Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

Staff Writer

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has unveiled what it intends to deliver at its recently acquired Toowong site, its debut apartment development in Brisbane.

Immerse, founded by John Kearney who is also the founder of regarded construction company Greyburn, secured the prime Sylvan Road site <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-moves-into-brisbane-apartment-market-with-toowong-site-acquisition">earlier this year</a>, in an area which has historical significance to Kearney who&nbsp;studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/" target="">Apartments.com.au</a>.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road, as have most people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>. 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.”

He is planning a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-24-sylvan-road-toowong-qld-4066">15-storey project with 88 apartments</a> above an activated ground plane with a shop and hospitality spaces.

<img alt="Toowong podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c350436b-9d64-46cc-ab6f-defc009e1b65" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_0.png?VersionId=zt7A0_14M62TkZ61YHnGmEck9KM9HqDA" />

The architecture, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, presents a tower massing that responds to the area's evolving mid-rise context. The scheme incorporates podium and rooftop communal spaces, while the commercial elements aim to activate the Sylvan Road frontage and enhance the site's interface with the adjacent parkland.&nbsp;

Landscaping plans by Ivy May Landscape Architects include subtropical planting and deep soil zones to support stormwater management and visual integration.

Supporting documentation from Mewing Planning Consultants notes that "the proposed development will deliver a mixed-use outcome that enhances the vibrancy of the Sylvan Road corridor" and highlights its proximity to high-frequency public transport and community facilities.

<img alt="First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition" 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/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

&nbsp;

There's been little new apartment development in Toowong in recent years. The most notable is Consolidated Properties two-tower Monarch Residences, which is approaching completion with nearly all of its 224 residences sold.

Kearney describes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066" target="">Toowong</a>&nbsp;as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

Joel Robinson

First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is down to its final three-bedroom apartments at Audrey, the developer’s parkside St Leonards South project, pairing the remaining homes with a limited-time offer.

The developer is extending a five per cent deposit and a $50,000 settlement rebate on selected apartments, aiming to help owner-occupiers secure one of the final homes ahead of move-in in early 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

Located on Canb​erra Avenue opposite Newlands Park, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a> comprises 102 residences, including a mix of three-bedroom residences and a double-storey, five-bedroom terrace with two outdoor areas.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/north-shore-property-construction">North Shore Property Construction</a>, the project reflects Hyecorp’s focus on owner-occupier planning, with open-plan layouts, extensive storage integration, and a material palette built around stone, oak timber flooring and bespoke joinery. Many of the three-bedroom apartments capture views toward the city and Harbour Bridge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=207373]

Hyecorp’s internal design team, Jackson Teece, has emphasised a consistent level of specification across the building, including Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, brushed metal tapware and large-format stone detailing that conceals cabinetry.

The Tiffany Collection, crowning the development on Levels 12 to 15, features added luxury of fluted standalone baths, heated bathroom floors, custom walk-in robes and upgraded appliance packages across its spacious 155 to 159 sqm homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=301367]

Beyond the private residences, Audrey carries a strong amenity focus. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room and private dining room.

A landscaped rooftop terrace with CBD views anchors the communal offering, complemented by an onsite café and an integrated daycare centre within the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

The location continues to be a drawcard for buyers, with new retail additions at Mall 88, including Coles, alongside Woolworths and the established offerings of Forum Plaza. St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro is within easy reach, as are local health precincts such as the Royal North Shore Public and Private Hospitals. Nearby green spaces include Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval and Naremburn Park, supporting strong day-to-day amenity for families and downsizers alike.

Hyecorp is expected to welcome residents to Hyecorp in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Audrey St Leonards nears completion – settlement bonus now available

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;has been given the green light to develop its flagship mixed-use project in the Crows Nest metro precinct.

The NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority approved the 40-storey tower, aligning with the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) agenda to deliver more homes in highly connected, high amenity locations.

The $600 million tower, at 378-398 Pacific Highway, will comprise 178 apartments with resident amenities, two levels of commercial offices, and a curated retail offering. Freecity will also dedicate a 10 percent Affordable Housing Contribution, supporting the Governments broader housing objectives.

<img alt="Freecity Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4de9b03b-e8aa-4929-b3f1-6747acbe6b73" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20Crows%20Nest%20Project.jpg?VersionId=oWwFWxGj_oUFEYX4j_qRFdSzcShLw3DG" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the tower will offer a diverse residential mix, from one-bedroom homes to expansive four-bedroom penthouses, all crafted to maximise light, views and liveability.

Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity Group, said the approval represents a significant step forward for both Crows Nest and Freecity.

"We are proud to be delivering a landmark project that brings new homes, new amenity and new economic activity to one of Sydney’s most strategically connected locations,"&nbsp;Zheng said.

"With our $6 billion pipeline of 12 mixed-use projects, this development reinforces Freecity’s commitment to helping deliver the housing supply and transport-integrated precincts the Government is championing.”

Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development, said the companies focus is on "creating places that genuinely enhance how people live day to day - communities that balance accessibility, amenity and neighbourhood vibrancy.”

“This project reflects the future of urban living - design led, highly liveable and seamlessly connected to the city’s major transport, employment and education hubs. Being directly opposite the Crows Nest Metro means residents can access the best of Sydney with unrivalled convenience."

&nbsp;

Freecity secures approval for Crows Nest metro precinct tower

The Bedford by Mosaic marks the culmination of a near-decade journey for South East Queensland’s most active developer.

Mosaic Founder and CEO, Brook Monahan, said the company first identified the prime Prospect Street, Kangaroo Point site in 2016 as an A-grade opportunity they were eager to secure. They almost bought it at the time, before it was ultimately acquired by Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot.

The opportunity resurfaced late last year when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was offered for sale again.

Backed by years of history, feasibility research, and detailed product planning for the 3,195 sqm corner site, Mosaic was able to move swiftly. The Bedford by Mosaic is now proving a clear market success, unsurprising given the depth of work the developer had undertaken on the location and potential density mix well before they owned the land.

Active across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and with a development pipeline more than $2 billion, Mosaic has already sold 90 per cent of apartments in what has become the area’s most significant residential addition in more than a decade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

Designed by BDA Architecture, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including the Masterpiece Series Skyhomes across the top two levels. These residences offer the largest floorplans and the best views over the river and city. Premium inclusions—such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature in every apartment, not just the top-tier offerings.

A defining feature of The Bedford is its integrated mixed-use component, set to deliver Kangaroo Point’s first Woolworths supermarket, along with a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355673]

Residents will also enjoy one of Brisbane’s most comprehensive amenity collections. Dubbed the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace, the wellness-focused spaces include a resort-style pool with sun deck, an indoor/outdoor gym, spa, sauna, steam room and cold plunge.

Additional amenities include a residents’ lounge and relaxation zones, a private dining room with kitchen, barbecue areas, landscaped gardens, an outdoor viewing deck capturing city and river views, and a bookable golf simulator.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355681]

The remaining residences at The Bedford span the upper levels of the building and include two- and three-bedroom floorplans, which start from $1,645,000.

Mosaic's in-house building arm has already commenced construction on The Bedford. They estimate a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328121]

Monahan notes that Mosaic’s most successful projects often begin years before the first plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, initially making it onto their radar in 2018.

“We aren’t opportunistic,” Monahan says. “Every site purchase is well considered and thought out. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we are looking at now that we might not secure for several years.”

Mosaic is set to launch its new South Brisbane project&nbsp;in the next year, while its latest Gold Coast development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Josephine</a>, is coming soon to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

A decade in the making: Mosaic's long-awaited success story at The Bedford, Kangaroo Point

Macro Group

<html><body>
ASIC has cancelled the credit licence of Rochelle Weinert.
ASIC found that Ms Weinert had acted dishonestly and was not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities. 
Ms Weinert is a mortgage broker.
ASIC’s concerns about Ms Weinert relate to her involvement in a property development in Newman, Western Australia, known as the ‘Newman Estate Project’.
Ms Weinert has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.
ASIC's investigation into Ms Weinert's conduct was part of an ongoing investigation into the Macro Group of Companies.
ASIC actions to date as a result of the investigation into the <a href="/news/anquan-loses-financial-services-licence-in-macro-group-pilbara-estate-aftermath">Macro Group of Companies</a> have included applications to the Federal Court, resulting in the appointment of liquidators to 24 companies within the Macro Group and and the permanent banning of Veronica Macpherson from providing financial services.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Macro Newman investigation sees ASIC cancel Rochelle Weinert credit licence

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ASIC has cancelled the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of West Perth, West Australia-based Anquan Securities &amp; Investments Pty Ltd as it was unable to comply with its licence conditions. Anquan requested ASIC cancel their licence, which ASIC did with effect from December 11 this year.
As part of the cancellation, ASIC imposed conditions that Anquan for the next 12 months maintain its membership of an external dispute resolution service. Anquan provided financial services to clients, including authorising representatives to issue interests in managed investment schemes.
ASIC has an ongoing investigation into a number of land developments in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, in particular a development known as 'The Newman Estate'.
The Estate was subject to ASIC action in the Federal Court over the past two years, where interim restraint orders were obtained along with the appointment of liquidators to 23 of the Macro Group Companies.
Anquan's licence was cancelled under s915B(3)(d) of the Corporations Act, which states ASIC may suspend or cancel an Australian financial services licence held by a body corporate, by giving written notice to the body, if it lodges with ASIC an application for ASIC to do so.
</body></html>

