A Moroccan-bathhouse residential tower has been unveiled for Budds Beach, with Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> announcing plans for a $260 million resort-style project in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held waterfront precincts.

A development application has been submitted to the Gold Coast City Council for a 27-storey tower at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue, Surfers Paradise, marking one of the few new large-scale residential projects proposed for the precinct in more than a decade.

The project will comprise 156 two- and three-bedroom residences, anchored by a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired wellness sanctuary featuring private treatment rooms, a traditional Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and a curated juice bar. There will also be a resort-style rooftop precinct, complete with a heated infinity pool and spa, a residents’ lounge with a private kitchen and bar, a contemporary fitness centre with a yoga and Pilates studio, and outdoor BBQ areas with entertaining lounges.

<img alt="8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="997f8dbb-4ed1-47e4-8780-d12a3d5cd0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_3.png?VersionId=IsDJXxE8.HG92i4dnbmmPQi.fVXjME7I" />

"At Homecorp, we are driven by the pursuit of better - challenging expectations, thinking bigger and shaping communities that leave a lasting legacy," said Ron Bakir, CEO and Founder of Homecorp.

"This project draws on our experience and expertise to take what the market has been craving to the next level - a home that nurtures wellness, calms the mind and lifts the everyday stresses away. A home is more than a place you live, it’s where you rest, reset and find balance."

&nbsp;

Bakir says what sets the location&nbsp;apart is its rare, tightly held nature within one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant lifestyle and entertainment precincts, yet quietly tucked away in a peaceful, beachside enclave.

"Budds Beach has remained exceptionally limited in supply over the past decade and this site presented an unmatched opportunity to deliver something truly special to both Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast.”

Conveniently connected to major roads and the G:link, residents will enjoy easy access to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, while still being just minutes from the city’s most iconic beaches and the Broadwater’s ‘golden mile’.

The 2130 sqm site acquisition adds to Homecorp’s growing Gold Coast multi-storey portfolio on the Gold Coast, following the success of Eve Residences in Labrador upon its completion in November 2024. In 2025, Eve earned multiple national accolades and went on to win ‘Best Oceanview Condo Development’ in the Asia Pacific region at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, outperforming entries from more than 13 prestigious international markets.

The company also commenced construction last year on the highly anticipated $250 million second stage of Cienna Varsity Ridge, set to deliver 289 residences by 2027 in the heart of Varsity Lakes, and launched the $210 million Florence Residences along Surfers Paradise’s Monte Carlo Avenue to the market, with construction kicking off last month.

"The property market is constantly evolving, particularly here on the Gold Coast, which continues to outperform national trends thanks to its unmatched lifestyle, natural beauty and growing infrastructure, especially ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. We are proud to be adding more homes to the skyline, creating spaces that are not only designed for liveability but also nurture wellness within. They are homes that are built to last a lifetime and beyond," concluded Mr Bakir.

The project is set to launch to the market later this year.

Joel Robinson

Homecorp lodges plans for $260 million Moroccan bathhouse-inspired tower in Budds Beach

What began as a leap of faith in the 1970s has evolved into one of the Gold Co​ast's most enduring development success stories. Raptis, now led by second-generation developer Evan Raptis, continues to shape the region's skyline four decades after patriarch Jim Raptis first ventured north from Sy​dney.

Jim Raptis began developing in Sy​dney in his 20s under the guidance of a seasoned mentor. After several successful joint ventures, he sensed untapped potential on the Gold Coast and made the bold decision to relocate. That instinct proved prescient, the Raptis family has contributed thousands of apartments to what was once purely a tourist destination and is now recognised as Australia's lifestyle capital.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101620 project_image_fid=361818]

With decades of experience navigating the complex Gold Coast development landscape, Raptis maintains fully vertical integration, from site acquisition and construction through to marketing and sales strategies. This comprehensive approach has allowed the company to weather multiple market cycles and emerge well-positioned for the region's continued growth.

"We've seen the region change drastically over the last two decades, with that change accelerating in the last five years," says Evan Raptis. "The Gold Coast is becoming unrecognisable. There are some exciting projects happening up and down the coast. The Spit is being talked about as Australia's version of Monaco, with billions in development underway."

Unlike the volatile pre-GFC years that rocked the Gold Coast market, Raptis believes the region has matured considerably. "Demand remains strong, but the market is now settled and stable."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101620 project_image_fid=361823]

While the company recently completed Pearl Main Beach, an 84-apartment development just 53 steps from the sand, Broadbeach has truly been home for the Raptis family.

"There's nothing Broadbeach doesn't have," Raptis says. "There's always a new café or restaurant coming into the neighbourhood, and the redevelopment of the Niecon Plaza, bringing nearly 5,500 square metres of retail, dining and office space, will only elevate Broadbeach even further."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101620 project_image_fid=357483]

The suburb has reached what Raptis describes as a "settled phase" of its evolution, with owner-occupiers and repeat visitors increasingly shaping demand rather than traditional investors.

