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<p>Dirt is to be turned early next year on a flagship nine-storey development at Griffith University’s Nathan campus as it also prepares to expand into the Brisbane CBD.</p><p>Lendlease has been tapped to deliver the 22,000sq m so-called “arrivals building” that will target a five-star Green Star Building V1 rating.</p><p>It will accommodate staff and students relocating from the university’s ageing Mount Gravatt campus—also on the city’s southside—which is closing at the end of 2025.</p><p>Architecture firm BVN won a competition to lead the project’s design.</p><p>Griffith chief operating officer Peter Bryant said the new building—also known as N82—would be a centrepiece for the Nathan campus and feature a central outdoor atrium formed by a series of elevated terraces.</p><p>“This will be a state-of-the-art building which will include a range of key features and new space types for the campus,” Bryant said.</p><p>“Importantly, the building incorporates a Changing Places facility on the ground level for people living with a disability and will include an adult change room with a hoist, a change bed and an accessible toilet.</p><p>“The building will encompass formal and informal teaching spaces, lounge areas, and integrated teaching spaces with research and staff accommodation.”</p><p>He said the building’s five-star Green Star rating would be achieved through a number of factors, including responsible construction and procurement practices and setting embodied carbon targets.</p><div id="4SQPEPfksDLO7xuqHgz8gX"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1xY16qEv3WxW9Tl0XESUiN/b31e8776190b39d77a15b86c09325843/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-30T140425.994.jpg" alt="A render of the flagship &quot;arrivals building&quot; to be built at Griffith University's Nathan campus." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1xY16qEv3WxW9Tl0XESUiN/b31e8776190b39d77a15b86c09325843/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-30T140425.994.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ A render of the flagship “arrivals building” to be built at Griffith University's Nathan campus, south of the Brisbane CBD.<br><br></span></div></div><p>“The roof will include solar panels for green energy, and natural ventilation with high opening windows and fans on the terraces and in all teaching and workplace spaces,” Bryant said.</p><p>BVN’s design has been inspired by the adjoining Toohey Forest with the internal colour palette reflecting the forest’s fauna and flora. As well, it has a Designing with Country element that will take staff, students and visitors on a journey through the atrium as they traverse the levels, staircases, and terraces.</p><p>The university’s engineering academics is also working with the project team on a proposal to install geotechnical and structural real-time sensing into N82 to support teaching, learning and research.</p><p>Meanwhile, an announcement from the university is believed to be imminent on the preferred site of its new Brisbane CBD campus, which will cater for about 7500 students and 400 staff when it opens in 2027.</p><p>Four buildings have been short-listed.</p><p> The university has rejected claims it will be filling the void left by anchor tenant Myer in the six-floor, newly renamed Uptown centre in Queen Street Mall.</p>

Dirt is to be turned early next year on a flagship nine-storey development at Griffith University’s Nathan campus as it also prepares to expand into the Brisbane CBD...

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<p>With an in-house construction arm on the tools, ground has been broken by a Gold Coast developer on what will be the tallest residential development at Robina.</p><p>Family-owned Andrews Projects’ $270-million Cascade development comprises twin towers that will rise 15 storeys and become home to about 1000 residents.</p><p>Off-the-plan contracts have been secured for more than 60 per cent of its 229 two and three-bedroom apartments and villas.</p><p>After being given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council in January, dirt was turned this week on the project, which will generate more than 300 jobs.</p><p>In July, Andrews Projects announced it was bringing its construction in-house to combat the challenges of skilled labour shortages and escalating build costs.</p><p>It is a strategic delivery trend that has been increasingly adopted by developers in south-east Queensland as construction resources become more scarce and government infrastructure works ramp up in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.</p><p>At the time, sales manager Sarah Andrews said it would enable the company to deliver them in a more cost-effective and time-efficient manner.</p><p>“It’s a natural progression for us,” she said. “It’s control of your destiny and control of your work program.</p><p>“We were working with a builder but the cost ended up being too high.”</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-29T142042.453.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3HydnEJnWNkqhb0zzGYTU2/1d7e1a5993da105a318d9afd08c11f1b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142042.453.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3HydnEJnWNkqhb0zzGYTU2/1d7e1a5993da105a318d9afd08c11f1b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142042.453.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-29T142102.198.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7i6lS10ezar33y8loD5PL8/c3f811149598e4f50ce5a9321b451971/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142102.198.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7i6lS10ezar33y8loD5PL8/c3f811149598e4f50ce5a9321b451971/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142102.198.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-29T142026.067.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/YUsEv0DEzgm0Hn5Ezaz6B/5a2da3362bdebbb1ae690f415c10879f/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142026.067.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/YUsEv0DEzgm0Hn5Ezaz6B/5a2da3362bdebbb1ae690f415c10879f/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-29T142026.067.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>The ByCulprit-designed Cascade is a masterplanned vertical community spanning a 1.17ha site at 116 Laver Drive, which was acquired in 2021 for $13.6 million.</p><p>It is touted as featuring Andrews Projects’ signature “curvy style” with floor-to-ceiling windows and large “liveable balconies” as well as a suite of six-star amenities, including a 25m resort pool, 170sq m gym, sauna, cold plunge and steam room. Apartments are said to be priced from $850,000.</p><p>Sarah Andrews said it was the family’s most ambitious project to date and would set a new standard and be a “beacon of progress for Robina”.</p><p>“Commencing construction on Cascade is a significant milestone,” she said. “Cascade underscores our commitment to community and job creation, while providing a luxurious living experience for future Gold Coast residents.”</p><p>She said the project would provide significant economic stimulus for Robina, in line with the state government’s plan for the Olympic Satellite Village in the area.</p><p>The development is scheduled for completion in 2026.</p>

