One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Office Lease

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Three new tenants, including Property NSW, are moving into Mirvac's office tower at 101 Miller Street in North Sydney.
The new tenants -- Property NSW, Bedford CA and Access Innovation Media --  will in total occupy more than 4,700 sqm, bringing the premium grade office building to 83 per cent leased, Mirvac and joint owner and TH Real Estate said in a media release.
Property NSW has leased over 2,800 sqm on levels 21 and 22, for a five-year term, as it expands to accommodate more employees.
Bedford CA has leased over 1,428 sqm on level 16 for a seven-year term while Access Innovation Media will occupy 487 sqm on level one for a five-year term.
Mirvac’s general manager of Leasing and Agency Services, Paul Bezzina, said the commercial property market in North Sydney offered an exceptional working environment and access to retail facilities, hospitality and transport. 
“Located in the heart of North Sydney, 101 Miller Street is not only in close proximity to a variety of food and retail options, the office features fresh workspaces with refurbished ceilings, carpets and bathrooms,” said Bezzina.
Commenting on the leasing activity, TH Real Estate’s head of asset management, Australia, Jayson Egan, said the tenant demand in North Sydney remained strong. 
“With the low vacancy in the Sydney CBD, tenants are increasingly seeking alternative locations like North Sydney, which are more affordable and provide an outstanding work environment. We expect this trend to continue throughout the year,” Egan said. 
Mirvac is currently upgrading the office floors, the foyer and end-of-trip facilities which are expected to be completed later this year.
TH Real Estate is an investment affiliate of Nuveen (the investment management arm of TIAA), is one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world with about $99 billion in assets under management.
Recently, the Grand Pavilion Penthouse at the Mirvac-built Eastbourne project overlooking Fitzroy Gardens sold for close to $14 million.
 
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Mirvac's 101 Miller Street office tower has three new tenants

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Office leasing figures for Melbourne’s CBD jumped nearly 128 percent over the 12 months to March with the lion’s share bagged by government, according to preliminary data from Savills research.
The government and community sector drove the leasing surge, taking 38 percent of the space. 
Population growth and infrastructure projects have also been important market drivers. Savills associate director of Research, Monica Mondkar, said 569,810 square metre of leasing activity was recorded in the Central Melbourne office market in the last 12 months. 
“This is up 128 percent on the 250,000 square metres leased in the 12 months prior, and also up on the five-year average of 269,943 square metres, so these are quite remarkable figures in anybody’s language,’’ Mondkar said.
The Government &amp; Community sector was the dominant sector leasing 224,906 square metres, 83 per cent of which was Prime Grade. Direct leases totalled 77,868 square metres, while 81,000 square metres was pre-committed. Public administration was the largest sub-sector accounting for 65 per cent of the space taken-up under the Government &amp; Community sector, followed by Education at 23 percent.
Property and Business services was the next largest leasing sector at 28 percent followed by IT and Communication at 15 per cent and Finance and Insurance at 13 percent.
A number of factors contributed to the massive rise in leasing such as renewal of government leases, consolidation of government departments, population growth, government infrastructure projects, staff retention and recruitment requirements, and efficiency gains, added Phil Cullity, director, Office Leasing. 
“Last year, net absorption was 117,000 square metres which smashed the 10-year, 86,000 square metre average and all indications are that we are in for another 12 months like that,” he said.
Developers are pushing ahead with new buildings especially with economic rents being achieved, he added.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/29/MelbourneCBDLeasing.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/29/MelbourneCBDLeasing.png" alt="">
“Overall governments – state and federal – have underpinned the massive take up with population growth also an important part of the equation,” he said.
Government departments had not upgraded during the GFC years of 2008/2009/2010 because of fewer options to go to, and a lot of government leases recently came up for renewal at the same time.
“The state government, in particular, has been proactive in taking advantage of market conditions, locking in rents and incentives, before rents begin to rise,” he said.
“Governments now realise that, as they are in competition with the private sector for the best young talent, they must offer a similar level of accommodation and that includes the latest building services including end of trip facilities, meeting facilities, amenities and access to transport, cafes.’’
Government tenants were also increasingly mindful of the need for more efficient buildings in reducing costs. 
The Victorian government’s current infrastructure programme including level crossing removals, the Metro Tunnel and the Western Distributor, was also driving the overall leasing market as companies associated with these projects were also taking leases in their vicinity, Cullity said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/29/MelbourneCBDLeases.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/29/MelbourneCBDLeases.png" alt="">
Source: Savills Research # Renewals
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Melbourne CBD office leasing up 128 percent in 12 months, helped by government renting: Savills

