<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

New Developments

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Bankstown, 20 kilometres south-west of Sydney, is seeing the introduction of 54 apartment creation Bankstown Gardens, from architect Tony Owen and property developer JR Investment Group.
Aiming to be favourable to the investor crowd, and to owner occupiers, the <a href="https://www.cpmrealty.com.au/Buying/Search/Detail.aspx?id=3670&amp;wlid=274f147d-d2b9-4c0b-a8c7-73d07f77daab" target="_blank">Bankstown Gardens</a> development offers one, two, and three bedroom apartments spanning the eight storey block.
Sales commence this month, with one bedrooms from $385,000, two bedrooms from $466,000 and three bedrooms from $588,000. It appears the prices span to $670,000.
<img src="/images/2014/07/14/Bankstown%20Exterior.jpg" alt="">
The current median price for <a href="/news">Bankstown</a> units is $362,000 with median advertised weekly rent at $390.
Located on 6-8 Cross Street, they are a 10 minute walk from Bankstown Station.
Marketing the project is CPM Realty, with managing director Sam Elbanna noting that the idea is to bring city living to Bankstown. 
“There is a new level of sophistication spreading throughout Sydney and people are clamouring for a luxury style development in more affordable locations. This is what we are delivering in Bankstown Gardens,” said Elbanna.
The development has a completion expectation for early 2016.
In 2011, total works were expected to amount to $12,500,000. It appears it took some time to get approval from council.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Bankstown Gardens development bringing 54 apartments to market

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A triple tower residential, hotel and retail precinct in Fortitude Valley has been approved by Brisbane City Council, and is seeing international interest.
Perth-based development consortium Twin Ocean Group and Sunfire Asset are behind the creation at 188 Wickham Street, adjacent to Chinatown Mall, which will be of an end value of approximately $250 million.
The site has been static for more than two decades, and the new development on 3,000 square metres will include two residential towers, a high-rise hotel and a ground floor retail arcade linking the buildings. In total, 520 residential apartments and hotel rooms will be built.
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/188WickhamSt_3tower_view2.jpg" alt=""><img src="/images/2014/07/11/188Wickham_Pool_GymPodiumlevs2%20copy.jpg" alt="">
International hotel chains have enquired about the 25-level hotel, which will include 198 apartments. A formal marketing campaign has not yet begun.
Meanwhile, overseas, local and interstate investors have submitted expressions of interest for the residential apartments. The first stage, which includes 187 apartments, will begin in the third quarter of this year.
In this stage, one-bedroom apartments will be available for purchase from $375,000 to $450,000. Two-bedroom apartments will cost $555,000 plus.
Twin Ocean Group managing director, Tim Jones, said that they have been planning the project for more than 18 months.
“Our award-winning architects, Nettletontribe have drawn on their intimate knowledge of designing world-standard mixed use projects and the result will be an attractive investment for apartment buyers and retailers looking to live or do business, less than one kilometre from Brisbane’s CBD,” Jones said.
“Being located on Fortitude Valley’s southern perimeter, 188 Wickham Street will not only be a landmark development but act as the focal gateway into the Valley and Chinatown Mall. Our location is also very convenient being within walking distance to Brisbane’s business district and within a 200-metre radius of bus and train networks.  It will be an attractive proposition for Brisbane’s professional rental market.”
 
The site will include a residents’ lounge with Wi-Fi hot desks, a gym and a pool deck.
The first of the three towers to be built is the 30-level residential building with three podium decks, 187 one- and two-bedroom apartments and rooftop terrace.
The retain arcade expects to see international brand name retailers, dining areas and green walls.
The 25-level hotel will include 198 studio rooms, and the 24-level residential tower will include 135 apartments. These will be one- and two-bedroom offerings.
The project is expected to be complete in 2016.
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Brisbane’s triple tower Fortitude Valley development sees international interest

