.</p>

<p>Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]</p>

<p>“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]</p>

<p>The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.</p>

<p>Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.</p>

<p>Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.</p>

<p>Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114189]</p>


Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

<p>Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.</p>

<p>Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.</p>

<p>“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" /></p>

<p>Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.</p>


Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Kings Cross

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<p>The Bourbon, Kings Cross owner is having another go at getting development approval for the extensive site amalgamation, after heritage rules forced them to keep the two Italianate terrace style buildings.</p>
<p>The $65 million proposal comes two years after the City of Sydney released new planning controls for Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross.</p>
<p>Costs have soared from the initial $47 million proposal.</p>
<p>The draft controls ensured that any development retain the heritage.</p>
<p>The façade of The Bourbon at 22–24 Darlinghurst Road was deemed a site of historical significance that reflected social and architectural change in Potts Point over the decades.</p>
<p>The mansion terrace was originally built for wealthy professionals, then modified for use as a private hospital, later converted to a boarding house, and finally became a popular nightclub.</p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB"> <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/17/The%20Bourbon%202.jpeg" alt=""></span> </p>
<p>The proposal marks the end of an era for the standalone hotel that comes with more folklore than any other in Sydney since being opened in 1967 by Bernie Houghton.</p>
<p>The <span class="m_-4462631763877072612gmail-il">Bourbon</span> premises, initially the haunt of US servicemen on R&amp;R, then colourful underworld Sydney identities, more recently had a reputation for late night sporting star fistacuffs as it was among Sydney's first seven days 24-hour licenced premises.</p>
<p><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/2020/9/17/The%20Bourbon%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Having spent $66 million on his substantial five building site amalgamation, developer Sam Arnaout engaged heritage advisers who pressed ahead with demolition plans.</p>
<div>Residents strongly opposed the demolition of the heritage buildings dating back to 1890s in what was a $47 million proposal.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Arnaout initially viewed the retention of the heritage and its incorporation into the proposed development "as not feasible or necessary."</div>
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<div><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/2020/9/17/Bourbon%20location.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>Indeed Urbis and NBRS both initially claimed that the site included "a highly altered building which is not easily distinguishable as a representative example of the late Victorian period in which it was constructed."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The site now represents an ad hoc collection of elements with no clear chronology or character and the buildings do not have the level of intactness to warrant retention, except for the principal form of No.30 Darlinghurst Road (Les Girls),' it argued in 2017.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Any historic and aesthetic values are considered to be eroded by successive and substantial modifications.," it added.
<p>"The façade of 22 and 24 (above the awning) makes a limited contribution to the streetscape as a recognisable Victorian styled element, however the contribution is highly degraded."</p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://online2.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/DA/IndividualApplication?tpklapappl=1492052&amp;fbclid=IwAR1PNwdTFTeB-Hyuc_dPIvvjniiUe36Znfy4JTkMsFnP_gQc44AXmCU6cco" target="_blank">The new plans</a>, which are understood to reduce the number of apartments in order to include a hotel, have not yet been formally posted on the City of Sydney website, but circulated among resident and business groups.</p>
<p>It was 2017 when the infamous Bourbon nightclub in Kings Cross was set for outright demolition following a redevelopment proposal for a $47 million luxury eight storey apartment block.</p>
<p><span class="m_-4462631763877072612gmail-il">Arnaout</span> controls the expanded northern entry of the Cross, from the Fountain Cafe at Kingsley Hall on Barncleuth Square through to the Empire Hotel on the Roslyn Street corner, but he has still missed out on securing the Lido building which would have made the site rectangular. His site is 2500 sq m.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/19/KC.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>(Source Sydney City Council Archives)</p>
<p>The only nod to the past in the proposed plans was keeping the curved facade of the former 1965 Les Girls hotel.</p>
<p>Arnaout's Iris Capital initially proposed 83 apartments and 101 car parking spaces, plus retail premises and two licensed bars. It is proposed the reincarnated Bourbon will have up to 400 patrons and the Empire some 920, as it the mixed use application seeks to navigate the twin outcomes of liquor outlets and quiet residential living.</p>
<p>Chris Corrode, the Sydney City Council area planning manager, had given Iris Capital pre-application advice on the initial proposal</p>
<p>Arnaout ought to increase the site density.</p>
<p>The current floor area is 5856 sqm. The initial application seeks an extra 1865 sqm, taking the density to 6936 sq m.</p>
<p>The initial proposed design (below) of the façade to Darlinghurst Road had been developed with SJB Planning, Urbis Heritage and Woods Bagot Architects. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/19/FAC1.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Arnaout bought the Bourbon for $24 million from publican Christopher Cheung who said the lockout laws had influenced his decision to sell the property.</p>
<p>The proposed apartment block has been a collaborative design by SJB Planning, Urbis Heritage and Woods Bagot Architects. </p>
<p>Within the subject site, a three-storey retail building and boarding house known as Lowestoft was constructed on 20 Darlinghurst Road; a three-storey residential boarding house, St Louis on 22 Darlinghurst Road; a three-storey private hospital, Chanrlesmont, on 24 Darlinghurst Road and a pair of attached, two-storey houses known as “Lister” and “Lynn” on 26 and 28 Darlinghurst Road; and an eight-storey residential chambers called Commodore Private Hotel was constructed at the junction of Darlinghurst Road and Roslyn Street, designed by architect, Claude Hamilton.</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Stalled Bourbon, Kings Cross redevelopment returns respecting its heritage

