Real estate investment fund Wentworth Wentworth Equities is soon to launch a "Los Angeles-inspired" residential, leisure and lifestyle precinct in Brisbane’s Hamilton riverside ahead of the predicted Olympic-led population explosion for the city.

Drawing its style inspiration and name from Los Angeles’ renowned The Grove, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hamilton-grove-19-hercules-street-hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton Grove</a> will feature three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings.

The first of the three towers, to launch in March 2026, will comprise 61 apartments, in the same building as a premium hotel.<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d227fe61-8392-45b7-b386-9133f29a249f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HTCV35HZ4h84jQCmHwhsdIPN0ctO5d7Z" />

Wentworth Equities Executive Chairman Sameh Ibrahim said the precinct will be unique in its appeal to both residents and the wider community.

“Hamilton is already one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverside suburbs and for good reason,” Ibrahim said.

“Where else in the world can you walk out of your front door and have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips? The city is just around the corner, the airport is only ten minutes away, you have the river and green spaces right there and premium retail and dining on your doorstep."

Wentworth Equities acquired the 7637 sqm Hercules St site in 2014, when Ibrahim said he had a "very clear vision" for the precinct, but ultimately it wasn't the right time to develop. He said Hamilton was still very much an "emerging precinct."

“Since then, Hamilton and surrounding suburbs like Ascot and Albion have significantly grown and matured into a precinct that aligns with our vision for Hamilton Grove. Brisbane as a whole has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle appeal, but as it stands it is so widespread – you go to Howard Smith Wharves for fine dining, you go to James Street for shopping, you go to West End to walk along the river – but what if you could go to Hamilton Grove for everything?

“Our vision is a precinct that brings together the best of Brisbane into one central space abundant with culture, class and culinary experience – a place that a lucky few will get to call home, but the rest of Brisbane still get to explore and experience at their leisure.”

<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46550990-8aeb-44d4-bb47-150cdca96529" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bmCkApPKY_Bj3z02Q8vI7Kyo_caJXOnv" />

Experienced civil engineering contractor Mainland Civil has been appointed to commence early works for the project, adding Hamilton Grove to their extensive portfolio where it will join other iconic Brisbane developments including Queens Wharf, 300 George Street, Infinity Tower and 1 William Street.

Construction on Tower One is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with completion expected in late 2028.

Fast Facts 
 
• Three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings. 
• Construction on Tower One is expected to commence in Quarter One 2026, with completion expected in late 2028. 
• 7,637 square metre site at 19 Hercules St, Hamilton (part of Economic Development Queensland’s 304 hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area). 
• 61 waterfront residences and skyhomes in the first tower, ranging from two to five bedrooms. 
• Hamiton Grove will be officially launched in March 2026.

Joel Robinson

"LA-inspired" Hamilton Grove to launch on Brisbane riverside

There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<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/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

Sydney Development

<html><body>
A plan to reinvent a section of Sydney’s unused harbour foreshore – with the historic White Bay Power Station as a centrepiece – has been launched by the NSW Government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft Bays West Place Strategy aims to harness Sydney’s stunning “blue infrastructure” in the creation of a mixed-use precinct in the heart of the Eastern Harbour City.

Bays West will deliver a range of housing, including affordable housing, to support the jobs created in the precinct and the ongoing growth of the Eastern Harbour City.

“Bays West is so central and historically significant to Sydney that it is time to revitalise the area and make it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit,” Mr Stokes said.

“We have the chance to explore so many possibilities for this incredible location, such as extending the Sydney Harbour foreshore walk, creating a great new public space and repurposing the White Bay Power Station.

“With the vision of this strategy we can unlock the potential of this area as part of the innovation corridor, drawing new business and entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Government is putting a Metro station with the other big project for the Bays West rejuvenation being the urgent restorative works at the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station. The NSW Government is providing $14 million for the first phase of works on the site, which includes the investigation of structural integrity and safety as well as a program of critical repair and remediation works to begin later this year. Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell said the building required urgent maintenance as the first of three stages expected to be completed in 2024. “As with all of our strategic plans, there will be thorough community and industry consultation as part of the process,” Mr Stokes said.