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Construction on the former Yorkshire Brewery heritage site<a href="https://www.theyorkshire.com.au/index" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>in Collingwood has begun with a six-storey complex with a mix of one and two and three bedroom apartments along with townhouses. 
It is a 358 apartment development in Melbourne’s inner northeast where the one bedders start at $455,000, the two bedrooms from $595,000, and townhouses from $700,000. The site was bought for $9.79 million in 2010.
The heritage site on Robert Street and Waterloo Road includes an 1887 six-storey brew tower - the tallest building in Melbourne for a decade on its construction in the late 19th century.
There will be a series of laneways that connecting into the nearby streets, with the tower forecourt acting as a piazza-like setting.
Working closely with Lovell Chen heritage architects, <a href="https://www.theyorkshire.com.au/index" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Hayball architects viewed the development as on the scale of a small village</a>, with its own piazza and shops. 
Interestingly two of the apartments – a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom – are being held back to be retained by the developer for the sole use of visitors of permanent block residents. The share apartments are billed as a worthy step up from share parking spots or cars which other developers have embraced.
A concierge will manage reservations for the guest apartments. 
Costs have been suggested as likely between $90 to $150 per night, including cleaning and utility services.
Stays will be capped at several nights for each visitor to stop long-term occupancies.
Martin Strode from SMA Projects conceived the novel idea which Victoria’s Urban Development Institute of Australia boss, Tony de Domenico reckons will work especially as Melbourne gets more international visitors.
Early buying interest has been from local empty nesters, second-home buyers and investors, visiting the display suite at 84 Wellington Street, Collingwood. 
HE SAID:<img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
It is a great idea especially given so many residents have one bedders and would like friends close, but not on their apartment floor or couch.
Visitors too will have their own privacy and space, but in close proximity.
The developer has to commit long term to ownership and then operating the arrangement otherwise it will become quite fly by night hazard. 
It's not for all, so it is important that usage charges would not be added to everyone's body corporate fees.
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">SHE SAID:
It's a great idea... a bit like airbnb for the lazy. And of course a better return for the landlord developer.
Owner buyers will save money as they won’t need to spend more for that extra bedroom.
Getting a booking could be a challenge especially during the football season finals apparently and even over Christmas time in the heat of Melbourne summer.
I'd imagine the rates might need to get a bit more commercial, especially with the cleaning thrown in. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Designated guest apartments in new residential blocks: He Said/She Said

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Grocon has secured funding arrangements for its $110 million Bouverie Street Apartments development at the former Carlton brewery site in Melbourne.
Qualitas is an equity partner and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, <a href="https://bouveriest.com.au" target="_blank">the project</a> debt financier.
Bouverie St Apartments follows the full sellout of Swanston Square apartments, Grocon’s first residential development at the site, which is due for completion early next year.
The 225 apartments and town houses in the Bouverie St Apartments development have attracted strong interest from investors, university students and young professionals, selling at a rate of 50 apartments a month. Prices start from around $379,000 through Colliers.
The development incorporates a winter garden designed by ARM architects which provides public access to covered gardens and retail tenancies.
Phil Lydeamore from Grocon Group Capital said there would be further development of another 0.9 hectares which remains over four sites.
Construction is now set to commence on Bouverie Street Apartments which are due to be completed early in 2016.
Grocon partnered with Studio 505 architects for design of the latest project.
Grocon paid the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology $39 million for the 1.6 hectare former brewery in 2006.
A brewery occupied the site for more than a century, from about 1858 to 1987, having had houses on the block from as early as the 1840s. 
<img src="/images/2014/07/11/melbourne%20july%2011.jpg" alt="">
 
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Grocon's Bouverie Street Apartments securing 50 sales a month