Ground has been broken on what will be home to the tallest residential development at Robina on the Gold Coast...

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<p>Plans for a nine-storey beachside residential project have been launched for Cronulla, 26km south of the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;</p><p>If approved, the 918sq m site at 79-81 Gerrale Street will consist of 18 apartments.&nbsp;</p><p>TomTome Group Pty Ltd are listed as the developers of the site, located in the ‘commercial core’ of the beachside suburb.</p><p>Cronulla is described as the “most visited part” of Sutherland Shire with a host of waterfront parks.</p><p>As a result it has become an important tourist area in the LGA.&nbsp;</p><p>At present, the site is home to a three-storey residential flat building.</p><p>But the site has faced a challenging development history.</p><p>An earlier application was deemed refused and the applicant lodged an appeal.&nbsp;</p><p>However, this appeal was ultimately dismissed in 2020 due to the bulk and scale of the development, as well as design and amenity issues.&nbsp;</p><div id="30510vrQ4pYDzCNdgz9Rn0"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/jXGOOSNtIwaBGmhpQQydA/398a212de522e2142109cbd0c0e0c3b8/Cronulla_apartments_in-article.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/jXGOOSNtIwaBGmhpQQydA/398a212de522e2142109cbd0c0e0c3b8/Cronulla_apartments_in-article.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Cronulla has been a luxury of high-end apartment development over the last year. </span></div></div><p><br>As a result, DMPS town planners for the current application suggested an amended design.</p><p>Design Collective and IDA Design Group worked on the project’s landscaping and architectural design.</p><p>It includes chamfered corners with a setback mirroring that of its northern neighbours to integrate more effectively with surrounding buildings.&nbsp;</p><p>It is not the first luxury apartment project set to get under way in a revamped Cronulla.&nbsp;</p><p>Last year Sydney-based Dvelopr launched plans for a boutique apartment block <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/development-application-clyde-avenve-cronulla-nsw" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/development-application-clyde-avenve-cronulla-nsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on Clyde Avenue</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, another Sydney developer, Sammut, has planned much bigger sites, including a $350 million <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sammut-cronulla-mixed-use-approved" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sammut-cronulla-mixed-use-approved" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mixed-use project on Kingsway</a> that was approved last year, and another <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sammut-group-gerrale-street-cronulla-development-application" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sammut-group-gerrale-street-cronulla-development-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 million beachfront apartment block</a>, down the road from the current application at 67 Gerrale Street.</p>

A beachside site in the ‘commercial core’ of the Sydney suburb of Cronulla will be home to a new apartment block if newly-submitted plans are approved…

