Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Tim Gurner

Apartment developer Tim Gurner and wife Aimee have secured the snappy sale of their retained apartment at his Albert Place Residences project in South Melbourne.

Retained after the projects' construction completion by Crema early last year, it was listed with $4.4 million to $4.8 million price guide.

The three-bedroom 300sq m apartment, fetched more than $5 million after being on the market for only five days.

"WOOOHOOO - exciting times as our latest Penthouse sells in record time 15% higher than expected," Gurner said.

Apartment 1405/7 Bowen Crescent in the Albert Place Residences has 180-degree views over Albert Park Lake

The Albert Place sale was through The Agency’s Michael Paproth and Gurner general manager of retail sales Deborah Wiltshire.

"Congratulations to Michael Paproth for running a great process on our latest custom design penthouse at Albert Place," he added.&nbsp;

"A lot of love and care went into this special home and we are thrilled to see it go to an amazing family who can now enjoy it forever."

Paproth said&nbsp;the sale shows the strength of the high-end market.

“We launched the apartment on the Thursday and within hours we had inspections, both in person and virtual and were exchanged in a little under five&nbsp;days with competition from three&nbsp;parties,” Paproth said.

The apartment, which had been rented for $5000 per week, was bought by a local downsizing couple from their home within 3km. There had been interest from&nbsp;South Africa, the UK and Hong Kong.

Albert Place Residences has 142 apartments.

"WOOOHOOO - exciting times as our latest penthouse sells in record time 15% higher than expected," Gurner advised



jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Quick sale by Tim and Aimee Gurner in Albert Place

The Melbourne apartment developer Tim Gurner has listed the sub-penthouse in his South Melbourne project, Albert Place Residences, amid significant interest in penthouse offerings across Melbourne.

“I’ve never seen so much demand for luxury penthouse product," Gurner said.

"We sold out of our penthouses at Victoria &amp; Vine and St Moritz months ago but this luxury three-bedroom product is still easily the most enquired about apartment type across our portfolio."

It comes with $4.4 million to $4.8 million price hopes.

"The&nbsp;space that was a personal creative vision project for&nbsp;Aimee Gurner&nbsp;and I .... a spectacular space with no expense spared," he said.

It has 180-degree views over Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and back to the city.&nbsp;

<a href="/news/vic/why-tim-gurner-chose-collingwoods-smith-street-the-worlds-coolest-street">Read more:&nbsp;Why Tim Gurner chose Collingwood's Smith Street, the world's coolest street</a>

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="899" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_albert_place_2.jpg" width="1200" />

The investment apartment at 1405/7 Bowen Crescent had been leased out for $260,000 a year, or $5000 a week, last year after the projects' construction completion by Crema.&nbsp;

The building was designed by Elenberg Fraser.

The tenant was introduced by Burton’s agent Taylor Dow.

Gurner has now listed the penthouse amid the increasing demand for luxury penthouses.

Local agent Michael Paproth is running the sales marketing campaign.

“At present, there are a lot of high-net-worth Australians repatriating from overseas, particularly from Asia, who have become accustomed to apartment living and are on the hunt for homes exactly like this,” Paproth said.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_albert_place_3.jpg" width="1200" />

The 300 sqm apartment was modelled on the style of Beverly Hills mansions.

“Most of the furniture I had custom commissioned, and some of the art is from my own private collection,” Gurner advised.

“We really had no intention of leasing the penthouse. But after an interested party was introduced to us, we quickly negotiated a deal.

At that time Gurner had intended to keep the sub-penthouse for events with private clients.

It features $400,000 worth of arabascato marble in the kitchen, bathroom and joinery, plus polished plaster walls, ebony herringbone timber flooring, mirrored columns, and a state-of-the-art audio-video system.

The home offered a commercial kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, a 4m island bench and a separate scullery, and a main bedroom with dual walk-in wardrobes and a swish ensuite.

Bathroom features and fittings included a freestanding stone bathtub, a double rain shower, marble drawers and flooring, and a $40,000 SensoWash toilet.

The entry hallway has marble-slab flooring and walls.

