When Antoinette Chan and her architect husband, Peter began casually searching for an investment property, they weren’t expecting it to evolve into a life-changing family decision.

But one visit to the display suite of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-1-11-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO</a> development in Crows Nest changed everything, and sparked a remarkable story of three generations choosing to live side by side in one of the suburb's most architecturally-striking new developments.

Antoinette, her mother Janet Khoo, and her sister, who is currently living in Singapore, each purchased an apartment in the same building, creating a rare and meaningful multi-generational living arrangement underpinned by modern design, community values, and premium convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356083]

“It wasn’t planned,” says Antoinette, who purchased a three-bedroom garden apartment with her husband and teenage daughter. “Peter came across KOYO and encouraged me to visit because he had a lot of respect for Abadeen’s previous work. As soon as we saw it, we knew it wasn’t just an investment, this was a home.”

Shortly after, Antoinette suggested her mother, Janet Khoo, take a look at the same development. A long-time inner-city resident who had recently sold her property in The Rocks, Janet had experienced some health setbacks and was contemplating a move closer to her daughter.

“I walked into the display apartment, and it just felt right,” says Janet. “I didn’t look anywhere else. The space, the simplicity of the design, the light, everything gave me a sense of peace. It’s a new beginning, but it also feels like home.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356093]

In a stroke of serendipity, Janet selected the two-bedroom apartment next door to her daughter, completely unaware of Antoinette’s purchase. Around the same time, Antoinette’s sister, who resides in Singapore, viewed the property via a virtual tour and chose to buy the apartment directly above Janet’s.

“We were all drawn to KOYO individually, and it just happened that our homes ended up vertically stacked, ground, first, and second floor,” Antoinette laughs. “It was a coincidence, but also a sign. This is where we’re meant to be.”

Designed by celebrated architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, KOYO delivered on all fronts for the Chan-Khoo family.

“Our garden apartment gives us the feel of a standalone home but with none of the maintenance,” says Antoinette. “All three bedrooms open onto a generous private garden, which is perfect for our dog Archie, and for entertaining. The open-plan layout and high ceilings make it feel airy, calm and luxurious.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356092]

For Janet, security and accessibility were top priorities, and KOYO offered the ideal balance.

“At my age, I didn’t want to be climbing stairs,” she explains. “The first-floor apartment opens directly to the garden, and the building is small, which gives it a more personal, village-like feel. Yet I’m just steps away from my daughter and granddaughter. That gives me so much peace of mind.”

The family also appreciated the thoughtful amenities that avoided the excesses of some larger developments.

“We didn’t want a complex with too many facilities we wouldn’t use,” explains Antoinette. “KOYO has everything we need, generous storage, secure parking, beautifully landscaped walkways, and a stunning rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities that feels serene rather than busy.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=355428]

The location was another critical factor in the family’s decision. Though they had always lived closer to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Antoinette says the transformation of Crows Nest was a revelation.

“When we returned from living overseas, we discovered Crows Nest had become this vibrant, walkable hub,” she says. “We love being able to stroll to cafés, restaurants, and shops on Willoughby Road. The new Metro makes the commute into the CBD effortless, and our daughter can walk to her school, it’s just next door."

Janet agree. “I was worried about giving up my inner-city lifestyle, but I’ve fallen in love with this area. It has everything I need, supermarkets, quiet streets, friendly faces, and it’s all a short walk away. I feel safe, independent, and connected.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356085]

While design and location were important, the family also credits their decision to Abadeen’s reputation and responsiveness. With decades of experience delivering high-quality residential projects, Abadeen’s track record helped build trust during a volatile market period.

“The waiting game was tough, especially after selling my old apartment,” says Janet. “But the Abadeen team kept me updated every step of the way. They were professional, courteous, and transparent.”

Antoinette said Peter works in property and had already heard of Abadeen. "The quality of their work really impressed us, and as the project neared completion, they went above and beyond to keep us informed and supported. That level of communication is rare.”

Only a handful of three-bedroom residences remain for sale, priced from $3.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108800]

Joel Robinson

Three generations, one address: How a family found sanctuary and connection at Abadeen's KOYO in Crows Nest

Sydney-based developer Gold Partners Australia is making its move on the Gold Coast, launching what is one of the most affordable towers to the booming Broadbeach market.

Its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harmony-on-broadbeach-2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-qld-4218">Harmony on Broadbeach</a> project, just 400m from the beach, has prices starting from $975,000 for its two-bedroom apartments that measure nearly 90 sqm internally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355607]

There will be 113 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread out across the 33-storey tower on the 1,201 sqm site that will front First Avenue. Gold Partners Australia, which has delivered several major projects in Sydney's Norwest and has an active pipeline with projects in Hornsby and Carlingford, secured the block vacant, and want to start preliminary site works early next year through their in-house construction capability.