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<p>Plans for a slender 18-storey residential tower have been filed for a waterfront site across the Nerang River from the Gold Coast’s Home of The Arts precinct.</p><p>Earmarked for a 1057sq m parcel at 50 Sunset Boulevard in Surfers Paradise, the proposal comprises 43 apartments.</p><p>It has been lodged by an entity linked to Macquarie York’s Roy Skaf and follows a wave of recent development activity across the river from the city’s cultural hub.</p><p>Much of that activity has occurred since the pedestrian and cycle bridge was built connecting the HOTA precinct with nearby Chevron Island.</p><p>The latest proposal is planned for a riverside Surfers Paradise pocket just south of the island.</p><p>Under the plans, it would include 28 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments as well as a three-level four-bedroom penthouse with a rooftop pool.</p><p>A large communal open space would span level 2 providing a gym, barbecue area, pool, sauna and work-from-home facilities.</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T161250.689.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/u1hlrgFn9O46QXrW1rxJU/f7cb802996ebf2adc2a11caba38f4e07/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161250.689.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/u1hlrgFn9O46QXrW1rxJU/f7cb802996ebf2adc2a11caba38f4e07/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161250.689.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T161311.711.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4oYBr2S20Uq8cLzZymtuVg/50da169dc4d7fdde24cfa6bcba4ee07b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161311.711.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4oYBr2S20Uq8cLzZymtuVg/50da169dc4d7fdde24cfa6bcba4ee07b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161311.711.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T161331.003.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7fy9kv3k8dcPsd0wesMjY1/bdb4ed787dc88d4cc761c9cec5bd51f6/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161331.003.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7fy9kv3k8dcPsd0wesMjY1/bdb4ed787dc88d4cc761c9cec5bd51f6/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T161331.003.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>The Plus Architecture-designed tower scheme, which also includes 64 carparking spaces, would replace a two-storey home.</p><p>A submitted design statement said the proposed development had been “meticulously designed to seamlessly blend with its urban and natural surroundings”.</p><p>“The podium is enhanced with landscaping and warm, earth toned materials, anchoring the development and providing a strong connection with its environment,” it said.</p><p>“In contrast, the tower showcases a composition of light-colored concrete with horizontal articulation reminiscent of the Australian beach shack.”</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T162117.950.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2G2LBwxQ6WMZtwn9RTK4L7/a3ebc337c64c7e57bc919d4406f90a9b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162117.950.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2G2LBwxQ6WMZtwn9RTK4L7/a3ebc337c64c7e57bc919d4406f90a9b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162117.950.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T162056.955.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1IYSCFIwyDIqfrjCZdAYAG/edf9c08bb77e1d0ee969c42b84db9999/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162056.955.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1IYSCFIwyDIqfrjCZdAYAG/edf9c08bb77e1d0ee969c42b84db9999/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162056.955.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-28T162138.199.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5wufb3OgDQL1448hGpzOfK/655a4b8d953d7518939ab81406324f48/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162138.199.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5wufb3OgDQL1448hGpzOfK/655a4b8d953d7518939ab81406324f48/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-28T162138.199.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>Meanwhile, upscaled plans have been filed with the Gold Coast City Council for a tower approved for a 1012sqm site at 8-10 Parneno Street at Chevron Island.</p><p>The $90-million development previously dubbed Nina has been renamed Nera.</p><p>The change application has been lodged by an entity linked to the directors of developer Aecore, the project development manager of which is Skaf.</p><p>It is seeking a height increase from 24 to 28 storeys to bolster the project’s yield from 78 to 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments.</p><p>As well, the revised plans include minor facade changes and slight increases from 112 to 118 carparking spaces and 43 to 50 bicycle spaces.</p>

Plans for an 18-storey tower have been filed as a wave of development activity continues across the river from the Glitter Strip's cultural hub…

