Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

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.

&nbsp;

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.

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.

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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.

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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

Residential Tower

180 George is among Meriton&rsquo;s latest developments to be delivered in Sydney&rsquo;s western suburb of Parramatta.

From the elevated podium gardens and destination ground-level retail to the superbly appointed residences, 180 George&rsquo;s towering form announces the arrival of the most spectacular homes ever created on the city&rsquo;s prized river edge.

Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers.

1. Riverfront address

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71711]

Soaring to unprecedented heights, 180 George will set a new standard of riverfront living in Parramatta.

Rising 67 floors, the glass tower is set to become the tallest residential building in Parramatta after its completion in December 2021, offering panoramic views from almost every apartment.

552 landmark residences look out over Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD skyline and beyond, marking a new statement building in the epicentre of Western Sydney.

2. World-class development

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71718]

Delivered by Meriton, 180 George is a world-class development, offering five-star amenities that include a 1,000sqm supermarket, a 75-place childcare centre and an adjoining 58-level hotel tower.

Other facilities include 1,200sqm of podium gardens, a barbeque area, seating, a fully-equipped gymnasium and an indoor aquatic centre with a heated pool, spa and sauna.

3. Luxurious homes

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71712]

Investors and owner-occupiers will both enjoy the diverse selection of oversized apartments on offer at 180 George, each designed to capture the best of their riverside and CBD setting.

Designed by Woods Bagot, residences are characterised by contemporary design, luxury finishes and plentiful storage.

Dual-level and dual aspect apartments are available, many with large entertainer terraces, media rooms and study rooms with bedroom-sized proportions for those seeking versatile extra space.

Sleek kitchens, some taking in the tower&rsquo;s signature views, are created around easy entertaining and modern family life, with premium quality European appliances, integrated dishwasher and VENINI microwave.

4. Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71722]

&ldquo;Parramatta is rapidly transforming into a buzzing metropolitan hub with over 175,000 working professionals making it Sydney&rsquo;s second CBD&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

180 George is conveniently located at the centre of it all, just a small walk from the $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment which will boast the country&rsquo;s largest office tower. It will house major tenants such as National Australia Bank and the NSW Government.

The key economic and cultural hub includes great community offerings, including the first vertical high school rising 16 storeys and the mixed-use Parramatta Square precinct.

5. Well-connected and well-serviced

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71721]

Meriton&rsquo;s latest Parramatta tower enjoys convenient access to some of Australia&rsquo;s best educational and medical facilities.

Among these include the Western Sydney University Parramatta campus, the University of New England, Tara Anglican School for Girls and The King&#39;s School.

A short drive to the Westmead precinct unlocks one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia including four major hospitals, three medical research institutes and the largest research-intensive pathology service in the state.

Parramatta boasts a range of transport offerings, including the free shuttle bus service, the upgraded Parramatta Ferry Wharf, a future Light Rail stop, Parramatta Station the new multi-billion dollar transport networks including WestConnex and the new Metro West.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8590]

Urban has taken a deeper look at what 180 George can offer homebuyers

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Five things we love about Meriton’s latest residential tower in Parramatta, 180 George

Just three weeks after submitting their development application, the Sydney-based developer Sammut Group have secured $110 million in conditional sales for Coast, their Surfers Paradise apartment tower.

They&#39;ve secured sales of over 43 of the 49 total apartments, with sales so far ranging between $3.5 million and $9 million, at an average of $4.5 million.

A Sydney buyer, who already has a full floor apartments on the exclusive Garfield Terrace,&nbsp;secured a 610 sqm, full floor apartment in the development.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry.

<img alt="" height="744" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_1.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;The take up has just been incredible,&rdquo; said Sammut, whose Sydney-based company&rsquo;s brand is synonymous with luxury apartments in the Sutherland Shire area.

&ldquo;We were confident that our luxury residential offering would be well received, although we never anticipated the sheer volume of market uptake we&rsquo;ve witnessed in the past few weeks.&rdquo;

&ldquo;To have our debut Gold Coast project welcomed with such ferocity is a sensational result that only reinforces our commitment to delivering a project that exceeds our buyer&rsquo;s expectations on every front,&rdquo; Sammut added.