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Each week I receive phone calls from people who have started a property development and then fallen into trouble.  
I can't help taking these SOS calls from fellow developers, even if we are not likely to do business together. Talking to them gives me a little perspective of issues others are facing.
 I've noticed a pattern.
There seems to be three different areas in which property development issues fall:
<ol>
<li>Site selection</li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-team-selection">Team selection</a></li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-three-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-site-selection">Not understanding the development process</a></li>
</ol>
This week, we'll look at the first area of contention - site selection.
Site selection in my opinion, is the most important process. If you don't choose the right site, then issues can snowball and no matter how good your team of understanding of the development process, you may not make up for the costs of buying the wrong piece of land.
The last call I received was from a lovely man called Sebastian, who I chatted to for more than half an hour about his development site. I don't normally offer a 'sob on my shoulder' service but I do honestly care about others and find it hard to ignore a fellow developer in need.
Sebastian explained that he'd purchased what he thought to be, a very good development site. It did tick a number of good criteria 'boxes' but then he told me that after he'd purchased the site, that council had 'all of a sudden' deemed it to be in a flood area.  He said when he'd purchased it, the Section 149 Planning Certificate in the Sales Contract had said it was not flood effected, although he had noted a creek a couple of kilometres away.
What Sebastian didn't know was that council had commissioned a flood study in this area. A flood study is usually commissioned out to a surveying company and can take months depending on the complexity of it. It’s a comprehensive technical investigation of flood behaviour for a particular catchment, river or creek. It is the technical part of the floodplain management process for councils.
By the time he was ready to lodge his DA, the study was completed and his land had changed to non-flood effected to flood effected.  Council would not allow additional dwellings (over and above the one house already on the large piece of land) on the land as in their words "it could add pressure to council's systems IF a flood was to occur".  They did, after further consultation, agree to review plans where the dwellings were built to a certain height (over 1.5 metres) and of course this would heavily impact on the development costs. The other major impact was on the potential end values of the new dwellings being located within a flood zone. 
So just how can you avoid this? Well, Sebastian's initial observation was good as he did note the nearby creek. But when he reviewed the planning certificate he let down his 'property developer' guard and did not question it. This is extremely common and some will say they rely on council's information. Never rely on council's information, do further research.   
Always check the date of the 149 Certificate, if it's not very recent, like within the last few weeks, request the vendor update it.  Remember within a few weeks a flood study could be completed and changes made to council flood areas. Your solicitor or conveyancer should be onto this for you as well.  If Sebastian had made an enquiry with council's flood engineer, he could have asked if there is likely to be any change to the flood zoning in the near future. The engineer would be aware of any investigations or studies being conducted in that area. 
Because we know the areas we work in so well now, we bring a level of experience - managing over 80 developments -  to the table but despite this we always conducts a thorough site investigation, inspection and review of council documents and the sales contract before we present a development site to our clients.
Stay tuned next week for part two...
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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The three most common first time property developer mistakes: Site selection

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The richest man in China, Wang Jianlin is reportedly close to buying into a Surfers Paradise hotel development site.
The 1.13 hectare three-tower Jewel development opportunity comes with 110 metres beachfront.
It has been listed by another Chinese outfit, the Ridong Group, who are reportedly seeking equity partners.
The Australian reported Mr Wang, the Dalian Wanda Group chairman, was on the Gold Coast last month with company officials returning to continue negotiations.
Their Australian advisor, Roland Evans of Canford Property group, indicated Dalian Wanda was not limiting itself to just one opportunity.
Dalian Wanda is a $66 billion company with interests in commercial property, hotels, tourism and shopping centres, according to its website.
Sydney has also been on their acquisition radar.
<a href="https://www.zhridong.com/en/introduce001?introID=55895" target="_blank">The Jewel site</a> is at Broadbeach.
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China's richest man Wang Jianlin close to buying into Surfers Paradise development site

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Two new Woolworths supermarkets will be built at Meriton developments, one in Sydney and one on the Gold Coast, under a newly signed deal.
The Mascot Central Woolworths will be 3,200 square metres and will service 1,200 residential and serviced apartments alongside Woolworths. There will also be 16 supporting shops.
The Southport, Queensland development will include a 1,200 square metre supermarket at 55-storey Sundale, providing for 551 residential and serviced apartments. There will be 12 supporting shops.
They are both expecting completion in 2016.
Meriton national leasing and asset manager Omri Zelunzuk said that they’re looking forward to welcoming the iconic Australian brand.
“Woolworths will be an integral part of our retail offering in both locations, creating a neighbourhood shopping centre that will act as a meeting hub for our residential community. We’re looking forward to seeing Australia’s largest supermarket chain open at Mascot and Southport,” he said.
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Meriton and Woolworths sign deal for stores at Sydney and Gold Coast developments