“This is a huge area – three and a half times the size of Barangaroo – so we are keen to listen to what people think of the plan and get feedback about how we can make Bays West even better.” The stretch of Country now known as Bays West has been known for millennia as Gari Gurad/ Nura (Saltwater Country) and Nattai Gurad/ Nura (Freshwater Country). Community consultation will include online seminars, face-to-face information sessions in the area and communication through advertising and letter-box drops. The draft Bays West Place Strategy is on exhibition from 22 March to 29 April, 2021. Further information is available at: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/bays-west

<h2>NSW properties on the market right now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]
</body></html>

The first action for the Bays West rejuvenation is urgent restorative works at the heritage-listed White Bay Power Station

jchancellor

Bays West development to provide affordable housing

<html><body>
A $1 billion curvaceous skyscraper at 60 Martin Place - that leans over the historic interwar-era St Stephens Church - has been completed.
Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) and the co-owner Gwynvill Group (Gwynvill) developed the site.
The building was designed by Hassel and contains more than 40,000 square metres  of net lettable area. 
Norton Rose Fulbright, Mizuho Financial Group, Munich Re, Banco Chambers and Spaces are among the core tenants. 
The building will also home to a rooftop garden, as well as the new Toppi Martin Place restaurant on the street corner. 
The building has reached 100% practical completion of all digital assets (71,848 in total) within the 33-level building and the creation of a 'digital twin', driven by Willow and the lead contractor Lendlease.
Rather than an analogue asset register compiled offline, Investa will utilise a digital twin of their asset, i.e. a 'single source of truth'.
This digital twin records and validates all aspects of the building’s equipment, warranty information, operation and maintenance information within an intuitive 3D environment to drive more efficient depreciation planning in operations. 
The digital completion of a building this scale is of great significance, Investa claim.  
It says that previously facilities management teams would have spent months developing this information from scratch, resulting in a sub-standard digital record post-completion.
According to ICPF's group executive and head of commercial development, Mark Tait, the building is currently 80% leased. 
</body></html>

wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

$1 billion curved skyscraper completed in Martin Place

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
One of the biggest strategic planning challenges of our time in Australia is to re-imagine the Greater Sydney metropolis with more than one CBD.
My students in the capstone unit of the Master of Urbanism program at the University of Sydney have worked on preparing a strategic plan for a Central City CBD at the heart of the Greater Sydney Region. This work built on the Greater Sydney Region Plan proposed by the Greater Sydney Commission, aka <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities" target="_blank">Our Greater Sydney 2056 – A Metropolis of Three Cities</a>.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240952/original/file-20181017-17664-f4o3wt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240952/original/file-20181017-17664-f4o3wt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 1. A Metropolis of Three Cities: the Greater Sydney Commission’s 2018 Greater Sydney Region Plan. Greater Sydney Commission
In this plan, the Sydney metropolitan region is re-imagined around three cities:
<ol>
<li>Eastern Harbour City – built around the current CBD</li>
<li>Central River City – built around a new CBD located in Greater Parramatta on the area currently known as Parramatta CBD and Westmead district</li>
<li>Western Parkland City – built around the growth expected around <a href="https://theconversation.com/western-sydney-aerotropolis-wont-build-itself-a-lot-is-riding-on-what-governments-do-97462" target="_blank">Western Sydney Airport</a>, Penrith, Campbelltown and Liverpool.</li>
</ol>
A key objective of the metropolitan plan is to rebalance economic and social opportunity toward Western Sydney and the Central River City, or “Central City”. The vision is for most residents to live within 30 minutes of their job, education, health facilities, and other services.
The first step to fulfil this bold vision is to understand how far Western Sydney is from having its own metropolitan CBD; and to assess how the Central City (in Greater Parramatta) measures up against the existing Sydney CBD, also known as the Harbour City.
How do the Central City and Harbour City compare?
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240953/original/file-20181017-17680-rfhpy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240953/original/file-20181017-17680-rfhpy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 2. A snapshot of Central City versus Harbour City. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Currently, <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/tablebuilder" target="_blank">2.6% of jobs in Greater Sydney are in Central City, compared to 14.5% located in the established Harbour City</a>. While the Harbour City has many more jobs, the proportion of workers in the health and public sectors is much higher in the Central City – due to the presence of Westmead health precinct. While health will remain important in the Central City’s future, employment opportunities in the financial, tech and legal sectors need to grow significantly if the Central City is to become the next metropolitan centre.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240955/original/file-20181017-17674-19t3v6u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240955/original/file-20181017-17674-19t3v6u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 3. Central City versus Harbour City: economic comparisons. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
Harbour City offers significantly more regional and local connectivity than Central City. Currently, <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/tablebuilder" target="_blank">70% of Harbour City workers commute to work by public transport and only 13.5% by private vehicle, compared to the Central City’s 30% and 55.65% respectively</a>.
 