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<p>The wind is back in the rooftop shade sails of the waterfront Marina Mirage retail and dining precinct on the Gold Coast with plans for its $500-million redevelopment finally moving forward.</p><p>Gold Coast City Council’s planning and environment committee this week recommended the proposal for approval.</p><p>It now must be taken to a full council meeting on December 4 to be ratified and given the green light.</p><p>Meanwhile, Makris Group—the asset’s longstanding owner founded by Adelaide-based billionaire Con Makris—says it is in the final negotiations with one of the world’s largest boutique hotel brands to deliver more than 110 resort rooms as part of the redevelopment.</p><p>It also says it is in early discussions with a top-tier contractor with a view to starting construction as soon as possible, pending the development’s approval.</p><p>Lodged with the council in February this year, the mega-facelift plans also include the addition of a third floor as well as a limited residential component of luxury apartments and villas overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater.</p><p>Under the plans, new shine also would be given to the high-end, 1980s-built complex through “a selection of world-class restaurateurs carefully curated to further enhance the culinary offering”.</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Marina Mirage Hotel Rooftop.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/RUQX6wM5VzhxHwaci6I8h/d9f3004f5f8cd4890d7cd13975bc03a5/Marina_Mirage_Hotel_Rooftop.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/RUQX6wM5VzhxHwaci6I8h/d9f3004f5f8cd4890d7cd13975bc03a5/Marina_Mirage_Hotel_Rooftop.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Marina Mirage Central Aspect.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4il27L0IaqSot2CeFen5mA/0b273dbd7cba6ddb35536ee5fbe5a849/Marina_Mirage_Central_Aspect.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4il27L0IaqSot2CeFen5mA/0b273dbd7cba6ddb35536ee5fbe5a849/Marina_Mirage_Central_Aspect.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Marina Mirage_Evening Render.JPG" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2lE8kuh2xRywcTN5rsTAEV/968b32da0bfa0ffa63e16a2b613e470c/Marina_Mirage_Evening_Render.JPG" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2lE8kuh2xRywcTN5rsTAEV/968b32da0bfa0ffa63e16a2b613e470c/Marina_Mirage_Evening_Render.JPG" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>Well-being and rejuvenation is touted as a central theme of the mixed-use development’s revival, including a hand-picked selection of Australian retail boutiques.</p><p>The Main Beach asset’s landmark rooftop shade sails will be maintained but repositioned as part of the Elenberg Fraser-designed scheme, which includes the opening up its central courtyard.</p><p>Makris Group snapped up Marina Mirage for $52 million in a receiver’s sale in 2013 and a year later acquired The Oracle retail and office precinct at Broadbeach for $65 million.</p><p>“Marina Mirage is unique to Australia’s east coast and is the most prominent parcel of land on The Spit,” Makris Group executive chairman Con Makris said.</p><p>“Our proposed redevelopment embodies a long term and responsible strategy to deliver a sustainable asset that benefit present and future generations.”</p><p>According to Gold Coast-based Makris Group chief executive Jason Makris, the Marina Mirage transformation aims to be fully realised in 2027 well in advance of the 2032 Olympic Games.</p><p>He said the project aligns with the Queensland government’s The Spit Master Plan, which outlines a vision to revitalise the area into an ecological tourism, recreation and leisure destination.</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Marina Mirage Hotel Entrance.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4ctZRucJAhMhQ0Tn8TZwj4/9e52e11fc81a874639c7ee4897b53f01/Marina_Mirage_Hotel_Entrance.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4ctZRucJAhMhQ0Tn8TZwj4/9e52e11fc81a874639c7ee4897b53f01/Marina_Mirage_Hotel_Entrance.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Marina Mirage Boardwalk Public Access.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/fShYSUT7yBGOwbCQ0PEww/6e1f6380ad0d143741b86b07b3a3a604/Marina_Mirage_Boardwalk_Public_Access.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/fShYSUT7yBGOwbCQ0PEww/6e1f6380ad0d143741b86b07b3a3a604/Marina_Mirage_Boardwalk_Public_Access.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>“With state support, the Gold Coast is now well positioned to embrace our exciting, multifaceted world-class development,” Makris said.</p><p>The redevelopment would generate 500 direct jobs during construction and 460 direct and indirect jobs during the operational phase.</p><p>Construction of a 78-berth superyacht upgrade to the asset’s marina facility was recently completed and the approval recommendation for the long-awaited revamp of the complex comes as a new era of development beckons for The Spit.</p><p>Ground is soon expected to be broken on the $300-million <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-mantaray-villas-sales-the-spit" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-mantaray-villas-sales-the-spit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mantaray Marina and Residences</a> project being developed by Tim Gordon’s Gordon Corporation and pub baron Bruce Mathieson. It will comprise a 67-berth superyacht marina with moorings for vessels up to 60m, a retail plaza, floating club lounge and 24 luxury apartments fronting the Broadwater.</p><p>The go-ahead also has been given to the $480-million, six-star <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-hotels-approved-movieworld-ritz-carlton-mariners-cove" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-hotels-approved-movieworld-ritz-carlton-mariners-cove" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ritz Carlton hotel</a> and superyacht marina development on the Mariners Cove site.</p><p>The new hotel will feature 150 guest rooms and suites as well as a signature restaurant, three bars, rooftop pool, ballroom and a large boardwalk. Melbourne-based developers Ross Pelligra and Dion Giannarelli are behind the project.</p>

Redevelopment plans for the landmark waterfront retail and dining precinct on the Glitter Strip are finally moving forward…

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<p>Townhouse enclaves are continuing to sprout at Hope Island on the Gold Coast with billionaire John Van Lieshout’s Unison Projects filing plans for the suburb’s latest residential cluster.</p><p>The proposal comprises five buildings with 42 two-storey, four-bedroom townhouses with double garages.</p><p>It is earmarked for a 9212sq m site that backs onto Sanctuary Cove’s The Pines golf course at the end of Santa Monica Boulevard.</p><p>The vacant holding had been previously approved for two 7-storey buildings accommodating 89 apartments as well as a 112-bedroom aged care facility.</p><p>Unison—the development arm of the Amart Furniture retail chain founder—has an extensive and diverse portfolio of residential, retail, healthcare developments as well as land subdivisions.</p><p>The proposed Hope Island townhouse development—dubbed Santa Monica Residences—is among the company’s growing pipeline of future projects across south-east Queensland.</p><p>Its scheme has been designed by Gold Coast-based BDA Architecture around a private internal road network and features five separate buildings that each comprise six to 12 townhouses.</p><p>“The proposal represents an efficient form of infill residential development resulting in a low-to-medium intensity built form that is attractive, contemporary and consistent with the emerging townhouse character of the area,” a planning report said.</p><p>It added: “The proposed townhomes will enhance and support the existing community by broadening the range of housing options for new and existing residents.”</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-22T151004.186.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/04QKugjCNamf2PEYPGPP1/0ab1cdc7bac6119253fddc8881a4a940/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T151004.186.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/04QKugjCNamf2PEYPGPP1/0ab1cdc7bac6119253fddc8881a4a940/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T151004.186.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-22T150820.206.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3Ta6alI5jH3mkZ6m5g4gPh/5ae4c7bf1f03b65a831971c50afab754/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T150820.206.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3Ta6alI5jH3mkZ6m5g4gPh/5ae4c7bf1f03b65a831971c50afab754/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T150820.206.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Untitled design - 2023-11-22T150859.796.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6Xip41W643nzfy54pnJ0dh/e6d174294d4447790c425b5437ed2f4d/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T150859.796.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6Xip41W643nzfy54pnJ0dh/e6d174294d4447790c425b5437ed2f4d/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-22T150859.796.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>All the residences would include four bedrooms, open plan living, a multi-purpose room and a double garage.</p><p>Communal open space spanning a combined 1089sq m is integrated into the plans, including a main recreation area next to the site’s entrance and a secondary space between two of its proposed residential buildings. Among the amenities would be a pool, spa, sauna, lounge/dining areas and a fire pit with a seating nook.</p><p>“The proposal has been designed to have a bespoke coastal character, where the expression and form of the buildings work together,” a design statement said.</p><p>“The homes are designed to provide a range of home types and faccade treatments that provide a cohesive design yet form an individual character within the private enclave.”</p><p>Amart was founded by van Lieshout, 77, who arrived as an immigrant from the Netherlands in 1960, in 1970 in Brisbane and now has 67 outlets across Australia.</p><p>He sold it in 2006 for $500 million and moved into property development. His net worth was this year listed as $2.72 billion.</p>

