Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Sydney Cbd

Joint venture development partners ICD Property and Belingbak have commenced a design competition for their redevelopment of a Sydney CBD tower.

The&nbsp;372-382A Pitt Street project will see&nbsp;five of Australia’s most renowned architects submit their future vision for the site, with the winner set to be appointed as the project’s architect.

Competing in the process is Woods Bagot, Neeson Murcutt &amp; Neille partnered with Bates Smart, Kelly Hill Architects partnered with Crone, Fitzpatrick &amp; Partners partnered with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, and fjmt studio – who will each design and present their interpretation for the future CBD tower before a jury of independent judges in January 2023.

<img alt="Render of the proposed tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2b3df7d-4a8e-45cb-aeca-4d2208fbe17a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/372%20PITT%20ST_Hero_FINAL.jpg?VersionId=4_9VCYJUBmnzvCcC.5rL4HRYGZms_nPr" />

The low-rise commercial building in Sydney’s CBD tech precinct is set to be transformed into a 58-storey tower comprising 30 luxury residences, along with a 297-room hotel and a collection of retail, entertainment, food and public art offerings.&nbsp;

ICD Property and Belingbak hope the competitive design process will fuel inspiration and uncover the highest and best design outcome for the aspirational tower.

ICD Property’s CEO Matt Khoo said they intentionally selected five distinct architecture teams to participate in 372 Pitt’s design competition, endeavouring to arrive at five very unique possibilities for the site.

Speaking to why no international architects were invited to compete, Khoo said it was important to utilise local talent.&nbsp;

“With the tower set to become a future landmark in Sydney’s urban fabric, we wanted it to be a reflection of the city’s inimitable charm, history, and people. It’s a very rare opportunity to be part of a skyline-defining tower in one of the world’s most famous cities,” Khoo said.&nbsp;

“The personal touch each local architect we selected could bring to this process felt necessary to do justice to our vision of a tower that will hopefully one day join the ranks of its neighbouring iconic landmarks.”

The developers are looking for the architects to celebrate the current building typology, with an activated street frontage and a diverse offering.&nbsp;

Belingbak’s founding Director, Jack Montgomery said the patina and character the surrounding buildings offer is priceless.&nbsp;

“The celebration of these elements will in turn provide for a captivating, inviting street frontage with an array of uses. Our vision for a vertical integrated tower will come to life as the new tower form takes shape,“ he said.

372 Pitt’s design competition officially commenced in November, with ICD and Belingbak aiming to announce a winner in January next year.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110966]

The joint venture has invited five of Australia’s most renowned architects to submit their future vision for the site, with the winner set to be appointed as the project’s architect.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Belingbak and ICD Property launch design excellence competition for 372 Pitt Street

The push for residential towers on the fringe of Sydney&#39;s most central park continues.

Chinese-Australian billionaire Hui Wing Mao is the latest to file plans overlooking Hyde Park in the middle of the Sydney CBD.

&nbsp;Mao&nbsp;is aiming to demolish the two office towers at 175 Liverpool Street, which he bought for&nbsp;$390 million in 2014, and create two residential towers, which will home 289 apartments across both 118 metre buildings.

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1130" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.00_pm.png" width="1656" /></a> 
The Liverpool Street towers from Hyde Park. Image credit: Bates Smart

Mao, who heads the Shanghai-based Shimao Group, always had plans to redevelop the commercial space into apartments, with the proposal also set to include the renewal of the existing pocket park to the south of the site.

The two 36-storey mixed-use towers will be separated with a through site link and a newly developed public open space, in addition to over 11,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, which will be located in the lower six levels of the tower and in the basement.

Following the second-round deliberations, the Jury selected by unanimous vote the&nbsp;<a aria-label="Bates Smart - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/architects/bates-smart" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart$batessmart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;scheme as the winner.&nbsp;

The Jury praised the scheme for its more solid fa&ccedil;ade response, with the widened masonry frame providing additional depth in the fa&ccedil;ade, reducing the tendency for the project to appear as a dark, glazed box and improving its passive solar control.