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240956/original/file-20181017-17689-zzxn66.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240956/original/file-20181017-17689-zzxn66.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 4. Central City versus Harbour City: connectivity comparisons. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
With the number of trips to Central City predicted to triple or quadruple during morning peak periods from current levels to 2056, forecasts indicate that Central City’s travel-to-work mode split will remain the same. This would lead to increased road congestion, impacting the economy, liveability and sustainability.
To represent the depth of connectivity problems, Figure 5 shows how long it takes to get to and from the Central City. It assesses travel times between 16 strategic centres and the Central City during peak morning and afternoon periods and on the weekend, for commuters on public transport versus those on the roads.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240963/original/file-20181017-17664-1w7haxt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240963/original/file-20181017-17664-1w7haxt.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 5. How long does it take to get to and from Central City? Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Kun Fan, Author provided
The results show the public transport commuters’ travel time from most strategic centres is already greater than 30 minutes. Commute time on the roads varies, going over 30 minutes during the morning peak. Moving commuters around Greater Sydney using the road network <a href="http://www.sydney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/CfS-Issues-Paper-12-A-Fork-in-the-Road-1.pdf">is only a temporary measure</a>, as it does not have the capacity to cope with any of the proposed growth.
 
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240958/original/file-20181017-17664-t6ssec.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/240958/original/file-20181017-17664-t6ssec.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 6: Central City versus Harbour City: housing, cultures and services. Image: Jamie van Geldermalsen, Kun Fan, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal, Anjani Rao Gandra, Nithila Rajave, Rachana Chandwani, Tamanna Sultana, Author provided
Central City is culturally diverse. More than 140 languages other than English are spoken at home, with more than 65% of people born overseas.
However, social infrastructure to support and celebrate this great diversity is lacking. Access to community facilities such as aged care, child care, schools and non-Christian places of worship are limited. Without investment, the social infrastructure deficit will only be amplified as the population increases.
Harbour City has 11 museums and seven cultural centres; the Central City does not have any museums and only two cultural centres.
The final word
These assessments, from economy, connectivity, and liveability perspectives suggest the Sydney metropolis has a very long and bumpy way to go before we can re-imagine it with more than one CBD. Visionary and bold decision-making, supported by significant investment, is required for the Central City to transition to a metropolitan centre.
<hr>
This article is inspired by the work of the students enrolled in the <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/courses/units-of-study/2018/arch/arch9093" target="_blank">Integrated Urbanism Studio</a> for the Master of Urbanism at the University of Sydney. I specifically would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Jamie van Geldermalsen, Mile Ilija Barbaric, Rao Umair Afzaal and Kun Fan.
Tooran Alizadeh, Senior Lecturer, Director of Urban Design, University of Sydney
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/re-imagining-sydney-with-3-cbds-how-far-off-is-a-parramatta-cbd-102197" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Re-imagining Sydney with three CBDs: how far off is a Parramatta CBD?

<html><body>
A top executive of one of Australia’s biggest home builders has warned of a growing land affordability crisis in Sydney.
Chief executive of MJH Group Andrew Helmers said while the cost of construction was rising at between 6-9% per annum, lot prices were rising at annual rates of 40-50%.
"We don't have a housing affordability crisis, we have a land affordability crisis,” Helmers told Fairfax Media.
"All the major tier one developers are continuing to lift their prices with each new land release. The slowdown in prices in Sydney has not been felt in the land market."
He said MJH completed 2716 housing starts in the 2017 financial year up from 2199 in fiscal 2016 making it the fastest-growing builder in the country.
The company builds homes in NSW, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania under a number of brands including McDonald Jones, MOJO Homes, Wilson Homes and Hayman Homes.
He noted building product manufacturers were operating at 100% capacity.
The Newcastle-based company recently reported a big boost in revenue it accounts filed with the corporate regulator for the year to June.
They show that MJH Group – previously called McDonald Jones Homes – saw revenue up 48% to $621 million from home building and land sales.
Its after-tax profits were up 55% to around $16 million.
The company sold a 40% stake to Japan's Asahi Kasei Homes in August.
</body></html>