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The disruptive proptech company, the British real estate agency Purplebricks has set up office in Sydney, though its business is pitched currently elsewhere.
It has secured a short-term lease for a 300sq m office to use as its first headquarters in the the Coca-Cola building on Macquarie Street. 
Cadigal Office’s Nicholas Mulcahy and Knight Frank’s Jessica Roberts negotiated a gross annual rent of $550 a square metre.
Given its is set to be converted into luxury apartments, the group's lease is for six months to March 2017.
It reportedly could not find suitable larger premises in a tight Sydney office market.
The company will seek about 600 square metre space next year. 
After establishing a presence in Melbourne and Brisbane, Purplebricks will be rolled out to Sydney and the other capital cities 
The Australian business is being led by Ryan Dinsdale, the former marketing director of Virgin Money.
London-based Purplebricks chief executive officer Michael Bruce reckons Australia's "infatuation" with real estate, but dislike of the way traditional estate agents operate, will fuel the success of his company.
The British estate agency, which operates a fixed-cost, high-tech model, was recently launched with 50 "local property experts" and a $17.2 million marketing budget to spread the word among home sellers.
They will be charged a flat $4500 fee to sell their home through Purplebricks.
For those selling a $614,000 median-priced home (according to the ABS), this will be $11,500 cheaper than if they used a traditional estate agent charging a 2.2 percent commission.
Home sellers will also get access to Purplebricks' bespoke online platform
It grew to 300 local property experts in the UK in less than two years. 
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Purplebricks arrives in Sydney

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An office space in Sydney CBD’s Barangaroo has been leased for $527 per week, which includes all bills and outgoings.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-502116802" target="_blank">2/100 Barangaroo Avenue</a> office is located inside Tower One, a brand new development in the beautiful waterfront precinct in the CBD. This energy efficient office space is close to residential apartments, hotels, shops and cafes.
The building has modern fit outs and 24/7 access. 
According to the property description, the floor area is 18 sqm and is suited for a small team of up to three people.
The leasing agent was Grant Philipp of Office Hub.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/barangaroo1.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Barangaroo office space lease inked

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The NSW Government is on track to deliver the biggest ever government agency leasing commitment in Western Sydney, bringing more public sector jobs to the booming West.
Minister for Finance, Service and Property, Dominic Perrottet, today announced the state government had formed a shortlist of candidates to submit detailed proposals for up to 62,000 square metres of new A-Grade office accommodation in Sydney’s west.
The leasing solution will accommodate at least 4,000 public service roles in Western Sydney, with around 1,700 of those roles relocating directly from the CBD.
“Western Sydney is the beating heart of the NSW economy, and this Government is laying the foundations for a boom in jobs and economic growth to match the booming population,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In terms of establishing a major public-service base in the West, this leasing search is on an unprecedented scale, and will deliver more jobs closer to where people live, and a major stimulus for the local economy.”
The Government’s plan, first announced last year, includes the creation of a Western Sydney Planning and Environment “hub”, consolidating around 2,500 roles from the Department of Planning and Environment, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority, enabling those agencies to better collaborate.
Approximately 1,600 roles from the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation will also be accommodated as part of the leasing search, with room for further relocations.
In the initial expressions of interest stage, the Government received a strong response from industry, with 28 proposals lodged for the accommodation solution. The shortlisted proponents will now be invited to participate in the detailed tender phase, due to close in November, with the successful proponent expected to be announced by the end of 2016.
Western Sydney Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger, said the announcement represents an incredible economic catalyst for Western Sydney.
“It makes sense to locate these agencies in Western Sydney given it is the heart of metropolitan Sydney,” he said. 
“This investment will supercharge the development of professional services and the retail economy.”
Since 2014, the Government has announced the relocation of more than 4,200 public service roles from the CBD to Western Sydney, including more than 1,800 jobs from the Department of Education, which will be relocated to Parramatta from 2018.
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NSW Government shortlists agency lease possibilities

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Office space in Hellenic House, the Sydney CBD building that has been the centre of Greek culture for nearly six decades, is being offered for lease.
The property at 251 - 253 Elizabeth Street opposite Museum Station is being marketed by Ray White Commercial’s John Skufris on behalf of the Hellenic Club.
The leasing offer follows the Hellenic Club opening its new Beta bar and gallery at 238 - 240 Castlereagh Street.
“There are currently areas from 100 sqm to 200 sqm available including the building's top floor with original timber floors and never to be built out east-facing Hyde Park views,” said Skufris.
The six-storey Hellenic House building was officially opened on October 19, 1959, by the then NSW Premier JJ Cahill.
The Hellenic Club, which was first formed in 1924, promotes Greek culture and currently offers sponsorship, donations and assistance to a range of organisations and individuals.
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Office space in Sydney's Hellenic House up for lease

