<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

New Developments

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The final level of Array, Mirvac’s Yarra’s Edge development, has been poured. It’s 40 metres high, and will see a crown mounted on the top, intending to become a Flinders Street skyline icon.
Residents’ settlement in the Yarra’s Edge development is currently expected for early-2015, with Mirvac group executive, residential John Carfi noting that this is a construction milestone for <a href="https://www.arraybymirvac.com/arrays-waterfront-homes" target="_blank">Array</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/08/08/Array_V20_Penthouse_360View.jpg" alt="">
“It has been encouraging to see such strong interest from purchasers, especially from our repeat purchasers at Yarra’s Edge. This is a real vote of confidence in the product and what Array stands for – luxury waterfront living,” Carfi said.
Array includes one, two, three and four bedroom offerings, and includes twin multi-level penthouses. It is eight metres from the water.
Another stage is also expected at Yarra’s Edge with the launch of 18 new strata-free homes, and a new residential tower that Carfi calls flexible and innovative.
By February last year, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/half-of-apartments-in-mirvac-s-array-development-in-docklands-sold">over half of the 205 apartments in the development had been sold</a>. Prices spanned $520,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $7 million for a penthouse.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mirvac’s Array, Yarra’s Edge final level under construction

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The former Parker Furniture warehouse in Sydney's Rosebery is set to become 31 one, two and three bedroom apartments.
All 31 of the apartments have been sold.
Construction has commenced on the site at 755-759 Botany Road, which Knight Frank NSW project marketing director Craig Moore says is due for completion in early 2015.
<img src="/images/2014/08/06/roseberry-aug-6-breakout-2.jpg" alt="">
"This stunning complex is rich with history, being on the former site of the original Parker Furniture Warehouse, a renowned Australian furniture designer with a flawless reputation for design, manufacturing and retail," says Moore.
“With this in mind, the Parker Residence has been superbly developed by LivStyle Group and designed by award winning architect, Environ Studio.
“Each apartment encourages open-plan living with stylishly appointed interiors, showcasing attention to detail alongside premium finishes which have been handpicked to create a contemporary and sophisticated space."
The first level of apartments feature private courtyards, while the top floor residences have private rooftop terraces and gardens. Most of the Parker Residence units have north-west facing balconies.
Parker Residence is located within walking distance of the Green Square railway station, with nearby schools, restaurants and pubs.
The development will include two retailers with a courtyard, elevated parking for cars and bicycles and is situated six kilometres from the Sydney CBD.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Construction begins on sold out Parker Furniture warehouse conversion in Rosebery

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Not so long ago it was considered a wise investment to buy an off the plan property.
I’m not sure if this premise stacks up now. As shared in a previous article, overseas investors (OI) are paying premium prices for property and the notion of “buying at a cheaper price point” to assist the builder/developer no longer exists. With the new trend of having guaranteed purchasers predominantly from Asia, purchasers pay future prices for property thus allowing for add-hock construction and for builders to push property out quicker than ever.
This new trend of quick development and guaranteed sales is fuelled by the high commissions payed to real estate marketers and agents that have a reach into the off shore investor markets. Investors that by nature I have come to identify as highly speculative risks takers. Why not, when the current market conditions in Sydney is hot and Sydney is seeing as a safe haven politically and with respect to property?
Ove the last 18 months I have been a witness to properties sold to OI with commissions as high as 8-10% and with these attractive rewards, the agents have made sure the projects are sold in record time. With the high returns developers and builders are achieving, comes (in some but not all cases) the temptation to lodge what is known as a Section 96.
A Section 96 is a variation to the building, primarily to increase the unit lots in the project. With the current property climate, the temptation is for developers and builders to cut corners in the construction phase.
Is it any wonder that when builders lodge the section 96s for variations, major changes to the unit complex come to the point where there are reports of units disappearing to make room for more car spaces, as commented on Radio 2UE a few weeks back.
However, this discussion fails to consider the real estate agent’s duty of care to the purchaser, as well as his client, the vendor.
The key to this is the solicitors acting for the purchasers. They have a duty to be on side of the purchaser and to be thorough and act swiftly when required. Once again in some cases but not all, the solicitors acting for the OI purchasers have the same unique relationships with the agents and developers.
Five tips on how to protect yourself when purchasing off the plan properties:
<ol>
<li>Insist all variation clauses in off the plan purchasing contract are looked at methodically. 
</li>
<li>Check proposed location of unit and car space and storage on proposed strata plan. Have these identified and signed off by vendor. 
</li>
<li>Carefully check that list of inclusions is detailed and very descriptive and not vague; 
</li>
<li>Discuss in detail what the tolerance percentage allowable for variations to unit size will be. Keep it as minimal as possible. Developers typically want a 5% variation. This could be the loss of a laundry or a linen cupboard, or even a bathroom.  
</li>
<li>Don’t accept the unit before completing an independent building inspection, done at your cost. Make the vendor aware this will take place as a condition of purchase. Builders will rely on their own reports and their foremen will not have the eye for detail, particularly when inspecting a hundred units or so. </li>
</ol>
{qtube vid:=m6E1os9ubA0}
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ:
<a href="/news/what-are-sydney-s-million-dollar-ghettos-and-where-are-they">What are Sydney’s “million dollar ghettos” and where are they?</a>
EDWIN ALMEIDA is managing partner and licensee-in-charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Just Think Real Estate</a>.
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