The proposal comprises five buildings with 42 two-storey, four-bedroom townhouses with double garages...

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<p>Sydney developer Toga Group has lodged plans to repurpose a Surry Hills church as a mixed-use project.&nbsp;</p><p>Toga has applied to the City of Sydney to redevelop the deconsecrated Gothic-style church building, The Kirk, at 422-424 Cleveland Street.&nbsp;</p><p>Under plans by EM BE CE Architects, rear additions would be demolished and a five-storey rear infill building, that would connect to the church via a new basement level, would be built.</p><p>The mixed-use development would encompass commercial office and end-of-journey floor space in the new building as well as a licensed restaurant extending across both buildings.&nbsp;</p><p>There would also be a mid-building connection in the new building with the upper mezzanine level of The Kirk building, and open pitched portals as an architectural roof feature.&nbsp;</p><p>A key issue for the project, Toga said, was ensuring an effective transition between the streetscape and heritage of The Kirk building, and the redevelopment of the vacant backyard area.</p><p>The Kirk, a Victorian Gothic church, was built in 1879 and used as a place of worship until 1970.&nbsp;</p><p>The building was then leased as an exhibition space, community centre and concert venue but has been unoccupied since 2010.</p><p>Most infamously, Gretel Pinniger, aka Madame Lash, owned it and The Kirk was once a symbol of Sydney’s wildest nightlife.</p><p>And Aussie rock legends AC/DC shot the film clip for their song <em>Let There Be Rock</em> in the church in 1977.</p><p>While it is at the southern edge of the High Holborn Street Heritage Conservation Area, the building itself is not listed as a local or state heritage item.&nbsp;</p><p>Toga acquired the site in November last year, paying a reported $6 million.</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Toga Church 4.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3b8NkxZzcwvSjF7NlCLbky/0d37b128d1a56e0764ea53c512da161e/Toga_Church_4.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3b8NkxZzcwvSjF7NlCLbky/0d37b128d1a56e0764ea53c512da161e/Toga_Church_4.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Toga Church 2.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2ZPiDIP7XQ7rDn6oBV3N3r/6021882385d1792cdccea1e4ef1707b8/Toga_Church_2.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2ZPiDIP7XQ7rDn6oBV3N3r/6021882385d1792cdccea1e4ef1707b8/Toga_Church_2.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Toga Church 3.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/74r3iDVf5T3HxjIBL0ojRc/6fa6959a4f0a496b83afc2cedfa34abc/Toga_Church_3.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/74r3iDVf5T3HxjIBL0ojRc/6fa6959a4f0a496b83afc2cedfa34abc/Toga_Church_3.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Toga Church 1.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/13p69yq3hE1WKJed7Dyau0/bc4c09c00da62efb964b341c487b1a99/Toga_Church_1.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/13p69yq3hE1WKJed7Dyau0/bc4c09c00da62efb964b341c487b1a99/Toga_Church_1.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>Toga are also planning a wider project for Surry Hills, with residences, restaurants, boutiques and workspaces part of its Surry Hills Village redevelopment.&nbsp;</p><p>It said that the site “presents a great opportunity for the adaptive reuse of The Kirk building and redevelopment of the vacant rear yard area”.&nbsp;</p><p>Toga said it was aware of the council’s plans for the area “which essentially seek to retain a highly important transport corridor and commercial hub, providing a more built-up and diverse form of commercial, retail and entertainment uses and service”.&nbsp;</p><p>It called one of its own projects, the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/toga-surry-hills-shopping-village-construction" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/toga-surry-hills-shopping-village-construction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$200-million redevelopment of the Surry Hills Village Shopping Centre</a> near The Kirk site, “an important and emerging influence on this locality”.</p><p>That mixed-use commercial and retail development has been approved and is under construction. It includes buildings up to seven storeys.</p><p><span class="mce-preview-object mce-object-iframe" contenteditable="false" data-mce-object="iframe" data-mce-p-allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-p-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3f2g4RMfhS0"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3f2g4RMfhS0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3f2g4RMfhS0"></iframe><span class="mce-shim"></span></span></p>