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A slickly designed office space in Melbourne’s Collingwood was recently leased, though the rent was not revealed.
The 73A Rupert Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066 suite is in a new building designed by well-known architects 'Miceli Odlfield Sinton’. 
The suite has a space of 52 sqm and comes with a private kitchenette. Other building features include showers, bike racks, security etc.
With no expense spared on fittings and fixtures, inspections will not disappoint. With 'Allpress Espresso' across the road and 'Rupert On Rupert' next door the positioning is absolutely perfect.
The leasing agents are James Doherty and Tim Bindley of Vision Real Estate. 
According to the suburb profile on Commercial Property Guide, the median rent for office spaces in Collingwood is $257 psm per annum.
The location is close to cafes and retail.
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Designer office spaces in Melbourne's Collingwood set bar high 

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The Commonwealth Department of Finance has secured a multi-million dollar, long-term lease for One Canberra in an off-market deal.
Owned by integrated property firm The Willemsen Group, the prestigious 'A' grade 24,065 sqm office building is just 500 metres from Parliament House Canberra.
It consists of five levels of flexible floor plates varying from 2,200 sqm to 5,000 sqm.
Raine &amp; Horne Commercial executive chairman Angus Raine spoke about the deal.
“The department has signed a lease that will run for more than 15 years, and it is one of the very few Commonwealth deals of this magnitude finalised over the past 3 years.”
Angus said the One Canberra lease demonstrates the perseverance and deal-making expertise of the team at Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Canberra.
“The One Canberra lease represents a fantastic effort from our Commercial Canberra office to see the deal through to completion 
“This was a drawn out transaction that was three years in the making, and involved the Department of Finance consolidating into one building, where previously it occupied five different locations in Canberra. 
“To take up the lease, the Department was also moving out of office space it owned. This issue needed to be worked through very carefully and delicately.”
The long-term lease is a compelling example of an owner, agent and tenant collaborating to deliver the final product, according to Mr Raine. 
The active heart of One Canberra, which is a short distance to Manuka Shopping Precinct, is a 1,000 square metre, 5-storey central atrium.
This atrium provides access across the building and between floors via generous aerial bridges and a helical stair.
The building has been designed and is independently modelled to achieve a 5 star NABERS rating independent of solar generation.
Considerable effort and analysis was invested in the design of each floor plate to maximise functionality and the penetration of natural light. 
There are three levels of basement which provide parking for almost 500 cars, a loading dock, extensive shower facilities, bicycle parking, gymnasium and over 700 square metres of tenant storage.
 
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Department of Finance signs annual multi-million dollar lease for One Canberra

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Demand for quality Docklands Office stock has remained solid with a number of recent leasing deals at Waterfront City, 425 Docklands Drive.
During an eight-month period from September 2015 through to March 2016, 12 out of 14 leases in 425 Docklands Drive were negotiated by JLL’s Office leasing executive, Alexandra Harper on 1-5 year lease terms.
“Docklands has become an attractive value proposition for tenants that may have been displaced or priced out of the Melbourne CBD or fringe office markets."
The view was shared by local Melbourne investor JAK Investment Group who contracted to buy the 14 office suites in late 2015.  The fully leased Waterfront City building was developed by ING in 2005 and offers modern facilities, balconies and access to the Harbour Town Shopping precinct.
Recent deals in the building include:
<img src="/images/2016/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-23%20at%207.09.21%20PM.png" alt="">
The Docklands has become a sought-after business address, traditionally attracting large corporates to set up their national and regional headquarters, added Harper.  
 
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Leasing gains momentum in Victoria’s popular Docklands precinct

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Melbourne based specialist wine storage and distribution firm, Quality Wine Logistics, has agreed terms on a new office/warehouse lease at Dandenong South in Melbourne’s south-east.
The deal brokered by Savills Australia for the 197-203 Ordish Road property comprises 3818 square metres of quality office and warehouse space, including a 468 square metre, two-level office component and 3350 square metres of high clearance warehousing.
The property is located within the heart of Dandenong's industrial precinct enabling immediate access to all main arterial road networks including EastLink, Greens Road, the M1 Freeway, Dandenong Bypass and Frankston-Dandenong Road.
According to Savills’ Senior Executive Paul Jones, who negotiated the deal, the tenant agreed to a five year lease at a rental of $270,000 per annum net for the lessor, a private Melbourne investor.
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