Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Marina

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The Pelican Waters marina precinct has been granted official council approval, setting the world class project on course for a late-2020 launch date.
Representing the first project of its kind in decades for Southern Queensland, the multi-million dollar development will encompass a fully-functioning marina and boatyard, dry stacker with 160 spaces for boats up to 10m long plus 125 wet berths catering for vessels up to 13m.
Associated facilities and services will include a boat lift, shipwright, marine mechanics and electricians, anti-fouling service, boat detailing, fully equipped chandlery and amenities such as café, users’ lounge and the southern region’s only on-water fuel dock offering both unleaded and diesel fuels. 
General Manager of Development for Pelican Waters, Hamish Pressland, said the project would reshape the southern Sunshine Coast as a premium lifestyle and visitor destination.
Radiating out from the marina hub will be a waterfront village incorporating a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes, retail and commercial businesses.
“Located in the heart of a lively built-up environment and completely protected from seas and wind, the floating wet berths are serviced with power and water and monitored by full CCTV security,’’ Mr Pressland said 
“The dry stack option takes the hassle out of boating, with a simple phone call beforehand being all that is required to have a vessel prepared for a day on the water. Wash down and engine flush services will also be available and unlimited boat lifts are included in each leasing fee.
“We anticipate construction to start in last quarter of 2020, ahead of the official opening in 2021,’’ he 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/2020/7/13/marina%201.jpg" alt="">
Expressions of interest are open on a range of leasing opportunities for boat owners requiring state of the art wet or dry storage options for their vessels, plus multiple business opportunities to operate in a unique waterfront setting. 
The marina is being developed with joint venture partner and marine industry expert Les Binkin, the operator of two of Australia’s best privately-owned marinas in Lake Macquarie and Gosford.
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Pelican Waters Marina officially launched

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Cameron’s Marina, located on the Balmain Peninsula, has been listed for sale.
The 1880s marina is offered with $6 million-plus hopes with adjoining freehold waterfront land.
Its original boat shed burnt down in 1983 and was replaced in 1985.
The marina currently has between 12 and 20 fixed berths (depending on vessel size), a work berth, slipway and 21 swing moorings.
The berths and moorings are on a “wet lease” to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services until 2037.
The moorings generated a net profit of $159,844 in 2018.
Cameron’s Marina, <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/5a-phoebe-street-balmain-nsw-2041-2015294243">located at 5a Phoebe Street, is being sold by expressions of interest which close on July 4.</a>
It was purchased in the early 1960s by Peter Cameron.
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Cameron's Marina in Balmain listed for first time since 1960s

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Two marinas situated on the Central and Mid North Coast of NSW have been listed through Knight Frank’s Richard Garland and Anthony Pirrottina.
Together, the two properties – Koolewong Marina and Marmong Point Marina – are expected to sell in excess of $29 million.
Marmong Point Marina (pictured above), at 1 Nanda Street, Marmong Point, is located on Lake Macquarie, and is one of the longest boating destinations in NSW. 
The facility comprises of approximately 50,000 square metres, including 10,000 square metres of freehold service yard and 235 wet berths. 
Koolewong Marina (pictured below), located at 19 Brisbane Water Drive in Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast, spans circa 15,725 square metres of wet and dry land. 
Koolewong has a secure new ground lease with a 30-year lease term from 2019.
<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/2019/5/14/Koolewong-Marina-R-Marine-21-2500.jpg" alt="">
According to Richard Garland, Knight Frank Director, Commercial Sales, NSW, the marinas will receive strong interest from marina owners and investors, both nationally and internationally due to the ideal locations, established cash flow and significant value add potential.  
“Marmong Point Marina’s current owners, developed and operated this premium market leading marina for over 14 years on Lake Macquarie.
“The marina, the two-storey commercial building and single level industrial building are close to 100% occupancy, with an experienced and well-structured management team in place to run the day-to-day operations. This provides the new owner with an income stream, in addition to the numerous opportunities to add value through development and expansion, available under the current zoning.” 
Koolewong Marina is situated in a highly desirable location within close proximity to a number of major residential hubs, strengthening future value add potential, according to Anthony Pirrottina, Knight Frank Senior Sales Executive, Commercial Sales, NSW.
“The marina comprises 71 wet berths along with a two-storey commercial building and 45 car spaces. While the new 30-year ground lease that commences this year provides long-term secure tenure for prospective buyers.
“Gosford and the NSW Central Coast remain one of the fastest growing population precincts in NSW, underpinning demand well into the future. Particularly given the marina’s proximity to the Koolewong Train Station and direct access to the Central Coast Highway 
“We anticipate both marinas will appeal to a wide range of owner operators and investors and as they present an excellent opportunity to acquire an investment with reliable income and upside potential.” 
1 Nanda Street, Marmong Point, and 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong, are for sale via Expressions of Interest, closing on 19 June 2019. Buyers can purchase either or both marinas.
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Two NSW marinas hit the market