Sydney lot prices rising 40-50% annually: MJH Group 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Guest Observer
The recent release by the Greater Sydney Commission of its Draft Greater Sydney Region Plan included policies on affordable housing but these have been misinterpreted by media and by local councils.
Media reports on the Greater Sydney Commission’s (GSC) approach to affordable housing have taken the simplistic statement that ‘targets generally in the range of 5-10 per cent of new residential floor space are viable’ without reading the detailed parameters that the GSC included. 
Many councils have also assumed that around 5-10 per cent of residential floor space being provided free of charge to local councils as affordable housing is supported by the GSC.
The GSC’s Draft Greater Sydney Region Plan makes it very clear on pages 57, 58 and 59 that the affordable housing target of 5-10 percent would only be applied in defined future precincts, only be applied to increased residential floor space following rezoning, would be tested for financial viability and would take into account other development charges. 
The policy then goes on to stress that the viability test would be undertaken ‘In order not to hinder the supply outcomes being sought’ (p57) which means that any affordable housing levy should not be so high that it made new housing projects unviable and therefore led to less new homes being built.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to support approaches for the provision of affordable housing where there is an incentive to do this through uplift in density and at levels that do not diminish economic viability of projects.
Our concern however is that a number of councils across Metropolitan Sydney simply want to take 10 percent or more of apartments as free of charge from the developer without any compensation. The result of this approach will be to increase the purchase price of the remaining 90 per cent of new homes or to make the project unviable such that it will not proceed.
With councils and media only taking headline figures from the Draft Greater Sydney Region Plan there is an important leadership role for the GSC to ensure a viable long term strategy is implemented.
This leadership needs to include the much touted ‘collaboration’ role with Sydney councils so that they take on board the GSC’s approach to housing affordability that is viable and based only on floor space uplift.”
The Urban Taskforce, however, is concerned that the City of Parramatta Council has recently released a draft affordable housing policy that introduces excessive inclusionary zoning targets that do not reflect the approach taken by the GSC.
This seems very strange as the GSC is located in Parramatta and it is clearly championing the River City as Sydney’s second CBD and a major centre.
It will be interesting to see if the GSC makes a submission on the Parramatta Council approach.
We have gone into the details of the economic advice that Parramatta has used to justify viability of their approach and we believe there are many errors that would in fact make projects unviable.
A year ago the Urban Taskforce proposed to the NSW Government an approach that modified the state’s own Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy 2009 (ARHSEPP) such that all projects could get a 20 percent floor space uplift with this being used for affordable rental homes for a 10 year period.
We estimated that 40,000 new affordable homes could be delivered over 10 years. If Sydney wants significant numbers of new affordable homes to be delivered then local and state government will need to work with the developers who supply our housing stock rather than adding another tax and hope it will have no impact on overall supply.
The hot Sydney housing market is beginning to cool, housing approvals are dropping and care needs to be taken with regulatory levers to not drive viability down leading to lower housing production.
The Greater Sydney Commission needs to lead the policy approach rather than delegating this to the many councils across Sydney each wanting to outdo their neighbouring council by having the highest affordable housing levy.
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
CHRIS JOHNSON is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Leadership needed from Greater Sydney Commission on affordable housing: Chris Johnson