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<p>SPONSORED POST</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We all know that the Sydney lockout laws were introduced by the Government of NSW in 2014 with the objective to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The legislation requires 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at bars, pubs and clubs in the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">But did you know that since this time, pedestrian traffic has dropped by 40% in Kings Cross, falling from a Saturday peak of 5,590 per hour between 1am- 2am in 2010, to a Saturday peak of 3,888 between 12am - 1am in 2015. </span></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1">According to data from Liquor &amp; Gaming NSW, 418 licensed premises in Kings cross and CBD have closed since 2014, 242 new licenses – net loss of 176 venues and a 19% revenue loss for clubs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1">With reduced foot traffic, mass venue closures, high vacancy rates and challenging head winds, the retail sector is currently experiencing an upheaval as owners are now forced to look for alternative options to generate income.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1">The saving grace is yet to come for owners, tenants and consumers with the CBD and city fringe area having five </span><span class="s3">key changes proposed to the late-night trading planning controls:</span></p>
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li7"><span class="s4"><strong>A 24-hour city centre</strong> – extend the late night management area along George Street across the city centre and increase maximum trading hours from 5am to up to 24 hours.</span></li>
<li class="li7"><span class="s4"><strong>Increase hours for low impact venues in local centres</strong> – align the controls with NSW Government rules and allow lower impact venues, including small bars, to trade until 2am.</span></li>
<li class="li7"><span class="s4"><strong>New areas for new communities</strong> – identify late-night trading areas in suitable urban renewal precincts. These include Barangaroo, Walsh Bay, Green Square town centre, Danks Street, East Village shopping centre and an arts focused industrial heritage warehouse area in Alexandria. </span></li>
<li class="li7"><span class="s4"><strong>Extend existing areas</strong> – recognise venues in Chippendale, Redfern, Surry Hills and Lankelly Place in Potts Point, which have emerged since the planning controls were reviewed in 2007. </span></li>
<li class="li7">
<span class="s4"><strong>Encourage performance, culture and unlicensed businesses</strong> –<br></span>a. Allow unlicensed shops and business, such as bookshops, clothing stores, drycleaners and hairdressers to trade up to 24 hours in city living or late night management areas and up to 2am in local centres.<br>b. Describe dedicated performance venues, such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas with up to 250 patrons, as lower risk premises and allow these venues an additional trading hour at closing time.<br>c. Allow venues that host performances one additional trading hour at closing time on the night of the performance. </li>
</ol>
<p class="p9"><span class="s1">We all know something has to change to help these areas continue to evolve, so hopefully these proposed changes happen sooner rather than later…</span> </p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1"><em>Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. </em></span></p>
<p class="p5"><span class="s1"><em>David Hickey is a Senior Executive in the Metropolitan &amp; Regional Sales team. To learn more about Savills, visit </em><a href="http://www.savills.com.au/"><span class="s5"><em>savills.com.au</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney’s lockout laws need a key change: Savills