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Crystalbrook Collection have bought The Reef Marina in Port Douglas and have announced its intention to invest more than $100 million into the marina.
Now to be known as Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, it sits at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is Queensland’s northernmost marina.
Crystalbrook Collection owner Ghassan Aboud said the group believes they can redefine the Australian marina experience and ensure Port Douglas is an essential-visit location for high-end global travellers.
The expansion of the Marina will include an additional 24 berths to the existing 132 berths welcoming superyachts of up to 50 metres in length.
Central to the expansion is the creation of a world-class hotel.
Crystalbrook Collection CEO Mark Davie suggests the site demands a hotel of the highest calibre.
“We have been travelling the world for inspiration," he said.
"We want to bring to Port Douglas a globally recognized hotel and an incomparable experience for its guests.”
Construction of the luxury hotel and residences is expected to commence in mid-2018, subject to Government approvals, with completion anticipated in 2020.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said she was excited to see investment coming to the region.
The work is expected to generate more than 600 jobs during construction and around 240 permanent jobs post completion. Prime Group has been appointed to project manage and construct the expansion.
This will be the fourth development in Queensland for Crystalbrook Collection, which already has three hotels in Cairns under construction with an investment of more than $370 million.
The group also owns and operates Crystalbrook Lodge, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, and MV Bahama, a 27-metre luxury motor yacht berthed at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Port Douglas’ Reef Marina bought by Crystalbrook Collection

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Balmain Corporation has completed the purchase of D’ALBORA Marinas from Ardent Leisure.
The deal was valued at $126 million when it was announced last year.
Goldman Sachs and Sydney‐based commercial property lender and fund manager Balmain Corporation formed a joint syndicate to buy the portfolio from Ardent Leisure.
D’ALBORA Marinas comprises seven marinas at Rushcutters Bay, The Spit and Cabarita Point in Sydney, two marinas adjacent to the Melbourne CBD and two at Nelson Bay and Akuna Bay, north of Sydney.
The marinas currently offer boat users 1,700 berths alongside more than 200 retail outlets, providing a various amenities.
The acquisition bolsters Balmain’s current maritime portfolio which includes Martha Cove, Horizon Shores and Port of Airlie. 
The combined group will have 3,000 berths spanning the eastern seaboard of Australia.
“Our strategy is to change the way marinas operate in Australia by significantly deepening the customer service offering,“ said Andrew Griffin, CEO of Balmain Corporation. 
“Marina customers should be entitled to be treated like hotel guests and the breadth of our holdings will allow us to start this journey for D’ALBORA customers. 
He added that Balmain Corporation will set up concierge/valet services, food and beverage and upgrade amenities at its marinas.
Building upon their maritime expertise over the past decade, Balmain anticipates a smooth transition for D’ALBORA’s staff, customers, tenants and suppliers.
Brett Bolton will remain as CEO of D’ALBORA.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Balmain Corporation completes acquisition of d'Albora Marinas 