DBI Architects designed the tower with a four-level podium which will have an open-air swimming pool, sun deck, outdoor lounges, alfresco dining spaces, and a gym with adjoining yoga lawn. A hospitality venue will anchor the building at street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355611]

Olympus Property Group is selling Harmony on Broadbeach on behalf of Gold Partners Australia. Olympus Director Deanna Lockett says the project is resonating with everyone from locals, investors, those moving from interstate, and second home buyers from Brisbane.

"There's been nothing new come to the market in Broadbeach at this price point for nearly a year," Lockett recalls. "It hits the sweet spot of affordability, good sized apartments, in a great location."

Construction will commence in Q2 2026, and wrap up, all going well, by the end of 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113098]

Harmony on Broadbeach launches to booming Gold Coast suburb

Display apartments play a crucial role in helping buyers imagine how a space will look and feel once complete.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> in Melbourne, development giant Mirvac has partnered with furniture maker and retailer MCM House to create a fully furnished, full-scale prototype that showcases the proportions, finishes, and design intent of the project’s three-bedroom residences.

As an added incentive, purchasers of any two- or three-bedroom apartment can receive up to $50,000 worth of MCM House furniture, allowing them to curate their new home with the same craftsmanship, contemporary design, and aesthetic showcased in the display apartment.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae2e947b-2d51-4288-88fa-a35638e3be0f" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.27.26%E2%80%AFAM_1.png?VersionId=T5uSwgtTFwd1m5EdQF1inB.tBDgxqbtZ" /></a>

Oversized sofas, solid timber dining tables, and relaxed, low-profile seating demonstrate how the space accommodates real furniture, helping buyers clearly visualise how their new apartment could look, complete with pieces that genuinely suit the scale and design of the home.

The styling is simple but deliberate, with materials that pick up on the apartment’s natural light and neutral tones, creating cohesion without crowding the space.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="355f10d8-ee75-4546-a42e-4a54abcc806e" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e0b920b-3f17-47f0-8885-f67697a5f842" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%201.17.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tPcmBls5kt_SLqE2ONXrxgk5SnC1xERs" /></a>

Mirvac is now welcoming buyers through the display at The Albertine. Quietly yet conveniently positioned just off St Kilda Road on Queens Road, the development has attracted strong interest from inner-Melbourne and Bayside downsizers, professional couples seeking luxurious low-maintenance living, and design-focused buyers who want proximity to the CBD.

Apartments have been designed by Mirvac's inhouse design team with owner-occupiers at the forefront.&nbsp;The living and dining areas open directly onto a balcony, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow, while kitchens feature integrated appliances and soft-curve cabinetry which mirror the larger architectural themes at play throughout the building.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8f9b371-17e1-4122-a615-074113096135" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.30.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NCYvtMavnE1_YDhX6slAr7g84MWP0Ymp" /></a>

The Albertine offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Mirvac will welcome residents to The Albertine in 2026, having recently celebrated topping out the&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>&nbsp;recently topped out&nbsp; the topping out of The Albertine, with completion expected in 2026.

To find out more about the generous furniture offer with MCM House, enquire below.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

Mirvac unveils The Albertine display, offering up to $50k in MCM House furniture

Since the pandemic hit Australia, there’s arguably not been a suburb anywhere in the country more popular than Palm Beach. Data from Apartments.com.au showed that from 2020 to 2021, enquiry spiked by 130 per cent, driven predominantly by local and interstate purchasers snapping up luxury beachfront apartments.

While enquiry levels returned to early (though not pre-pandemic) levels in 2022, the appetite for living in the coastal enclave didn’t fade. The dip in enquiry was due simply to supply running out; every development was selling out in record time. Search traffic, one of the clearest indicators of buyer interest that reflects demand beyond available supply, remained as high as when enquiries peaked.

Developers responded quickly. They were snapping up sites left, right, and centre, racing to bring projects to market to meet the ongoing demand. Many of those who benefited from the COVID-induced boom are now back in the suburb again.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is one such developer. Having perfectly timed its entry into the Palm Beach market, Sherpa launched Perspective Two Sea and Perspective 488 at the height of the boom. Perspective 488 sold out in three months, impressive in itself, before the developer went on to sell out Perspective Two Sea, just nine full-floor apartments, in a matter of weeks, with prices ranging between $3.5 million and $4.75 million.

Sherpa has since completed Perspective Nexus, which sold out prior to its recent construction completion, and has just commenced work on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Amargo</a> on Sixth Avenue, the first project under its new Flourish brand, designed to offer more price-accessible apartments. Already, 85 per cent of Amargo’s apartments have sold, starting from under $600,000, and Sherpa has secured three more sites in the suburb for future projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ignite-projects">Ignite Projects</a>, led by Josh Foote, followed a similar trajectory. Foote delivered Periscope in 2019, then rode the post-COVID boom, selling out Cabana Palm Beach, 30 apartments, in just eight weeks. It was one of the fastest-selling projects on the Gold Coast at the time, with prices ranging from $1.775 million to over $5.5 million.