There was interest from interstate and local buyers, as well as a purchaser from New Zealand.

&ldquo;The contracts will obviously be subject to DA approval however the project is code assessable and therefore well within the requirements of the town plan.&rdquo;

Coast, designed by PBD Architects and set to soar 35 levels in to sky, will have a wide range of resident amenity, including 32m wet edge pool that wraps from the east to north, wellness facilities including a yoga studio, massage rooms and sauna, function facilities, a residential beach bar and a commercial sized gym.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_ocean_bar.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;We threw the whole box and dice at the design of this project because we believe the site was purchased well, and the quality of what we have included in Coast from both luxury apartments and amenities has simply tantalised the market,&rdquo; Sammut said.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry

Sammut nearly sell-out Surfers Paradise apartment tower just three weeks after lodging DA

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Plans for Melbourne’s tallest building — 322 metres — have been given the green signal by the Daniel Andrews’ government. 
James Packer’s Crown casino will expand its Southbank site to eight hectares for its $1.75 billion 90-storey tower.
On completion, the 1 Queensbridge Street site will have a 6-star hotel with 388 rooms, 708 apartments, a pedestrian skybridge and visitor attractions.
It will eclipse the current tallest building, Eureka Tower, by 25 metres and also the Australia 108 residential tower, also being built at Southbank and planned to be 319 metres.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne, who had earlier taken a firm hand to curtail over-development of sites,
approved the project – which is claimed to represent $2.1 billion in economic benefit - after 12 months of talks with the developer and Melbourne City Council, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Premier Andrews said the project would create 4000 jobs; 3000 during construction and another 1,000 once up and running.
"It's not just about height though, the quality of this design outcome, particularly the public realm benefits that will be accessible for all Victorians, really mark this out as a very, very special project," Andrews was quoted as saying.
But the decision was met with criticism from several quarters. 
Melbourne City councillor Rohan Leppert from the Greens said the tower "makes a mockery" of new rules for skyscrapers introduced by Wynne last year. This was, he said, "particularly due to the complete lack of setback to Queens Bridge Street and the sheer bulk of the building".
He also questioned why the public had not had any opportunity to have input into the tower decision.
Wynne amended the planning scheme in order to approve the tower, instead of the usual process of first seeking formal feedback from Melbourne City Council.
RMIT Planning academic Michael Buxton was also quoted in the report as saying Crown appeared to have created its own rules for the site.
"There is supposedly a rule in place for projects like this, but there are no rules, and the more powerful you are the fewer the rules," Professor Buxton said.
Crown and its joint venture partner Schiavello Group will pay $100 million towards a community package that will see a $25 million upgrade of Queensbridge square, and $15 million towards Sandridge rail bridge.
Construction is expected to start in 2018 and could take up to six years to finish. 
There will be no gambling within the building.
The announcement comes a day after an Auditor-General report found Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation oversight of gambling and money laundering at Crown Casino was inadequate, said the AAP in a report.
The VCGLR accepted the report and Andrews said if it needed extra government support he would "only be to happy" to provide it.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Crown casino wins approval for Melbourne’s tallest tower

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Australia’s newest super-skyscraper – Australia 108 – is officially the tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere from floor to roof, spanning a colossal 319-metres tall or 100-storeys.

Located in the inner-metropolitan Melbourne suburb of Southbank, Australia 108 has been officially ‘topped out’ with its roof complete and its glass façade now reaching its highest levels.

This milestone has taken five years after piling work started in November 2015. 

The entire 100th floor of Australia 108 sold at record equaling $25 million asking price to a Chinese businessman in April 2015.

After one month, Australia 108 was marketed as 90% plus sold.

In September 2015, less than 30 Cloud residences were still remaining unsold as Brookfield Multiplex was appointed to to construct the residential tower. Three months later, the construction of Australia 108 was commerced. 

In June 2018, the first residents moved into the super-skyscraper. 

In November 2019, Australia 108 completed construction of its landmark Starburst's external facade. In the same month, the international property developer of skyscraper Australia 108 has been questioned by the Singaporean stock exchange about the tower’s structural soundness.

