A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Sydney Cbd

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Much of the traffic using Sydney’s Anzac Bridge and, in the distance, Harbour Bridge is travelling through the city centre, not to it or from it. 
People are debating the need for new roads and in particular the need to build <a href="https://www.westconnex.com.au/" target="_blank">WestConnex</a> in Sydney. These discussions are always about more or less cars, relief of congestion or not, and pollution. This article offers a new perspective: if WestConnex is built in full, most cars will no longer need to drive through (or alongside) the city centre.
This could open the way to new uses for current highway corridors. Much less traffic in the city centre would deliver a much better urban environment.
Most drivers along current routes to the city centre aren’t using these to actually reach the centre and stay there. WestConnex connects the destinations of many drivers through the city from the west, the northern beaches and south to the airport and beyond. Once traffic is diverted underground, these drivers will be able to bypass (or travel under) the city centre (see figure 1).
This is similar to the changes the <a href="https://www.linkt.com.au/sydney/using-sydney-toll-roads/cross-city-tunnel" target="_blank">Cross City Tunnel</a> delivered for the inner west and eastern suburbs, but on a much bigger scale.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202059/original/file-20180116-53292-1msbxxm.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 1: Westconnex and its northern and southern underground connections. Rob Roggema
<h2>Making the best of WestConnex</h2>
Hardly any Western country is building highways <a href="https://www.worldfinance.com/infrastructure-investment/project-finance/how-the-construction-of-elevated-highways-came-to-an-end" target="_blank">any more</a>. Many are tearing down the expressways that separate their city centres from the waterfronts, including <a href="http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TheBigDig.aspx">Boston’s Big Dig</a> project, San Francisco’s <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/06/05/san-franciscos-waterfront-freeway-was-removed-25-years-ago-no-one-misses-it">Embarcadero removal</a>, and <a href="https://landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration" target="_blank">Cheonggyecheon</a> in Seoul.
It is <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-more-roads-really-mean-less-congestion-for-commuters-39508" target="_blank">questionable</a> whether WestConnex is the best solution for congestion problems. However, the project is well under way. What is more important now is to identify its potential benefits for other areas and ensure current decision-making locks these in.
When WestConnex and associated highway links are completed, these will effectively create a bypass two kilometres west of the CBD. This could remove much of the traffic now entering city centre.
Traffic flows southward to the airport will be diverted using the <a href="https://www.westconnex.com.au/projects/m4-m5-link" target="_blank">M4-M5 tunnel link</a>. The <a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-north/western-harbour-tunnel-beaches-link/index" target="_blank">Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link</a> will eventually connect the M4 to north Sydney. (Click on the blue links in the map below to see how these combine to replace existing routes, in red).
In the city centre itself, more than 90% of people walk to get around. Only <a href="https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017/sydney-city-centre-access-strategy-final-web.pdf" target="_blank">2% of trips are by car</a>. Still, 25% of trips to the city centre (only 14% during peak hour) are by car, most of which probably require parking.
To sum up:
<ul>
<li>
Traffic on Anzac Bridge would be reduced significantly if cars heading to the north shore (using the traverse towards Harbour Bridge), the eastern suburbs (using the <a href="https://www.linkt.com.au/sydney/using-sydney-toll-roads/cross-city-tunnel" target="_blank">Cross City Tunnel</a>) and the airport (using the Eastern Distributor) were redirected.
</li>
<li>
Drivers coming over the Harbour Bridge from the north, heading to the western suburbs, could be diverted from the Harbour Bridge-Anzac Bridge, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Distributor_(Sydney)" target="_blank">Western Distributor</a> route.
</li>
</ul>
Tolls would influence traffic flows, so a strategic approach should be taken to ensure the best outcome for the whole city, not just maximising toll revenues.
<h2>What parts of the city could benefit?</h2>
While WestConnex may be an outdated way of managing congestion, it can also be seen as an enormous window of opportunity to free up space in the heart of the city. Imagine what relief it could bring to parts of the city now under or along stretches of highway.
Possible benefits include:
1) It makes it possible to minimise the bundle of infrastructure in between Kirribilli, North Sydney and Neutral Bay.
The areas on both sides of the current highway could be reconnected in the longer term. North Sydney would connect to Neutral Bay across a reduced highway corridor. This would create a new north shore focus, accessible for residents, workers, students and visitors (figure 2).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202048/original/file-20180116-53307-wi0ca4.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 2: potential development space in North Sydney. Rob Roggema