Five tips for protecting yourself when buying an off the plan property

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It does appear that most, if not all of us, crave some time outdoors.
Each year more than 20 million people visit Sydney’s Centennial Park, 36 million visit our National Parks and Sydney’s Botanic Gardens attract almost 4 million visitors.
Much of our recreation is associated with the outdoors and this naturally includes time in our own backyards. But the traditional backyard is changing, for many it is being replaced with a balcony. And so from a design and marketing perspective the move from backyard to balcony is now a core part of the apartment market, and the same can be said for shared or common space outdoor areas.
Balconies, terraces, roof decks and verandahs are not the invention of modern living or recent architecture. There were examples in ancient Mesopotamia, in Roman villas, and many Egyptian homes and palaces had roof gardens. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet first performed around 1595 made one balcony very famous, in the 17th Century the word became common in the language of Italians, while much closer to home from the 1850s the verandah started to become an essential on many Australian homesteads.
That love affair with an outdoor space, so commonly attached to our homes, clearly stays with us today.
From Quarter Acre to 10 square metres Plus
In 1962, just as the birth of the last baby boomers was in sight, the social impact of more crowded cities was starting to impact and be seen in popular culture. ‘Up on the Roof’, a song by The Drifters, lists many of the cares we are very familiar with today.
{qtube vid:=7F_opWg9_qI}
When the world starts to wear us down and the ‘rat-race noise down in the street’, means that we all need a place to escape and relax. It’s easy to identify why in a modern setting that the balcony has become such a central part of apartment living.
Today approximately one in four Australians live in apartments and in some cities that will soon be 50% of the population, in selected inner-city locations much more.
From the visitor figures I outlined earlier it is clear that we all need outdoor space, for many this space is now a balcony and these can range from seven to 10 square metres on a one bedroom apartment to a bigger space of 30-40 square metres or more and this can include several balconies. And while there may not be an upper limit as such, there is, as would be expected some general ratio between indoor and outdoor spaces, and without access to exact figures, that appears to sit around a ratio of between 12% and 30/40%.
Anyone marketing apartments today knows that buyers also pay great attention to the balcony area when looking at an off the plan purchase or when they inspect a finished product. Clearly this space is an essential part of their list of desirable or must have features, and what buyers look for in a balcony is now much more exacting. It is an extension of their living space and for many buyers this directly impacts the quality of life they are looking for.
The Ideal Balcony
Balconies, which are also greatly influenced by Australia’s climate, can be a difficult area of planning and design because the space is both private and public. This can create some areas of conflict, but first lets look at a balcony from a simple check list of the three ‘P’ – people, pets and plants.
The balcony needs to accommodate all three functions, the varied needs of people to have a place to relax in the sun, dine outdoors etc, and with pets being common place in most buildings they need to be considered, pet owners may want a safe spot for pets to spend their days. Many people like to have potted plants, or balcony gardens be that one or two plants or a productive ‘veggie patch’. This is not a definitive list but it does go some of the way to explaining why balcony design is so important, because buyer expectations of the balcony space have shifted and our climate dictates the space must be useable all year round.
Balcony space needs to address many issues such as access, climate, privacy, environmental concerns, storage, services and circulation, in fact the space could really be seen as a facsimile of the wider design and function of the apartment interior itself. This reinforces the central importance and value of the balcony in the eyes of today’s modern apartment buyer.
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Balconies are the new backyards