The&nbsp;<a aria-label="Bates Smart - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/architects/bates-smart" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart$batessmart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;scheme sought to create a respectful and responsive building, designed to be a &quot;quiet and calm&rdquo; backdrop to the Anzac Memorial.

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1116" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.22_pm.png" width="1706" /></a> 
How the towers will look from Hyde Park.&nbsp;Image credit: Bates Smart

&ldquo;Our aim is to build respectfully and quietly in the context of the War Memorial; neither replicating its materiality &amp; detail, nor negating them, but rather being a responsible supporting element in the of composition with the Memorial, and a complimentary backdrop,&rdquo; Bates Smart noted in their design application.

The scheme was also praised for its response to the ground plane, providing a successful through site link and Urban Room that responded to the wind issues on the site, and provided a useable space.

The Urban Room will incorporate an interpretative public artwork by Yhonnie Scarce, located off Liverpool Street, providing a connected, formal entry to the residential towers, as well as sheltered outdoor dining spaces and connection to the renewed pocket park.

&ldquo;Scaled to respond to the War Memorial it honours the historic sequence of spaces on the Memorial axis by extending it across our site to Surry Hills.&rdquo;

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1112" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.28_pm.png" width="1696" /></a> 
The proposed ground level retail space. Image credit: Bates Smart

Bates Smart said their primary intention was to respect the axial symmetry of the War Memorial and Hyde Park, which led them to design a pair of identifcal towers framing the Memorial Axis.

&quot;To respect the primacy of the Memorial we designed a &lsquo;quiet&rsquo; building free from visual distractions and unnecessary formal manipulation, that would not distract from the visual prominence of the memorial,&quot; the statement read.

&quot;Finally, we have created a civic architecture that respects the formality of Memorial and the Hyde Park axis; and indeed Hyde Park itself, as one of Sydney&rsquo;s greatest urban rooms.

&quot;Recalling the War Memorial&rsquo;s stately materiality and paired back simplicity, we developed a recessive palette of honed and polished precast concrete and brickwork, with bronze metallic detailing. Using the elemental simplicity of a column &amp; lintel frame as a unifying language, the finishes adjust to the contrasting urban conditions.

&quot;The frames vertical proportions reference the Memorial&rsquo;s scale and proportions and the towers terminate on the skyline in an open air loggia, balancing the compositions symmetry in a civic celebration of Hyde Park&rsquo;s axis.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="972" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_9.53.26_pm.png" width="1508" /></a> 
Where the two office towers currently stand. Image credit: Bates Smart

There&#39;s been a boom over the last 12 months around the leafy Hyde Park, with the supply of prime&nbsp;new CBD&nbsp;apartments not keeping up with the demand.

Currently selling&nbsp;is 111 Castlereagh Street, which sits just off Hyde Park, and Castle Residences, down the road at the other end of the park.

In the last year there&#39;s been plans submitted by Deicorp for their redevelopment of the Polding Centre, and Central Element has plans for a $100 million, 53-apartment tower to replace the 16-level Hyde Park Inn Hotel.

Last year the alternative asset manager&nbsp;<a aria-label="Fife Capital - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/developers/fife-capital" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/fife-capital$fifecapital">Fife Capital</a>, led by Allan Fife, submitted plans for a 17-level tower to&nbsp;sit alongside a heritage-conscious redevelopment of the George Bosch Chambers and St James Hotel&nbsp;building that has stood since the 1920s.

The development of two lots,&nbsp;114-120 Castlereagh Street and 139 Elizabeth Street, will see just 26 apartments built, only starting from level 10, with the rest of the building being commercial.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=113346]

The two 36-storey mixed-use towers will be separated with a through site link and a newly developed public open space, in addition to nearly 11,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, which will be located in the lower six levels of the tower and in the basement.

Sydney CBD's residential push continues with new Hyde Park dual-tower development plans

The Chatswood CBD skyline is set for a further revamp, with plans for a soaring 90-metre tower lodged by the continually busy Goldfields Group.