This new larger centre would face Sydney city centre, across the harbour, like Brooklyn faces Manhattan. It could easily accommodate 11,500 new residents, 780,000m2 of commercial space and 78,000 jobs (6.5 times the size of <a href="http://www.barangaroo.com/" target="_blank">Barangaroo</a> at half its density).
2) It opens up the possibility of removing the Western Distributor, the elevated highways along the western edge of the CBD, which separates the city from the water.
In Pyrmont, bringing the Anzac Bridge off-ramp down to ground, and possibly linking to the Cross City Tunnel, could bring the city to the waterfront. Pyrmont could be reconnected to the old <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/the-nsw-government-wants-to-move-the-sydney-fish-market-and-sell-the-old-site-off-for-apartments-2016-11" target="_blank">fishmarket</a> and <a href="http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/wentworth-park" target="_blank">Wentworth Park</a> (figure 3).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202049/original/file-20180116-53292-1tvpphf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 3: potential development space in Pyrmont. Rob Roggema
It would be possible to remove the elevated highway separating Darling Harbour and the International Convention Centre from parkland and current car parks. The development potential of this large, north-facing area is huge – the space that could be freed up is three times Barangaroo’s present land area (figure 4).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202050/original/file-20180116-53295-n0fmuz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 4: potential development space in Darling Harbour. Rob Roggema
It then becomes possible to reconnect old warehouses with each other and Tumbalong Park with the water to face Cockle Bay.
We could “complete” the renewal of the western edge of the city centre by connecting it with Circular Quay, and improve connectivity between Town Hall and George Street with the Darling Harbour waterfront (figure 5).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202051/original/file-20180116-53324-1idp0zy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 5: potential development space in the Harbour Bridge corridor. Rob Roggema
Many heavily trafficked, fast-flowing one-way streets could become slow-moving two-way streets, as happened to Crown Street when the Eastern Distributor was completed.
Freeing up road space allows for the creation of more walkable and enjoyable public spaces. This would also increase the environmental and ecological quality of the urban environment, and reduce flash flooding. A greener city centre emerges that glues the eastern and western CBD together.
If traffic along the Harbour Bridge corridor is reduced, the Cahill Expressway could be repurposed or removed, realising the dream of generations of urban planners and designers (figure 6).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/202052/original/file-20180116-53324-tm4qtf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Figure 6: potential development space in Circular Quay. Rob Roggema
This prime area facing Circular Quay could be redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, so people could easily cross from the CBD to the ferries. Circular Quay stop is the best possible way to arrive in Sydney, so the trains would remain, but the rail system should be redesigned as a lean piece of infrastructure, hardly noticed by people crossing underneath. The redevelopment space is mainly suited for retail and hospitality aimed at tourists.
3) It makes it possible to give the Harbour Bridge back to Sydneysiders.
With much less car traffic, some of the bridge’s eight lanes could be used for public transport (two lanes were added when tram services ceased in 1958), cycling and pedestrians, including a longitudinal park on top of the bridge.
In New York, Times Square was given back to residents of the city. Sydney Harbour Bridge, too, could become a place for people to linger and enjoy the views, rather than just drive across.
As a result of all this, the city centre, both north and south of Sydney Harbour, could be primarily devoted to pedestrians and cyclists. It would remain extremely well connected by public transport and accessible for vehicles delivering goods and people.
A frequent light rail service could connect the city centre to the northern beaches, just as you can travel by subway from Manhattan to Coney Island and by tram from the Melbourne CBD to St Kilda. It would run all the way from Manly, via North Sydney, Harbour Bridge and connecting to Wynyard Station (using the old tunnel).
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/90171/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Many oppose WestConnex, and for some good reasons, but what if it enabled central Sydney’s iconic spaces to be transformed for the better? The investments in WestConnex could be leveraged to create significant urban improvements in Pyrmont, connecting the western corridor of the city centre with Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, and reconnecting the great divide of North Sydney.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rob-roggema-351369" target="_blank">Rob Roggema</a>, Professor of Sustainable Urban Environments, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/craig-allchin-440449">Craig Allchin</a>, Adjunct Professor of Architecture, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-how-westconnex-can-deliver-sydney-a-better-city-centre-90171" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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How WestConnex can deliver a better city centre