Foote has now re-entered the Palm Beach market with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/retreat-palm-beach-188-jefferson-lane-palm-beach-qld-4221">Retreat Palm Beach</a>, a 56-apartment development on Jefferson Lane, featuring two- and three-bedroom residences, most with butler’s pantries, private outdoor spaces, and curated interior finishes. Prices range from $1.35 million to $3.95 million. Ignite will soon commence construction, having recently brought building capability in-house.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1851]

Foote says Palm Beach has transformed dramatically in the last six years. “The buildings we knocked down for Periscope had needles and all sorts falling out of the walls. The units themselves literally had junkies and prostitutes living in them,” Foote recalls. “In many ways, the development in Palm Beach has obviously done the suburb a huge benefit. I feel the planning department could be a little loose now though, and there will be regrets later as it changes so rapidly.”

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1845]

It’s been a little longer between projects for Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a>, which completed Sable Palm Beach in 2019, shortly before the COVID boom. The developer is now returning with plans for a 14-storey tower featuring 68 apartments and three double-storey townhouses facing Jefferson Lane.

BPG Director Glen Williams, who runs the company alongside Nick Parr, says the duo only develop in locations they love. “I’ve been a part of the Currumbin Surf Club for the last two decades,” Williams says. “We love the southern end of the Gold Coast and are looking forward to bringing more apartments to the area.”

The appeal of Palm Beach has also drawn interstate developers. Sydney-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> selected the suburb for its Gold Coast debut, securing a site on Mawarra Street near Palm Beach State High School. The developer is nearing completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea</a>, a 69-apartment project that will sit above an activated ground plane. Abadeen Founder and Chairman Justin Brown says Palm Beach was a natural choice.

“We recognised an opportunity to introduce our prestigious brand into a location that is absolutely thrumming with demand for high-end living,” Brown says. “Palm Beach is widely regarded as the embodiment of coastal idyll and one of the Gold Coast’s premium lifestyle locations, and we intend to honour that with a collection of contemporary residences that accentuate the area’s appeal.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Also nearing completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Elevaire</a>, a 40-apartment project at the northern end of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast Highway. The building includes hot and cold magnesium plunge pools, with remaining apartments starting from just under $1.4 million.

SRQ Projects Director Nicholas Clydsdale, who is marketing both Villea and Elevaire, says Palm Beach continues to top the list for buyers for a number of reasons. “It’s the most accessible beachfront suburb on the southern Gold Coast,” Clydsdale says. “It’s also got the most beautiful beach, bookended by two of Queensland’s most stunning headlands — Currumbin and Burleigh.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216015]

Also joining the Palm Beach boom are Gold Coast locals Tim Gordon and Bruce Mathieson, the duo behind the ultra-luxury Mantaray Residences and Marina at Main Beach’s The Spit. Their project, Elle on Jefferson, designed by Cottee Parker, comprises 58 apartments and a suite of wellness amenities, including a 15-metre lap pool, hot and cold plunge pools, private cabanas, a sauna, steam rooms, and a holistic gym offering cardio, weights, yoga, and Pilates.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147111 project_image_fid=356658]

Having developed Lyra Hope Island, Sydney and Gold Coast developer Changfa found an affordable pocket for their recently launched new development Corallo, where one-bed apartments start from just $845,000.

The $200 million mixed-use project on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Palm Beach Avenue includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=805]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location, just metres from the beach,&nbsp;influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture" target="">Plus Architecture</a>&nbsp;studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>&nbsp;locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217" target="">Surfers Paradise</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/currumbin-qld-4223" target="">Currumbin</a>, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

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No slowing down Palm Beach as new apartment market takes centre stage, again

Plans have been revealed for the third and final stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a>’s $3 billion Rhodes Central masterplan, bringing the iconic new town centre closer to completion.&nbsp;

The final tower, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cascade-23-25-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Cascade</a>, at&nbsp;23-25 Marquet Street in Sydney’s inner west, will comprise 361 new dwellings, a mix of critically needed affordable housing and multi-generational apartments.&nbsp;

Vibrant retail, interactive public space, an upscale food and beverage offering and an alfresco dining plaza will also be delivered alongside Cascade tower as part of the final stage, which comes off the back of&nbsp;the masterplan’s successful first two stages.&nbsp;

Stage one saw 568 apartments delivered along with the national award-winning Rhodes Central shopping centre, while stage two has delivered a further 673 apartments atop the $85 million Rhodes Recreation Centre.&nbsp;

Officially opened in November 2025 by Mayor Michael Megna, the Recreation Centre was delivered under a Voluntary Planning Agreement with City of Canada Bay Council. It features essential community facilities including a gym, early childhood learning centre, indoor sports courts, and a gymnastics area as well as commercial tenancies and amenities.