A Victorian Gothic church in Surry Hills will be renovated into a restaurant and commercial offices if plans are approved by the City of Sydney…

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<p>Visionary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi was not a fan of the straight lines that dominate most urban landscapes.</p><p>“There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners,” he said.</p><p>And clearly, with their debut Brisbane architectural statement, Rafael Contreras and Monica Earl are bringing that same school-of-design thought to the River City.</p><p>The duo from Gold Coast-based Contreras Earl Architecture has undertaken a dramatic redesign of a previously approved townhouse site at St Lucia, one of the city’s oldest and most established suburbs.</p><p>Looking like a modernist row of luxury multi-level urban caves, the reworked proposal features a free-form curved and arch-filled facade designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape.</p><p>“The intent is to feel that the building has always been part of the site and is intended to look like a natural rock formation,” its design statement said.&nbsp;</p><p>The change application has been filed by Vista Projects for an 810sq m site at 122 Gailey Road acquired for $1.78 million in August.</p><p>The revised plans comprise five four-level townhouses, each with three bedrooms and a private garage, and rooftop terraces with plunge pools.</p><div id="5Yp4COc9aZV1pSJObXG7K"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3fQE1BUn8B9UaRZHbzSJH7/7ed2cbf02a593293df6e6e461dec5830/Mid_article_resizes__23_.jpg" alt="Renders of the Contreras Earl-designed townhouses at St Lucia in Brisbane's inner-west." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3fQE1BUn8B9UaRZHbzSJH7/7ed2cbf02a593293df6e6e461dec5830/Mid_article_resizes__23_.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Renders of the Contreras Earl-designed townhouses at St Lucia.</span></div><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;"><br></span></div></div><p>“We believe that architecture needs to evolve with technology but we also believe that it needs to be integrated with nature as well … and the power of architecture should be used to connect with people,” Contreras told <em>The Urban Developer</em>.</p><p>As the studio’s first Brisbane project, it also saw the site as an opportunity “to create a landmark building that … will be a new architectural asset for the urban fabric of St Lucia and of the city of Brisbane”.</p><p>An unusual aspect to the design is the use of the roof as a “fifth facade”.</p><p>“Because on that hill there are some apartments that will be able to see the top of our building,” Contreras said. “We wanted to create something interesting to look at and so it has a fifth facade—the roof.”</p><div id="6Em6bYrwIrfJwrvHqnrTJX"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/Ax4SCVnaWmLP9sbAMrlhc/0e08b337137a578e2c528114687fa634/2.jpg" alt="Render of the Contreras Earl-designed townhouses at St Lucia in Brisbane's inner-west." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/Ax4SCVnaWmLP9sbAMrlhc/0e08b337137a578e2c528114687fa634/2.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ This is the first Bridsbane project for Contreras Earl.<br><br></span></div></div><p>In its submitted design statement, Contreras Earl noted the building design “responds to multiple parameters such as orientation, context, topography, environment, user and community”.</p><p>Under the plans, as much greenery as possible also would be included on each level of the townhouses.</p><p>“The result is a unique architectural expression that will create unique experiences for its users and the surrounding community,” it said.</p><div id="4wCb349rbHR9DhEBTXZXMx"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/56xhogp50T9XlbmJxAyiSS/03935745367c7ceb48c7d440d7fbe05d/3.jpg" alt="Render of the Contreras Earl-designed townhouses at St Lucia in Brisbane's inner-west." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/56xhogp50T9XlbmJxAyiSS/03935745367c7ceb48c7d440d7fbe05d/3.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ A render of the proposed townhouses at St Lucia.&nbsp;<br><br></span><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;"></span></div></div><p>“Architecture needs to inspire, give hope about the future and create a special connection with people and that’s what this building will intend to do.”</p><p>Contreras Earl’s portfolio includes <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rafael-contreras-earl-archiecture-air-taxi-vertiport-design" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rafael-contreras-earl-archiecture-air-taxi-vertiport-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eye-catching designs for air taxi vertiports</a>, and the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/coral-biobank-energy-globe-award-port-douglas" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/coral-biobank-energy-globe-award-port-douglas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living Coral Biobank Project</a> at Port Douglas as well as high-profile residential tower projects on the Gold Coast.</p><p>It is working on a soon-to-be-lodged second Brisbane residential project.</p>

