The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

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Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

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While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

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Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

Office Tower

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One of Melbourne’s office buildings, on St Kilda Road, has been sold off by the Myer family for about $77 million to an Asian group.
The eight-level office building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502571830" target="_blank">312 St Kilda Road</a> was sold on a passing yield of 4.66 percent.
The buyer was Singaporean developer Tong Eng Group, Fairfax Media reported.
The group had earlier this year paid $116.3 million for another St Kilda Road tower at 5 Queens Road.
The 312 St Kilda Road building has  9,854 sqm of commercial accommodation along with a major commercial car park.
The selling agents were CBRE.
It is leased to several global and long standing commercial office tenants and is close to Melbourne CBD
The building offers the potential for further growth and significant rent reversion as it is located in one of Australia’s top performing office markets. It has a 3.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating
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Myer family sells St Kilda Road building in $77 million deal

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An office building with Telstra as anchor tenant in Sydney CBD has been listed for sale. 
The 100% freehold interest at <a href="https://jagonal.com.au/office/building/NSW/Sydney/Sydney-CBD/Southern-CBD/Telstra-House#gallery" target="_blank">231 Elizabeth Street</a> comprises 15 levels of office space and two ground-floor retail areas.
The property is being marketed by Colliers International’s Vince Kernahan, James Barber and James Girvan and JLL’s Rob Sewell, Simon Storry and Paul Noonan on behalf of Glory Property II Investment Pty as The Trustee for Glory Property II Investment Trust. 
“The building’s prominent Hyde Park location, large efficient floor plates together with the repositioning opportunities will ensure strong participation from both local and off-shore capital,” Simon Storry said.
He added that leasing demand was above average over the past four years in the Sydney CBD, and this combined with the large portion of office withdrawals over the past 18 months has resulted in the vacancy rate trending down to 6.4% - the lowest level since 2008.
Colliers’ Vince Kernahan said the 2,300 sqm ‘A’ grade building would appeal to both investors and long-term developers because of the sound cash flow from one of Australia’s largest publicly listed companies (Telstra) and its location overlooking Hyde Park and the Sydney Harbour.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/29/Telstra2.jpg" alt="">
231 Elizabeth Street is on the corner of Elizabeth Street, Bathurst Street and Castlereagh Street, and offers direct undercover access to Museum Railway Station.
The property was completed in 1987, and underwent an $18 million refurbishment in 2010
The property is being sold through expressions of interest closing in late October.
The Singapore-based Chinese investment house Bright Ruby purchased 231 Elizabeth Street in 2013 from Investa Property Group and its main wholesale office fund, ICPF, added The Australian.
The tower could win bids around the $350 million mark from both offshore and local developers.
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Telstra House in Sydney’s Elizabeth Street offered for sale 

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Following the recent sale of the iconic Exchange Centre building at 20 Bridge Street for $335 million, its neighbour at 10 Bridge Street is also set to hit the market, through Savills.
Exchange House at 10 Bridge Street is being listed with price expectations of more than $130 million, following several off-market offers that prompted vendor Coweley Australia (part of ST Real Estate Group) to take the B grade commercial office to market. 
Last month, offshore investor Early Light International Ltd Group secured 100 percent interest in the Australian Exchange Centre for $335 million on a fully leased 4.5 percent yield.
The property is being marketed by Graeme Russell, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar of Savills Australia and Rick Butler and Josh Cullen of Inc RE. Simon Fenn and Ben Azar were also part of the Exchange Centre building.
As for the current listing, the 14-storey office building is fully leased with a Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 3.5 years and a four star NABERS rating.
Graeme Russell of Savills said the building was stripped back to its core in 1997/98 and fully refurbished.
“10 Bridge Street is an iconic building in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Stock Exchange and offers a new opportunity to capitalise on the strong Australian market, in particular, the Sydney CBD,” he said.
“Just like 20 Bridge Street, we have already received a lot of unsolicited global and local interest in 10 Bridge and believe potential buyers will range from Hong Kong and Singaporean groups to large domestic private investors and a number of REITS.”
The property is 100 per cent leased with high-profile tenants including ASG Group, Kessler Financial Services Australia, Centrepoint Services and Boeing Australia Holdings.
The property is moments from Circular Quay, Wynyard Train station and the George Street Light Rail development and within close proximity to ANZ, Westpac, NAB, Commonwealth Bank and major hotel groups including The Four Seasons, Intercontinental, and the Marriott.
The property will be sold via an international expressions of interest campaign commencing in August.
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Exchange Centre neighbour set for listing through Savills with $130 million expectations