Located at 871-877 Pacific Hwy, the $50.6 million project is set to deliver 76 apartments, along with three levels of retail and office space, on a 1,432 sqm site wedged between the North Shore Rail Line and the Pacific Hwy.

Make Architects were selected to lead the design of the project following a competition, with the initial entries lodged back in 2021, before being reworked and refined to what it is today.

The buildings form is massed, with the strategy in place to create a clean, slender tower, according to the architects.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1044" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-19_at_12.34.45_pm.png" width="780" /></a> 
A render of the proposed development at&nbsp;at 871-877 Pacific Hwy. Credit: Make Architects

“The resulting envelope is a simple elegant mass, split into 4 vertical quadrants. An open level of residential amenity helps create a clear delineation between the commercial podium and the residential tower above,” said Make in their design proposal.

Built with a series of four vertical blade walls, the development intends to maximise both residential and public amenity by the way of outdoor terraces and public open space.

The facades of the bladed walls have been designed to maximise solar amenity, views and ventilation, while also providing shading and privacy.

Residences begin from level four, with the vertical blade walls splitting the floor plate into four quadrants, with each quarter becoming its own apartment.

“This promotes a feeling of individuality and ownership as well as providing visual privacy for each apartment,” Make Architects commented.

Levels 13 to 22 will home the typical mid residences, with this section of the building containing three apartments per floor.

The upper residences land across levels 23 to 25, with two three-bedroom apartments proposed, each with their own corner balcony, as well as a dedicated master-bedroom balcony.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="776" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-23_at_3.00.38_pm.png" width="1296" /></a> 
Podium axonometric. Credit: Make Architects.

Crowning the tower, on level 26 will be the single penthouse apartment, with the quadruple-aspect residence providing 360 degree views out over Chatswood and to the distant Sydney CBD. Following an open plan design internally, the penthouse benefits from a large south facing entertaining terrace and adjoining plant room, as well as two north facing corner terraces.

There will be 11 one-bedroom apartments,&nbsp;48 two-bedders, and 17 three-bedroom apartments.

Private residential amenity is shared over the two podium rooftop levels. The southern rooftop at level two provides communal working and dining facilities, equipped with an outdoor dining area and a fire pit lounge, set amongst a walled garden and a planted terrace edge.

With a blend of social and practical uses, this amenity space provides residents with a tangible connection to lush green landscaping and native species says Make.

“Residents are encouraged to connect with nature by nurturing and harvesting the culinary species grown within the raised planters on the terrace.”

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">To track the project and be alerted when it hits sale, enquire here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-3-wilson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="613" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-23_at_4.52.28_pm_0.png" width="770" /></a> 
Proposal axonometric. Credit: Make Architects

The level three northern podium rooftop will provide an expansive external leisure terrace fitted out with an 18-metre lap pool, yoga terrace, sunken lounge, floating sunbeds and a garden reading lounge.

With a string of other major proposals currently under assessment, Goldfields said “the proposal would meet population growth in Chatswood partly driven by the opening of the new Metro station which links the suburb to Sydney’s north west.”

The north shore rail line runs along the eastern boundary of the site with the development nearby to Chatswood Station and other transport links. Future cycle lanes are also intended along both the Pacific Highway and Anderson Street, allowing improved cycle access into Chatswood CBD and the wider area.

The area is due to undergo significant redevelopment as part of the Chatswood CBD strategy 2036, which will see a considerable expansion of the existing CBD to the north, with the proposal to be located at the northern tip on the new CBD.

The proposal is among a growing list of skyscrapers planned in the Chatswood CBD including a 26 storey redevelopment of the Chatswood Mandarin Centre, a 22 storey expansion of Chatswood RSL, a 15 story apartment building at 3 Ellis St, and three towers on the corner of Victoria Ave and Brown St that would include an 18 storey hotel.

Make Architects were selected to lead the design of the project following a competition, with the initial entries lodged back in 2021, before being reworked and refined to what it is today.