Albert Place Residences offers private club facilities, including a bar, a library and a lounge, a 2500-bottle wine cellar and a Turkish bathhouse featuring a lap pool, a sunken spa and a sauna.

The development contains 140 apartments, which sold for between $475,000 and $21 million.&nbsp;

Apartment 1405/7 Bowen Crescent in the Albert Place Residences has 180-degree views over Albert Park Lake

Tim Gurner to capitalise on booming penthouse market, lists Albert Place Residences sub-penthouse 

The high-end developer GURNERTM, is set for its second luxury apartment development as part of their new Club Maison strategy.

They&#39;ve secured a&nbsp;historic former bluestone church&nbsp;and former Sunday school hall site&nbsp;at 145 &ndash; 151 High Street, Prahran, and have submitted plans for a $40 million, 45 apartment development above the retained heritage building.

&ldquo;The heritage significance of the sites is what really excited us about the opportunity to be able to create something that embraces its past and re-invigorates it for the future,&rdquo; GURNERTM boss Tim Gurner.

&ldquo;It is no secret I am drawn to heritage sites especially where we can integrate the heritage components into our projects and bring these incredible buildings back to life.

The former Gothic Revival church and Sunday school hall building was constructed in 1891, later altered in 1936 to include shop fronts which are still in use today.

There will be a level of&nbsp;club commercial space behind the fa&ccedil;ade and an exciting ground floor restaurant and bar.

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic?source_news_article_id=105008&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/template_photoshop_melbournecbd_8.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The proposed design will also feature a private rooftop club with city views, a clear-edged infinity pool, outdoor kitchen and dining spaces, and a sun deck designed by landscape architect John Patrick.

GURNERTM have appointed their go-to design partner Warren and Mahoney, who specialise in heritage restoration, to handle the design.

&quot;We really wanted the heritage to be treated with the love and respect it deserves,&quot; Gurner added.

The Prahran development will be the second Club Maison concept project for GURNERTM, who&nbsp;announced&nbsp;their first site in St Kilda after the acquisition of the former Cushion Lounge on Fitzroy Street late last year.

Gurner says there&#39;s a major boom coming, and they&nbsp;want to be sure they&#39;re ready for it.

&quot;I&rsquo;m cautiously optimistic on the market this year and think both the residential and hotel markets will present significant opportunities in the coming years so we are aiming to acquire another 10-15 sites across our portfolio in the next one to two years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5615 project_image_fid=166290]

&ldquo;The short term effects of the pandemic are hard to predict, however I am extremely confident in the future of Melbourne and Australia as the world comes out of this hiatus and people seek a safe, beautiful and free life and Australia offers this more than anywhere else in the world.&quot;

GURNERTM general manager of boutique, Brooke Formosa, said the site is an ideal location

&ldquo;Being so close to Prahran&rsquo;s vibrant Chapel Street precinct and amenity like Fawkner Park, St Kilda Road and the CBD, this site is the ideal location for both a residential component and our new Club Maison accommodation concept,&rdquo; she said.

&ldquo;Building our private club, hotel and boutique accommodation portfolio will be a major focus for us into 2021 and beyond, to complement our luxury residential pipeline as we expand into new asset classes, particularly where we can retain ownership and management long-term.

"I am extremely confident in the future of Melbourne and Australia as the world comes out of this hiatus and people seek a safe, beautiful and free life," Gurner said.

Boom coming to Melbourne says Tim Gurner, who plans second Club Maison apartment development in Prahran

Smith Street, the edgy Collingwood strip of food joints and bars,&nbsp;was recently named the coolest street in the world&nbsp;in a poll by the entertainment and exploration guide, Time Out.

It beat out the likes of London&#39;s South Bank on the River Thames and the famous Sunset Boulevard strip in LA.

But the street wasn&#39;t always the go-to hangout for Melbourne&#39;s inner residents.

Developer Tim Gurner, who leads the residential development firm GURNER, said people thought they were crazy when launching projects just off Smith Street around 14 years ago, long before it had taken off.

&quot;I remember our first display suite kept getting broken into and the TVs and electrical equipment would get stolen,&quot; Gurner recalled.

