One of the primary characteristics of a university campus is its location in high-amenity, well-connected suburbs, as it caters to the thousands of students who walk through its doors every day.

It’s this enviable central location that makes Hamton’s newest neighbourhood so appealing to discerning buyers. The 1.6-hectare site was formerly home to a University of Melbourne campus.

This relocation paved the way for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a>, best known for their $3 billion joint venture development Moonee Valley Park, a vibrant new residential community emerging around the Moonee Valley Racecourse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327680]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/scotch-hill-gardens-hawthorn-147-robinson-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Scotch Hill Gardens</a> benefits from excellent transport connections and local amenities, further enhanced by the revitalisation of Bills Street delivered as part of the development. Thanks to its history as a university campus, the site is within five minutes of Glenferrie and Auburn Villages and 10 minutes to Kooyong Station.

In addition, the site lies within the prestigious Scotch Hill catchment, which includes highly sought-after educational institutions such as Scotch College, Bialik, and Auburn Primary and Auburn High. This makes it an attractive location for both young families and working professionals.

Understanding that the location would appeal to owner-occupiers, particularly rightsizers and downsizers, Hamton focused on creating a collection of residences tailored to this demographic. The design prioritised community over density, with a series of low-rise buildings nestled within nature.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327652]

The development retains 77 established trees on the site and will add a further 151, creating a unique topography visible from the upper levels of the building. A collaboration between placemaking specialists Woods Bagot and landscape architect Tract, the design dedicates over 40 percent of the 1.6-hectare site to landscaped green open space, seamlessly woven between the low-rise buildings.

Landscaping subtly defines boundaries between public and private zones, ensuring a harmonious blend of spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327686]

Inspired by nature, the masterplan reflects the organic formations of lily pads on a pond, discreet yet interconnected, sitting lightly within their context. Following the principles of “nature-based cities,” the site integrates nature, amenity, wellness, and community.

This commitment to nature complements the already well-established landscape nearby. Adjacent to Gardiners Creek, the site offers both recreational and ecological benefits, while the Yarra River trails, Patterson Reserve, and Hawthorn Velodrome, further enhance the area’s outdoor amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149097 project_image_fid=327694]

Residents will have access to a range of facilities, including a bathhouse with wellness amenities, a gym, co-working spaces, and communal dining and lounge areas.

Hamton will announce a builder in the coming months. Demolition of the old Campus is underway with construction on the first stage, anticipated to commence early 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149097]

Joel Robinson

Scotch Hill Gardens, a new life for the former University of Melbourne Hawthorn Campus

Brisbane-based developer Red &amp; Co. is venturing into the Gold Coast apartment market, spending $8 million on a vacant site in Varsity Lake.

The plan is to developer 156 apartments on the 2,857sqm, 22 Lake Street site, near Varsity Central Park.

Colliers Queensland Residential Development Sites Director Troy Linnane said Colliers had been &nbsp;working closely with Red &amp; Co. to help them secure their first Gold Coast site, with this site offering a great opportunity due to its location and existing approval.&nbsp;

“This off-market transaction highlights the value of strong market knowledge and relationships, we were able to align the right buyer with the right site given the relationships we have with many active &nbsp;developers seeking sites across the SEQ market,” Linnane said.&nbsp;

“Those groups with in-house construction capability or strong builder alliances are leading market activity as they are best positioned to deliver projects in the current market."

Linnane said with&nbsp;confidence strengthening in 2025, they are seeing increased competition for prime development sites.

“Developers are actively seeking well-located sites, to take advantage of the under supply of &nbsp;apartment stock and the significant uplift in revenues due to strong buyer demand."