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Glenn Coleman, the former Cronulla rugby league player and Sharks club chairman, is selling a development site with approval for a residential apartment building.
The Canterbury development site at 2 Broughton Street is adjacent to the Canterbury railway station, and will be going to auction through Ray White.
Ray White Commercial NSW managing director Jeff Moxham, and project directors Marcello Bo and Peter Apostolou, are marketing the site.
The 1,405 square metre site has development approval for 42 residential apartments over seven levels, said Moxham. It would include 35 two-bedroom apartments, seven one-bedroom apartments and a ground floor retail area of 115 square metres.
“The unit sizes are also generous with the two bedrooms up to 78.5 square metres and the one bedroom units over 50 square metres,” said Moxham.
“We have already had strong interest in this property which is coming onto the market at an ideal time,” he said.
He expects strong interest both on and offshore.
The auction will take place on 12 August at 10.30am at Auctionworks.
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Former NRL star Glenn Coleman's Canterbury, Sydney development site to go under the hammer

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The Uniting Church has nominated Leighton Properties as the preferred developer for the restoration of their Wesley Upper Lonsdale Street property, noting their ideal to keep the site reflecting God’s concern for the environment.
Now in documentation and approval stage, the final plans are expected for September this year for the property, which sits in the most tightly held precinct of Melbourne’s CBD.
The plan for the site is to revitalise but retain its history and cultural significance, said Leighton Properties national head of commercial Andrew Borger.
The development is to include an A-Grade commercial office tower, a Town Square and courtyard/garden spaces.
Currently, the Wesley Church is located centrally on the site. It will be retained and restored, in addition to the Parsonage/Manse, School House and Caretaker’s Cottage.
“Leighton Properties' capabilities and experience in providing innovative solutions for large-scale projects positions us well to deliver on what will become a quality, landmark development for The Uniting Church,” said Borger.
“This development offers the opportunity to positively address the underlying demand for space in Melbourne's CBD. We are looking forward to working in partnership with all key stakeholders to create a green, active, connected and welcoming urban environment that retains the best aspects of a calm sanctuary in the urban realm,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wesley Church minister Alistair Macrae, who was also a member of the Project Control Group, said that the Church’s mission was at the centre of Leighton Properties’ proposal.
“We want to ensure that the developed spaces enable relationships between people, that its uses are consistent with the values of the Uniting Church and reflect God's concern for the environment,” said Macrae.
“The transformation of this historic site as an important social, commercial and missional space places the church at its centre, opening up opportunities for the Wesley congregation to be in mission with the changing demographic of the inner-city,” he said.
Wesley Mission Victoria chief executive officer Rob Evers said Wesley was committed to the project and would return to Lonsdale St when the development is completed.
Head of property for The Uniting Church in Australia, Paul Walec, said that the transaction structure with Leighton Properties looks to balance their mission with risk and commercial outcomes.
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The Uniting Church choose Leighton for Melbourne CBD Wesley Church site

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New residential development Light House from Melbourne developers Hengyi in a joint venture arrangement with Sixth Grange will bring 607 apartments to the CBD, and has already seen 75% sell. The Elenberg Fraser-designed<a href="https://%20www.lighthousemelbourne.com.au" target="_blank"> Light House</a> project includes one, two and three bedroom apartments over 69 levels.
On the corner of Eizabeth and Franklin Streets it offers 360 degree views, a 25-metre lap pool and a private dining room/cocktail lounge. Light House saw three quarters sell prior to retail launch, and is expected to begin construction later in 2014. Completion is expected for 2017.
The apartments are being sold through Colliers International.
It appears as though the early sales success may have much to do with launching offshore before releasing the properties to the Australian market, although the majority of the sales are said to have so far been to Australia-based buyers.
Advertising material references a “first launch” in Malaysia over one April weekend. Prices were recorded as starting from $368,000.
Hengyi is an affiliate of Shandong HYI, noted as one of the most affluent in China.
One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments are currently advertised as from $360,000, with two-bedroom one-bathroom from $458,000 and three-bedroom two-bathroom from $800,000.
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