&quot;But I just fell in love with the incredible heritage buildings and warehouses and felt that gentrification would change the face of the area and attract the young professionals that would eventually lead to all the best restaurants, bars, shops and then eventually more demand.&quot;

He said one of the things he looks for when deciding on where the develop a project is the area&#39;s &#39;cool factor&#39;.

&quot;Have the artists and creators moved into an area? Are new restaurants opening up? Does the area tell a story? If the answers are yes, I know culturally the area is set for a massive resurgence and know that&rsquo;s where we should be looking for sites, so that we can play a role in that cultural regeneration.&quot;

Of course the rich-lister developer goes in to each development knowing that that data is crucial, with rental vacancy rates, walkability scores, and median price points analysed.

But Gurner says that he also needs to personally love the area.

&quot;I need to feel like it&#39;s somewhere I could imagine myself living,&quot; Gurner says.

&quot;Often when I&rsquo;ve walked around streets of areas we are looking at, it&rsquo;s reminded me of places I&rsquo;ve been to in New York, Brooklyn or LA. That&rsquo;s when I know we are onto something really exciting and we often end up developing multiple projects there over many years.

GURNER&#39;s latest development on Smith Street is E.S Smith, the contemporary, New York-style development of 41 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5615 project_image_fid=166290]

&quot;I think E.S&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;is my 17th&nbsp;project within a two kilometre radius, so you can tell I really love the area and believe in it on a much deeper level than data alone.&quot;

The design by&nbsp;Warren and Mahoney Architects draws inspiration from private clubs in New York&#39;s hip borough Brooklyn.&nbsp;Completion is slated for early 2023.

&quot;Collingwood&nbsp;has a distinct NY Meatpacking feel to it so we wanted to celebrate that with our projects, rather than compete with it,&quot; Gurner says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5615 project_image_fid=166292]

The development will see the 100 year old facade retained at street level, where there will be retail space.

Gurner says Smith&nbsp;Street has so many incredible heritage buildings still intact from the Foy &amp; Gibson era so we were really keen to be able to play a part in another project with historic appeal.

&quot;E.S&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;is our latest development on&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;Street and it ticked all the boxes for us &ndash; a heritage fa&ccedil;ade surrounded by all the best restaurants and cultural elements. We knew this was going to be something special.&quot;

Gurner says it was well foreseen that Smith Street was going to take off.

&quot;Collingwood and Smith Street in particular are so close to&nbsp;East&nbsp;Melbourne, which is one of this city&rsquo;s most prestigious suburbs, so I knew some of that demand would soon start to be reflected in the surrounding areas. &nbsp;

&quot;Collingwood and Fitzroy have seen the progressive transformation of so many key streets from Gertrude Street and Cambridge Street through to Brunswick and Johnston Streets, so&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;Street was the natural next step of this gentrification process.&quot;

He said one of the things he looks for when deciding on where the develop a project is the area's 'cool factor'.

Why Tim Gurner chose Collingwood's Smith Street, the world's coolest street

One of Richmond&rsquo;s most-prominent and strategic sites, at 81 to 95 Burnley Street, Richmond, has been bought by GURNER. 
&nbsp; 
The 13,000sqm site is expected to be developed into a major mixed-use precinct worth over $800 million.

The site, near the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre,&nbsp;currently holds Harry The Hirer facilities. 
&nbsp; 
The precinct will include over 500 apartments including a luxury retirement offering. There is no time line yet on construction&nbsp;and marketing, although Gurner is not likely to rush such an ambitious project.

Some 10 percent of dwellings allocated towards affordable housing after planning rezoning by the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne. 
&nbsp; 
The precinct will include multiple buildings rising to up to 12 stories while retaining a podium including its heritage fabric.

&nbsp;

<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic?source_news_article_id=100704&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/template_photoshop_melbournecbd.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The site contains the former Repco building. Robert Russell set up the Russell Manufacturing Co. Pty Ltd (automotive spare parts, accessories and general equipment) in North Melbourne in 1927, but moved to Richmond in 1930 to the former plaster-making factory, Stucold Plastic Art Co. The trade name Repco was registered in that year. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;This is a landmark site in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most sought-after suburbs ,&quot; Tim Gurner said. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The vision has been inspired by our love for the meatpacking district and Greenwich in New York and will exemplify the best of both worlds for the lucky people who call it home,&rdquo; he added.