The company's latest Broadbeach project, Sterling, is now constructed to level 22 and scheduled for handover in June 2026. With approximately 70 per cent of apartments already sold ahead of completion, the development has attracted a distinct buyer profile.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101620 project_image_fid=361821]

"We're seeing significant interest from lock-up-and-leave buyers and downsizers," Raptis explains. "Some use the apartments over Easter or Christmas, while others come down from Brisbane on weekends. They aren't your typical 'investors' who will put the apartments up for permanent rental."

Sterling offers prospective buyers a rare advantage: fully completed display apartments showcasing several two- and three-bedroom configurations, something few off-the-plan developments can provide.

With another Broadbeach project in the pipeline, Raptis emphasises that the next chapter is about maintaining standards rather than pursuing growth at any cost.

"We've been building for over four decades, and our track record matters. Our focus remains the same: deliver what we build, stay close to the details, and delivering a finished product that hopefully exceeds our clients' expectations."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=101620]

It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline

JWLand has completed the final residential stage of its Lyneham precinct, Northbourne Village, with De Burgh now welcoming residents who have begun settling into their new homes.

A selection of the 350 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remains available within the two-building <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a>, which occupies a prominent position along Northbourne Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The apartments at De Burgh have been configured to prioritise natural light, privacy, and usable outdoor space, with ground-floor homes featuring private courtyards and upper-level apartments opening to generous balconies. Double-glazed windows are standard across the development, supporting acoustic comfort and improved energy performance.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, while all residences include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning integrated with app-based controls, allowing residents to manage lighting and climate remotely. These inclusions reflect a broader focus on durability, efficiency, and everyday functionality rather than short-term finishes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=356280]

Shared amenity is delivered through a resident gym, rooftop garden, lounge spaces, parcel lockers, and landscaped communal areas that connect De Burgh to the wider Northbourne Village environment.

Nick Babic, Marketing Project Manager at JWLand, said the completion of De Burgh gives buyers a level of certainty that off-the-plan purchases cannot always provide.

“There’s no need to wait or play guessing games. You can come and see the spaces firsthand, and genuinely picture yourself living there today. That includes not only the apartments, but the amenities as well. It’s easy to imagine enjoying a coffee in the central courtyard or spending time with other residents in the lounge.”

The completed status of the project aligns with strong buyer demand for finished stock, particularly among first home buyers, young professionals, and downsizers seeking certainty around timing and cost.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=356282]

With pricing ranging from $463,000 to $1.588 million, much of the offering sits within reach of buyers looking to enter the Inner North apartment market.

De Burgh’s location underpins its buyer appeal, positioned approximately 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD, with direct access to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands, Sullivan’s Creek parkland, and the established hospitality and retail precincts of Lyneham and Dickson.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

Canberra's newest apartment building: JWLand completes De Burgh at Northbourne Village

One of Victoria’s largest private developers, Central Equity, has commenced construction on Palmera, its $1 billion luxury residential development at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast, appointing Tier 1 builder Multiplex to deliver the project.

The fast-track to construction is being undertaken ahead of Central Equity officially launching the project to market.

The company says the move reflects its confidence in both the calibre of its offering and the Gold Coast’s long-term fundamentals, underpinned by one of Australia’s strongest growing economies, continued population growth and sustained infrastructure investment.

A diversifying employment base across health, education, professional services and tourism has helped insulate the local economy from volatility, while limited new supply in established coastal locations continues to support demand from owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking long-term lifestyle value.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a> is being constructed in the prestigious Northcliffe residential neighbourhood on an expansive 3,239 sqm site. It is located at 18 Garfield Terrace near the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club and the patrolled Northcliffe surf beach, situated between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361249]

Offering a mix of spacious three-bedroom apartments over 52 levels, Palmera is designed to deliver a full suite of premium residences to buyers looking for the ultimate coastal lifestyle that the Gold Coast has to offer.

The project’s premium apartments will deliver northern views across the Surfers Paradise beachfront and extending all the way around to Burleigh Heads and beyond.

Palmera will be crowned by its top four levels, being a limited collection of penthouses and skyhomes that further elevate the residential offering through generous proportions and uninterrupted panoramic views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361246]

The appointment of Multiplex as the builder represents a major milestone for Palmera and cements Central Equity’s commitment to the Gold Coast after delivering more than 85 residential projects over the past four decades. It will be the 20th project collaboration between Central Equity and Multiplex.

“The commencement of construction at Palmera marks a major milestone for the project, with Tier 1 builder Multiplex appointed to deliver the development in the highly sought-after Northcliffe residential precinct on the Gold Coast,” said Central Equity Executive Director Karl Kutner.

“Our commitment to commence immediate construction is in line with our resounding confidence in the Gold Coast over the long term. The city has evolved and proven to be one of Australia’s most dynamic and resilient property markets in recent years.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361250]

Multiplex, one of Australia’s largest builders, has been shaping skylines and delivering iconic projects around the world since 1962. In that time, the Tier 1 global contractor has delivered projects with a combined value of more than US$130 billion.

“Having worked with Multiplex on many previous developments, we are pleased to be extending our relationship further with Palmera,” Kutner added.

“Multiplex brings an unparalleled depth of experience to ensure that Palmera fulfils the vision we have laid out for this strategic location and is delivered to the highest standards,” he said.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Michael Sinclair said Multiplex was delighted to be aligning with Central Equity yet again.