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
The data recently released by the NSW Department of Planning’s Housing Monitor indicates a drop in housing approvals while completions remain strong.
Over the last six months Sydney annual housing approvals have dropped from 58,618 in February 2017 to 51,119 in August 2017 through a consistent monthly drop.
This represents a drop of 13% which demonstrates that the housing market is slowing down. There is clearly a time lag from slowing approvals to slowing housing completions but it would appear that a trend is underway.
Housing completions are still strong with 36,097 annual completions at August 2017 down slightly from April’s 37,575 completions. On a four year average the percentage of approvals that become completions is 59% which is a worrying number. The NSW government should undertake some research into the relatively low number of approvals that transition into the construction phase.
Housing projects are becoming more difficult through tighter lending policies by banks and proposed increases in levies for affordable housing by councils which are influencing feasibility and therefore reducing the number of projects seeking approvals.
With the NSW government emphasising that the best way to help with housing affordability is through high supply numbers the current slowdown is of concern. The recently released Greater Sydney Region Plan calls for affordable housing levies to only be applied to floor space uplift where this is viable but many councils are proposing to apply levies to existing floor space as outlined in their planning documents. The removal of the cap on local development contributions also creates significant concerns for developers.
While the August annual housing completions are strong at 36,097 this figure is below the average required every year for 20 years of 36,250. In boom times Sydney’s housing completions should be above the average required.
The current housing approvals for Sydney while being below what is needed are still very high compared to the decade average. The Urban Taskforce urges the NSW government to do all it can to keep housing approvals at a high level.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

Sydney housing approvals showing signs of slowing down: Chris Johnson

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
New research into 'mega site' purchases around Sydney - buys greater than $100 million - has found a total of 50 residential development site transactions since 2014.
The emerging trend, according to Charter Keck Cramer's national director Bennett Wulff, is underpinned by buoyant market conditions and supported by factors including state and local government planning initiatives as well as the increasing activity of offshore - particularly Chinese - developers with the appetite and capacity to deliver projects of such scale.
“Since 2014, a total of 50 residential development sites transacted throughout the Sydney metropolitan area at price points each exceeding $100M, equating to a cumulative land price of over $9.4B and an average site sale price of circa $189M” said Mr Wulff. 
"This far exceeds sales of similar sites within the other major east coast capital cities of Melbourne (7 equivalent site sales) and Brisbane (no such site sales) during the corresponding period."
The research notes Sydney has an undersupply of dwelling stock, exacerbated by a growing population. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%209.44.20%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%209.44.20%20AM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney mega site sales trend ramps up since 2014

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
GUEST OBSERVER
The revised Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney along with the six District Plans contains a 10 percent levy proposal on new housing to fund affordable housing and this could increase the cost of all new housing. 
While there is a lot of good work in the long awaited District Plans for Sydney there is an ominous proposal to add yet another levy onto new housing. 
The plans use a false logic that by requiring developers to provide up to 10 percent of new housing as affordable this will help with Sydney’s rapidly escalating house prices. Clearly the cost of giving away 10 percent of new homes will have to be distributed across the other 90 percent of new homes therefore forcing house prices up.
The Urban Taskforce has presented a better way to create even more affordable housing by allowing new projects an increased floor space of 20 percent provided it is for affordable housing. We estimate that this could provide 40,000 new affordable homes over the next 10 years.
The Greater Sydney Commission fact sheet is now targeting 189,100 new homes over 5 years which requires an average of 37,820 new homes a year. The highest number of new homes in recent years has been 30,000 last financial year so the most important task the Greater Sydney Commission has is to increase housing supply but by adding a new tax the opposite is likely to occur.
A Greater Sydney Commission Fact Sheet does suggest that the levy would be in areas where some floor space uplift would compensate for the levy but the approach to give away affordable homes under SEPP 70 rather than providing them as low cost rental for ten years as indicated in the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP will certainly impact of the feasibility of future housing development.
Sydney needs a plan to increase housing supply dramatically and to provide large numbers of affordable homes. The Urban Taskforce approach achieves both of these aims. 
The District Plans seem to be fairly general documents with little data on heights or density. There are broad jobs and housing targets but the real definition of built form would appear to be delegated to the development of Local Environmental Plans by councils. This could leave certainty in the planning system on hold for a few years particularly as elections for new amalgamated councils are a year off. The new data in the draft District Plans is likely to generate many planning proposals that want to vary existing controls.
We have a concern that the definitions of District and Strategic Centres now do not include residential accommodation. The Urban Taskforce supports mixed-use urban centres that are activated all the time rather than only being 9 to 5 work environments. With so much focus on providing transport infrastructure to major centres it is important that this investment supports a bustling 24/7 mixed use environment.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The package of documents does not seem to address the issue of Value Capture that was recently raised by the Federal Government to help fund new infrastructure and this could become another tax on the cost of new homes.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the Greater Sydney Commission to ensure housing supply is maximised and that quality mixed use urban centres can be achieved.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Sydney Development

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Sydney Development

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.