Goldfields Group lodge plans for Chatswood apartments

The landmark Sydney CBD watering hole, the Shelbourne Hotel,&nbsp;is set to look a little different.

The hotel at 200-202 Sussex Street, affectionately known by locals as &quot;The Shelly&quot; since its construction in 1902, looks like it will undergo a huge redevelopment, which will see a tower built above the current building and&nbsp;its heri​tage facade restored.

Turner Studio has put together the concept plans, which will also see the currently hotel reconfigured. Above&nbsp;is&nbsp;set to be 42 apartments, a mix of 17 one-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedders and just four three-bedroom apartments.

There will be around 5,700 sqm of residential floor area across the tower, and 830 sqm of non-residential, which will be either offices or retail.

The submission was prepared on behalf of Towncorp Pty Ltd, directed by the Shelbourne&#39;s owners, the Powell family.

<a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw"><img alt="" height="828" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shelbourne_hotel_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The proposed tower, to the left of the PWC building. Image credit: Turner Studio

&quot;There is a significant opportunity to re-establish the Hotel&rsquo;s connection to the public domain; retain and celebrate the heritage character of the Hotel; and create a slender tower addition that will contribute to the architectural diversity within the CBD skyline,&quot;&nbsp;a report by urban solutions company Ethos Urban noted.

&quot;The Shelbourne Hotel was built in 1902 and at the time was a key landmark adjacent to Pyrmont Bridge at the western gateway to the city.

&quot;Overtime, the Hotel and the surrounding area&rsquo;s legibility, connectivity to public domain and the Pyrmont Bridge has diminished.

&quot;The redevelopment has the potential to re-establish the Hotel&rsquo;s relationship and connections with the street and wider public domain and reactivate the immediate area in a manner that compliments the future Cockle Bay redevelopment, celebrates the site&rsquo;s heritage and creates a slender gateway tower at the corner of Sussex Street and Market Street.

&quot;Redevelopment will bring new life to an aged asset.&quot;

"Overtime, the Hotel and the surrounding area’s legibility, connectivity to public domain and the Pyrmont Bridge has diminished," a report submission noted.

Sydney's Shelbourne Hotel gets concept plan for mixed-use apartment, retail and commercial tower

Cbus Property have reported the sale of three luxury apartments worth $66 million in the 111 Castlereagh St development.

The buyers came from the eastern suburbs and lower north shore.

The biggest sale was a 460sq m double-storey penthouse that fetched about $35 million.

It is called the Jones Residence,&nbsp;named after Sir Charles Lloyd Jones who led the success of the David Jones expansion on which the property sits.

The residence boasts 360‑degree views across the city and towards the Blue Mountains, capturing Hyde Park, Sydney Harbour, the Eastern Suburbs and beyond.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170432]

The two smaller sub penthouses in the 101-unit project sold for about $15.5 million each.

The sales marked "a resurgence in the return of Sydney city living and the ongoing appetite for high-end, primely located residential property, despite the challenges of the current COVID-19 climate,” Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo said.

Selling agent Colliers Residential managing director Peter Chittenden said the four-bedroom penthouse occupies part of level 33 and the entire 34th level and includes two kitchens, living areas, a wine cellar and a butler’s pantry.

Cbus has two four-bedroom sky homes and a selection of expansive one, two and three-bedroom residences still for sale in the project set to be finished by the end of 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94354]

Three luxury apartments have been sold off-the-plan in the 111 Castlereagh St development

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

$35 million penthouse sale secured in 111 Castlereagh by Cbus

The Sydney CBD is set for a new mixed-use residential and office development.

Fife Capital, the alternative asset manager led by Allan Fife, has lodged plans for two towers in the heart of the CBD, one residential and one commercial&nbsp;at 114-120 Castlereagh Street and 139 Elizabeth Street.

Fife paid $46 million for the two sites last year&nbsp;when buying from the hotelier Kim Maloney, the publican at Hotel Bondi.