“Central Equity is creating a stunning new addition to the Gold Coast skyline, and we look forward to bringing their vision to life with a world-class construction team and program. We are proud to be working alongside Central Equity on our 20th project together.”

Palmera has been designed by Marchese Partners, with interiors by DBI.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361247]

Residents will have private access to extensive, state-of-the-art amenities, featuring two large pools including a generously scaled, family-friendly pool with safe shallow zones, and a 25-metre lap pool facing the western side, ensuring maximum sunlight all day.

Also available exclusively to residents is a sauna, magnesium pool, yoga studio, expansive gym, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ and dining areas. Residents will also be welcomed by concierge and luxurious entry foyer.

Located on Garfield Terrace in Northcliffe, Palmera enjoys a prime coastal position just moments from the patrolled Northcliffe beach and the G:link light rail, providing effortless connectivity along the Gold Coast’s beachfront suburbs, linking the Gold Coast University Hospital in the north with Nobby beach and Burleigh Heads to the south once the extension completes later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Central Equity unveils Palmera on Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

The idea of a low-maintenance forever home located close to the city were the two driving factors behind a recent purchaser’s journey at Murcia, the under-construction East Brisbane apartment development by Sarazin.

Last year, Lois and her husband purchased a two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room (MPR) apartment in the new building, which is being constructed by Hutchinson Builders and is on track for completion in late-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=341638]

The couple’s number one priority was to remain within easy commuting distance of the city for work. Murcia is positioned alongside the new Cross River Rail, with Woolloongabba Station just 300 metres from the front door.

They are currently living in their Annerley unit, which they have owned for several years, after recently moving out of their inner-city apartment, located on the very same street as Murcia.

“We had watched the development for a long time, and when construction activity began, that’s when we felt confident to buy,” Lois said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=356540]

The timing also made sense. By moving back into their Annerley unit, they are able to save money ahead of settlement, while looking forward to returning closer to the city once Murcia is complete.

“We see Murcia as a forever home, as opposed to an investment, or something we need to appreciate massively in value and move on from in a few years,” Lois said.

“We secured an apartment large enough to grow a family, so we’re expecting to call Murcia home for a very long time.”

The couple plan to grow their family, but without the added maintenance demands of owning a standalone house further from the city. Working with Sarazin and architect HAL, they were able to slightly tweak the floorplan, converting the two-bedroom plus MPR layout into a functional three-bedroom apartment.

An added bonus was the recently revised communal space plans, which now incorporate a dedicated working-from-home area, complete with work pods, and shared desks.

“It means the third bedroom doesn’t have to become a part-time office and part-time bedroom,” Lois said, adding that residents have the benefit of working from home without actually being inside their apartment.

The rooftop wellness amenity was another standout compared to living in an established complex or a house. A signature feature of Sarazin developments, the rooftop will include a full gym, hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room and sauna, and a hotel-style pool with cabanas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214682]

Buyer journeys can vary significantly, from purchasing in the established market to buying new, or choosing between houses and apartments. Lois said they knew immediately that buying off the plan was right for them.

“We wanted something new, with less maintenance, and we weren’t quite ready to make the full financial leap straight away. The timing and deposit structure gave us the flexibility we needed.”

Designed by HAL Architects and inspired by the Spanish city of Murcia, the development takes a Mediterranean-influenced approach to architecture and landscaping, with a strong emphasis on shared spaces.

“The design feels considered, the amenities support how we actually live, and the location keeps us connected to the city without feeling right in the middle of it.”

Murcia is Sarazin’s second development in the area, following the completion of Silk One just up the road in 2022. They have several more projects coming to market in Woolloongabba ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135094]

Close to the city, built for the future: Inside a growing family’s move to Murcia in East Brisbane

Supermarkets

<html><body>
A standalone Coles supermarket, in the bayside suburb of Mentone, has sold on the tightest Victorian yield of 2019.
Located at 81 Mentone Parade, the recently refurbished property comprises a freestanding 2,854 square metre supermarket, with access to just over 150 council car spaces.
The standalone Coles supermarket sold for $15.3 million on a 3.4 per cent yield, the best vendor yield since Coles Clayton sold on a 2.57 per cent yield in March 2018.
The property was sold under a 10 year lease from January 2017, with a further 10 year option, to Coles at a current rental of $519,785 per annum net.
CBRE Director Mark Wizel, who managed the sale campaign with Justin Dowers and Joseph Du Rieu, said enquiry had been `through the roof’ with two Chinese investors - one the eventual purchaser - flying in for the auction.
Mr Wizel said the last three bidders – all Chinese – who took the bidding from $12 million to the close, were introduced through CBRE’s Asian Services Desk headed by Lewis Tong.
"This year we have seen yields hover around 5.5 per cent following an average closer to 4.5 per cent over 2018 but this result unambiguously indicates demand for this product remains very strong,’’ Mr Wizel said.
</body></html>

wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Coles Mentone sold on tightest Victorian yield of 2019