Once complete, the five-tower Rhodes Central masterplan will deliver a combined total of over 1,600 new homes for about 3,500 people, along with community infrastructure, retail, dining, and an expansive new public domain and plaza along Marquet Street. A new basement and podium rooftop will connect all five buildings and allow residents to share amenities.

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="973ae3a2-58e6-4994-8965-ed9332a57e8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Masterplanaerialimage.jpg?VersionId=Mj.mjUQyfh334xG71LQr7wCFu3mmDxnj" />

“We’re now a step closer to realising our vision for Rhodes Central,"&nbsp;said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia..

"With brand new retail and more public open space, this final stage embodies our commitment to creating connected communities and delivering housing diversity amid Sydney’s housing crisis. It also completes the landmark town centre precinct that has been almost 20 years in the making."

The project sets a benchmark for Transport Orientated Development. It brings life to Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, liveable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density. &nbsp;Overall, it will deliver more than 25,000 sqm in publicly accessible amenity, including Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, Rhodes Recreation Centre, commercial office space and a further 1,200 square metres of retail space in stage three.

“Rhodes has evolved over two decades from a former industrial site into a connected, thriving community," said John Pradel, Partner and Master Plan Lead at SJB.

"Each stage has built on the last, adding not just housing, but the civic and social spaces that make a place truly liveable and allow the community to flourish."

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e96de93-e50a-424f-9de8-7b3d9c2c0f12" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_R02%20Retail%20Laneway%20copy.jpg?VersionId=3TksNisT5iwyBCGhGUvHDtR9aIca9_OQ" />

Ideally positioned adjacent to the 13,000 sqm Rhodes Central shopping centre, stage three will boast an additional 10 per cent of retail space, an upmarket restaurant offering, an open-air dining plaza and an expansive 2,000-square-metre addition to the public domain extending into the retail forecourt.&nbsp;

This new realm will enhance pedestrian connectivity while showcasing an interactive water feature and engaging public art. It has been designed as an active community space and will also feature pop-up civic infrastructure, including a community stage and kiosk for placemaking events.

The residential tower Cascade will comprise 361 apartments over 39-levels, including 72 affordable dwellings. Apartments will be available in a range of floorplans from one to four-bedroom configurations, with a luxe two-storey “skyhouse” spanning the top two levels. Communal viewing decks and gardens with BBQ facilities will crown Cascade’s rooftop, offering expansive views of the Blue Mountains to the West and Brays Bay and Sydney CBD to the East.&nbsp;

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="814da600-5368-49d3-8fec-025521a4d0e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_IN01%20Apt%2037.04%20Livingy%20copy.jpg?VersionId=.xA6cpRQLx4kJiQayt3OrydVQ9ReGmXP" />

High-profile architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> will design the final stage after winning a design excellence competition in collaboration with Land and Form in September 2024. The Rhodes Central masterplan was originally conceived by SJB in 2005, with the firm subsequently delivering the design for Stages One and Two.&nbsp;

Cascade has a striking design with a slender tower grounded by a four-storey podium. The tower is divided into three forms, with a distinctive silhouette that resembles three fingers. The design optimises amenity and privacy while maximising views towards both Sydney CBD and Homebush Bay.&nbsp;

According to SJB, the project’s design aims to deliver a range of dwelling types, including multi-generational floorplans, catering to emerging needs of the growing population.

Emily Wombwell, Director and Design Lead at SJB, said their concept encompasses a broader site vision that integrates this site with Rhodes Town Centre through a new iconic building and generous public domain.

"Cascade’s design offers a variety of living typologies that cater to a diverse range of existing and emerging demographics. The proposal aims to improve social and environmental connections by creating a safe and welcoming landscape for existing and future communities of Rhodes."

Billbergia has filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the final stage. Demolition has been completed on site, early works including excavation will begin early 2026, with completion estimated in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135080]

Billbergia unveils new Cascade apartment tower with final stage of $3 billion Rhodes Town Centre

Retail Development

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Property developer Greenland Australia, Lachlan’s Square Village has now officially welcomed six new stores to the 5,000 sqm retail precinct, joining anchor supermarket tenant Coles, and its accompanying Liquorland outlet, which opened in September this year.

The new specialty tenants that will service the Macquarie Park and North Ryde communities include lifestyle and grooming outlets, Ocean Nails &amp; Beauty and Totally Male Barbershop, as well as a selection of food and beverage operators – Saigon Summer (Vietnamese street food), Shoga Japanese (modern sushi bar), Chicken V (Korean fried chicken and tap beer) and Hey Juice (fresh juices, milk tea and snacks).