There has been no price reveal yet on Gurner&rsquo;s off-market purchase from the Astrodome Hire, owner of the rental business.

Planning reports for the site suggested the seven to 12 storey scale of the new towers proposed was consistent with the emerging scale of recent developments including seven storey apartments at the Salta project at 10-30&nbsp;Burnley Street, and the nine to 13 storey Embassy Apartments.

Tim Gurner suggests his vision had been inspired by both the meatpacking district and Greenwich in New York 

jchancellor

GURNER secures transformative industrial Richmond apartment site

The luxury developer Gurner has signed off on the completion of their luxury Prahran developer Hawksburn Place Residences.

The apartment block of 22, a collaborative effort between Cox Architecture, David Hicks and landscape architect Paul Bangay, set suburb price records when it launched to the market in 2018.

Tim Gurner says the project was inspired by his many stays at the 5-star hotel JK Place Roma in Italy, which he says blew him away.

&quot;Hawksburn Place Residences is a testament to opulent, modern living,&quot; Gurner says.

<img alt="" height="881" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_italy_wall_0.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper

In 2018, a local downsizing couple bought the whole top floor&nbsp;as an empty shell&nbsp;and fully customised it, with the help of&nbsp;Tim Gurner himself, along with interior designer David&nbsp;Hicks. They created&nbsp;an&nbsp;805 sqm space, comprising 345 sqm of internal area and another 461 sqm of external terracing.

The apartment has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private library, retreat, a six car garage and its&nbsp;own 12.5 metre rooftop pool with CBD views.

<img alt="" height="700" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_pool.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper 
 
Carrara, Calacatta Oro, Nero Marquina marble and black granite stone was used throughout to create a moody, dark, rich interior palette.

&ldquo;Personal customisations for purchases is an incredibly difficult process to manage and thankfully after it being the fourth job our amazing design team has handled we were able to offer something truly different to our clients and the journey for all involved was incredible,&quot; Gurner says. 
 
&ldquo;When Joan and Wes first approached us, we didn&rsquo;t yet have any finishes or designs ready to present,&quot; Gurner recalled.&nbsp;&quot;They entrusted us to deliver on their vision and create their dream home, and we didn&rsquo;t disappoint. I remember it like it was yesterday.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Every room, every material, every piece of marble chosen reflects their specific tastes - it&rsquo;s very rare that a penthouse can be customised like this to the smallest degree.&rdquo; 
<img alt="" height="881" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_kitchen.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper 
 
The apartment features coffered LED ceilings, private dual lifts, and a custom designed stone shower seat complete with LED lighting. There&#39;s custom designed cabinetry to showcase the owners&rsquo; extensive collection of antiques and art.

&ldquo;The antiques speak for themselves so we provided a dramatic backdrop for them to sit seamlessly,&quot; the penthouse interior designer David Hicks says.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="904" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_penthouse_tv.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Photo credit: Mark Roper

&quot;Introducing specific places for each piece with strategic lighting was also key.&rdquo;

&ldquo;The apartment occupies the entire top floor of the building with 360-degree glazing, so a darker interior really suited the space. It has allowed some warmth and respite from the sun.&rdquo;

<h2>Melbourne properties selling now:&nbsp;</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

The luxury developer Gurner has signed off on the completion of their luxury Prahran developer Hawksburn Place Residences.



Gurner completes Prahran's Hawksburn Place Residences: Urban takes a look at the custom penthouse

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The Melbourne-based property developer GURNERTM has secured St Kilda's well known Cushion Lounge and has lodged $35 million plans to create what will be the first in a series of new concept hotels under the Club Maison brand.

Club Maison will provide ultra-luxury boutique short and long-stay accomodation.

Gurner, who paid $2.25 million for the 99 Fitzroy Street building, has had the Sydney HQ'd Warren and Mahoney Architects draw up plans for the first concept hotel, with 25 rooms across six levels. There will be hotel facilities such as a swimming pool and outdoor dining space.