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
 
On the way home, you wander into the supermarket for a loaf of bread. But before you reach the bread aisle, you drop in your prescription at the supermarket pharmacy. Shopping done, you pick up your pills on the way out.
Across the US, UK and mainland Europe, supermarket pharmacies are becoming the norm. But in Australia, they’re banned.
The Commonwealth government is negotiating the <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/New-7th-Community-Pharmacy-Agreement" target="_blank">seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement</a> with pharmacists, which outlines how community pharmacy is delivered over the next five years, who delivers it and where.
So could pharmacies in supermarkets be an option for Australia?
<h2>How common are they?</h2>
Overseas, pharmacies have been in supermarkets for decades. In the UK, supermarkets like <a href="https://www.asda.com/about/instore/pharmacy" target="_blank">ASDA</a>, <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/56e1a52d40f0b6037900001d/Tesco_hearing_summary.pdf" target="_blank">Tesco</a>, <a href="https://my.morrisons.com/help/information/store-services/pharmacy/" target="_blank">Morrisons</a> and <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/get-ideas/our-instore-services/--sainsburys-pharmacy?storeId=10151&amp;langId=44&amp;krypto=3Yh4GQ%2BNdq51nNqI8mxTmkZXe9Ggb9L33GTajzfwdGXhiQftJrJArZAib4hw%2Bs8JTxwLH2HfrQCChmYTBIAbS7BEz2U5FalmUXfV%2FK4wt6OhdFjJrMlhiZMBhuu2s45yNiOQDTkMs%2BONJUT5MWYlSGhWL5pH5YQM9gRqD0wFloM%3D&amp;ddkey=https%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fget-ideas%2Four-instore-services%2F--sainsburys-pharmacy" target="_blank">Sainsbury’s</a> have them. And so do <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy-services/1088604" target="_blank">Walmart</a>, <a href="https://www.kroger.com/topic/pharmacy" target="_blank">Kroger</a> and <a href="http://www.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/pharmacy/pharmacy-services" target="_blank">Publix</a> in the US.
Canada’s largest supermarket Loblaw <a href="https://www.thestar.com/business/2010/05/04/loblaw_plans_drugstore_expansion" target="_blank">announced plans</a> in 2010 to expand more aggressively into the pharmacy business. It later bought pharmacy chain <a href="https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/loblaw-companies-limited-completes-acquisition-of-shoppers-drug-mart-corporation-514006661" target="_blank">Shoppers Drug Mart</a>.
<h2>Arguments against</h2>
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia argues pharmacies in supermarkets means community pharmacies would be unable to compete, supermarkets would put shareholders’ interests ahead of patients, and consumer protection would be lost. Such critics argue supermarkets would push smaller players out of the market, limiting consumer choice and access.
The Guild also suggests it would be hypocritical for supermarkets to run pharmacies when <a href="https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/2013/12/19/supermarkets-and-health-care-don-t-mix" target="_blank">they rely on</a> cigarette and alcohol sales.
Overseas, there is public support for small, independently run community pharmacies over supermarket-owned ones.
For instance, in 2013 <a href="https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/residents-rallied-behind-helsby-pharmacy-5191264" target="_blank">almost 2,000 people petitioned against</a> supermarket giant Tesco, fearing an existing pharmacy across the road would be “bulldozed” out of business.
<h2>Arguments for</h2>
The main arguments for pharmacies in supermarkets seem to be they would offer the public a <a href="https://www.retailwire.com/discussion/would-you-go-to-walmart-to-see-a-doctor/" target="_blank">cheaper and more convenient service</a>.
For instance, <a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2005/01/04/wal-mart-unveils-24-hour-pharmacies" target="_blank">Walmart</a> employs more than 10,000 pharmacists across 3,000 retail pharmacies throughout the US and launched a 24 hour pharmacy service over a decade ago. Then it began dispensing generic medications for as <a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2006/09/20/wal-mart-cuts-generic-prescription-medicines-to-4" target="_blank">little as US$4</a>.
Supermarkets also seem committed to supporting pharmacies in store, despite tough times. In 2019, Tesco, which runs 300 in-store pharmacies, <a href="https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/tesco-pharmacy-staff-9000-job-cuts" target="_blank">reported</a> no pharmacy staff positions would be lost when 9,000 store positions became redundant.
There are also <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/a-chemist-can-own-a-supermarket-but-supermarkets-cant-own-a-pharmacy/news-story/fe97c42c3d2b55bbb613559cbf194cc1" target="_blank">claims of hypocrisy</a>. Why does existing Australian legislation prevent a supermarket from owning a pharmacy, but not a pharmacy from owning a supermarket?
<h2>What might work in Australia?</h2>
If Australia follows international trends, we might consider two models:
<ul>
<li>straight-out ownership, where a supermarket owns a chain of pharmacies and employs pharmacists to run them, or</li>
<li>a strategic alliance, where a pharmacy chain, like Chemist Warehouse, has smaller versions of its stores inside a supermarket.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292346/original/file-20190913-35596-1bt65lt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292346/original/file-20190913-35596-1bt65lt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> In-store pharmacies might be convenient, but is that enough to convince policy makers they’re right for Australia? <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/pharmacy-pickup-area-237587" target="_blank">from www.shutterstock.com</a>
Examples of straight-out ownership include Sainsbury’s in the UK and Walmart in the US. This arrangement allows them to sell these assets at a later stage.
This is what happened with Sainsbury’s, which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jul/29/sainsburys-sells-pharmacy-business-celesio-125m" target="_blank">sold its 281-store pharmacy business</a> to Celesio, the owner of the Lloyds Pharmacy chain, for £125m in 2015. Sainsbury’s indicated the move would enable further growth, while extending their pharmacy services to customers.
In an example of a strategic alliance, UK pharmacy chain Boots and supermarket Waitrose <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/experts-weigh-marketing-benefits-waitrose-boot-tie-up/941645?src_site=brandrepublic" target="_blank">agreed in 2009 to stock each other’s products</a>.
<a href="https://www.boots.com/stores/6313-lichfield-waitrse-ws13-6rx" target="_blank">Boots supplied</a> health care, pharmaceutical products and services, like flu jabs and medical check-ups to Waitrose, and Waitrose supplied food to Boots. Pharmacies in 13 Waitrose stores were also re-branded “Boots Pharmacy”.
 