Further specialty tenants are scheduled to commence trading in the precinct in early 2021, with a medical centre, pharmacy, and a gym also planned. To celebrate, Lachlan’s Square Village hosted a range of COVID-safe activations across the precinct on the opening weekend, including a Santa’s Breakfast, which saw over 200 children and adults enjoy breakfast with their families including a festive Christmas show, followed by a Santa Meet and Greet in the brand-new City of Ryde Community Centre located on-site. 

According to Greenland Australia’s Director of Asset Management, the growth of <a href="https://www.greenlandaustralia.com.au/en/new-retail-stores-open-at-lachlans-square-village-in-time-for-christmas/">Lachlan’s Square Village</a> is further proof of his company’s commitment to the area. “We love north-west Sydney, and we are thrilled to be offering even more retail variety to the people of Macquarie Park and North Ryde,” said Mr Fidler.

 
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Six specialty stores have joined Coles and Liquorland at their new retail precinct Lachlan's Square Village in Sydney.

urban.com.au

Greenland Australia's Lachlan Square Village launches new retail stores

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SPONSORED POST
Retail centres form the backbone of many communities. More than simply places to shop, they can enrich the communities they serve as destinations for socialising, culture and education.
There’s a growing focus in retail design on “lifestyle shopping centres”, says Frasers Property Australia general manager of sustainability Paolo Bevilacqua. 
“Sustainability was about the environmental aspects. Now there’s a shift back to the people,” he says. 
“Buildings are for people so the impact of health-related initiatives such as improving air quality and access to day light, are being considered much more closely.”
Gardens and “green walls”– with vertical plantings – are increasingly being integrated into shopping centres’ designs. Facilities that encourage people to commute by bicycle, public transport and on foot are also gaining popularity.
“Now we’re starting to see urban agriculture within shopping centres as a way to connect people to nature,” Bevilacqua says. “These types of features have been shown to make people feel better in a space and stay there longer.”
The World Green Building Council found in its Health, Wellbeing &amp; Productivity in Retail report, released in February, that beyond improving customers’ experiences, retailers can boost profits by providing greener, healthier stores.
The concept of sustainable development is not new but Stephen Choi, Vice-Chair of the Board for the Living Future Institute of Australia, says there’s still room for improvement. 
“We have to do better than just continuing with more of the same; we have to try to create a built environment where every single act of design and construction made the world a better place,” Choi says.
In line with this aim, the International Living Future InstituteTM coordinates the Living Building Challenge, a design standard for sustainable buildings.
The LBC inspires the creation of buildings that have a positive impact on their environments and communities. Choi says unlike other standards, it uses nature as a benchmark rather than a bare minimum construction code. It is a philosophy and advocacy tool as well as a certification system.
It asks us to imagine a building designed and constructed to function as elegantly and efficiently as a flower: a building informed by its bioregion’s characteristics, that generates all of its own energy with renewable resources, captures and treats all of its water, is toxic free and beautiful.
To become a Living Building®, a new project must meet a stringent set of requirements, not only to be water and energy positive efficient and use sustainable materials, but also to promote health, happiness and equity, and to be beautiful places.
For more information, download our eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>.
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What are the future trends in sustainable design for retail centres?

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SPONSORED POST
Sustainable retail development doesn’t end when the buildings have been completed. A retail centre’s ongoing operations have as much of an effect on its sustainability as its design and construction.
Buildings account for over 40 percent of the world’s energy usage, according to the United Nations Environment Program Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative. Additionally, the built environment consumes about a third of our water, generates 40 percent of our waste, and is the world’s largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Green Building Council of Australia.
Vice-Chair of the Board for the Living Future Institute of Australia Stephen Choi says owners and operators of Australian commercial buildings, including retail centres, have been active in reducing their energy and water consumption as it makes business sense to do so. Forward-thinking centre operators are now looking to contribute more to their communities over the long term.
For example, Central Park in Sydney, which includes retail and residential buildings, has an on-site thermal tri-generation plant and an on-site water recycling plant. These reduce carbon emissions, minimise mains water demand and may allow excess water and electricity to be exported to nearby neighbourhoods.
One of the criteria in the Living Building Challenge performance standard is that a project must supply 105 percent of its energy needs by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis. Projects must also provide on-site energy storage, which advances in battery technology are helping to make possible.
Frasers Property Australia’s general manager of sustainability Paolo Bevilacqua predicts battery storage will be common in commercial buildings in five years.
“The technology has developed rapidly and feasible to use it on a commercial scale,” he says.
Other ways retail centres are becoming more sustainable concentrate on their interactions with the community and inspiring consumers to act more sustainably.
“Retailers are offering visual examples to the consumer to demonstrate the fact that the energy they use is renewable, that they grow food on site, and sharing that knowledge and data to have a role beyond the centre itself,” Bevilacqua says.
Some retailers are promoting that they use local produce, including food grown on site. Frasers Property has investigated growing mushrooms in retail centre basements, for instance.
Bevilacqua expects to see urban agriculture expand from small scale gardens to commercially operated urban farms over time. There are examples of this in the US and UK, although in Australia urban farming is in its infancy.
In future, shopping centres may run workshops on how to grow food, expanding their role from being places to shop to centres for learning, Bevilacqua says.
Existing examples of retail centres operating this way include Jamie’s Ministry of Food, which runs workshops on healthy cooking in UK shopping malls, (<a href="https://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/" target="_blank">https://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/</a>) and demonstrations held at Westfield Stratford in the UK of Pavegen, a technology that generates energy as people walk over it (<a href="https://pavegen.com/home" target="_blank">https://pavegen.com/brands/generation-green-westfield</a><a href="https://pavegen.com/home" target="_blank">stratford</a>).
For more information, download our eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>.
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What are the future trends for operating sustainable retail centres?

