Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

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

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

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

Whale Beach

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A Palm Beach and Whale Beach compound of three titles totalling 11,200 sqm has hit the market with $9.9 million hopes.
The property, known as Carramar Estate, has been listed by retired flight attendant John Jenkins, who acquired the Palm Beach and Whale Beach adjoining properties over the last 40 years.
The two Palm Beach addresses, the most recent purchase are 824 Barrenjoey Road (1,612 sqm) and 826 Barrenjoey Road (1,625 sqm.)
The largest holding is 162 Whale Beach Road which spans 8,040 sqm.
826 Barrenjoey was the priciest, costing $800,000 in 2002. Jenkins had owned next door since 1995 when he paid $305,000.
Jenkins had paid $48,000 for half of the Whale Beach Road lot in 1976 when buying from the Douglas Lamb Wines family.
He added the adjoining block three years later for the same price due to the fact the neighbours kept chopping down trees which was ruining his privacy.
The sale through Ray White Palm Beach agent Noel Nicholson includes approval for a four lot subdivision.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Near three acre compound spread across Palm Beach and Whale Beach for sale

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The little used, dress circle Whale Beach weekender of businessman David Gonski has been listed for sale.
LJ Hooker Palm Beach listing agent David Edwards says it has some of the finest oceanfront views on the peninsula.
He has a $5.5 million to $5.9 million guide for the cliff-top Rayner Road home.
It last traded for $5.1 million in 2009 when bought from former Whale Beach surf lifesaving club president and Mallesons partner Tony Bancroft.
David Gonski has been a rare visitor, while retaining a retreat on the Gold Coast.
The home features open plan living zones which are connected to private outdoor decks.
There are three bedrooms, which each have water views, as well as a temperature controlled wine cellar.
The designer kitchen adjoins a sandstone terrace with built-in barbecue that overlooks the nine metre swimming pool.
It sits on 710 square metres of native landscaped gardens.
The home was bought in a company name directed by wife, Boston-born dermatologist Orli Wargon, and son Michael, a partner at law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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David Gonski lists Whale Beach weekender 

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Simon Johnson, the food providore behind the now-sold boutique gourmet label, has finally sold his $7 million Whale Beach home.
It was first listed in 2014 with $8 million ambitious hopes.
Johnson and his partner David Nichols now divide their time between their Sydney apartment and London home.
They bought what was originally a Californian bungalow was rebuilt it in 2011 on the high side of Rayner Road.
The Vogue Living featured house includes a gourmet kitchen on each floor, the main finished in Calacatta gold marble with integrated Gaggenau gas appliances, induction as well as in-bench steamer, two electric ovens, combi-steamer oven, plate warmer, walk in pantry and exquisite custom joinery.
There is a 3,000 bottle temperature controlled wine cellar.
The land cost $1.1 million in 1997 when bought with partner David Nichols, a manager at a medical diagnostic firm.
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Food providore Simon Johnson finally sells at Whale Beach

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Simona founder Inge Fonagy has finally sold her long-held clifftop retreat at Whale Beach, which appears to be a hive of sales activity, though still in price recovery mode.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-whale+beach-119073759" target="_blank">The oceanfront</a> was listed with hopes of $3.9 million-plus back in early 2015, then for LJ Hooker Palm Beach auction with $3.25 million plus expectations mid-last year.
Agent Peter Robinson's last price guidance was $3.2 million. 
The home has been in the hands of the designer since 1964 when Inge and her late husband George paid £9500.
The Japanese-inspired timber property on 949 sqm has two levels, with three bedrooms overlooking Dolphin Bay.
The style king Tyler Brule, founder of the interiors bible Wallpaper magazine, holidayed their in the late 1990s with his artist mother Virge.
"This property represents a nostalgic and stylish step back in time and wonderful opportunity to further capitalise on a wonderful ocean front location," Robinson said.
Fonagy, a Swiss-trained Viennese patternmaker who immigrated to Australia following WWII, founded Simona in 1963 using her maiden name.
Another Whale Beach sale - after two years on the market - saw George Forster, the former company secretary of Coca-Cola Amatil, secure $4.2 million.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Whale Beach home of Simona founder Inge Fonagy sold

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The US-based Dow Chemical chief - Andrew Liveris - who is Donald Trump's newly appointed manufacturing council head - has listed his redundant beach house at Whale Beach.
It has been marketed as a "premier site for a new home" by Belle Property Avalon agents Greg Griffin and Laura Mears, who have a March 18 auction date.
With plans to rebuild, they paid $3,675,000 in 2006 for the split level 1970's built home that sits on a 1,100 sqm block sloping down to the ocean. 
Andrew and Paula have pinpointed their Point Piper triplex apartment as their intended home on returning to Australia when Andrew retires.
It was reported last year that Andrew was set to hang up his boots in 2017, however his new role in the Trump regime may delay it.
Trump branded Liveris as "one of the foremost leaders in manufacturing, one of the foremost leaders in the world of business", during a rally in Michigan in December, when he announced his role.
Liveris had previously worked on an advisory panel for Barack Obama.
The Darwin born businessmen has been the chief executive of Dow since 2004 and is considered as one of the world's best known CEO's.
Andrew and Paula are based near the Dow chemical HQ in Michigan. They spent US$250,000 on a 6000 sqm property opposite the Midland Country Club in 2004 and rebuilt two years later.
The $8.5 million Point Piper apartment, offering direct access to Lady Martins Beach, was completed by architect Nevio Casali.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.  
 
 
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Donald Trump's manufacturing fixer Andrew Liveris lists at Whale Beach

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Due to ongoing commitments in the US, film producer Emese Tardy-Green has offloaded her Whale Beach property she bought with her late husband.
Initially it was expected to fetch around $12 million plus, however its latest marketing campaign through Sydney Sotheby's agent Michael King showed an $8.6 million price tag.
It was sold in conjunction with Peter Robinson at LJ Hooker Palm Beach.
Emese bought the home with her late husband Leonard Green, who headed up private equity giant Leonard Green and Partners, in two sections.
They spent $450,000 in 1984 for the parcel where the home stands and then bought the property next door two years later for $440,000 which acted as a garden extension.
The late architect and interior designer Frank Grill undertook a redesign of the <a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:KrMmsuXLG3oJ:www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-whale%2Bbeach-124281666+&amp;cd=2&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=au&amp;client=safari" target="_blank">four bedroom home</a> around a decade ago.
There's a wine cellar, spa and alfresco dining area immersed within the private gardens.
They had a Malibu oceanfront residence and previously owned a harbourfront on the Point Piper peninsula.
Emese is a Hungarian born, Australian citizen based in Los Angeles having worked in London.
Among her credits are Castles Burning, a feature film based on the memory by Magda Denes.
 
 
 
 
 
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Little known LA-based producer Emese Green sells Whale Beach double block

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Listed in October 2012, retired lawyer Malcolm McLean and his artist wife, Jean, have finally sold their beachfront home at Whale Beach.
It was sold price undisclosed but presumably falling short of those initial ambitious price hopes of more than $10 million through Glenn Lee, of Raine &amp; Horne Palm Beach.
The Whale Beach Road property is two doors from the beachfront retreat of businessman and environmental activist Geoff Cousins, which sold just before the 2012 listing for a suburb record price of $13 million.
Cousins's property, named the Wedge after a nearby surf break, was snapped up within 10 days of hitting the market through Glenn Lee to then billionaire John Grill 
Architect John Crawford designed the McLean residence, a modern, New England-inspired, five-bedroom house with sweeping beach views.
The McLeans' home sits on a 1567-square-metre block.
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