The architectural firm behind some of Queensland’s most eye-catching designs has turned its attention to a luxury residential development…

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<p>Centuria Capital has filed plans for a sprawling multi-warehouse complex within a big brand logistics and distribution hub in Brisbane’s south-west.</p><p>The proposal designed by Cottee Parker Architects is earmarked for a 3.1ha site at 616 Boundary Road, Richlands.</p><p>Occupied by a 13,763sq m warehouse, it was acquired off-market by the Sydney-based fund manager in 2018 for $15.9 million in a three-year leaseback deal with logistics group Border Express.</p><p>Under the redevelopment plans, the existing facility would be replaced with a trio of office-warehouse buildings with a total of 16,718sq m under roof.</p><p>“The proposal has been carefully considered in relation to the surrounding established development, comprising predominantly of industrial retailers and warehouses,” a planning assessment report said.</p><p>“As such, the proposed warehouses capitalise on the already strong industrial presence in the area, by providing the opportunity for three tenants to occupy and operate, maximising the industrial capacity of the site.</p><p>“The proposed development is considerate to the existing site conditions and surrounding environment and will revitalise an underutilised site to deliver valuable industrial opportunities consistent with the local and state planning framework.”</p><p>Surrounding occupiers within the prime Richlands East industrial precinct include Coca-Cola and Target.</p><p>Centuria’s three proposed warehouses would each rise slightly more than 14m and provide gross floor areas of 6713sq m, 6097sq m and 3908sq m respectively.</p><div id="3RKKZYXPVKqrPZrHj5Ik5I"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7hYeMJG0ddGrXPFvIBKU45/55254a9375c04708bd34d3c943b9ce7b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-08T190056.482.jpg" alt="Renders of Centuria Capital's proposed proposed multi-warehouse complex at Richlands. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7hYeMJG0ddGrXPFvIBKU45/55254a9375c04708bd34d3c943b9ce7b/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-08T190056.482.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Renders of Centuria Capital’s proposed proposed multi-warehouse complex at Richlands.<br><br></span></div></div><p>“The proposed warehouses are of a high-quality design and construction standard and will positively contribute to the high standard character of surrounding industrial development,” the planning documents said.</p><p>Additionally, the proposal facilitates “the generation of local employment opportunities” during construction and operational phases.</p><p>Onsite parking for up to 116 vehicles is included in the plans and access to the complex—which is close to the Ipswich Motorway and Richlands train station— would be provided from Boundary and Archerfield roads.</p><p>The proposal has been designed to accommodate the largest vehicles capable of servicing the site—26m B-double semi-trailers and 19m articulated vehicles.</p><p>Centuria recorded an operating profit after tax for the 2022-23 fiscal year of $115.6 million.</p><p>It has a total of $21 billion in assets under management across office, industrial and retail platforms and has been strategically expanding into the alternative sectors of real estate finance, healthcare and agriculture.</p>

Centuria Capital has filed plans for a sprawling multi-warehouse complex within a big name brand logistics and distribution hub in Brisbane’s south-west...

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<p>YMCA Brisbane has filed plans for a six-storey affordable housing project to be integrated with its existing multi-purpose building at Mango Hill, north of the city.</p><p>The proposal by the Young Men’s Christian Association charitable organisation—better known under its acronym or as The Y—comprises 42 apartments “for mature female residents”.</p><p>It is earmarked for a vacant portion of its 5831sq m holding in a low-medium density neighbourhood at 22 Halpine Drive.</p><p>The existing multi-purpose building includes a vocational school for 12 to 15-year-old students, a gym, op shop, cafe and a church.</p><p>Under the plans, 35 one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units would be built to cater for residents with varying mobility capabilities and care requirements.</p><p>“This addition to the already approved and operating mixed-use development is to be undertaken for the purpose of providing housing to women over the age of 55 who are currently experiencing significant social or housing disadvantage, as part of an overall welfare structure supporting residents on their journey to self-determination,” a planning report said.</p><p>“The subject site offers significant locational opportunities that address the key requirements of people experiencing financial stress, including excellent access to public transport networks, shopping/employment centres and open space/recreation facilities.”</p><p>The development would be owned, managed and maintained by YMCA, which among its other services and programs is a registered provider of community housing under the National Regulatory Scheme.</p><div id="6tCZoQ57FmSOd5ymeVlAco"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1dgD8WVgHMRGrc5y4mfk1H/c2d81b8b211e2a2ad238260d2f2ace25/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-08T143545.492.jpg" alt="Renders of the YMCA's proposed six-storey affordable housing development at Mango Hill." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1dgD8WVgHMRGrc5y4mfk1H/c2d81b8b211e2a2ad238260d2f2ace25/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-08T143545.492.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Renders of the YMCA’s proposed six-storey development at Mango Hill.<br><br></span></div></div><p>A dedicated five-storey carparking structure—enabling direct access to the units—is also proposed between the existing four-storey multipurpose facility and the new apartment building that will increase the number of parking spaces from 61 to 113.&nbsp;</p><p>As well, bicycle parking spaces will be increased from 24 to 71.</p><p>A design statement by Mode Architects said the apartment building was to be oriented towards Linear Drive and would provide “a high-quality, contemporary residential building … including an interesting roof form and a highly articulated facade”.</p><p>It would feature decorative blockwork and metal screens, incorporating fine architectural elements including a varied roof form, splays, weather protection devices, recessed balconies, external breezeways and a varied colour palette.</p><p>The development proposal also includes communal space with a shared barbecue area on the ground level and the existing landscaped outdoor recreation space associated with the school would also be available for use by residents and their visitors.</p>