However, existing legislation prevents either option in Australia unless changes are made in the new Community Pharmacy Agreement. This is because <a href="https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/forefront/v08n16/ownership-a-foundation-stone" target="_blank">current pharmacy ownership rules</a> prevent supermarkets or anyone (other than a pharmacist) from owning a pharmacy.
If ownership rules were lifted, but <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/DDB409EBB18FCE8FCA257BF0001D3C0C/%24File/Pharmacy%20Location%20Rules%20Applicants%20Handbook%20December%202018.pdf" target="_blank">location</a> rules remained, supermarkets would be prevented from operating pharmacies opening within 1.5km of one another.
This means if Coles had an in-store pharmacy, then Woolworths across the road, could not operate one, and vice versa. And if there was already a pharmacy in the neighbourhood, neither could open one, even if ownership rules were relaxed.
<h2>Are we set for regulation or liberalisation?</h2>
The <a href="https://www.guild.org.au/" target="_blank">Pharmacy Guild of Australia</a>, which represents owners of community pharmacies, and the <a href="https://www.psa.org.au/" target="_blank">Pharmaceutical Society of Australia</a>, which represents individual pharmacists, both support current ownership rules — strong regulation over ownership and location.
However, pharmacy giant Chemist Warehouse and Ramsay Health Care (which owns pharmacies as well as private hospitals), <a href="http://competitionpolicyreview.gov.au/files/2015/03/Competition-policy-review-report_online.pdf" target="_blank">say</a> ownership rules are redundant and ineffective. And they’re not alone.
Critics of the current Community Pharmacy Agreement <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/208-2016-09-23-grattan-institute-submission.pdf" target="_blank">argue</a> over-regulation of pharmacies, particularly surrounding ownership and location, limits competition and growth.
And in 2015 the <a href="http://competitionpolicyreview.gov.au/final-report/" target="_blank">Harper Report</a> into competition policy recommended:
[…] pharmacy ownership and location rules should be removed in the long-term interests of consumers. They should be replaced with regulations to ensure access to medicines and quality of advice regarding their use that do not unduly restrict competition.
European countries seem to be moving towards deregulation. In 2017 Italy <a href="https://www.hlregulation.com/2017/08/02/italy-opens-the-door-to-corporate-ownership-of-pharmacies-a-revolution-for-the-italian-pharma-distribution/" target="_blank">passed legislation</a> to allow corporate entities to own a pharmacy business, and also increased the number of pharmacies a proprietor may own.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292339/original/file-20190913-190044-1tczc4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292339/original/file-20190913-190044-1tczc4s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> In the US, in-store pharmacies in supermarkets are common, convenient and can offer cheaper products. But current Australian pharmacy ownership rules ban them. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/shopping-basket-pills-concept-buying-drugs-1289871286?src=-1-2" target="_blank">from www.shutterstock.com</a>
So what are the impacts of deregulation? If we look at <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168851009002875" target="_blank">evidence</a> from Europe, when the UK relaxed ownership and location rules, pharmacies operated more efficiently. Pharmacies also had more freedom to set prices for over-the-counter products and offered a wider range of services.
Yet, the same research also found where there was stronger regulation, such as in Spain, consumer access to pharmacy improved, as new pharmacies were opened based on geographic, demographic or needs-based criteria. Simply, if there was already one pharmacy servicing a neighbourhood, they didn’t need another.
<h2>Is Australia likely to see supermarket pharmacies?</h2>
Whether Australia is likely to see supermarket pharmacies any time soon is open to debate.
In a speech to the Pharmacy Guild’s national conference in 2019, federal health minister Greg Hunt <a href="https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/2019/minister-hunt-delivers-support-for-community-pharmacy" target="_blank">said</a> there would be no change to the ban on locating pharmacies within supermarkets.
However, other powerful groups are calling for change. These include the <a href="https://ama.com.au/media/new-working-group-look-pharmacy-agreement" target="_blank">Australian Medical Association</a>, which wants the regulations changed to allow broader ownership of pharmacy businesses.
If supermarkets were to guarantee <a href="https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/New-7th-Community-Pharmacy-Agreement" target="_blank">sufficient controls</a> — such as to ensure the safe use of medicines, staff were properly trained and there were safeguards to ensure equitable access for elderly patients, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly people living in rural and remote areas — it would be hard to argue for existing rules about pharmacy ownership and location.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122640/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gary-mortimer-1322" target="_blank">Gary Mortimer</a>, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847" target="_blank">Queensland University of Technology</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-grimmer-212082" target="_blank">Louise Grimmer</a>, Lecturer in Retail Marketing, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888" target="_blank">University of Tasmania</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-loaf-of-bread-and-a-packet-of-pills-how-supermarket-pharmacies-could-change-the-way-we-shop-122640" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Main photo: www.shutterstock.com
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