Builder Multiplex will now complete the remaining apartment interiors as well as the building’s Starburst amenity spaces, which includes two infinity pools cantilevering 210 metres above the street.

The building will be fully completed by the end of quarter three of this year.

Chief Executive at developer, World Class Global, David Ng said the topping out of Australia 108 was a special moment for Melbourne’s skyline.

“Australia 108 is already a familiar landmark and has cemented itself on Melbourne’s iconic skyline as it has risen over the past five years." 

Karl Fender, founding partner of the project’s architect Fender Katsalidis, said this milestone marked another satisfying achievement for the firm.

“The arrival of Australia 108 on Melbourne’s skyline is another defining moment for our city and of course one which we are extremely proud to have contributed to.”

Construction at the new Melbourne landmark has been led by Multiplex, which utilised new techniques developed specifically for the project. 

Multiplex created purpose-built platforms from which builders worked safely on to install the golden panels of the Starburst that were delivered by crane during the middle of the night.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director, Graham Cottam, said the build from many metres below ground to the top had required innovation and had proceeded without any major issues.

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One consideration the build team successfully addressed prior to topping out at Australia 108 is how the structure copes with gale force winds up to 140km/h which blow in from Port Phillip Bay. To combat this, underneath level-100 of the tower has been fitted with a 300,000-litre damper tank to act as a counterbalance.

Multiplex said the tower crane at Australia 108 would come down over the coming months. A special purpose recovery crane will be installed to the top of the building roof to recover the final tower crane. This recovery crane then breaks apart and is able to lift itself down from the roof to the ground.

Residents started moving into Australia 108 from 2018 as part of a staged handover of lower level apartments.

The building’s premium Cloud Residences – luxury apartments from levels 72 – are the latest residents moving into their new apartments, the majority of which are perched higher than most of Southbank’s surrounding buildings, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Melbourne.

More than three-quarters of apartments have been completed, with construction workers now focused on finishing the remaining premium Cloud Residences at the top of the building.

They will also focus on completing the amenity within the Starburst – the protruding golden structure from levels 70 and 71 which pays homage to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag.

Here, within the 2,800 square metre Star Club, residents can enjoy infinity pools, dining rooms, gyms and lounge areas, with residents living above the Starburst enjoying their own private VIP zones and exclusive pool.

A limited selection of 3-bedroom Cloud Residences are still available for sale at Australia 108. Exclusive one and two-bedroom Sky Rise Residences up to level 67 are ready to move into. 

 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia 108 officially becomes the tallest residential tower in Southern Hemisphere