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<p>The popular Kings Cross watering hole Gazebo Wine Bar &amp; Dining has been listed for sale</p>
<p>One of Sydney's original wine bars, Gazebo sits on the fringe of Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-elizabeth+bay-503121426" target="_blank">2 Elizabeth Bay Road.</a></p>
<p>Its name derived from the Gazebo Hotel, which opened its doors in the late 1960s. Back then the ground level bar was named Pavilion.</p>
<p>The hotel closed in the 1990s and was sold off as residential apartments in 2005 after a four year conversion of the 18 storey tower nicknamed 'the corncob.</p>
<p>There was an $8 million sale in 2014 when Anthony Frogatt, the vice president of the Brewers for Europe, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/syd-fischer-sells-8-million-gazebo-elizabeth-bay-apartment">bought the whole floor apartment</a> of Syd Fischer.</p>
<p>In 2014 The Keystone Group, the former hospitality giant who went in to receivership two years later, bought the bar.</p>
<p><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/2019/3/20/Gaz2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>In the 2015/16 financial year, the venue was taking income of over $2 million a year.</p>
<p>The Keystone Group had to offload 17 venues, including the likes of Bungalow 8 and Cargo Bar, citing the lock out laws as partly to blame for their demise.</p>
<p>Gazebo was picked up by Sydney restaurateur Liz Taylor, after a reported $3 million refurb from The Keystone Group over their brief ownership.</p>
<p>Taylor teamed up with seasoned chef Tristian Hope and redesigned the space in 2017.</p>
<p>Knight Frank agents Kate MacDonald and Mike Wheatley are marketing the property.</p>
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Gazebo Wine Bar & Dining at Kings Cross listed

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<p>A Woolworths Metro has become the anchor tenant of Greenland Australia’s $320 million Omnia apartment building in Kings Cross.</p>
<p>It is in the final stages of completion.</p>
<p>Positioned on level one of Omnia’s podium level, the Woolworths Metro will be joined by seven other retail spaces on the ground floor, which are currently available for lease.</p>
<p>Greenland Australia’s managing director, Sherwood Luo, said the Woolworths Metro store underpinned Omnia’s key points of difference - convenience.</p>
<p>Luo said the group is now targeting premium bar and restaurant operators for the ground floor retail tenancies.</p>
<p>Located on the Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road corner, adjacent to the iconic Coca-Cola sign, the Woolworths Metro will be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week.</p>
<p><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/2018/11/1/woolworth%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Justin Nolan, the Metro, Woolworths general manager said the customers were "looking for food they can either eat now on the go, or later, along with a convenient grocery shop".</p>
<p>Woolworths will retain its Macleay Street, Potts Point store.</p>
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Woolworths Metro opens at Omnia, Kings Cross

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<p>The infamous Bourbon nightclub in Kings Cross is set for demolition following a redevelopment proposal for a $47 million luxury eight storey apartment block.</p>
<p>It would be the end of an era for the standalone hotel that comes with more folklore than any other in Sydney since being opened in 1967 by Bernie Houghton.</p>
<p>The <span class="m_-4462631763877072612gmail-il">Bourbon</span> premises, initially the haunt of US servicemen on R&amp;R, then colourful underworld Sydney identities, more recently had a reputation for late night sporting star fistacuffs as it was among Sydney's first seven days 24-hour licenced premises.</p>
<p>It was in the late 1990s when cricketer Ricky Ponting, four years after his Test debut, was involved in a fight which left him with a black eye. Drag queen Carlotta happily gave her insights into the night to the inquiring news hounds.</p>
<p>"Everyone who drank there has a Bourbon &amp; Beefsteak story," writer Paul Ham once suggested, adding Ponting's "sobering experience helped put the young cricketer back on the path to greatness."</p>
<p>Local novelist Louis Nowra wrote that between 1988 and 1996 the Kings Cross police were called to the venue no fewer than 550 times.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/19/KC.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>(Source Sydney City Council Archives)</p>
<p>But having spent $66 million on his substantial five building site amalgamation, developer Sam Arnaout isn't sentimental instead seeing himself as the king of the emerging residential rejuvenation of the Darlinghurst Road strip. </p>
<p>The only nod to the past in the proposed plans was keeping the curved facade of the former 1965 Les Girls hotel, in accordance with Sydney City Council's determination of its supposed significance.</p>
<p>Arnaout's Iris Capital proposes 83 apartments and 101 car parking spaces, plus retail premises and two licensed bars. It is proposed the reincarnated Bourbon will have up to 400 patrons and the Empire some 920, as it the mixed use application seeks to navigate the twin outcomes of liquor outlets and quiet residential living.</p>
<p>Residents point out the nearby Rex, on the other side of the fountain, did not keep its barn style liquor outlet in its residential redevelopment by the O'Neil family.</p>
<p><span>Chris Corradi</span><span>, the Sydney City Council area planning manager, gave Iris Capital pre-application advice on t</span>he proposal that seeks:</p>
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<p><span class="m_-4462631763877072612gmail-il">Arnaout</span> now controls the expanded northern entry of the Cross, from the Fountain Cafe at Kingsley Hall on Barncleuth Square through to the Empire Hotel on the Roslyn Street corner, but he missed out on securing the Lido building which would have made the site rectangular. His site is 2500 sq m.</p>
<p>The proposal also sees the demolition of the adjoining former Sydney Swans Club.</p>
<p>Arnaout seeks to increase the site density. The current floor area is 5856 sqm. The application seeks an extra 1865 sqm, taking the density to 6936 sq m. </p>
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<p><span>There is currently some 656 sqm </span><span>of retail floor area on the site and a further 5,200 sqm </span><span>of pub floor area associated with the two licensed premises. The Bourbon is currently 4000 sq m space. It proposes the new liquor premises will have a combined </span>1,280 sqm space.</p>
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<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/12/19/FAC1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<div>Residents are likely to strongly oppose the demolition of the heritage buildings dating back to 1896, <a href="https://online.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/DA/IndividualApplication?tpklapappl=1332824" target="_blank">but have only until January 24</a> to lodge submissions to the council.</div>
<p>The Greenland development group bookend the nightclub strip where the Crest redevelopment, Omnia is under construction with the Chinese developer having secured an $11 million penthouse sale, highlighting the potential of the rundown location.</p>
<p>Arnaout had owned that site too, but flicked it.</p>
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<p>Arnaout bought the Bourbon for $24 million from publican Christopher Cheung who said the lockout laws had influenced his decision to sell the property.</p>
<p>The proposed apartment block has been a collaborative design by SJB Planning, Urbis Heritage and Woods Bagot Architects. </p>
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Last drinks for Bourbon at Kings Cross with eight storey apartment redevelopment plans