A loaf of bread and a packet of pills: how supermarket pharmacies could change the way we shop

<html><body>
Kaufland, the German supermarket chain, is applying to open a 'Hypermarket', one of its first Australian stores, in Toowoomba.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that the company submitted a DA to the Toowoomba Regional Council last Friday.
The proposed site for the Hypermarket, which is just a supermarket by another name, is 353-359 Anzac Avenue.
It will be located on the corner of Anzac Avenue and Carrel Drive at Harristown next to Bunnings Warehouse.
Kaufland is a subsidiary of the Schwarz Group, the world's fourth largest retailer and plans to open its first Australian store in 2021, with around a 12 locations planned around the country.
<div class="entry-content">
It has previously secured store locations in South Australia and Victoria.
In Melbourne local businesses protested the development applications filed by the company.
The application is described as a “shopping centre hotel and food and drink outlet”.
It already has more than 1,200 locations in Europe.
Kaufland is known as a key rival for Aldi overseas, driving speculation its launch in Australia will be bad news for the German chain, which controls just over 10% of the local grocery market.
Initial estimates of Kaufland’s likely impact on Australia’s $103 billion supermarket industry suggest the retailer could amass $480 million in local revenue, according to Morgan Stanley analysts<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/retail/make-fortune-dick-smith-warns-kaufland-giant-injects-another-60-million-expansion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>
</div>
</body></html>

German supermarket chain Kaufland set to break into Toowoomba

<html><body>
The Milson Point's QE Foodstores premises have been sold for $6 million.
QE has other stores in Balmain, Camperdown, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Randwick, Waterloo and Waverley.
The shopfront at <a href="http://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/0bbda22c-73bc-e811-80e6-005056816353/Sale/Milsons-Point/88-Alfred-Street" target="_blank">88 Alfred Street</a> was listed with $5.5 million hopes in November, through Savills agents David Hickey, Tom Tuxworth and Nick Tuxworth.
They expected interest from local, interstate and offshore investors.
<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/2019/4/11/QE2.jpg" alt="">
The property has a new 10 year lease, with two five-year options.
On its listing Hickey said the lease and strong annual increases will attract buyers looking for secure, super-prime investments in the sub $10 million category. 
“Throughout 2018, we have seen a weight of capital chasing retail properties in prime locations, particularly in highly populated and affluent inner-urban and suburban areas," Hickey said.
“Investors are certainly looking for quality over quantity in the current market, and 88 Alfred Street fits that category.”  
“QE Foodstores took a strategic view on the local Milsons Point, Kirribilli, McMahons Point and Blues Point precinct when they noticed the community had been starved of a quality supermarket for a very long period of time,” Hickey said.
“The business decided to venture to Sydney’s North Shore and open its ninth grocery store to cater to this pent-up demand for fresh, quality and artisan produce.
<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/2019/4/11/QE3.jpg" alt="">
“At 88 Alfred Street, the store benefits from being situated in Sydney’s second most-liveable suburb, only a 10-minute walk from the Sydney CBD and North Sydney.” 
Hickey said QE Foodstores appealed directly to a growing number of affluent Baby Boomer and Millennial shoppers, “who shop more frequently with smaller basket sizes”. 
“These shoppers demand personalisation, special services and quality products, which is what QE Foodstores has strived to deliver since opening its first store 16 years ago,” he said.
“The owners’ goal is to keep growing and provide a great range of products and services to many more Sydney neighbourhoods.
“They are constantly on the lookout for new sites in the inner city and east, and they’re now very seriously considering additional sites on the Lower North Shore.”
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Boutique grocer QE Foodstores premises sold by Savills in Milsons Point