<img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/club_maison_gurner_2.jpg" width="1200">

From Fitzroy Street, where there will be a commercial space facing the street, it will look like the building has just three levels.

The design takes its cues from the Palazzo della Civilta Italiana in Rome and Mondadori building in Milan, with huge arched windows lining the façade, while exposed concrete, brick and steel in repeating curvilinear forms pay homage to Fitzroy Street’s iconic buildings including The George, Brooklawn Mansion and the neighbouring St Kilda terrace homes.

<img alt="" height="1600" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/club_maison_facade_3.jpg" width="1200">

GURNERTM founder and director, Tim Gurner said the Club Maison concept would become an exciting way forward for our brand, carving out a niche in an asset class that is not strictly residential.

“When you look at the successful business model of Soho House in London and New York, we want to take a similar approach and apply it at a local scale.

“Our Club Maison buildings will offer discerning Australians a private club experience with long and short term stays, private and public amenity and a very big focus on world-class hospitality offerings.

“These projects will become long-term investments for us as we look to strategically hold more assets across our portfolio into the future,” he said.

The developer confirmed it had adopted an aggressive acquisition mindset throughout 2020 and plans to acquire 12 to 15 sites of varying scale across the country within the coming 12 to 18 months.

“We are aggressively looking for further sites as the business continues to diversify and grow,” said Gurner.

The site is located just metres from the developer’s first landmark St Kilda project, Saint Moritz, which secured a record penthouse sale last year.

“Saint Moritz really re-invigorated my love for St Kilda – we are excited about the opportunities here and I believe St Kilda is really just at the beginning of a once-in-a- generation transformation."
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Gurner has had the Sydney HQ'd Warren and Mahoney Architects draw up plans for the first concept hotel, with 25 rooms across six levels.



Gurner buys St Kilda's Cushion Lounge, lodges plans for first Club Maison project

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GURNER has submitted plans for a boutique luxury wellness, hotel and private residence retreat in Port Douglas to be called The Creation Hotel and Residences.

Situated on 2833sqm of beachfront land, the site will encompass one of the last developable blocks on the main strip, offering direct beach access to Four Mile Beach.

The site was acquired off-market earlier this year from the longtime venture capitalist Roger Allen, who'd own the site since 1985.

Allen, who launched the first email service in Australia in the early 1980s, ran the venture capital firm Allen &amp; Buckeridge.

The proposed retreat will encompass a holistic wellness experience - complete with a residents/guest spa, sauna, pool and treatment rooms, high-end food and beverage offerings as well as 16-ultra-luxury private residences and a further 18 boutique hotel rooms.

It was designed in collaboration with architectural kingpins Powell and Glenn and Wolveridge Architects, with Myles Baldwin handling the tropical landscaping.

<img alt="" height="1125" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_port_douglas_2.jpg" width="2000">

GURNERTM founder and director Tim Gurner confirmed the developer’s intentions to sell the ultra-luxury private residences but retain ownership of the boutique retreat, spa and public food and beverage offering as part of its multi-billion-dollar diversification strategy.

“Port Douglas has been an incredibly important part of our family’s life over the past 15 years and is without doubt our favourite destination to visit in Australia," Gurner says.

"We want to give back to this amazing town and create something that does not currently exist.

“It has been inspiring watching my wife Aimee, Ed Glenn, Jerry and Myles put together this incredible creation into something I know people will fall in love with."

“When you look at what Antony Catalano has been able to do with Rae’s in Byron Bay offering something truly special and unique, and what The Oatleys have done with Qualia on Hamilton island, they are without question a big inspiration for what we are doing.

<img alt="" height="1125" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_3.jpg" width="2000">

“We want to ensure that Far North Queensland has a similar offering at that level for Australians and internationals visiting the reef and the wider region.

“We will not be doing any of this by halves; people can expect it to be something truly special when it is complete – private, luxurious, homely and welcoming at every point.

“We have been incredibly fortunate over the past seven years to have built a defining portfolio of luxury residential projects along the eastern seaboard of Australia and now we want to take this philosophy and evolve it into something that extends the lifestyle offering through boutique hotels,” Gurner said.

