<p>National developer Fortis has received development approval for Crest &amp; Walker, its Newstead apartment development on Kyabra Street.</p>

<p>Construction by Binah is expected to commence on the 20-storey, Bureau^Proberts-designed building soon. There will be 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments on offer, starting at $1.8 million.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> marks the fourth active development to be delivered by Fortis in Brisbane, following River House, now nearing completion, a residential project in New Farm, and a mixed-use development in Hamilton. Several additional projects remain in the pipeline as the development manager continues to grow its footprint across South-East Queensland.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dan Boman, General Manager – Development, Queensland, said the continued expansion in Brisbane projects managed by Fortis reflects the company’s commitment to design-led development and thoughtful placemaking.</p>

<p>“We’re proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such lifestyle destination as Newstead," Bonman says.</p>

<p>"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves."</p>

<p>Bonman believes Crest &amp; Walker will&nbsp;attract a discerning buyer who values design, thoughtful amenity and a lifestyle that captures the best of contemporary Brisbane.</p>

<p>"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The building’s design features a contemporary brick podium softened by vertical greenery, creating a distinctive architectural expression within the Newstead streetscape. Positioned between Gasworks and James Street, the project sits within one of Brisbane’s most coveted lifestyle precincts, surrounded by dining, retail and cultural destinations.</p>

<p>A communal rooftop will feature a sun lounge and pool, BBQ facilities and a sauna, all set against panoramic views across Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.</p>

<p>Slaite Projects will handle the sales campaign, which will kick off in May.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]</p>


Joel Robinson

Fortis to launch Crest & Walker, Newstead following development approval

<p>Singaporean developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centurion-global">Centurion</a> has unveiled plans for a major mixed-use redevelopment of the former John Martin &amp; Co warehouse building on Adelaide CBD's dress circle North Terrace.</p>

<p>The $300 million redevelopment will comprise three towers, rising behind and above the preserved 19th-century sandstone façade. The proposal would retain and integrate the heritage-listed structure while introducing a trio of contemporary towers that combine student accommodation, residential apartments, and commercial uses.</p>

<p>There will be apartments to purchase, as well as a 30-storey, purpose-built&nbsp;student accommodation tower, designed to respond to growing demand for dedicated student housing in Adelaide’s CBD.&nbsp;Ground and podium levels across the development are expected to host retail, food and beverage, and entertainment uses, helping to activate the street edge and create stronger pedestrian connections between North Terrace and the nearby Rundle Mall retail precinct.</p>

<p>A key element of the proposal is the preservation of the site’s historic sandstone building, constructed in 1867 and designed by prominent colonial architects Edmund Wright, Edward John Woods, and Edward Hamilton. The building originally operated as a warehouse for the well-known Adelaide department store John Martin &amp; Co before the retailer closed in 1998.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The site sits opposite several of Adelaide’s most significant cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the State Library, and the university precinct. Its location places it within a corridor that connects the city’s cultural, education, and retail destinations.</p>

<p>It is the second redevelopment proposal on North Terrace in recent months, with Palumbo Group set to redevelop the heritage-listed former Royal Hotel which has laid vacant for over a decade.</p>

<p>They are planning 211 apartments across two towers, just over a kilometre from Centurion's project.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/sa/palumbo-group-to-redevelop-kent-town-pub-into-new-apartment-development">Palumbo Group to redevelop Kent Town pub into new apartment development</a></em></p>


Centurion plots $300m triple-tower redevelopment for heritage John Martin’s warehouse on Adelaide’s North Terrace

<p>After laying vacant for over a decade, construction is set to begin on a major residential and mixed-use development at the heritage-listed former Royal Hotel in Kent Town.</p>

<p>The Royal Apartments development by South Australian developer Palumbo Group will deliver 211 new dwellings across two residential towers while preserving and restoring the iconic State Heritage-listed building at 2-8 North Terrace.</p>

<p><img alt="Royal Hotel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d48b7805-a5b0-42b8-b6bd-64ed49dfb81d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-09%20at%209.15.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=vtrtYAaCec5nYrYiNaivmC9d9nyHAXeQ" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-2-8-north-terrace-adelaide-sa-5000">Royal Apartments</a> will consist of a 15-level Hills Tower and a 16-level City Tower on the doorstep of the Adelaide Park Lands.</p>

<p>The heritage Royal Hotel building, added to the State Heritage Register in 1986, will be retained and adaptively reused as part of the development.</p>