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Although not abundantly obvious at first thought, there has been a massive amount of investment in retail development and refurbishment across the Gold Coast over the past few years, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The financial valuation firm noted that there has been development activity across all sectors of the retail market.
Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre are the two largest shopping centres on the Gold Coast and have collectively spent almost $800 million dollars in refurbishment works over the past five years.
The report suggested that "class leading design and unparalleled tenancy mixes will cement these centres as the Gold Coast’s premier shopping destinations for years to come, with their biggest competition or threat realistically being each other (and online shopping of course)".
In response to these redevelopments, other major centres such as The Strand and Tweed City on the southern Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, together with Oasis and Australia Fair in the central Gold Coast have undertaken major extension or renovation works in an attempt to maintain local patronage.
In order to achieve this, according to the report owners have been forced to undertake full scale renovations to totally change the face of these centres rather than just adding a lick of paint and re-tiling the common areas as was the case in the preceding fifteen year period.
The real growth however has been in the neighbourhood centre category, in particular within the growth corridor north of Helensvale and south of Beenleigh, this report suggests.
The valuers stated, "in a classic case of chicken before the egg, Coles and Woolworths have been aggressively securing sites within the region to ensure they can capture a piece of the market share over the coming decades as population growth booms in the region".
Of particular mention is made of Coles Pacific Pines which was developed as a standalone supermarket (no speciality stores) and was presented to the market for sale with a brand new 15 year triple net lease in place.
The property achieved one of the lowest initial yields seen on the Gold Coast for an asset of this size at 4.63%.
A mention must also go out to Westfield, who after decades of planning hurdles have finally commenced work on their highly anticipated Coomera Town Centre.
The $470 million centre is slated to open late 2018 with 140 new stores, including Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Target and Event Cinemas. 
The report notes there is still a large sector of the market that will avoid major shopping centres, particularly when it comes to food and dining options and many investors who own standalone retail buildings have been capitalising on this in recent years.
"Of particular note is Palm Beach which has witnessed a massive boom in the number of restaurants, cafes and bars over the past few years - in 2018 alone, there have been 12 new town planning applications for cafes within the suburb," said the valuers.
Numerous venues in Burleigh Heads (Justin Lane), Nobby’s Beach (Hellenika), Broadbeach (The Oasis), Surfers Paradise (The Island) and Southport (Mr P.P.’s Deli) have been "re-inventing" themselves, extending floor areas and adding value to their respective properties in response to growth in the retail sector.
From a valuation perspective the biggest risk HTW can foresee moving forward is rent sustainability.
With such an influx of retail accommodation across the Gold Coast and only so many consumer dollars on offer, there will unfortunately be some retailers that will not see it through.
The HTW valuers forecast that the supply and demand metric at any given time will ultimately dictate the strength or otherwise of the retail leasing market, however their projection is that rental growth in most areas will be stagnant at best.
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Billions of dollars in retail development on the Gold Coast: HTW Retail

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The first half of 2018 has seen a major shift in Adelaide's retail environment, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The financial valuers stated that for the first time in 16 years South Australia has a Liberal Government, who have long advocated for extended trading hours.
Currently, shops in the Adelaide CBD or tourist precinct are allowed to trade during public holidays and these factors among others may assist brick and mortar retail to compete with the online space.
Infrastructure spending has also continued in South Australia following the change of Government, noted the report.
The Torrens to Torrens, Darlington Upgrade and Northern Connector, which all form part of the government’s North South Corridor are still undergoing construction and are a combined expenditure of $2.3 billion.
There has also been the approval of the current construction of a new Bunnings Warehouse on South Road in Edwardstown, creating a 17,008 square metre super store.
The $45 million Bunnings outlet will be completed early next year.
The report notes that "a part of the infrastructure spending taking place is a planned $174 million upgrade of the Oaklands Crossing (rail/road grade separation), which surrounds the Westfield Marion Shopping Centre".
"True to form, the bulk of the retail development is occurring in the Adelaide CBD, which has seen a sharp increase in the amount of residential accommodation under construction."
In January, it was announced that the $40 million redevelopment of Rundle Mall Plaza will house the new tenant, H&amp;M, across four storeys, Rundle Plaza was constructed in the 1960’s for David Jones. 
"In respect to Retail growth, the story over the last few years has been heavily weighted toward supermarkets such as Aldi who have opened 23 stores since entering the market in 2015," stated the valuers.
The 23rd was a centre at 209 Port Road, Aldinga, anchored by Aldi which was completed in January 2018.
There are more on the way with Aldi recently securing another site in Adelaide’s South East suburb of Blackwood, with the purchase of the Blackwood Village Shopping Centre for $5.5 million.
The Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre is also being extended and there are upgrades planned for Westfield Marion, which will take place in 2019.
Despite this, research undertaken by numerous outlets is positive and the retail trading environment seems to be improving in South Australia with retail spending being the second highest in the country in February 2018, reaching 3.7% compared to the national average of 2.7%, the report concluded.
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Adelaide's new north-south corridor constructions worth $2.3 billion dollars: HTW 