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Dexus Property Group will manage the car parks within 24 of its buildings via innovative provider DIVVY's new enterprise platform.
Dexus and DIVVY have announced the launch of a new parking management solution with an agreement to roll-out DIVVY’s Platform parking solution to its major office buildings around the country.
DIVVY’s new Platform Solution offers a turn-key online solution for major car park owners to manage all parking bays including underutilised spaces. 
Designed for large property portfolios, DIVVY Platform is a real-time parking system enabling the optimal utilisation of parking bays.
Dexus has been one of the DIVVY longstanding clients since 2015.
The asset management tool enables property teams to optimise parking management along with providing car park access online through an app.
The smart access device technology, cloud-based management dashboard and customer mobile app combine to provide an asset management system which delivers real-time portfolio and asset analytics. 
The new service will be rolled out to 24 of Dexus’s major office buildings in Australia including 30 The Bond and 45 Clarence Street in the Sydney CBD, 480 Queen Street and 123 Albert Street in Brisbane, 360 Collins Street in Melbourne and 240 St Georges Terrace in Perth.
Roll-out will commence in December 2017 and is expected to complete in March 2018.
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Divvy and Dexus arrive at new deal for CBD car parking 

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Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) has finalised the sale of 130 Pitt Street in Sydney for $229 million.
It was bought by PA Realty, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Estate Co and CLSA Real Estate, on an initial yield of 3.7%, reflecting $21,000 per sqm.
Acquired by ICPF for $112.15 million in 2007, the building has 10,098 sqm of net lettable area and is located adjacent to the MLC Centre, walking distance to Pitt Street Mall and Town Hall Station, with prime retail shop frontage to Pitt Street. ICPF fund manager Jason Leong its is an outstanding result which delivers on ICPF’s strategy of divesting non-core assets within the portfolio at an opportune time in the cycle.
The transaction achieves a strong result for investors, delivering a premium to current valuation.”
Proceeds from the sale will be used to reinvest in the fund’s development pipeline and position the capital of the fund to take advantage of compelling acquisitions in the market.
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Investa Commercial Property Fund sells 130 Pitt Street in Sydney

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Pfizer Australia, one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies, is relocating its Australian office into a new building in the heart of the Sydney CBD. 
The building - Barrack Place, at 151 Clarence St, will be one of the most advanced buildings in its class in Sydney when it is finished in 2018.
Pfizer will occupy the top four floors of this new prestigious building in an emerging entrepreneurial and innovation hub. The immediate business precinct is where many innovative businesses have set up such as Atlassian and Apple.
Melissa McGregor, managing director of Pfizer Australia said the company are proud of their manufacturing legacy at their West Ryde site over the past 60 years.
“Locating Pfizer Australia in this burgeoning business precinct - in the heart of the Sydney CBD - positions us strongly for the next 60 years. We are making a deliberate move to be at the cross section of society – businesses, Government, customers, and the general community all intersect in the Sydney CBD. 
“We will be part of the innovation and creativity that surrounds the area. In part because of the location, we will continue to attract vibrant and talented people to work at Pfizer Australia, as we have done for many years.”
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Pfizer is delivering on its sustainability responsibilities by getting 400 single- occupancy cars off the road every business day.
The building is currently under construction and is being built to world-class standards in terms of amenities, energy rating and environmental sustainability.
“As it’s a new building, we have the opportunity to design, shape and construct our internal workspace to our exacting and unique specifications. As you can appreciate, such opportunities are rare – particularly in this exciting location,” McGregor said.
Pfizer Australia plans to move its employees by December 2018 when building works are completed. Pfizer was assisted by Pepper Property for its Sydney office search.
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Pfizer Australia to relocate to a state of the art CBD location in 2018