<html><body>
A recently opened boutique grocer in Sydney’s Milsons Point has been listed with $5.5 million hopes.
The property at 88 Alfred Street is run by QE Foodstores and is the group’s ninth offering, with other stores in Balmain, Camperdown, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Randwick, Waterloo and Waverley.
It is set to go under the hammer in early November.
Interest is expected from local, interstate and offshore investors, said Savills Australia’s David Hickey, Tom Tuxworth and Nick Tuxworth.
<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/2018/10/10/88%20Andrew%20Street%20Milsons%20Point%20-%20internal%203.jpg" alt="">
“The new 10-year lease with two five-year options to renew and strong annual increases will attract buyers from local, national and international markets looking for secure, super-prime investments in the sub-$10 million category,” Hickey said.
“Throughout 2018, we have seen a weight of capital chasing retail properties in prime locations, particularly in highly populated and affluent inner-urban and suburban areas.
“Investors are certainly looking for quality over quantity in the current market, and 88 Alfred Street fits that category.” 
<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/2018/10/10/88%20Andrew%20Street%20Milsons%20Point%20-%20internal%202.jpg" alt="">
He said QE Foodstores owners had recognised a gap in the Lower North Shore retail market for a boutique grocery store.
“QE Foodstores took a strategic view on the local Milsons Point, Kirribilli, McMahons Point and Blues Point precinct when they noticed the community had been starved of a quality supermarket for a very long period of time,” Mr Hickey said.
“The business decided to venture to Sydney’s North Shore and open its ninth grocery store to cater to this pent-up demand for fresh, quality and artisan produce.
“At 88 Alfred Street, the store benefits from being situated in Sydney’s second most-liveable suburb, only a 10-minute walk from the Sydney CBD and North Sydney.
“These shoppers demand personalisation, special services and quality products, which is what QE Foodstores has strived to deliver since opening its first store 16 years ago,” he said.
“The owners’ goal is to keep growing and provide a great range of products and services to many more Sydney neighbourhoods.
“They are constantly on the lookout for new sites in the inner city and east, and they’re now very seriously considering additional sites on the Lower North Shore.”
</body></html>

Boutique Milson's Point supermarket set for auction 

<html><body>
Sydney Olympic Park Authority is seeking to lease 1,500sqm retail floor space which is suitable for a supermarket.
Situated within the new Pavilions by Mirvac development at 2 Figtree Drive, the site is currently under development.
It will deliver a total of 705 apartments across four residential buildings with frontage onto Australia Avenue.
Sydney Olympic Park currently has a community of over 10 million visitors, 19,000 workers and 3,000 residents, which is set to increase as an additional 2,000 apartments are expected to be delivered over the next five years.
<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/2018/7/5/Olympic%20park2.jpg" alt="">
Future growth as outlined in the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2030 will see a daily community of 23,500 residents and 34,000 workers.
The open tender seeks a tenant to occupy the premises for a minimum fifteen years.
The tender closes on 31 July 2018.
</body></html>

Sydney Olympic Park Authority looking to lease space to a supermarket

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
If you think your local supermarket is shrinking, you might be right.
Coles has announced that it will open smaller-sized supermarkets in more locations. This follows the lead taken by other large retailers such as Woolworths, Harris Scarfe and Target.
Australia’s growing population may mean more customers, but it is also putting pressure on available real estate for retailers. As population density increases, mostly in urbanised areas, many retailers are shrinking to grow.
The blame for recent store closures has fallen mainly on Amazon and other global players entering the Australian market.
However, high rents, a lack of prime real estate, and rising inventory costs and wages have also contributed to the need to downsize.
Shrinking to grow
Retailers have responded to increased costs and competition in two ways: either by “rightsizing” - closing underperforming and unprofitable locations as Myer has done, or by “downsizing” - shrinking their store footprints.
Smaller store formats allow retailers to maintain a bricks-and-mortar presence at a more affordable cost.
Several established firms, as well as retail start-ups, are taking the small store trend a step further by opening “micro” stores.
Some retailers are also cleverly using smaller shopfronts as “click and collect” points for their online customers.
Smaller stores equal smaller rents. Retail rents are charged per square metre, meaning the bigger the store, the higher the rent.
To put it in perspective, while global retailers seek retail sites from anywhere between 7,500 square metres (Lululemon Athletica) to 40,000 square metres (Uniqlo), smaller stores typically measure around 600 square metres which is around a quarter of the size of the average supermarket.
Prime location retail rents continue to increase due to lack of available space and strong demand from overseas retailers such as Zara and H&amp;M, who are happy to pay up to A$20,000 per square metre per year to shore up key inner city locations.
Industry reports indicate that the Sydney CBD remains the most expensive for retailers, with an average of A$13,335 per square metre per year. Melbourne’s CBD is half the cost at A$6,670, Brisbane is A$4,704, Adelaide is A$4,000-5,000 and Perth is nearly A$4,000 per square metre per year.
Annual average rents in trendy inner-city suburbs, like Surry Hills and Wooloomooloo in Sydney, come in at almost A$14,000 per square metre.
So if you have a very small 80 square metre convenience store in a prime Sydney CBD location, your annual rent bill will be a little over A$1 million.
Going smaller can open up new, and often better, locations. As some real estate analysts noted last year, “with the current environment characterised by a lack of premium retail investment offerings” retailers are increasingly finding it difficult to snap up prime locations.
Going smaller therefore opens up more opportunities) for retailers to capitalise on prime locations, particularly in highly populated and affluent inner-urban and suburburban areas.
But there are other benefits too, such as less inventory, which also means less discounting. Smaller stores also require fewer staff, and less cleaning and maintenance.
What are the benefits for consumers?
Research shows that customers are increasingly suffering from choice overload, also known as the “tyranny of choice”.
This is particularly so for online shoppers and for those browsing the aisles in superstores, department stores and large chain stores. A limited product offering, in a much smaller space, helps consumers make decisions more easily, and appeals to those shoppers who are primarily looking for “convenience”.
Small stores appeal directly to a growing number of affluent baby boomers and millennials who shop more frequently with smaller basket sizes. These shoppers demand personalisation, special services and quality products.
Because small retailers have less inventory, they are able to turn stock over, replenish and refresh products at a much faster pace than their larger rivals. They can promise new items arriving in store at shorter intervals. The lure of “newness” is a very attractive prospect for shoppers.
Are smaller stores here to stay?
In 2018 and beyond, retailing will continue to evolve. Retailers have always had to adapt to meet changing consumer demands, advances in technology and the like.
A sure sign that physical retail is still alive and well is evident in the growing number of online retailers and established brands that are opening physical stores to complement their online offerings.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/98246/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Just as pop-up retailing has cemented itself in the retail landscape, smaller stores are also likely to become a significant long-term strategic proposition for the retail industry, where it is now “big to be small”.
Louise Grimmer, Lecturer in Marketing, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania
Gary Mortimer, Associate Professor in Marketing and International Business, Queensland University of Technology
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-store-why-your-local-supermarket-is-getting-smaller-98246" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