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<div>
Ardent Leisure has sold the d'Albora Marinas portfolio for $126 million.
It has been bought by a jointly owned syndicate headed by Goldman Sachs and Sydney‐based commercial property lender and fund manager Balmain Corporation.
The sale of the country's largest marina portfolio was at a 11 per cent premium to its current book value of $113.5 million.
It was listed in March as Ardent's focus is on its Main Event entertainment operation and theme parks.
The company also sold its health clubs earlier this year.
The portfolio comprises seven high-profile marinas with more than 1300 berths at Rushcutters Bay, The Spit and Cabarita Point in Sydney, two marinas adjacent to the Melbourne CBD and two at Nelson Bay and Akuna Bay, north of Sydney.
</div>
<div>The portfolio delivered earnings before tax of $10.2 million in FY16 representing a yield of more than 8 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Balmain Corporation, which has more than $6 billion of assets under management, has partnered with Goldman Sachs on a number of acquisitions including the $43 million deal to buy the Martha Cove Marina project on the Mornington Peninsula last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ardent has also agreed to complete $5.6 million of pre‐planned capital expenditure projects.   </div>
<div>
"The group's decision to prepare d'Albora Marinas for sale with extended lease tenure, targeted capital works and a transparent sale process has ensured that the maximum value for investors has been realised," Ardent chief executive Deborah Thomas advised.
</div>
<div>
The sale of the d'Albora Marinas was handled by McVay Real Estate marketing it as representing over 1,300 berths, substantial water and land leases along with development opportunities. 
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ardent Leisure sells its 1,300 d'Albora marina berths

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The 479-berth Mackay Marina is on the market. The marina - twice winner of the MIA's Marina of the Year award – plus the adjacent waterfront commercial village and shipyard is being sold by Brisbane-based developer, Port Binnli Group.
It established the facility in stages during the early 2000s.
The sale is being handled by Resort Brokers Australia agent Trudy Crooks, according to the marinebusiness.com.au website.
Located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Marina and adjacent properties cover almost 25 hectares, including the 20.8-hectare marina basin on a 99-year seabed lease (expiry 2098), along with freehold land covering four hectares.
Port Binnli Group, headed by directors Malcolm Hall-Brown, Peter Hooke and Neil Morris, recently sold Raby Bay Marina on Brisbane’s bayside.
The company is now focused on a $1 billion master-planned community on Brisbane’s north side, incorporating the Northeast Business Park and 1,500-lot North Harbour residential and marina precinct, in partnership with the construction giant Laing O’Rourke.
Expressions of interest for Mackay Marina close November 11 with around $38 million tipped.
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Port Binnli Group's 479-berth Mackay Marina listed 

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Pelican Slipway in Queensland's Redland Bay is listed for sale.
Established in 1949, the business at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-redland+bay-118637371" target="_blank">293 Esplanade</a> sits on 1,326 sqm of waterfront land with an adjoining 720 sqm seabed lease and 20 metre pontoon.
Recent extensive renovations included a 40 seat café and restaurant and the approved 200 berth Weinam Creek Marina. 
The property also has one bedroom and one bathroom. 
LJ Hooker Redland Bay agent Colin Walters has the listing.
The holding last traded for $500,000 in 2006.
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Pelican Slipway in Redland Bay listed

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Wyndham Harbour Marina, on the western shores of Port Phillip Bay near Werribee in Melbourne, was declared officially open recently.
Welcoming the event, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) said it was a major indication of the importance of residential marina developments to the Victorian economy.
"The marine sector in this state as an industry is worth $4.5 billion to the Victorian economy and provides over 17,700 FTE jobs," said Steven Potts, chief executive of the BIAV.
The projected increase of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port, to nearly 8 million by 2050 from 4.6 million, will see a doubling of boating activities and boost Victoria's 'Blue Economy'.
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Potts said developments such as Wyndham Harbour Marina provide a pathway for the private sector to assist in development of Blue Infrastructure, for which the Victorian government or local councils do not have sufficient funds.
The event was attended by Hon. Tim Pallas, State Treasurer.
There are over 172,000 registered boats in Victoria, and with a rapidly growing population, the number of boats in the State is set to double due to increases in population and pressure on green space, seeing the community turning to the blue space of Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.
 
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New Wyndham marina in Melbourne expected to boost Victorian economy

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Entrepreneur Mark Carnegie is looking at buying Ardent Leisure's marinas business as auctioneer McVay Real Estate works on the information memorandum's release.
The Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column revealed Carnegie's firm M.H. Carnegie &amp; Co is preparing its own search for an equity partner willing to team up on a bid.  
"We would be very interested in speaking to an international party working on this as we believe we are strategically well placed," Carnegie told Street Talk. 
M.H Carnegie already owns Breakwater Marina in North Queensland.
Ardent's marina come with a $115 million book value unit. 
Ardent's d'Albora Marinas business is the largest marina group in Australia with seven sites including three on Sydney harbour. 
Private equity giant The Carlyle Group is one of the parties circling the theme park, marina, bowling centre and gym owner, Ardent Leisure. 
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