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The Star Gold Coast, located on Broadbeach Island, is expanding with developers fast-tracking the residential sales launch of its second mixed-use tower.  
The 63-storey, $500 million development will feature 457 residential apartments, 210 five-star hotel rooms and an array of world-class amenities. 
The second tower is the highly anticipated next stage of The Star Gold Coast’s multi-billion-dollar transformation of Broadbeach Island, following the start of construction on the first mixed-use tower, featuring the Dorsett hotel and a residential component known as ‘The Star Residences Gold Coast’. 
The first tower, which began construction in November 2018, comprises 423 residential apartments and is now 92% sold out – making it the fastest-selling residential project in Queensland since launching 19 months ago.  
The two mixed-use towers are being delivered by the same partners building the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort development in Brisbane’s CBD. 
This consortium – comprised of The Star Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium, and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited – has a combined portfolio of more than $6 billion in projects currently planned or underway within Australia. 
Far East Consortium is also spearheading the $2.4 billion West Side Place mixed-use development in Melbourne, delivering 2600 apartments across four towers with the first two towers almost sold out.
Construction of its first tower is underway with the second set to commence next month, following the recent award of its $660 million construction contract.  
Far East Consortium National Sales and Marketing Manager Lauren Sheldon said the decision to fast-track the sales launch of tower two is testament to the demand for real estate on Broadbeach Island, and a vote of confidence in the Gold Coast market. 
"Our consortium aims to invest – through The Star Gold Coast masterplan – an additional $2 billion-plus into embedding the complex and Broadbeach Island as one of the southern hemisphere's largest tourism, entertainment, and lifestyle precinct, and it is clear from the residential sales success of the first tower that buyers are on board with this vision," Sheldon said. 
"The Gold Coast is ripe for this type of development activity, supported by $13 billion in major infrastructure projects recently completed, planned, or underway in the city.  
"We're releasing the second tower to the market, with construction expected to commence in mid-2020 and completion anticipated about 2024.  
"We are confident its high-end residential appeal, premium amenity, and enviable location within the integrated resort development will be extremely attractive to prospective purchasers." 
The latest tower will feature one, two, and three-bedroom residential apartments across the upper 43 levels including an exclusive two-level resident-only recreation deck boasting a sun lounge and yoga deck; a 23.5 metre lap pool; barbeque areas; sauna and steam room; space for a kids’ club; a gymnasium; and private dining rooms. 
One-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 55 square metres to 64 square metres, will be priced from $486,000.
Two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 71 square metres to 106 square metres, will be priced from $692,000.
Three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 112 square metres to 168 square metres, will be priced from $1,295,000.
Residents will be able to choose from two different apartment colour schemes and each residence is designed to maximise views and coastal breezes.  
The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier said the new tower’s hotel and lifestyle offering will further underpin Broadbeach Island as a world-class tourism, leisure, and entertainment destination for visitors to the Gold Coast. 
"Through the latest tower, The Star Gold Coast will offer four hotels on Broadbeach Island – more hotels than any other integrated resort in Australia,” Bekier said. 
“The new five-star hotel will feature 210 rooms and will take the overall hotel accommodation supply on Broadbeach Island to almost 1200 rooms and suites across the four hotels.  
"Starting from level seven and spanning 12 levels, the new hotel will sit above a six-level podium featuring an active retail concourse, and will provide direct connectivity to The Star Gold Coast's other hotel and residential offerings. 
"The second tower’s retail offerings, when combined with tower one, will feature more than 12,050 square metres of retail and resort amenities.  
"These amenities include one of the southern hemisphere's most luxurious day spas and wellness centres; a cafe and wine bar with views to Broadbeach and Coolangatta; an exciting nightlife venue; and speciality lifestyle services including a boutique hair and nail salon, floral services, and a fine food market.”  
An additional sub-tropical recreation deck for use by residents and visitors will connect to The Star Gold Coast, and is designed to create a world-class rooftop experience. 
A large lagoon pool, sundecks, private cabanas, alfresco dining areas, plazas, waterplay, subtropical gardens, function lawns, and outdoor spaces will bring the iconic landmark to life. 
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Sheldon said while residents will be able to enjoy living within an integrated resort, the apartments are designed for privacy and seclusion. 
"Residents can choose to immerse themselves in the plentiful opportunities that come with living in an iconic lifestyle destination – or they can enjoy the quiet, private, and secluded environment also on offer. They really do get the best of both worlds," Sheldon said.  
"The residents-only recreation area has been carefully designed to provide seclusion, comfort, and functionality by combining intimate spaces within a lush, subtropical garden setting that offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline. The dedicated lobby and lifts will allow residents to feel like they have own private retreat in the sky. 
"The latest tower will be the pinnacle of luxury integrated resort living on the Gold Coast. With its enviable location and connectivity to the G:Link Light Rail, designer shopping at Pacific Fair, and proximity to all the action and major events at the adjacent Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, we are expecting solid interest from owner-occupiers and investors from the Gold Coast, interstate, and internationally."
The latest tower will be positioned south of the Dorsett hotel and The Star Residences Gold Coast apartments tower currently under construction, and will provide hundreds of car parks. Dedicated bicycle spaces will also be available for residents. 
In addition to the construction of the Dorsett hotel and The Star Residences Gold Coast apartments tower, The Star Gold Coast’s transformation to date includes a refurbishment of The Star Grand’s 596 hotel rooms; the opening of a new luxury 56-suite hotel, The Darling; 12 new food and beverage experiences; a new day spa and fitness centre, Azure Spa &amp; Fitness; and additional meeting room space and refreshed conference facilities in the Event Centre.  
A further three towers are planned as part of The Star Gold Coast’s approved $2-billion-plus masterplan for Broadbeach Island.
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The Star Gold Coast launches second residential tower