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<p>Australia Finance Group chairman Tony Gill and wife Camilla have quietly sold their penthouse in the Altair building at Kings Cross for $7,825,000.</p>
<p>They paid $5.2 million in 2013 having downsized from their Castlecrag waterfront that sold for $8.5 million.</p>
<p>Set atop the award-winning Engelen Moore's designed Altair building, the penthouse has 240 degree views from the 19th level.</p>
<p>It has 215 sqm of internal living space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has its own dressing room and ensuite.</p>
<p>A 185 sqm L shaped terrace looks out across the city skyline to the Sydney Harbour.</p>
<p>Richardson &amp; Wrench agents Jason Boon and Geoff Smith sold the apartment which was first sold in 2000 at $2.5 million.</p>
<p>Gill has been the chairman of the AFG board since 2008.</p>
<p>This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.</p>
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Australia Finance Group chairman Tony Gill sells Kings Cross penthouse

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<p>The Piccolo Bar, just off the main strip in Sydney’s Kings Cross - which recently featured in the ABC-TV series Rake - is closing its doors after 65 years.</p>
<p>“It is very sad,” says its longtime owner-operator Vittorio Bianchi, 82, who came to work as the barista in the tiny café as a 29 year old in 1964.</p>
<p>He said the Cross was so quiet now - blaming the lockout laws and the ban on smoking inside, and outside, cafés for the likely end of the Cross's oldest coffee bar.</p>
<p>"The politicians have done a good job of killing the place,” he told Fairfax Media</p>
<p>The Piccolo Bar, on Roslyn Street, had a clientele that’s included prime ministers from Gough Whitlam to Malcolm Turnbull.</p>
<p>There were the screen stars like Mel Gibson, Judy Davis and Jeremy Irons, artist Brett Whiteley, writer Dorothy Hewett and murdered activist Juanita Nielsen.</p>
<p>“We used to be open 24 hours,” says Italian émigré Bianchi. </p>
<p>His café is now up for lease through agent Ron Danieli with hopes that someone will keep it running as a coffee shop.</p>
<p>The lease is around $500 per week, plus GST and outgoings.</p>
<p>The café opened first in the 1940s and in its current form as the Piccolo Bar in 1952.</p>
<p>After Bianchi suffered a heart attack, a triple by-pass in 2014, and then suffered a bout of cancer last year, his niece-in- law Tina Newton-Carra took over the cafe.</p>
<p>Bianchi still dropped in regularly to chat to his regular loyal clientele, and take a turn on the coffee machine.</p>
<p>Now she wants to work full-time on her new business, creating a same-sex online wedding directory, OneLove Wedding Directory.</p>
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Piccolo Bar, Kings Cross, closing after 65 years