<img alt="22 Lake St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcd9176e-4e38-4519-a868-0748419c1d2b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22_Lake_Street_001.jpg?VersionId=Z7tUSkVLqv8qf.JTyMXmzasxvudP_u2p" />

Colliers Queensland Residential Site Sales Executive Jackson Robinson said the transaction reflected confidence in the market and increasing demand for well-located, DA-approved sites to develop into &nbsp;housing.&nbsp;

“Red &amp; Co. recognised the depth of unmet demand for well-priced apartment stock on the Gold &nbsp;Coast, particularly in sought-after suburbs like Varsity Lakes, which offers excellent connectivity, expansive views and close proximity to major employment and education hubs,” Robinson said.&nbsp;

There will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with views over&nbsp;Lake Orr and out to Burleigh Headland and the Hinterland, with additional outlooks north towards the Broadbeach skyline.&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co., led by co-founders Keiran Foster and David Laverty, have previously completed several developments across Brisbane.

Red & Co.’s first acquisition on the Gold Coast demonstrates increasing  confidence in the Gold Coast market

Red & Co. plots new Varsity Lake apartments

There’s no slowing down Gold Coast builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>.

Led by construction industry veteran John Kearney, the developer has made its move into the Brisbane apartment market, securing a prime site on Sylvan Road in Toowong.

It’s a location filled with nostalgia for Kearney, who studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told Apartments.com.au.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road — as have most people in Brisbane. It’s one of the city’s most well-known hotels, and with several cafes, restaurants, and a CityCat stop nearby, it’s become an even more attractive place to live.”

Kearney describes Toowong as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

He also noted the opportunity to take advantage of significant view corridors from the new development site: across Toowong Memorial Park, north to the city, and east along the Brisbane River.

CBRE’s Will Carman and John Nucifora brokered the sale of the 1,760 sqm site, citing strong demand for strategically located development opportunities in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

"Its proximity to transport, retail, and educational facilities made it an opportunity of strong interest to the broader development community," Carman said.

<img alt="22-24 Sylvan Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49eb466f-69dc-4790-8d50-5173d0cf104a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

Nucifora said the acquisition reflects confidence in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a>, and more broadly Brisbane, as a market of strength for integrated builder developer groups.

"Those with an integrated model, or with strong existing relationships with builders have continued to be at the forefront of development acquisitions over the past two-year period."

Kearney has long operated Greyburn Constructions, and recently expanded into multi-residential development, with great success. They've delivered a new project in Kirra, and they're currently working towards completion at&nbsp;Ombre Robina. Then they have a new project in Kirra, on Haig Street.

They will submit a development application for Toowong later this year.&nbsp;

It’s a location filled with nostalgia for Kearney, who studied at the nearby University of Queensland.



First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition

A track record of delivering new projects not just across the Sunshine Coast, but in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> specifically, gave builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG) all the IP needed to make Bask even more refined.&nbsp;

After completing Zinc Bokarina last year - positioned directly adjacent to Bask - GVG leveraged years of feedback from original purchasers and current residents, enabled by its community-focused approach and ongoing engagement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The feedback pointed to two clear themes: larger apartments with more bedrooms, and amenity suited to the active downsizer.

GVG then designed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask</a> - a collection of one to four-bedroom apartments - tailored to the end user: local downsizers or those seeking more spacious holiday homes than a compact getaway by the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333361]

A pool was essential, but a lap pool wasn’t. Instead, GVG designed a heated plunge pool, ideal for a refreshing dip. Key to the amenity offering were shared spaces designed to foster community connection. These include shaded garden areas with barbecue facilities, a firepit zone, and a communal herb and vegetable garden.&nbsp;

There’s also a fully equipped gym, designed specifically for the lifestyle exerciser.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333365]

Another key insight was the desire not just for pet-friendly living - but for a development that embraces it. GVG listened and installed a dedicated dog wash bay, perfect for rinsing off after a trip to the dog-friendly Bokarina Beach, just 250 metres from Bask's front door.