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The Ryan family have sold the Republic Hotel on the corner of Pitt and Bridge streets in Sydney's CBD to international property fund in an off-market deal.
The deal was settled for an undisclosed sum through Ray White's Andrew Jolliffe.
It comes on the heels of another high-profile pub sale. The Justin Hemmes-led Merivale recently snapped up Vic on the Park Hotel in Sydney's Inner West in a deal estimated to be between $22 million to $25 million.
Republic Hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade, including the introduction of a rooftop bar.
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The deal, concluded this week, sees the well-known hotelier Patrick Ryan enter into an agreement to lease back the business operation of the asset after 17 years of ownership of the four-storey hotel. 
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Jolliffe, who would not be drawn on price, or the identity of the purchaser, believes there is strong interest in AAA Grade property in top Australian cities. 
"Sydney is enjoying a demonstrable surge in infrastructure investment, and astute investors right throughout our Asia Pacific database have highlighted this point,” he said.
"We have averaged an exit yield of approximately 8% for our clients when considering our last 20 transactions this year, and accordingly restate our view that the considered argument for further yield compression remains likely.” 
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The Ryan family sell Republic Hotel in Sydney CBD to global property fund  

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Two office suites in Sydney CBD’s prized financial precinct have changed hands for a total of nearly $1.2 million in separate deals.
Both the suites at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-502425230" target="_blank">84 Pitt Street</a> were sold via private treaty.
The building, once known as the Australian Business &amp; Conference Travel House, spans 15 storeys and includes almost 70 strata titled units.
The suite at the rear of Level 1 of 74 sqm sold for $705,000, while another 43 sqm suite on the southern side of Level 10 sold for $475,000.
The deals were negotiated by Ray White Commercial’s John Skufris and Will Mulvihill of Henderson &amp; Horning on behalf of private owners.
"Both suites sold via private treaty with purchasers planning to eventually owner occupy,” said John Skufris of Ray White.
Another 75 sqm office suite near Martin Place is on the market. The suite is located at Hengrove Hall, 193 Macquarie Street.
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Office suites in Sydney CBD strata building sell for $1.2 millon

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Centuria Property Funds has sold the Swire House in Sydney CBD for $270.05 million, nearly triple the amount it paid for the office asset in 2013.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-502505282" target="_blank">10 Spring Street</a> building was purchased in 2013 for $91.64 million.
The office building was bought by Lendlease's Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial, Fairfax Media reported. Lendlease owns 8 Spring Street and its APPF trust and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the nearby 1 O'Connell Street.
The 10 Spring Street purchase would allow Lendlease to consolidate that block for a larger development over time.
The final sale price is an outstanding outcome for investors, reflecting a capital value rate per square metre of $19,477, Centuria said in a media release.
The record breaking price for the B-grade office sale in Sydney means Centuria’s investors’ equity investment tripled over the four years, it said.
The sale was handled by Simon Fenn, Graeme Russell and Ben Azar of Savills along with Josh Cullen and Rick Butler of INC RE.
Jason Huljich, CEO Unlisted Property Funds for Centuria, said he was unsurprised by the strong level of buyer interest.
“High quality properties in such an excellent location don’t often come onto the market, and 10 Spring Street has the advantage of appealing to a range of buyers,” said Huljich.
“We believed it would be attractive for purchasers looking to buy and hold the property, with a strong passing net income and the upside of fixed annual rental increases of around 4%. In addition, the weighted average lease expiry (WALE) is relatively short at around three years, offering the chance to capitalise on the strong demand for B-grade office space in the Sydney CBD when leases come up for renewal.”
According to the Property Council of Australia, the Sydney CBD is currently experiencing its lowest vacancy rates in close to a decade, and net effective rents in B grade offices have increased by 60% in 2016 alone.
The 1,505 sqm site has dual street frontages and will benefit from the new infrastructure and transport initiatives currently under construction.
“Prior to the sale, we worked with our architects on the redevelopment potential of the site and we were able to show interested buyers two broad indicative schemes. One involves redevelopment of the existing property, and a second envisages amalgamation with surrounding sites to create a significant mixed-use development,” Huljich said.
When Centuria bought the building, it was 20% vacant, but the fund was attracted to the property because of its prime location, in what is now a Strategic Site as identified in the City of Sydney Draft Planning Strategy 2016, providing the potential to construct a tower of up to 290 metres in height.
In addition, Centuria’s active management of the property, including a program of upgrades and investment, has seen record B-grade rents achieved of up to $1,200 psqm and the building becoming fully leased.
“10 Spring Street has been a spectacular performer for our investors since we purchased it in 2013, but the time is right for us to sell and to redirect the funds to other investment opportunities where we believe we can add more value in the future,” Huljich said.
Simon Fenn of Savills said “10 Spring Street attracted aggressive local and offshore capital looking to secure an asset that has the potential to be part of a rare super site in the future whilst also offering the immediate opportunity to capitalise on the strength of Sydney’s B grade leasing market.”
 