114-120 Castlereagh, currently home to George Bosch Chambers,&nbsp;spans eight storeys and dates back to the mid 1920s. The St James Hotel currently occupies the lower ground, ground and first level.

That building will stay, with GML Heritage stating the building is culturally significant and should be retained and conserved, despite no heritage overlay of the 1920s-built building which underwent a renovation in the mid-1980s.

139 Elizabeth, to the rear of the Castlereagh building fronting Hyde Park, is a four-storey masonry building. With no significant enough heritage or streetscape impact, 139 Elizabeth will be demolished and make way for the 17-level apartment tower, which will home just 26 luxury apartments.

<img alt="" height="932" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_location_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The development will be located across the road from&nbsp;the well-known David Jones Men&rsquo;s Store, which will be redeveloped by CBUS in to a 22-level residential tower at 77 Market Street. Source: City of Sydney

There will be&nbsp;one, two and three bedroom apartments, and a two-level, four bedroom penthouse across levels 15 and 16.

The majority of the units will face the park, with some facing Castlereagh Street and the lower levels facing Elizabeth Street and will contain wintergreens. A landscaped communal open space has been designed above the commercial building at level 10.&nbsp;The roof terrace provides communal facilities including BBQ area, outdoor dining and recreation areas.

<img alt="" height="805" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_3_plan.jpeg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed Elizabeth Street frontage. Source: City of Sydney Council

Fife commissioned the Chippendale-based Tony Owen Partners to prepare the development application. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Whilst the site is tight, the proposal maximises the potential for landscaped are in this small inner city site,&rdquo; the design verification statement&nbsp;read.

Tony Owen Partners designed the 17-storey residential tower The&nbsp;Eliza, which adjoins one of the building&#39;s on Elizabeth Street for the Ceerose Group. 
 
<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=106443&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/template_photoshop_sydneycbd.png" width="1200" /></a>

There was a design advisory panel held between the City of Sydney and Tony Owen Partners&nbsp;in February where issues about the development were discussed&nbsp;and resolved.

Overview of proposal:&nbsp;

&bull; Retention of retail space on the ground floor and basement of Castlereagh St building.&nbsp;

&bull; Retention of the fa&ccedil;ade and majority of building fabric of Castlereagh St building.&nbsp;

&bull; Existing levels of the Castlereagh St building to be refurbished as a commercial building as present.&nbsp;

&bull; Additional levels above the exiting building on Castlereagh St containing residential uses.

&bull; Additional cores and structure if required to support additional built form.&nbsp;

&bull; A new building on Elizabeth Street consisting of residential uses.

The development also located up the road from the soon-to-be-completed Castle Residences, the luxury 131 apartment by Urban Development Sydney which sits at 203 Castlereagh Street.

The Candalepas Associates-designed, 36-level tower, which incorporates hotel suites as well as residential apartments, is set for completion in December.

Urban Development Sydney has just relaunched the $18 million penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150461]

Fife paid $46 million for the two sites in 2020 when buying from the hotelier Kim Maloney, the publican at Hotel Bondi.

Exclusive: Fife Capital lodge Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD mixed-use apartment and office development

The Greg Shand-owned Barana Group are set to tweak their Kent Street, Sydney CBD mixed-use development.

They&#39;ve submitted a proposal to the City of Sydney Council which would sees the&nbsp;$88 million FJMT-designed tower no&nbsp;longer interconnected along the bottom levels.

Barana now want the towers to stand separately at 189-197 Kent Street. They are also seeking to raise the height of the approved development site to 110 metres from 80&nbsp;metres, as well as bring&nbsp;the north tower height closer to the south tower.

Barana&#39;s wording suggests they aren&#39;t expecting to see the amendment refused,&nbsp;given the development sits within a &#39;tower cluster&#39; area.

<img alt="" height="803" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/barana_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The original proposal was for the towers to be interconnected.&nbsp;Image source: City of Sydney

&quot;This &lsquo;amending&rsquo; DA seeks approval for additional height on the southern tower, removal of interconnected massing between the two towers, increased width of the through-site link, increased ground level setbacks to Kent Street, a resultant altered building envelope, and other design minor changes,&quot; the submission read.