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Yuhu Group Australia has topped out at The Miller, its residential project in the heart of North Sydney.
The construction by Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) has reached its 21-storey construction height.
The Miller remains on target for completion in the second half of this year, Yuhu Group CEO Roy Huang said.
"The Miller gave life to the company’s vision of providing high-quality urban living and investment opportunities in premium assets and prime locations," Huang said.
"Our emphasis on design excellence and build quality has certainly resonated with buyers. 
"The Miller offers incredible access to the thriving North Sydney shopping precinct as well as a range of outstanding schools. 
"It is also in proximity to the waterfront and Sydney CBD just two kilometres away," he said.
The Miller, designed by architects PTW, comprises 169 private residences and 100 services apartments that will be retained by Yuhu Group and managed by Quest. 
The project offers views of Sydney Harbour.
Gregg Armstrong, Project Director of RCC, said the collaborative partnership formed with Yuhu, Savills and the subcontractors, suppliers and consultants has driven a “one team” approach to delivery.
 “This collective effort is making the project an enjoyable journey for everyone as we work towards delivering quality homes for future residents,” Armstrong said.
Project manager Savills has worked closely with Yuhu, RCC and the design team including PTW, NDY, TTW, Oculus and Aurecon to achieve the topping out milestone. 
“Constructed atop immensely strong North Sydney sandstone, The Miller embodies Yuhu Group’s values to improve life and foster growth by bringing a new level of quality and finish to the local area,” said Savills director project management, Justin Ibrahi.
The design will feature a façade with brass colored balcony ribbons of perforated aluminum.
North Sydney remains a highly sought-after, local property market with CoreLogic data showing year-on-year price growth of 5.43% for units/apartments, as well as yield growth in rentals.
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The Miller, North Sydney set for 2019 completion

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Adelaide’s tallest apartment tower west facing residents are hot under the collar, intent on launching action against the developer, claiming their units get too hot.
The Vue on King William street’s community corporation has filed a pre-trial application, The Adelaide Advertiser has reported, ahead of a likely claim in the District Court.
The action comes close to two years after the completion of the $100 million award-winning, 87 metre tall, 205-apartment tower by developer Vue on KWS Pty Ltd — a joint venture between Adelaide-based Starfish Developments and Melbourne developer the Deague Group.
The Vue on King William won the 2016 Urban Development Institute of Australia SA branch High Density Housing Award in 2016 and boasts majestic city views.
Vue on KWS’ lawyer Samuel Hurburgh, of Minter Ellison, said the crux of the issue was that the apartments get “too hot”.
“There’s either an issue with the glass, issue with the thermal performance of the building or with the air-conditioning,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s all apartments.”
The community corporation’s lawyer Amy Davis, of Barry Nilsson lawyers, told Master Mark Rice it was “primarily” the apartments facing the west have the “most difficulty”.
Mr Hurburgh told the court on Thursday that his client was opposing the application by the community corporation for pre-action disclosure of documents.
The building on the western side of King William St near the corner of South Terrace.
Starfish Developments managing director Damon Nagel declined to comment on the court action when The Advertiser sought also comment from the Deague Group.
Master Rice listed the matter for argument on June 15.
Completed in May 2016, Vue brings a new style of residential architecture to Adelaide with its 6 level podium, recessed Level 7 roof top garden, pool deck and recreation centre and 21 level glass frontage.
 
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Vue on King William, Adelaide CBD apartment owners hot under the collar