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Centuria sells Sydney CBD Spring Street building for $270 million

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A fully leased commercial office building in Sydney’s CBD and overlooking Darling Harbour is set to hit the market, while another opposite Hyde Park has been listed.
The building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-501644761" target="_blank">160 Sussex Street</a> is a renovated 15-storey office asset comprising 8,269.6 sqm of net lettable area on an 853.6 sqm site.
The building was constructed in 1992 and has an elegant heritage façade while incorporating modern office accommodation.
It last traded for $51.2 million in 2015, according to Corelogic RP Data.
It offers a Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 3.26 years (by income) with a net income of nearly $4.6 million.
Vacancy rate in the Sydney CBD office market has remained the lowest among the national capitals, helping drive strong growth in both capital values and rental growth, according to the latest research data from Savills.
With vacancy currently at a low of 5.9 per cent and expectations of further tightening over the next two years as net supply remains negative, rents have grown in double digits over the past two years and risen to record levels, according to Savills, which is partnering with Colliers International to market the freehold B-Grade commercial office building. 
Given forward indicators and a distinct lack of short term supply, this trend appears to have further to run, while investor demand for quality assets remains strong in the Sydney CBD, particularly from Asian investors, despite concerns over tightening capital controls.
The marketing is being done by Graeme Russell, Simon Fenn and Ben Azar of Savills and Vince Kernahan, Tom O’Neill and James Barber of Colliers International.
The property is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign closing November 2.
The vendor is local property investor, Stephen Burcher, of the Burcher Property Group.
The property is fully leased with major tenant Education Centre of Australia (ECA) occupying 46 per cent of the building. Other major tenants include Rankin Ellison Lawyers, Fortinet International, Dual Australia, Trippas White Group, Turner Freeman Lawyers and Health Care Australia.
The CBD's Western Corridor precinct where the building is located has the highest net effective rental growth, according to Graeme Russell of Savills Australia.
“What is happening within the Western Corridor precinct is changing the dynamics of the Sydney CBD. New construction worth billions in office, residential, hotel, transport, infrastructure and entertainment developments in the area gives Sydney a new focal point," said Russell.
“The commitment by both public and private sectors promises that this precinct will bring a new standard of working and living to the area with 160 Sussex Street perfectly positioned to benefit from this development activity” he said.
Vince Kernahan of Colliers said more than $6.5 million has been spent on services and refurbishment works throughout the building since 2012.
Meanwhile, a freehold corner office tower opposite Sydney CBD’s Hyde Park has also come to the market.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-501680013" target="_blank">299 Elizabeth Street</a>, on the corner of Elizabeth and Liverpool streets, the property offers access to major retail destinations such as World Square, Westfield Shopping Centre, QVB, Chinatown and Darling Harbour Live.
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The building comprises nearly 5,974 sqm of net lettable area with ground-floor retail space. It is nearly fully leased.
It also has direct access to the underground Liverpool Street entrance to Museum Train Station. 
The listing agents are Knight Frank’s Dominic Ong, Andy Hu and John Bowie Wilson along with JLL’s James Aroney and Steven Tsang.
They are acting on behalf of a private Asian investor and the property will be sold via an international expression of interest campaign starting September.
Knight Frank’s Dominic Ong said investment demand was extremely high in the Sydney CBD. 
“There remains a lot of capital chasing solid assets in Australia. We are expecting interest from local and offshore buyers, including syndicates and high net worth individuals,” he said.
“The high profile corner is directly opposite Sydney’s Hyde Park and is an appealing investment package due to its current level of occupancy and diversity of income through the retail and commercial tenancies,” added JLL’s James Aroney.
The building recently underwent a $1.55 million upgrade and is nearly fully leased – primarily to legal occupiers – due to its proximity to the Local &amp; District Court within the Downing Centre.
 