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Yarra Council has approved Salta Properties plans for its $390 million plus mixed use project. 
Salta Properties plans to explore a build-to-rent model at the project, which comprises of 426 dwellings with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms over the five separate apartment buildings.
They were one of first Australian developers to announce a build-to-rent model with 16 floors of residential stock at 699 La Trobe Street in Docklands in early 2017.
Salta Properties welcomed the City of Yarra’s unanimous decision approving its development plans for a more than $390 million mixed-use project across a 14,766 sqm site adjacent to Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre in the heart of Richmond.
Designed by the architects at Rothelowman and located on the south-west corner of Victoria Street and River Boulevard, the prime location led Salta to design a project comprising residential, commercial office and retail spaces across five buildings ranging from seven to 13 storeys.
The stand-out development boasts a unique 3,000 square meter linear park designed by landscape architects, ASPECT Studios to provide a pathway between buildings.
Salta seeks to bring the entry of the existing Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre to the River Boulevard, as well as providing an additional 775 carparks across four basement levels, a medical centre, childcare facility and restaurant precinct.
“In close to proximity to Melbourne’s CBD and the tranquil Yarra River, this development sits in the heart of Richmond, making it an unrivalled site for Salta Properties to offer a design solution that will become the very best place to live, work and shop,” said Sam Tarascio, Managing Director at Salta Properties.
Since the precinct has a strong commercial leasing environment and low vacancy rate, Salta Properties says it will seek to immediately offer the three level 3,500 sqm office and 5,500 sqm restricted retail to the market.
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Build-to-rent plans as Salta Properties secures approvals at Victoria Gardens, Richmond

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GUEST OBSERVER
One of the most significant and far-reaching retail legislative changes will quietly come into effect in New South Wales on 1 July 2017.
The amendments to the Retail Leases Act of NSW are numerous and in essence, will change the dynamics of retail leasing as we know it.
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Of the many changes being made, the change I believe that will have the biggest impact on the sector is the requirement for all leases under the Act, over three years in length, to be registered within three months from leases being signed. This will increase transparency in the sector and help to continue levelling the playing field between tenants and landlords. 
Even more transparency will result with the change that requires Landlords to accurately disclose and estimate outgoings in a Disclosure Statement, failing which, that outgoings will not be recoverable. 
The removal of the requirement for a minimum five-year lease term in the new Act will likely result in both longer and shorter-term leases. This is a positive for the market as it will allow greater flexibility in this volatile and ever-changing market. 
Also included in the Act is a change to how bank guarantees need to be handled. Once the Act is in place, Landlords will be required to return bank guarantees to the tenant within two months after the tenant completes performance. 
Another change for landlords means they will no longer be able to request online sales revenue information from tenants, except for goods delivered from the premises or where the centre or the transaction takes place while the customer is in the premises. 
Redundant manual processing of rental bonds will be replaced with a change to the Act that will see the rental bond scheme move to an online platform cutting out the need for physical documents to be lodged. 
Another change includes increasing the penalty notices for offences. These include the right to compensation if a landlord fails to provide a disclosure statement within seven days before the lease is entered into or if it is misleading or incomplete. 
The amendments to the Act will create a more transparent and balanced retail leasing market, enabling greater flexibility and operational efficiency for both tenants and landlords, in a sector that is undergoing significant cyclical and structural change. 
Simon Fonteyn is Managing Director, Leasing Information Systems and can be <a href="https://www.leaseinfo.com.au" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.
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Amendments to the Retail Leases Act of NSW looming