Why your local supermarket is getting smaller

<html><body>
Clayton Coles in Melbourne's south east has sold for $17,115,000, record a new record yield of 2.57 percent.
The previous record was held by Woolworths Middle Brighton which sold for $32 million on a 3.8% yield, and more recently Dan Murphys, Alphington which sold for $22.5 million on a yield of 3.2% via CBRE’s Premium Property Portfolio Auction Platform.
CBRE agents Mark Wizel, Justin Dowers, Kevin Tong and Dylan Kilner negotiated the sale on behalf of the deceased estate, which had been owned by the same family for over 20 years.
It was a local private investor who beat out a host of high profile investors, Asian investors and developers.
Coles Clayton was the first Victorian supermarket offered to the market in 2018.
The property on the corner of Centre Road and Cooke Street has a freestanding, 2850 sqm supermarket which has been trading since 1998.
It was sold subject to an estimated net annual income of $440,552.
CBRE's Mark Wizel said whilst the vendors had every intention of taking the property to auction, the offer was compelling enough for the estate trustee to sell prior.
“Although there was over 15 years of tenure to Coles, the buyer took a longer term view on the opportunity of owning a prominent Commercial 1 Zoned allotment within Metropolitan Melbourne,’’ Mr Wizel said.
 
</body></html>

Coles Clayton sells for new supermarket record yield

<html><body>
The supermarket wars are set to set up as Kaufland has secured its first site in Melbourne.
Kaufland, a discount German retailer, has purchased an empty Bunnings site in Dandenong for $16.4 million.
Kaufland is part of the Schwarz Group, the fourth-biggest retailer in the world.
Its “hypermarket” stores are typically four to five times bigger than a Coles or Woolworths.
The Gladstone Road, Dandenong property in Melbourne’s south-east includes 12,000 square metres of retail space on 3.3 hectares of land.
The Herald Sun said Spanish-born Jon Ruiz del Portal was appointed to the Kaufland Australia board this week.
It spent $25 million to buy a major site in the fringe of the Adelaide central business district last month.
</body></html>

Kaufland hits Melbourne as supermarket wars step up

<html><body>
A neighbourhood centre anchored by Woolworths and Aldi in Brisbane’s northern suburb of Warner has been listed for sale.
MarketPlace Warner is a ‘best in class’ shopping centre, with the Woolworths supermarket believed to be one of the best performing Woolworths in Queensland by MAT, with turnover well above Urbis benchmarks for a double supermarket anchored shopping centre.
It is being marketed by JLL through an expressions of interest campaign closing July 27. 
The listing agents are JLL’s Jacob Swan and Sam Hatcher.
Swan said neighbourhood shopping centres remained tightly held with only $347.6 million transacted this year, compared to a total of $1.6 billion in 2016. 
“Interestingly, of the 15 transactions that have occurred this year, nine have been in Queensland, highlighting investor confidence within Queensland’s retail market,” he said.  
He said private investors, syndicators and funds management groups were still actively seeking to invest in neighbourhood shopping centres, with competition for quality centres remaining strong.
“The defensive nature of these non-discretionary-based assets continues to appeal to the market.”
“The low-volatility of the spending profile within prime neighbourhood centres presents an ideal vehicle for capital preservation, while also providing a stable and attractive running yield.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/28/Woolies1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/28/Woolies1.png" alt="">
The shopping centre was redeveloped in 2014 to include an upgraded Woolworths supermarket spread on 4,485 sqm, a new Aldi supermarket and 37 other stores.
The site area is about 6.5 ha. 
The offering also includes a freestanding development pad site of 2,456 sqm, freestanding Goodstart Early Learning Child care and an adjoining balance land component of 4,305 sqm.  The centre provides a total combined GLA of 11,477 sqm.
JLL’s Sam Hatcher said there was significant growth to be had locally.
“We see growth in the retail spend and rental profile being realised through a large population of almost 70,000 in the Main Trade Area, projected to increase at 1.7% to 87,280 persons by 2036. In addition there are a total of 712 new dwellings under construction in the catchment/region, due to be completed in 2020.”
Total trade area retail expenditure is estimated at $905.5 million and is projected to grow to $2.3 billion by 2036, an average growth rate of 4.6%, he added.
 
</body></html>

Supermarkets

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Supermarkets

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News