Having already helped establish a vibrant lifestyle precinct with retail and amenity at Zinc, GVG is now expanding the offering with more street-level retail, set to complement the existing restaurants, wine bars, convenience, and specialty stores in the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333362]

Bask represents the final new residential offering in the Bokarina Beach precinct. The two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, have been cleverly designed so that every apartment captures glimpses of either the Pacific Ocean, Lake Kawana, or the Glass House Mountains.&nbsp;

Construction is already underway, with GVG expecting residents to move in by summer 2026/27.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

How GVG is designing for the active downsizer at Bask Bokarina

With completion now on the horizon, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-queensbridge-building-southbank-90-queensbridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The Queensbridge Building</a> in Southbank is beginning to reveal the depth of its amenity and residential design offering ahead of a planned move-in from late 2025.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a> in partnership with MaxCap Group and construction giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, the 65-level tower recently topped out at 208 metres, marking a major milestone for the precinct-shaping project.&nbsp;

Once complete, the development will deliver 350 apartments and a 188-room boutique hotel as part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

We recently visited The Queensbridge display suite, and a recently completed display apartment within the building, and spoke to Time &amp; Place Sales Director, James Herbert, to find out more about the project.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZLV_4kRyuj0?si=ff-i-yjmcdRHQ3Hh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Herbert says there are two key points of difference with The Queensbridge.

"The first we call 'modern nostalgia', or the feeling of home. It is one of the reasons we appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/flack-studio">Flack Studio</a> to handle the interiors. We studied some of Flack's most famous residential homes, and we've created a series of design moments, from the edge of the island bench to the door hardware and the materiality of the homes."

Apartments range from one to three bedrooms, with current pricing starting from $632,000. Most one-bedroom layouts include integrated study nooks, while select two and three-bedroom configurations feature dual bathrooms and generous storage solutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272073]

Herbert says the second key point of difference is their&nbsp;commitment to community and experience.

"That's one of the reasons why we took our common amenity spaces and we've brought them together in a concept we call Queensbridge Clubhouse.

"We have all of the typical common amenity facilities you would see in any luxury hotel or building throughout the world like a swimming pool, steam room, gym, and outdoor spaces, but we've also got an amazing co-working space,&nbsp;a private izakaya, and a ground-floor dining space."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272090]

Herbert says the community experience was about bringing&nbsp;people together, so Time &amp; Place has built a bespoke app, and they're appointing an experienced director, to manage the spaces.

"We believe living in the urban environment in a building like this, is about an idea of togetherness, and accessing the very best that Melbourne has to offer."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1504 project_image_fid=272097]

Positioned at 90 Queens Bridge Street, The Queensbridge Building benefits from its location at the confluence of Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne, the Yarra River, and the city’s Arts Precinct.&nbsp;

Residents will be within a 15-minute walk of over a dozen green spaces, world-class sports and cultural venues, and South Melbourne Market

The inclusion of the Hannah St. Hotel adjacent to the residential lobby also introduces a unique layer of amenity, providing additional hospitality experiences that extend the lifestyle value of the precinct.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1504]

Inside The Queensbridge Building: Apartments.com.au Video Spotlight

Smoke Alarms

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A leading smoke alarm supplier has expressed concerns that hosts on Airbnb may not be aware of strict smoke alarm rules that may apply to them. 
Whilst the next trend for hospitality is so new that providers have not considered hospitality law as applying to them.
Smoke Alarm Solutions’ Australia and New Zealand sales and marketing director, Julieanne Worchurst, said state legislation differs, but home owners offering Airbnb accommodation need to ensure they are not only aware of applicable federal and state-based smoke alarm legislation, but also ensure their property complies.
“Although the jury is still out as to whether Aribnb hosts qualify as landlords or not, it is imperative to ensure their property’s fire detection system is working and compliant to specifications set out in the Building Code of Australia, which concerns all Australian properties,” Worchust said.
“Regardless of whether you are a home owner or a landlord, each smoke alarm installed in your property needs to be operational and the system needs to comply with federal legislation,” she said.
She said it was the responsibility of the home owner to ensure smoke alarms were compliant before having someone stay at the property. 
“Queensland has very stringent new smoke alarm legislation for brand new properties (with a development approval after January 1 2017); including the fact that photoelectric, 240 volt interconnected smoke alarms need to be installed in each sleeping place.”
Last year, it held a workshop for Queensland property managers outlining the new state smoke alarm legislation, which was passed in August 2016.
SAS supplies, installs and services smoke alarms in more than 262,000 Australian homes and claims it has the largest field service capability in the industry.
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Airbnb hosts may be unaware of strict smoke alarm rules: SAS