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Mercedes-Benz Brisbane, in a move for parent company Star Auto Group, has announced an upgrade for 300 Adelaide Street, with the building to be a mix of retail, restaurant and commercial tenancies in addition to its showroom.
The 22-storey building’s most notable upgrade would be a three-level glass podium fronting Adelaide St. 
The building will have a Mercedes-Benz Brisbane permanent pop-up showroom plus café and restaurant which will serve breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and a dinner and bar offering on Thursday and Friday evenings.   
Mercedes-Benz Brisbane dealer principal Shane Parkins, who is overseeing the project, said the company had been searching for a “key position within the CBD to provide a touchstone point where existing and new customers can arrange a test drive and service bookings”, or just enjoy food and beverages. 
The group’s portfolio also includes a new 12,500 sqm Vans Service &amp; Parts centre at Eagle Farm, and is also currently building Australia’s largest Autohaus on Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead due for completion in 2018.  
Working with architects Cottee Parker, its design will reflect the great Autohaus’ of Europe with a car museum, showroom, restaurant and community event spaces. 
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Mercedes-Benz Brisbane to upgrade showroom and building on Adelaide Street

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Real estate investment trust Propertylink Group (ASX:PLG) said it has acquired an office building in Brisbane for $145 million, in partnership with Goldman Sachs.
The transaction for the commercial office building at 50 Ann Street reflects a core market yield of 8.18%. 
The acquisition was undertaken via an expansion of the Propertylink Enhanced Partnership (PEP) mandate with a 25% co-investment by Propertylink, the company said in an ASX announcement.
The property comprises a 25 storey building with a total lettable area of 25,519 sqm set on a 2,198 sqm site.
It has a prominent corner location within the tightly held northern ‘legal precinct’ of the Brisbane CBD.
The property is fully leased to the Queensland state government with a remaining lease term of 3.5 years. 
Propertylink’s head of Property, Peter McDonald said the deal reflected that Brisbane’s commercial market was showing signs of recovery and experiencing a turnaround in demand. 
Brisbane’s CBD has reported its eighth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption, with increased demand and limited supply expected to drive rental growth over the coming years, Propertylink said.
“The purchase of 50 Ann Street reflects Propertylink’s disciplined approach to the acquisition of assets, based on ground up fundamentals where there is capacity for us to execute our strong asset and property management skills to reposition these assets for core institutional ownership,” said McDonald. 
The team of Propertylink and Goldman Sachs now have transactions valued at more than $1 billion now after the latest acquisition.
Settlement of 50 Ann Street is expected in May.
“This acquisition is another key step in executing the growth of our investment management platform, bringing funds under management to $1.2 billion,” said Propertylink CEO Stuart Dawes.
Propertylink now has office assets valued at more than $725 million, of which 76% are located in Sydney.  
It said assets under management in relation to the expanded PEP mandate will increase to $293 million following completion of the Ann Street purchase. 
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A-REIT Propertylink acquires Brisbane office tower for $145 million

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The Victorian government has approved a new commercial tower in the Melbourne Quarter precinct, set to be known as Melbourne Quarter Tower.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s gave his seal of approval to the 28 levels office tower, which will include around 55,000 square metres of office space and 2,500 square metres of retail space.
Located at 693 Collins Street, the project will be Lendlease’s second building in the area after One Melbourne Quarter, which is currently under construction.
Lendlease’s managing director for urban regeneration, Mark Menhinnitt, said Melbourne Quarter Tower will target a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 star NABERS energy rating.
He said the government’s approval showed confidence in Melbourne’s office market and the appetite for more environmentally efficient and technology-focused workplaces.
“Surrounded by a high concentration of leading national and global enterprises, we have seen a commercial shift towards this part of Collins Street at the heart of the Southern Cross precinct,” he said.
“Melbourne Quarter aims to set leading standards in environmentally sensitive and sustainable development, and aspires to be Melbourne’s greenest city precinct.
“The hero of the new precinct, the skypark, will complement Melbourne Quarter’s leading workplace design, offering workers the ability to re-charge or work outside the office, enhancing their health and wellbeing. This is a key trend in global workplace design.
“In addition to the skypark, a new public square on Collins Street will be at the heart of the precinct. Surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants, this will blur the lines between workplaces and retail to create vibrant green spaces that maximise business efficiency.
“The precinct boasts a strong environmental focus, with more than half of the site dedicated to public open space and a 99% walkability rating to facilitate greener, healthier workplaces.”
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Victorian government gives seal of approval to Melbourne Quarter Tower

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Bank of China’s investment arm has shelled out $130 million to buy an office tower in Sydney’s Sussex Street with the intention of making it the bank’s headquarters.
Bank of China Global Investors finalised the purchase of 140 Sussex Street from Deutsche Asset Management last week, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
The report quoted Deutsche's head of acquisitions for Asia Pacific, Real Estate, Rahul Ghai as saying that Australia remained a key focus.
"We continue to remain committed to Australia.”
“In the last five years we have transacted close to $1 billion in Australia. We will continue to invest and at the right time divest on behalf of our clients,” he added.
CBRE’s Richard Butler, Mark Hansen and Sharon Yang brokered the deal.
Current anchor tenant, ING Australia, is moving out in May 2017. 
The site has 14 levels of ­office space and basement parking.
The Bank of China owns its building at 39 York Street but has been looking to expand into a better building. It will occupy around half of the 12,440-square-metre building, the AFR said. 
"We know that Bank of China looked for some time for owner-occupier premises. This building was perfect because of its car-parking and views and excellent condition," Butler said.
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