&quot;Barana Group seeks to increase the building height of the south tower to meet the street frontage of the southern neighbour. This will allow a more gradual transition from the 80 height of the northern neighbour to the 110 m height of the southern neighbour separated by the through-site link forming a shadow joint.

&quot;These changes have been informed by the Central Sydney Planning Strategy and accompanying amendments to the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012, expected to be gazetted in mid-2021, which will increase the height limit for the site to 110m and identify it as being within a &lsquo;tower cluster&rsquo; area.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=104764&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sydney-cbd-_template_9.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&quot;The proposed amendments do not alter the key approved key development metrics, including the number of dwellings, gross floor area and car parking numbers/layout.

There will be 125 apartments across one of the 24 storey towers.

A stage one development application was&nbsp;originally approved in September 2015. Five years later a&nbsp;new stage one development application&nbsp;was approved, superseding the 2014 application approval.

That was modified in December 2020 to reflect the stage two development application design from FJMT, who won a&nbsp;Competitive Design Alternatives Process which was held in accordance with the City of Sydney Competitive Design Policy and Design Excellence Strategy.

FJMT&rsquo;s scheme was selected by the panel as the winning design, beating design entries from Koichi Takada Architects, Woods Bagot and Bates Smart.

Barana's wording suggests they aren't expecting to see the amendment refused, given the development sits within a 'tower cluster' area

Barana Group seek to make mixed-use Kent Street, Sydney CBD tower taller

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The former Macquarie banker-turned-Nulux Energy chairman Tony Ferguson and his doctor wife Robin sold their off the plan Sydney apartment on Christmas Eve.

It ranks among Sydney’s highest apartments with their 2014 off-the-plan sub-penthouse on the 82nd floor of the yet to be completed Greenland Centre in the CBD.

The skyscraper is still under construction, with the couple deciding to stay in their $4.7 million Stamford on Kent Millers Point in-between apartment home since their Pymble home sold for $8.5 million

The sub-penthouse 82.01/115 Bathurst Street comes with a private lift.

Spanning about 179 square metres, it has views from the Sydney heads to Darling Harbour.

Each of the three bedrooms will have an en suite. There is also a study area.

Nic Krasnostein at Ray White Double Bay had a June expressions of interest for what was marketed as the building’s only north-facing sub-penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

The contract resale was up for $9.5 million to $10 million through Krasnostein and Residence Property’s Alex Vrisakis.

There was a $35 million asking price by Chinese-backed developer Greenland Australia for the King penthouse above.

The Greenland Australia developed Greenland Centre Sydney on Bathurst Street was anticipated for a 2020 completion, however delays now see its estimated completion towards the end of 2021.

The $700 million tower will soar 235 metres in to the sky with 481 apartments over the 67 levels to a design by Woods Bagot and BVN.

The Bathurst Street block initially saw a the 300 apartments in stage one sell out nearly eight years ago, with prices ranging from $595,000 for a studio to $4.38 million for a three bed, with a then anticipated 2017 completion date.
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It ranks among Sydney’s highest apartments situated on the 82nd floor of the yet to be completed Greenland Centre in the CBD.