<p>The development will also include ground-level retail, communal open space including a swimming pool, bicycle parking, and 235 on-site car parks.</p>

<p><img alt="Royal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c73b6752-a574-4e4a-927d-f36df076b61a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-09%20at%209.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EcIGi.Z0ijVPTDkq8jSEFd2pzfw6ryRN" /></p>

<p>Providing housing for key workers is central to this development, with 20 percent of dwellings set aside for doctors, nurses, police officers and other essential workers at a 25 percent reduction of rental costs.</p>

<p>The project is being delivered by South Australian family-owned developer the Palumbo Group, who have over seen several high-quality residential and commercial developments across Adelaide.</p>


Palumbo Group to redevelop Kent Town pub into new apartment development

<p>Southwark Grounds will transform into a fully serviced inner-city neighbourhood, with South Australian developer&nbsp;Commercial &amp; General&nbsp;selected as the master developer to transform two-thirds of the former West End Brewery site.</p>

<p>The State Government will partner with South Australian developer Commercial &amp; General to deliver more than 1,000 homes alongside a supermarket, a childcare centre, an aged care facility and a vibrant hospitality and retail precinct at Adelaide’s newest suburb.</p>

<p>Commercial &amp; General will work with Renewal SA on adaptive reuse of the historic Walkerville Brew Tower, which will anchor the precinct’s public space with hospitality and retail uses.</p>

<p>The newly announced homes, services and amenities form part of the broader 1,300‑home Southwark Grounds development, expanding on five apartment and townhouse projects on the western side of the site announced last year, which will deliver approximately 300 new homes close to services and public transport.</p>

<p>Local development group Commercial &amp; General are known for landmark projects across Adelaide including Eighty‑Eight O’Connell in North Adelaide and WEST at West Lakes.</p>

<p><img alt="Full vision for Southwark’s transformation revealed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94a4827e-3a6d-4228-85d4-1f209ffd0a00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southwark-Grounds-View-2-Artist-Impression.jpg?VersionId=UGDDpeG8RqUm46gmL9p2S3EhO9qUnlwO" /></p>

<p>Commercial &amp; General is now finalising partnerships with a selection of architects and consultants to progress detailed plans and product designs for the precinct. Built form will be delivered by Commercial &amp; General’s integrated building division, Tandem Building, with work expected to begin in 2027.&nbsp;It should take about a decade to deliver the precinct.</p>

<p>Early stages are anticipated to include significant apartment complexes, public parking and the redevelopment of the Walkerville Brew Tower.</p>

<p>Other key elements planned for delivery within the next five years include a vertical residential aged care facility and a purpose-built childcare centre, with a supermarket and supporting retail to follow soon after.</p>

<p>This large section of the precinct will deliver more than 1,000 homes across approximately a dozen apartment buildings, with opportunities for increased yield to be explored through increased height allowances enabled by the recently launched Southwark Grounds Code Amendment.</p>

<p>Commercial &amp; General will also deliver a dedicated 80-space short stay public car park to support anticipated visitor demand, in addition to parking provided within individual apartment developments.</p>

<p>More than 20 per cent of homes within the development area will be allocated to affordable sale or rental, meeting Renewal SA’s increased commitment to affordable housing across the precinct.</p>

<p>Apartment buildings will be framed by activated public thoroughfares and a series of new reserves to be delivered by Renewal SA across 2026 and 2027.</p>

<p>The public realm, which will comprise a minimum of 15 per cent of the overall precinct, will be anchored by a major civic space known as ‘Brewery Green’, connecting the Walkerville Brew Tower to the river.</p>

<p>A detailed masterplan of the precinct alongside product typologies are set to be released later this year.</p>

<p>The State Government has embarked on several strategic infill developments to deliver critical housing supply to South Australia at pace. The Government purchased the Port Road site from Lion Beer Wine &amp; Spirits Pty Ltd in 2023 after the closure of the brewery two years earlier and has since fast tracked the construction of the first homes, set for occupation by the end of this year.</p>


Full vision for Southwark’s transformation revealed

<p>Apartment developer FYVE is continuing to pad out its apartment pipeline.</p>

<p>Having filed an application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/rose-bay-apartment-market-fires-up-with-200m-in-new-developments-filed">19 apartments on Dover Lane</a>, its first development in the eastern suburbs, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fyve">FYVE</a> is taking on another new market, this time in Northbridge, where it is planning 31 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-5-baringa-road-northbridge-nsw-2063">Baringa Road</a>.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: FYVE lodges plans for boutique 31-apartment project in Sydney’s Northbridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a971e259-ed8e-4d08-9d3b-feacf3139684" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1772685299976_11zon.jpg?VersionId=l1vSn6Hq1zRTHNONhD3l5rOIhlpN2G9L" /></p>