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A workshop for Queensland property managers outlining the new state smoke alarm legislation, passed in August this year, will be held today by smoke alarm services company Smoke Alarm Solutions.
Julieanne Worchurst, from SAS, the two hour workshop is open to all real estate property managers to inform property managers about the new smoke alarm compliancy requirements. 
“Landlords need to ensure their property complies with the new smoke alarm legislation as soon as possible before the deadline, to save the lives of their tenants, and also to protect their investment,” she said.
"Under the new legislation, smoke alarms need to be installed by a qualified technician or electrician. We all know that availability of electricians can be tight at critical times and seasonally busy periods, such as the Christmas and festive season.
“Plus, with the new legislation in place, and looming compliance deadlines, electrician appointments will be in even shorter supply than normal.
“The new legislation states that, rather than in the entry of each bedroom, smoke alarms need to be installed inside every bedroom of a home (or where a person sleeps).
“Alarms will need to be powered by either 240 volt or a 10 year lithium battery, and photoelectric rather than ionisation. Additionally, all smoke alarms need to be interconnected with one another, so they all sound when smoke is detected, rather than just the alarm that is activated first.
For more information <a href="https://tinyurl.com/jtxdypg" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: New Queensland smoke alarm legislation compliance workshop

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Current legislation in New South Wales requires at least one operational smoke alarm on each level of the occupancy which was the case in Queensland prior to new smoke alarm legislation that was announced a few months ago.
Julieanne Worchurst from Smoke Alarm Solutions said New South Wales home owners and landlords are concerned that they too will face the enormous and costly changes to become compliant.
"Following a tragic house fire where a number of people perished a few years ago, legislation has become much more stringent to provide a greater level of safety," she said.
“The additional measures include smoke alarms to be installed in every bedroom of a home by a qualified electrician. They also need to be interconnected with one another so that they all sound when smoke is detected.
"There are currently no plans in NSW for smoke alarm legislation changes, so landlords and home owners don’t need to be too concerned about future additional expense.
“A crucial part of the current NSW legislation forbids tenants to remove the battery or otherwise tamper with the smoke alarms.
"This is to prevent families inadvertently breaking them or forgetting to replace the smoke alarm battery and switch it on.
“Normally, there is no reason for a tenant to tamper with the smoke alarms, and they don’t, but sometimes the alarm starts to sound accidentally (eg when cooking) or it starts to beep, indicating the battery needs to be replaced.
“The only time this is a problem is when it occurs in the middle of the night, a public holiday or on a weekend, when the property manager is not working.  With few other options, families may attempt to stop the alarm sounding themselves. However, under no circumstances should this happen, because of the danger it places on the lives of those who live there.”
“On the other hand, families shouldn’t have to stay awake during the night by a beeping alarm, waiting for the property manager to start work so they can report it."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property 101: Possibility of New South Wales joining Queensland with new smoke alarm legislation

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An average of 58 Australians are killed in house fires each year, according to the Public Health Association of Australia.
With a view to prevent such disasters, Direct Connect and Smoke Alarm Testing Services (SATS) have announced a service that promises to dramatically increase the number of smoke alarm checks across Australia.
SATS’ annual maintenance programme will now be offered to a further 800,000 homes nationally through 3,200 real estate agents, helping agents, landlords, house buyers and tenants comply with smoke alarm requirements.
It will form part of Direct Connect’s free end-to-end moving service available to the 3,200 agents that have partnered with Direct Connect for properties under their management.
Direct Connect has been endorsed by national industry bodies REIA, REIV, REINSW, REISA, REIQ, REIACT, REINT and REIWA.
“Research shows that a working smoke alarm can save lives, but most people don’t realise these alarms need regular maintenance,” Direct Connect CEO Paul Docherty said.
“This service by Direct Connect will give agents access to a best-practice testing and maintenance program to roll out across thousands of properties, potentially saving lives.”
Direct Connect manages all aspects of a person’s move, from connecting electricity and gas to organising insurance, removalists and cleaners and anything else required to make moving day easier.
It has helped more than one million people move so far.
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Smoke Alarms

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