jchancellor

Greenland Centre sub-penthouse off the plan resale

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Plans have been lodged to the City of Sydney council for a new hotel in the heart of the CBD.
The $57 million plans by Element Property Group will see the heritage-listed 1930s warehouse at 499 Kent Street remain, incorporating a new hotel set back from the front of the building.
<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/2020/NOV/24/Kent%20St%20hotel.jpg" alt="">
Element paid $52.5 million for the 810 sqm site, which was famously the film exchange for Universal Studios, in February.
In 2018 it was listed seeking over $55 million.
They've had the Sydney CBD firm PTW Architects draw up plans for the 220-room hotel which will retail on the ground level, a gym, a cafe, dining and lounge area and eight levels of basement parking.
PTW engaged UAP, an internationally renowned art and design firm specialising in collaborative place-making and the management of integrated art and design solutions for the public realm.
<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/2020/NOV/24/Kent%20St%20Hotel%203.jpg" alt="">
They prepared a Public Art Strategy doc for the development.
"The vision for the proposed redevelopment of the site is to deliver a boutique hotel that will provide welcoming ground floor public realm encouraging interaction between the building and the street frontage of Druitt Lane and Kent Street," the Public Art Strategy document reads.
"The façade of the building is unique and is designed in an Inter-War Stripped Classical Style, characterised by decorative panels with film motifs. 
"Public art will be integrated into the very fabric of the development, becoming a feature that will draw guests and visitors into the building from the street as well as promote, and further educate viewers on the fascinating history of the site."
In the early 1930s a building was built for iron merchants Thomas McPherson &amp; Son, who had been operating a warehouse and store at 493-95 Kent Street since 1884.
A few years later all buildings on the subject site were demolished, including part of the 1933 bulk store.
A new building was constructed for the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, to plans by architect Percy William Ritchie, by builders Stuart Bros.
The basement became the new bulk store for Thomas McPherson while the three upper floors are occupied by Universal Pictures, the lessee. 
 
 
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Plans lodged for new Sydney CBD hotel above former Universal Film warehouse

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Agents within Sydney inner city/east are reporting only a slight drop in listing numbers for owner occupier type properties, with an increase in off market activity within this market segment, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm presented an 'investor playbook' of real estate performance within each service area this month. 
"However, investor activity appears to have dropped sharply, particularly in more homogenous medium and high density areas such as Haymarket, Zetland and Forest Lodge. This is largely driven by declines in rental demand pushing rents lower and therefore reducing overall returns," the valuation firm said. 
According to SQM Research residential vacancy rates for Zetland peaked in May at a record high of 6.0 per cent and have slightly reduced to 5.7 per cent throughout June. 
A similar trend can be seen at Mascot with vacancy rates peaking in June at 7.4 per cent as per SQM Research. Across the city within the inner west suburb of Pyrmont house rents fell by 11.8 per cent over the past year (Domain).
The report notes the sharp reduction in rental demand within these locations is resulting in lower rents and extended vacancy periods, this ultimately has a negative effect on sale prices given that investors are concerned about rental returns and also whether there will be any upside capital growth in the next few years.
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A recent sale of a two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-mascot-132917998" target="_blank">612/149-161 O’Riordan Street, Mascot</a> (pictured below) is a good example of this.
 
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Previously sold during April 2016 for $800,000 and has recently been sold during July by the same agency for $790,000. 
This result demonstrates how investment grade properties within certain high-density locations are performing subpar when compared to owner occupier style properties such as freestanding homes or larger modern townhouse/terraces within the surrounding area, the report noted. 
Current asking rents for two- bedroom units within the building range from $600 to$700 per week.
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"Based on what we are seeing, and information from local real estate agents, it appears that more first homebuyers are entering the market which does help increase demand for some of the investment style apartments, however there is still an oversupply of apartments advertised for sale and lease within these locations such as Zetland and Mascot," the valuation firm said. 
Going forward it seems unlikely that this trend will significantly improve in the near future particularly while the impacts of COVID-19 are at play.
There are currently opportunities to purchase investment properties at prices similar or even lower than what they were sold for over the last few years, however this is assuming that someone can tolerate the reduced rental income and ‘ride out the storm’ until the market starts to recover.
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"On a positive note this region of Sydney is always going to benefit from proximity to the CBD, good infrastructure and various services and amenities which make the inner suburbs of Sydney a popular place to live and invest in property," the valuation firm said. 
The area is already well serviced for public transport, however the future Metro West and Metro City &amp; Southwest lines will provide additional transport options for some of these inner ring suburbs.
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"As always we believe that the strongest investment properties over the long-term will be those that are well-positioned, quality-built/designed, lower density developments and freestanding/semi- detached dwellings or the older properties that have renovation upside." 
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