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The first residential tower within Park Central, a $1 billion development in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba, is to be released this month.
Park Central One will be developed by Singapore-based Wee Hur Holdings Ltd and will comprise 168 one and two-bedroom apartments over 18 levels.
There will be ground floor retail and a rooftop garden terrace as well that includes a swimming pool, deck and gym that take in views of Brisbane CBD and surrounds.
“Park Central One was designed for a local owner or a tenant wanting a convenient and active lifestyle, only 7 minutes from Brisbane CBD,” said Rachel Hutson, residential project manager at Colliers International, which is marketing the development.
“Being part of a transit oriented development, Park Central One will be a hub of activity offering residents direct connection to Buranda busway and rail stations as well as dedicated bikeways link to South east Freeway and the Norman Creek Bikeway and Greenway.”
One-bedroom apartments average 60 sqm in size and range from $350,000 to $425,000, while the average size of a two-bedroom apartment is 90 sqm with prices ranging from $485,000 to $690,000.
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The tower is designed by Woods Bagot, and Tomkins have recently been appointed as the builders, with construction expected to start later this year.
Park Central will also have direct access to the $944 million high frequency Brisbane Metro Service for which Council handed down its business case recently. 
The open plan living apartments will feature a designer kitchen with feature splashback, reconstituted stone island bench and quality Bosch stainless steel appliances.
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The Woolloongabba precinct is expected to grow by more than 100,000 jobs to 2031.  Woolloongabba itself is expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs.
The future stages at Park Central will include additional apartments, student accommodation, all positioned around a 4,300 sqm ‘sky park’ and 16,000 sqm retail precinct anchored by a supermarket, specialty stores and dining.
According to the master plan, ‘sky park’ will be a private recreation space that will include a club lounge, outdoor dining and entertaining areas. There is a display suite onsite.
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First apartment tower at Park Central in Brisbane's Woolloongabba

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An auction on July 29 will offer a prime Southbank site with a permit for a skyscraping residential tower.
The 54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank property occupies a prime corner site located within 100 metres of the Crown Casino complex.
It comes complete with a fully approved permit and plans for a landmark 74 level tower comprising 288 apartments.
According to Savills agent Clinton Baxter, who is marketing the property with Nick Peden, the sale by auction was aimed at providing total transparency for potential buyers together with an unconditional sale for the vendor within a defined timeframe.
"Developers can attend the auction with tremendous confidence knowing that they can bid for and buy a site poised for Melbourne’s next iconic project, one that, at 74 levels, will rise above all nearby towers and offer future occupants spectacular views in all directions,’’ Clinton Baxter said.
It will be hotly contested by local and off-shore developers..
The property will be auctioned onsite on Friday, July 29 at 11am.
 
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Southbank 74 storey tower permit auction offering

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Singaporean developer World Class Land has appointed global contractor Brookfield Multiplex to construct its landmark tower Australia 108.
It will be the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere when completed in 2020.
The building’s 1105 apartments are almost completely sold out, with construction works to commence this month.
The leading global contractor will be responsible for delivering the 319-metre luxury apartment building designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects across 100 levels.
The tower will be constructed over five stages, with the first stage earmarked for completion in 2018 and the final in 2020.
The full construction contract is estimated to be worth more than $500 million.
Aspial CEO Koh Wee Seng said the appointment of Brookfield Multiplex recognised the company’s expertise in the skyscraper market and aimed to give buyers certainty that the project is on track.
“This is a major milestone for the southern hemisphere’s tallest building, which will go where no development has ever gone before,” he said.
Brookfield Multiplex regional managing director Graham Cottam said the project brings the value of its current residential projects under construction to more than $1 billion.
Australia 108’s luxury apartments launched to market in February, with the tower’s 750 square metre penthouse selling in April to a Chinese national for $25 million, the most expensive apartment sold in Australia.
CBRE Managing Director, Residential Projects, Andrew Leoncelli, said the tower was almost completely sold, with less than 30 Cloud residences still remaining.
“There has been immense interest in this landmark project. The opportunity to own a trophy home in the sky has appealed to buyers both locally and internationally. It’s fair to say Australia 108 will be an enclave for the very discerning,” Mr Leoncelli said.
The building features 161 Cloud Residences above level 71 with their own private lobby including concierge and private lifts as well as an exclusive recreation facility within the Star Club on level 71. This health and wellbeing enclave will feature an infinity pool, private gym and entertaining facilities.
All residents have access to world-class health and wellbeing facilities on level 70 of the Star Club and a separate lobby and lifts. Further resident amenities available to all include a 25 metre lap pool, gym, golf simulator, outdoor BBQ area and theatre on level 11.
Carr Design Group has designed the five-star hotel-like interiors, while international hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), responsible for the interiors of the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas, Park Hyatt Maldives and the Park Lane Intercontinental in London, has designed the communal facilities available only to Cloud Residence owners.
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