 
 
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Sydney CBD building overlooking Darling Harbour listed: Savills

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An office building with Telstra as anchor tenant in Sydney CBD has been listed for sale. 
The 100% freehold interest at <a href="https://jagonal.com.au/office/building/NSW/Sydney/Sydney-CBD/Southern-CBD/Telstra-House#gallery" target="_blank">231 Elizabeth Street</a> comprises 15 levels of office space and two ground-floor retail areas.
The property is being marketed by Colliers International’s Vince Kernahan, James Barber and James Girvan and JLL’s Rob Sewell, Simon Storry and Paul Noonan on behalf of Glory Property II Investment Pty as The Trustee for Glory Property II Investment Trust. 
“The building’s prominent Hyde Park location, large efficient floor plates together with the repositioning opportunities will ensure strong participation from both local and off-shore capital,” Simon Storry said.
He added that leasing demand was above average over the past four years in the Sydney CBD, and this combined with the large portion of office withdrawals over the past 18 months has resulted in the vacancy rate trending down to 6.4% - the lowest level since 2008.
Colliers’ Vince Kernahan said the 2,300 sqm ‘A’ grade building would appeal to both investors and long-term developers because of the sound cash flow from one of Australia’s largest publicly listed companies (Telstra) and its location overlooking Hyde Park and the Sydney Harbour.
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231 Elizabeth Street is on the corner of Elizabeth Street, Bathurst Street and Castlereagh Street, and offers direct undercover access to Museum Railway Station.
The property was completed in 1987, and underwent an $18 million refurbishment in 2010
The property is being sold through expressions of interest closing in late October.
The Singapore-based Chinese investment house Bright Ruby purchased 231 Elizabeth Street in 2013 from Investa Property Group and its main wholesale office fund, ICPF, added The Australian.
The tower could win bids around the $350 million mark from both offshore and local developers.
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Telstra House in Sydney’s Elizabeth Street offered for sale 

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Just half the apartments on offer in Castle Residence, a $380 million residential project in Sydney’s CBD, sold at its weekend launch.
Located at 203 Castlereagh Street, Castle Residence is the flagship Australian project for international property developer, Shanghai United.
The sales were topped by the 300 sqm penthouse at the project which sold for $18 million ahead of the launch. 
The residential development will incorporate a redevelopment of the heritage listed Porter House into a luxury 121-room boutique hotel in partnership with AccorHotels.
Built in 1876, the original sandstone arches of the five-storeys high, heritage-listed Porter House – long considered “an ornament” to this part of the city – will be extended into a modern structure that floats overhead.
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The premium hotel services will also be available to residents. 
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The building has been designed by architectural firm Candalepas Associates.
The project is being marketed by CBRE.
At the Saturday launch, the highest priced apartment sold was a three-bedroom apartment on the upper floor for $5.8 million while a number of two-bedroom apartments with views also sold for between $3.5 million and $4 million.
CBRE managing director David Milton said there was a broad mix of buyers at the launch, ranging from owner-occupiers to investors.
“We found buyers were eager to secure themselves a piece of real estate in the highly sought after Hyde Park precinct due to the unbeatable proximity to all Sydney CBD has to offer,” Milton said.
He added that many buyers were interested in the dual key apartments, which allow for flexible living with the buyer residing in one side of the apartment looking to rent out the adjoining unit.
Shanghai United is a $19 billion company based out of Shanghai.
Proximity to the CBD makes the Hyde Park precinct one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses with a recent CBRE report suggesting there was increasing demand for residential apartments in the CBD.
The report said the popularity of two-bedroom CBD apartments showed no signs of abating, comprising 49% of sales.  There was also continuing strong demand for 3+ bedroom luxury apartments in the city from downsizers and empty nesters.
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