<p>The development, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/wmk-architecture">WMK Architecture</a>&nbsp;and located&nbsp;close to Northbridge Plaza and the suburb’s village centre, will span six levels above basement parking. Large balconies and terraces form a key component of the design, extending the living areas outward while maintaining connections to the surrounding landscape.</p>

<p>The building’s scale and articulation aim to respond to the established residential character of Northbridge while introducing contemporary architectural elements, according to the documents supplied to Willoughby Council.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: FYVE lodges plans for boutique 31-apartment project in Sydney’s Northbridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3502e584-a397-472f-81a2-298349b47a4b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/699c44c7039d7b9c10230b0b_Northbridge%20Option%201.png?VersionId=1U.uYIPBX7issSkMNgVen.MekKcFOLK0" /></p>

<p>FYVE Head of Strategy and Acquisition Aris Dimos said the Northbridge project reflects the company’s strategy of targeting tightly held locations suited to owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>“Following on from our recent Rose Bay acquisition, Northbridge represents a continuation of our strategy to secure well located opportunities in tightly held, established locations with strong owner-occupier appeal,” Dimos said.</p>

<p>“We look forward to bringing this project to life in one of the Lower North Shore’s most desirable addresses.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First Look: FYVE lodges plans for 31 apartments in Northbridge

Market Trends

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Plenty of people bemoaned the record low nominal growth in Australia's wage price index in calendar year 2019, myself included.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Through a prolonged period of high levels of immigration the workforce has clearly become more casualised, and there's been widespread underutilisation as well as wage theft. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand, the latest average weekly earnings figures show that there are still plenty of dollars sloshing around some parts of the economy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the year to November 2019 there was +3.3 per cent growth in average weekly earnings, driven by solid +3.4 per cent growth for full-time employees in the private sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That's well ahead of the rate of inflation of about +1.8 per cent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Full-time ordinary time earnings for males increased by +3.2 per cent, which is plenty better than some of the numbers we've seen for men in recent years (while the equivalent figure for females was robust at +3.5 per cent):</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyB2L8bRUVA/Xk-vRpxsMqI/AAAAAAAA0XE/Lrn-C_wEfMMYQdySez7wuAk_1sGGaTOBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1404"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>For average<em> total </em>male earnings there was very solid growth in Victoria (+5.5 per cent) in particular, as well as in New South Wales (+3.8 per cent). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In the mining boom glory years male workers drew in extremely strong rates of pay in the Top End - I even lived in Darwin myself for a short time - but those days have long gone, and many workers are leaving the Northern Territory as gravity and mean reversion take hold. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>You can click on the below chart to see how male full-time total earnings have progressed over time by state and territory, with the impact of the end of the mining construction boom in evidence for the resources state figures:</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpcNpSshjJY/Xk-vRkHSG3I/AAAAAAAA0XI/zeb15JHAWVYEvQdg4c7c9SS3fPKL6JzKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpcNpSshjJY/Xk-vRkHSG3I/AAAAAAAA0XI/zeb15JHAWVYEvQdg4c7c9SS3fPKL6JzKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="384" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1371"></a></div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sector trends</span></strong></p>
<div>Overall, average weekly earnings increased by +3.2 per cent over the year to November 2019 to a new high of $1,659, which was a stronger result than the +2.5 per cent seen a year earlier.  </div>
<p><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spjyzBpAnJg/Xk-vRtX1rBI/AAAAAAAA0XM/ri4qmweXsLQdjer9sPAvNXGfMAHXfkgXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/AWE.jpg" width="640" height="636" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="814"></p>
<div>Thus while growth in the wage price index has been benign, it's clear that some earners and sectors have been faring reasonably well. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Higher income earners may include healthcare specialists, construction workers and project managers, engineers, and some of those in tech roles...especially employees based in Melbourne and Sydney. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, construction topped the industry sectors for adult ordinary time earnings in 2019, with major infrastructure projects seeing some big pay packets being offered, including in inner-city Brisbane. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Important market trends investors should keep an eye on: Pete Wargent