Anquan loses financial services licence in Macro Group Pilbara estate aftermath

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The businesswoman behind an alleged multimillion-dollar Pilbara Ponzi scheme, Veronica Macpherson, who headed the Macro Group of companies before they were wound up, has been convicted in the Perth Magistrate’s Court of charges including failing to assist a liquidator, failing to deliver books to a liquidator and failing to verify a statement in writing to a liquidator.
She did not appear in court and was convicted in her absence.
In May the Federal Court ordered six of Ms Macpherson’s companies to be wound up. A further 18 companies were wound up in June.
A recent report on the Macro group from the KPMG liquidator Hayden White of KPMG indicated only $300,000 had been found across all of Macro's bank and legal trust accounts.
The liquidators have identified that at least $150 million was successfully raised by the group.
"From our preliminary enquiries and our review of the available books and records, it appears that the Macro Group successfully raised at least $150 milion, $120 million of which was attributable to investor funds, sourced at interest rates as high as 50 percent," KPMG said.
It advised any recovery from Macro's landholdings was "highly uncertain" given the subdued property market.
The ASIC investigation continues into collapsed property developments of Perth businesswoman Veronica MacPherson.
The ASIC paperwork suggests they have lost contact with her having given a Winthrop address.
Macro Realty Developments’ brand ambassador was former rugby champion, <a href="http://www.macrorealty.com.au/2015/11/workin/" target="_blank">David Campese</a>.
The Macro Group was essentially set up to acquire and develop property holdings in Western Australia’s Newman region, with the intention of displacing the existing mine camp infrastructure, to create more permanent communities for the fly-in-fly-out workforce. The group was largely debt funded through non-traditional financiers and from private investors, largely overseas based. 
Liquidators estimated close 2,000 private investors invested about $120 million to the projects run by Ms MacPherson and the Macro Group of companies.
Singaporean and Malaysian investors were promised returns as high as 18 percent yearly from Macro Realty Developments Pte Ltd (MRD).
There were 651 investors from Malaysia, Singapore (981), Australia (31), the United Kingdom (58) and continental Europe (17).
The 244-lot estate sits undeveloped on the outskirts of Newman. There was also a Kurra estate.
"Whilst we continue to explore all available options to maximise the value of the Macro Group’s land holdings in conjunction with the receivers and managers, and other secured creditors, we do not, at this stage, consider a realisation of the assets will produce an outcome sufficient to allow for a return to unsecured creditors or investors," KPMG advised. 
Macro's developments were launched at the height of WA's mining construction boom.
It also came at a time when the state government has its liveable cities in the Pilbara initiative.
When the scheme collapsed, Macpherson’s financial services licence and passport were cancelled and her other active Australian companies were wound up by the Australian Federal Court.
In mid-2016 after Macro was accused of running a Ponzi scheme, MacPherson blogged that it "stemmed from a blackmail threat that we quite correctly rejected."
"We are forcefully fighting back against these unsubstantiated claims that are completely without merit. 
"This has created a diversion from our core mission; to create proper housing, sustainable and thriving communities in the Pilbara, so I thought it best to begin blogging about our journey towards meeting the goals of our initiative and providing some insight into the process of getting there," she blogged.
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Macro liquidators find $300,000 after at least $150 million was raised by the group

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ASIC has reported the Federal Court of Australia has ordered the winding up of 18 companies associated with the Macro Group, all of which have Desiree Veronica Macpherson as a director.
The companies are:
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li1">AGKM Green Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">BA Sullivan Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Christians Holdings WA Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Ferrous Ferric Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Macpherson Realty Options Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Splendiferous Enterprises Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Aiple Enterprises Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Brayst WA Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Chippere Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">EDWY14 WA Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">MCKST Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Newkins WA Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Kurst WA Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">MRF Kurra Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Dee Vee Enterprises Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Hedland Projects Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Macro Projects TS PH Pty Ltd; and</li>
<li class="li1">Prime Holdings Group Pty Ltd.</li>
</ol>
Justice Barker made the orders to wind up the companies on the grounds that it would be just and equitable to do so, appointing Mr Hayden Leigh White and Mr Matthew David Woods of KPMG as joint and several liquidators of all 18 companies.
ASIC has concerns that the companies have been involved in multiple breaches of the Corporations Act, were not being properly managed and were potentially insolvent.
The winding up of the companies is part of ASIC's ongoing investigation into a number of land developments in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
In its application, ASIC alleged that the companies were connected with fundraising efforts for property developments associated with the Macro Group, including The Newman Estate.
ASIC had previously obtained orders appointing Mr White and Mr Woods as liquidators of six central companies within the Macro Group, being:
<ol class="ol1">
<li class="li1">Macro Realty Developments Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Macro Realty Developments AFSL Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Macro All State Investments and Securities Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Pilbara Property Developments Pty Ltd;</li>
<li class="li1">Macro Realty Pty Ltd, and</li>
<li class="li1">511 GTN Pty Ltd </li>
</ol>
Background
One of the companies named in ASIC's original application for wind up orders, Macoften Pty Ltd, has, subsequent to ASIC's application, been wound up by another party. Consequently, ASIC's own application to wind up Macoften was discontinued.
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Macro Group

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