“Now, this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand as we significantly expand our portfolio across a number of complementary sectors.

“We are exploring a number of new asset classes across tourism, wellness, accommodation and food and beverage – these next few years will be all about pushing the boundaries of our portfolio and recreating the luxury experience we provide to our apartment residents, at a much larger scale.

“We are very keen to work collaboratively with the Douglas Shire Council and deliver something that will become high-end showpiece for the area."

Since publication Gurner has advised the project will not be called The Creation.

 
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GURNER has submitted plans for a boutique luxury wellness, hotel and private residence retreat in Port Douglas

Gurner submits $60 million Port Douglas development plans for The Creation Hotel and Residence

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The penthouse crowning the brand new, sold out Tim Gurner-developed Albert Place in Melbourne has been listed for sale following its completion earlier this year.
Gurner's <a href="/developers/gurner?utm_source=PropertyObserver">development firm</a> created the David Hicks-designed penthouse in the Elenberg Fraser-designed tower at <a href="/buildings/albert-place-7-bowen-crescent-south-melbourne">7 Bowen Crescent</a>.
It has never been lived in.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/12/Gurner%202.jpg" alt="">
Offering views across the city skyline, Port Phillips Bay and Albert Park Lake, the apartment features its own lobby style entrance foyer with dark stained parquetry floors.
That leads to the open plan living, dining and entertaining space surround by 270 degree full height glass.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/12/Gurner%203.jpg" alt="">
The living area extends out to a private terrace.
There are three bedrooms, including the master with a dressing room and marble ensuite. 
A curved staircase, and lift, lead to the second level where there's a potential fourth between, with another marble bathroom and a fitted home office. 
Marshall White Stonnington agents Nicholas Hoo and Mark Harris have the listing.
Albert Place comprises 140 apartments, which was originally 160 but a number of downsizers decided to buy more than one apartment and amalgamate to create a larger residence.
They sold 97 per cent of the apartments within the first two weeks of launching back in 2017.
The sub penthouse was leased earlier this year at $5,000 a week.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Brand new Albert Place, South Melbourne penthouse listed

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A penthouse is for sale in St Kilda with headline grabbing $40 million hopes in the luxury redevelopment of the Novotel hotel.
The Melbourne property developer Tim Gurner has the high hopes in his $580 million, three building project.
The seven bedroom, 1000-square-metre penthouse will include a 10-car garage.
There'll be two pools, guest quarters, gym, sauna, wine cellar and cigar room.
<div id="listing-recommendation-midcontent" class="experiment">
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1">Domain advised the final price for the penthouse "has not been set but is expected to be between $30 million and $40 million."</div>
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1"> </div>
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1">Infact Property Observer understands planning documentation is not yet complete.</div>
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1"> </div>
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1">Gurner had previously signalled hopes that three or four penthouses would sell for up to $30 million.
</div>
</div>
Fender Katsalidis will design the residences, alongside Koichi Takada Architects and interior design David Hicks.
Some 70 per cent of the project will be priced from $1.3 million to $4 million.
Gurner tipped the apartments to set a new global benchmark in luxury living.
“My brief to the design team was very simple – to look at the best amenity and service of five and six-star hotels from around the world and then step it up to offer a level of luxury, amenity and service that has never been seen before,” he said.
“St Kilda is undergoing a major revitalisation with a number of significant redevelopments underway that will place it firmly on the map as an international tourist destination, just as LA’s Venice Beach, Sydney’s Bondi Beach and Monaco’s coastline are known around the globe."
Gurner expects it to be sold to a local wealthy buyer.
Another Melbourne penthouse is for sale for $45 million in the new The Muse builidng on the plusher St Kilda Road.
The Melbourne record for an apartment sale was set at $25 million when the penthouse of skyscraper Australia 108 sold off the plan in 2015.
The Novotel development site was pulled from the market the Sydney property developer Greg Shand agreed a deal with Mr Gurner to develop the site.
The Novotel will operate as usual until building works begin.
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Tim Gurner

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