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<p>Recent research conducted by Knight Frank's partner and head of research, Michelle Ciesielski observes a shift in the narrative from downsizing to rightsizing due to changes in the lifestyle trend towards apartment living.</p>
<h2>Trends to Monitor</h2>
<p>The 'Australian Prime Residential Insight 2020' outlines some of the trends that are expected to influence the rightsizer prime luxury market in the coming years. </p>
<h2>1. 'Active Retired' Transforming the Retiree Lifestyle</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Active%20Retired%20Group.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Unlike past generations, the 'Active Retired' group hold a passport with many stamps, they are educated, willing to engage in smart technology and encouraged the change in definition for their next home purchase to 'rightsize' rather than 'downsize'. </p>
<h2>2. Baby Boomer Voice Growing </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Baby%20Boomers.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The baby boomer group comprised 23.5 per cent of the Australian population in 2016, growing from 21.7 per cent five years earlier. </p>
<p>In 2020, the youngest baby boomer turns 56 years old and the oldest turns 74 years old. </p>
<h2>3. Under-Supplied Prime Suburbs</h2>
<p>The portion of three-bedroom and above dwellings due for completion by 2022 is increasing to 71 per cent in medium density, and to 18 per cent for high-density dwellings. </p>
<p>The next trend to watch is the total number of dwellings being completed with 47 per cent less medium-density dwellings due between 2020 and 22, compared to 2017 and 2019, and 30 per cent less being built as high-density dwellings. </p>
<h2>4. Collaborate, Community, Belonging </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Collaborate.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>More emphasis on creating agile collaborative zones within the amenities to ensure they carry significance to the residents and can be adapted for alternate uses at other times of the day. </p>
<h2>5. Clever Spaces</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Crown%20Residences%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: <span>Crown Residences at </span><span><a href="https://onebarangaroo.com.au" target="_blank"><span>One Barangaroo</span></a></span></p>
<p>Drawing inspiration from the most exclusive hotels and residences from around the world will continue to nurture the redesign of luxury apartments and allow residents to be more agile and minimise ineffective space. </p>
<h2>6. Rise in Lateral Living </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Lateral%20Spaces.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: Liverpool/ <a href="https://www.lateralestate.com/libertytower" target="_blank">Lateral Estate</a>.</p>
<p>Buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a lateral apartment, designed to span the entire floorplate offering the closest replica of a freestanding house in the sky, although with absolute privacy. </p>
<p>It can enable the most resilient security, with direct lift access, from the secured basement carpark, to the single-leveled residence. </p>
<h2>7. More Branded Residences</h2>
<p>With rapid expansion of over 400<a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank"> branded residences</a> globally, a growing number of developers and hotel groups are looking to capitalise on this opportunity in Australia.</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/2020/2/3/14_branded%20residence.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: Branded Residence Report 2019/ <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank">Knight Frank.</a></p>
<p>A branded residence is traditionally a hotel-led development with integrated or linked residences. For instance, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/four-seasons" target="_blank">Four Seasons</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/aman" target="_blank">Aman</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/ritz-carlton" target="_blank">Ritz-Carlton</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/mandarin-oriental" target="_blank">Mandarin Oriental</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/oneonly" target="_blank">One&amp;Only Resorts</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/rosewood" target="_blank">Rosewood</a><span> and </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/six-senses" target="_blank">Six Senses</a><span> are among the most active in the segment, others have aligned with luxury brands as diverse as Versace, Porsche and Armani.</span></p>
<p>They naturally benefit from the quality hotel brand, smooth management and luxury services. </p>
<h2>8. A Small World</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Small%20World%20Qantas.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: 'Qantas flew non-stop from London to Sydney in less than 20 hours'/ <a href="https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/trending/london-sydney-non-stop-long-haul-qantas-flight-project-sunrise" target="_blank">Qantas</a>.</p>
<p>Qantas tested its new 19-hour nonstop flight from London to Sydney in late 2019. This may be operational by 2022. </p>
<p>Improved connectivity has potential to reshape the second home market. This could result in an increased competition with offshore buyers, and encourage rebalancing property portfolios with Australians likely to buy more second homes abroad. </p>
<h2>9. Reducing space and footprint</h2>
<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/3_StockBreakouts/house-in-hands-july-31-brekaout.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>More buyers and developers are becoming increasingly aware of the carbon footprint they leave behind for future generations. </p>
<p>This was revealed in the recent research conducted by Stockland Research. It was predicted that Australians have <span>a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.</span></p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/news/how-will-australians-live-over-the-next-decade-stockland-research">'How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research'</a></p>
<p>They are committing to better sustainability practices and design for apartment living. </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

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