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) recognised projects in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in Friday's Australia Bricks Awards for Excellence.
Held at Sydney's Star Casino, this year's award ceremony and gala dinner saw a record 90 entries.
Winners in the 15 categories included One Central Park (pictured above) by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia, which won the awards for Design and innovation and High-Density Development, and Liberty Place by Grocon, which won the award for Sustainable Development.
According to chief executive Stephen Albin, tickets for the event, hosted by UDIA-NSW, sold out shortly after they were released.
“At the moment there’s a real buzz in the industry as companies are continuously finding new ways to raise the bar in terms of sustainability, affordability and aesthetic design,” said Albin.
“Each year the UDIA NSW Austral Bricks Awards for Excellence go from strength to strength and this year our entrants just knocked it out of the park.”
This year, three specialist judges joined four industry experts to judge the entrants.
Laurie Rose, chief judge and urban engineer, travelled throughout the region to inspect the projects.
“While judging can be time consuming, it’s also very rewarding to be shown such wonderful projects by their creators,” said Rose. “The toughest job, however, came when we sat down to determine the winners.”
The UDIA Awards for Excellence first began in 1994, with just 20 entrants.
Full list of winners on the next page. Please click below.
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The full list of winners:
Concept design: 301-303 Botany Road, Zetland by Crown GRoup
Government Leadership for Urban Development: Bungarribee Community Resource Hub by UrbanGrowth NSW
Design and Innovation: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Retail/Commercial Development: 8 Chiffley by Mirvac
Affordable Development: Ocean Club Resort by King and Campbell Pty Ltd for Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd
Sustainable Development: Liberty Place by Grocon
Urban Renewal: The Gantry by Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd
Seniors' Living: The Gracewood Kellyville by McFadyen Architects Pty Ltd for BaptistCare NSW &amp; ACT
Medium Density Development: ESQUE Mosman by HELM Pty Ltd
High-Density Development: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Residential Development: Heritage Parc by McCloy Group
Masterplanned Development: Jordan Springs by Lend Lease Jordan Springs Project Team
Marketing Apartment Communities: Woolooware Bay - Stage 1 Residential Development by Bluestone Capital Ventures No 1 Pty Ltd for Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club
Marketing Residential Estates: Dual winners - Crimson Hill by Defence Housing Australia and Spring Cove by Our Agency on behalf of Oakstand &amp; Denwol
NSW Regions and ACT: Sorrell Apartments by Antoniades Architects for Hindmarsh Development Australia 
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One Central Park and Liberty Place among those recognised in UDIA ACT and NSW awards

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The University of Western Sydney is to lease the new tower One Parramatta Square, aka 1PSQ.
The proposed new campus will have over 10,000 students.
The highrise campus will include 26,000 square metre space over 14 levels with UWS vice-chancellor Professor Barney Glover saying it chose the development due to the building’s design, flexibility and prominence.
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The tower will sit within the envisaged $2 billion urban renewal project, Parramatta Square, a six-stage, three hectare masterplan development by Parramatta City Council.
<a href="https://www.uws.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/new_uws_campus_to_drive_parramatta_square_vision" target="_blank">The $200 million A-Grade tower</a> is being developed by Leighton Properties which purchased the 4,132 square metre site at 169 Macquarie Street, after being announced as the preferred buyer by the Parramatta City Council last year.
"This project forms a vital part of the University's strategy to significantly expand its international student population, and will be a focal point for our postgraduate programs. The prime CBD location will embed UWS in the social, economic and civic life of Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney," Professor Glover said.
Students will benefit from existing public transport links plus the planned Western Sydney Light Rail Network, although construction work beginning in early 2015 and completed for the first university semester in 2017, will beat any light rail.
Last week Raffles Assets Australia, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Raffles Education ­Corporation, bought in Parramatta.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/raffles-education-buys-enterprise-house-parramatta">Their $29 million purchase</a> which will assist the renaissance of the precinct, is a six-storey office building at 1-3 Fitzwilliam Street.
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UWS takes 1PSQ as Parramatta becomes an education hub