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<p>A tenanted office space in Sydney’s Potts Point has traded hands for $710,000.</p>
<p>The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-kings+cross-502029946" target="_blank">8/2-14 Kings Cross Road, Kings Cross</a> is part of a building that was was refurbished and strata titled in 2004 into a hotel and four levels of commercial offices. </p>
<p>The floor area is 82 sqm and the office offers panoramic city views. </p>
<p>It is on the fringes of Potts Point, close to Kings Cross Rail Station. This is a Bohemian suburb frequented by creative businesses whilst only a train stop to the Sydney CBD.  </p>
<p>The property could be converted into residential accommodation subject to council approval. </p>
<p>It is being sold as a leased investment with a three-year lease till 2017 with a three-year option to a marketing company.</p>
<p>The net rental is $43,529.</p>
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Office with lease in Sydney's Potts Point sells for a cool $710,000

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<p>Coca-Cola has put its redundant vintage Kings Cross billboard up for auction, with proceeds going to the Wayside Chapel.</p>
<p><a href="https://stores.ebay.com.au/bidsforgood/cocacola" target="_blank">Pieces of the former sign</a> will be sold on ebay while held in storage at a<span> Girraween warehouse in Sydney</span>. </p>
<p class="standfirst-content">Coke will auction the eight letters individually over five days from September 7. </p>
<p class="standfirst-content">The two largest letters, the “Cs”, are more than 5.4m tall, up to 6.6m wide, 29cm deep and weigh 65kg each. The smaller letters are around 2.8m tall, between 1.2m and 2.6m wide, 29cm deep and weigh between 25kg and 40kg.</p>
<p>The flashing neon billboard has been refurbished with the old lights being replaced with a more energy efficient billboard.</p>
<p>The billboard was built in 1974 with its 800 neon lights switched off permanently last September for work to begin on the billboard’s refurbishment.</p>
<p>The charity fundraiser is being promoted on the billboard, Mumbrella reported.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-391360" src="https://d1pet9gxylz2tx.cloudfront.net/uploads/2016/08/Screen-Shot-2016-08-28-at-1.39.05-pm-468x267.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-08-28 at 1.39.05 pm" width="468" height="267"></p>
<p>According to the promotion, proceeds from the sale will go to Kings Cross charity Wayside Chapel. </p>
<p>The Wayside Chapel recently expanded to Bondi Beach. On 1 July 2016, the Chapel by the Sea in Bondi Beach officially came under the management of Wayside. </p>
<p>Following an interim 12-month arrangement, The Sydney Presbytery of the Uniting Church of Australia (UCA) will officially grant The Wayside Chapel of Kings Cross all responsibility for the governance and management of Bondi’s Chapel by the Sea and its related operations.</p>
<p>This includes the Community Services Centre at Norman Andrew’s House, and the North Bondi Op Shop, as well as the programs, worshipping communities and the resources that form part of the Chapel by the Sea.</p>
<p>Reverend Graham Long, Minister and CEO of the Wayside Chapel, and Reverend Graham Anson, Minister of Chapel by the Sea, welcome the opportunity to work together.</p>
<p>The first priority following the announcement will be a $100,000 upgrade of the facilities at Norman Andrew’s House, followed by a $630,000 redevelopment of the Chapel by the Sea to transform the site into a beacon for the community with a café, chapel, performance area, co-working space and two serviced holiday apartments.</p>
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Coca-Cola sign up for sale in pieces

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<p><span><span>Set in the heart of the Kings Cross entertainment precinct on Kellett Street, </span><span>The Powder Keg premises have been sold at $1,712,000.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Its lease came with a net income $122,000 per annum plus GST. There was f</span><span>ixed rental growth of 4% per annum for the </span><span>150 sqm space that included valuable outdoor area of 19 sqm.</span><br></span></p>
<p><span><span>It was marketed as a "rare opportunity to purchase a high quality long term investment in this tightly held retail precinct," by </span><span>James Griffiths at LJ Hooker Commercial.</span></span></p>
<p><span>It is leased to the international award winning Grant Collins, the food and beverage consultant with a n</span><span>ew high quality fit-out from Edge Design Studio on a n</span><span>ew 6 plus 6 year lease.</span></p>
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