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Developer Stockland will soon start work on the expansion and upgrade of the Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre in Victoria’s Ballarat. 
The project is expected to cost $37 million, Stockland said in a media release.
The redevelopment work, which starts on July 6, will see the addition of 6,700 sqm of retail floor space, with a focus on fashion, casual dining and everyday convenience. Upon completion, the centre will feature more than 100 retailers, reaffirming its position as the largest enclosed shopping destination in the area. 
Stockland Group CEO of Commercial Property, John Schroder, said the company was responding to customer feedback in undertaking the upgrade.
“Our vision is to create the best retail shopping destination in Victoria’s central west. We’re responding to our customers’ feedback to ensure Stockland Wendouree remains the retail destination of choice with a greater range of specialty fashion, retail services and a vibrant and inviting casual dining experience for our customers to enjoy,” he said.
There will be a new full-line 3,800 square metre Woolworths and an adjoining BWS liquor store. 
There will also be a laneway dining precinct to be added as part of the redevelopment. The new foodie hub will offer indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of casual dining choices including cafes and restaurants. 
<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/2017/05/23/Stockland2.jpg" alt="">
Ballarat has been identified as one of the largest and fastest growing regional cities in Victoria with its population expected to reach 139,650 by 2031.
“Ballarat is a fantastic city steeped in history, with a strong and diversified economy,” said Schroder.
Sustainability at Stockland Wendouree will also be part of its design with plans for a rooftop solar installation to reduce carbon emissions. 
The development at Stockland Wendouree will take approximately 12 months to complete. Stockland expects the project to generate approximately 500 jobs during construction and 250 local retail jobs in perpetuity.
The centre will remain operational during the redevelopment period with most retailers trading as normal. 
Woolworths will temporarily cease trading at the centre from 4 June 2017 to make way for the construction of a new revitalised Woolworths supermarket. 
 
 
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Stockland to start $37 million upgrade of Ballarat shopping centre

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Family owned property firm GLG has submitted plans for its $35 million Mount Gambier retail precinct to the South Australian government department for approval.
The 58-72 Commercial Street East site spans an area of 24,400 sqm. 
The retail precinct will come up at the Target site (acquired by GLG in 1980) and the adjoining Fidler and Webb site (acquired by GLG in 2013). 
The office of the State Coordinator-General of the Government of South Australia for the Development Assessment Commission (DAC) will determine GLG’s development application.
Supermarket chain ALDI and Target have already committed themselves for the new complex. ALDI will occupy a 1,740 sqm space and Target will occupy a new 5,710 sqm tenancy, supported by a new light-filled mall, 31 specialty retail tenancies and circa 300 on-site car parks.
“We’re really excited to announce our development plans for what will be named the ‘Fidler &amp; Webb’ retail centre in recognition of the site’s rich history and relevance to Mount Gambier,” said Campbell Blennerhassett, director of GLG.
The firm’s proposed plan occupies the entire city block barring the plot of land where the South Australian Hotel stands. 
"Together with our consultants, we believe the project will create a key shopping destination for the limestone coast region, while providing employment and economic benefits significant to Mount Gambier, regional South Australia and the state as a whole.”
The proposal comprises a single storey, connected development with more traditional tenancies presenting to Commercial Street East that also draw references from the original Victorian Fidler &amp; Webb Ltd façade, said Tim Hargreaves, senior project leader of ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects.
“A number of shops will also present to Ferrers Street with a central atrium and market square encouraging strong pedestrian links through the site. The interior will be light filled, high ceiling spaces with integrated landscaping and features encouraging people to enjoy what will essentially function as public space.”
<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/2017/05/09/Fidler2.jpg" alt="">
Other key features of the proposed Fidler &amp; Webb plan include: 
<ul>
<li>outdoor dining adjoining tenancies suitable for use by cafes/restaurants, with indented shop </li>
<li>fronts and wider pedestrian paths; </li>
<li>internal and external landscaping including a variety of native and deciduous trees and large shrubs around the perimeter of the car park;</li>
<li>with integrated climbing plants to grow over the façade and columns. </li>
</ul>
Construction of the Fidler &amp; Webb retail precinct is expected to start later this year, with completion scheduled for the end of 2018. 
 
 
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GLG to develop $35 million shopping centre in Mt Gambier

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A Dan Murphy’s retail outlet officially has opened in Stockland Green Hills - the first retailer to open following the $372 million shopping redevelopment which began in January. 
The outlet will be 44 percent larger, stock over 3,500 products and offer a ‘Click &amp; Collect’ service with online ordering and in-store pick up.
The redevelopment includes a cool room twice the size, a climate controlled Vintec cabinet to keep wines at their optimum temperature, a tasting station with dedicated in-store tastings manager and specialist sections for Whiskey, Champagne and Sparkling wine. 
Chris Travers, Stockland centre manager, said they are now moving into another stage of the project.  
The next stage of works begins this week and the centre will open the second stage of the 110 space customer carpark at Two Mile Creek, taking the total number of parking spaces to over 870.
Upon completion in April 2018, Stockland Green Hills will feature the first new format David Jones department store in the Hunter with over 225 specialty shops and a vibrant new dining and entertainment precinct.
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