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Developer Sunland Group has purchased a 4.7 hectare urban renewal site at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast for $18.4 million.
Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian said it would start on medium rise construction in early 2015 at the Palm Beach Mobile and Tourist Park on the Gold Coast Highway.
The Palm Beach development will comprise 162 luxury apartments in buildings under nine stories and 86 town homes.
Mostly targeting owner-occupiers, the town homes will be priced from around $600,000 and the apartments from around $500,000. 
It was sold by the Pryke family for the past four decades since costing $300,000 in 1973. 
It will close in August following the sale through Darrell Irwin of Colliers International.
The Palm Beach project follows a strong sales by Sunland at its latest medium-rise Gold Coast project, the Marina Residences at Royal Pines.
Sunland, developer of the Q1 superpower, had its last foray in the southern Gold Coast at The Parc residential community adjacent to John Flynn hospital, which was completed about four years ago.
The Palm Beach project brings to about $1 billion the value of new development projects planned by Sunland for the Gold Coast, including a major $350 million redevelopment planned for Mariners Cove at the Southport Spit that has yet to be revealed.
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Palm Beach, Gold Coast mobile home site sells to rejuvenated Sunland

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Crown Resort executives have refuted silly Fairfax Media speculation that the billionaire James Packer was intent on selling the Barangaroo casino resort penthouse for a windfall $100 million plus.
The project’s award-winning architect Chris Wilkinson from <a href="https://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/crown-sydney.aspx?category=asia-and-pacific" target="_blank">Wilkinson Eyre</a> told a business breakfast only last week that the top three floors of the proposed 270 metre tower would be an integral part of the six-star hotel.
Crown Resorts subsequently confirmed the top three floors would be reserved for the hotel’s “most prized international VIP customers".
News Ltd's John Lehmann noted this week that Fairfax were long-time critics of Barangaroo, although Property Observer would suggest perhaps less so since the effective abandonment of the urban affairs reporting unit formerly headed by the enthusiast Matthew Moore. Records show fewer than 25 urban affairs bylined articles this year in the SMH, compared to the same period in 2011 having close to 150 articles. 
This week Fairfax Media mischievously speculated a $100 million plus sale price would: "mean Mr Packer's company could recoup the entire $100 million licence fee it has paid the NSW government for the right to operate a VIP-only casino in the facility with a single apartment sale."
The resort is scheduled for a 2019 completion.
 
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Barangaroo casino penthouse not for sale: Crown Resorts

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Meriton Apartments boss Harry Tribuboff says he's only interested in an outright sale of the entire group, not part of the business.
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“It’s everything or nothing,” the veteran negotiator Harry Triguboff told News Ltd.
“I’m only talking with one person, not running around selling to many because it will take too much of my time.”
Meriton’s construction pipeline of 4,000 apartments is mostly in Sydney.
He said Australian apartment prices had plateaued. 
Recently ranked by BRW as Australia’s eighth richest person with an estimated $5.5 billion wealth, Triguboff revealed that a Chinese developer had made an offer to buy part of the Meriton group that he valued at more than $6 billion.
"I will not sell part and I still have to understand how he proposes to buy,” Triguboff said.
Picture of Harry Triguboff courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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Meriton's Harry Triguboff says it's all or nothing

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Despite off the plan apartments increasingly attracting investor attention, from both Australian and offshore buyers, Parramatta’s Promenade has seen 74% of its current early buyers identify as owner occupiers.
The five-hectare waterfront development is on Parramatta’s northern bank, and of those providing a registration of interest deposit - $3,000 – the majority are looking to live in the <a href="https://www.promenadeliving.com.au" target="_blank">Promenade</a> development.
Irene Lau, a director of Savills Residential project marketing, said that it’s due to the focus on lifestyle from Starryland Australia developers.
“People appreciate that Promenade will provide a healthy lifestyle in which to raise their family, especially given its close proximity to quality schools, universities and hospitals,” she said.
“Promenade will also have expansive lush landscaping, tree-lined streets and a central square.”
It will include 1.2 hectares of landscaped foreshore open space.
The 12-storey building three hits the market on 2 August, offering 153 apartments.
Starryland Australia was established by the 23rd largest publicly-listed company in China, Fuxing Huiyu Real Estate Co Ltd. Promenade will be across 11 towers and 774 apartments in a $550 million project, and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/chinese-developer-taking-550-million-step-into-sydney-with-11-towers-in-parramatta">Starryland’s first foray into Australia</a>.
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