YMCA Brisbane has filed plans for a six-storey affordable housing project to be integrated with its existing multipurpose building at Mango Hill, north of the city...

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<p>“No one, not architects, not designers, have any idea how hard it is to actually create activity and activate a precinct... you hear buzzwords, but no one is doing anything about it.”&nbsp;</p><p>So says Andrew Coward, co-founder and director of placemaking agency Reactivate Consulting, which is focused on bringing cities back to life.</p><p>It’s no secret that Australia’s ‘Big Smokes’ are nowhere near the likes of New York or Bangkok’s bustling city centres.</p><p>But breathing life back into cities is becoming more critical as we shift from an era of run-down buildings from the 1970s to activating even the smallest of laneways in the CBDs.&nbsp;</p><p>Australian cities certainly don’t match the image of ‘the city that never sleeps’. However, since precinct activation grants were announced earlier this year and lockout laws scrapped in Sydney it’s become more of a focus.</p><p>The NSW Government introduced ‘vibrancy reforms’ to the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 into parliament last month.</p><p>The amendments are aimed at overhauling the “complicated and often duplicated regulation” that is preventing a thriving all-hours economy.</p><p>The cross-government iniative was developed in concert with key government agencies, industry and local government to modernise the legislation in line with going out behaviours, and enable more people to go out, closer to home.&nbsp;</p><p>The amendments are aimed at addressing six key pinch points, sound management, night-time precinct protections, relaxing outdoor dining spaces, streamlining planning and licensing rules, create a safer night-time workplace, and empower the 24-Hour Commissioner to deliver on these amendments.</p><h2><strong>From old to new</strong></h2><p><br>There are some local success stories in the drive to create thriving precincts.</p><p>Circular Quay, in the thick of things in Sydney, was originally a port for commercial shipping and then a commuter hub with ferry terminals, trams and pedestrian links connecting the city.</p><p>More than 50 million people visit Circular Quay each year and it handles about 35 million commuter trips. But far from being a thoroughfare, the harbourfront precinct is in the middle of a $38-billion renewal.</p><p>Quay Quarter Lanes, designed by SJB Architects as part of a consortium, and developed by AMP Capital, at 9-15 Young Street is the rejuvenation of a run-down city block into a mixed-use retail, commercial and residential apartment building with views of the harbour and less than a minute walk to the Circular Quay hub.</p><div id="1BJmDRVWCLJxkfhirNith1"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2FUnNMPbvcfl8i2L3J6Z4B/4672df0863b03a5ac32f29415029ab9c/Loftus_Lane_Mid.jpg" alt="Loftus Lane and Young Street is home to Bar Mammoni, Grana, and Apollonia. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2FUnNMPbvcfl8i2L3J6Z4B/4672df0863b03a5ac32f29415029ab9c/Loftus_Lane_Mid.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Loftus Lane and Young Street is home to Bar Mammoni, Grana, and Apollonia.<br><br></span></div></div><p>The area also received funding through a NSW government strategy. The office of the 24-hour Economy Commissioner has introduced the Uptown District Showcase, a grant program to help pump life into precincts.</p><p>Earlier this year, funding of up to $200,000 was handed out to 21 districts across Sydney to develop their own nightlife and economic growth.</p><p>UpTown Sydney CBD is a part of the program with a focus on hospitality hubs including Quay Quarter and Sydney Place.</p><div id="6NZBQqxIm0d6ISS8UQgqfX"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4tY32t3Bw4PA6yzBpUJcAL/fe39d810441d3354f9aacbfa6d6409b6/UpTown_MID__1_.jpg" alt="Quay Quarter, Hinchcliff House and The Museum of Sydney for the UpTown Sydney CBD district. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4tY32t3Bw4PA6yzBpUJcAL/fe39d810441d3354f9aacbfa6d6409b6/UpTown_MID__1_.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Quay Quarter, Hinchcliff House and The Museum of Sydney for the UpTown Sydney CBD district. Images: Ross Coffey, Jiwon Kim, James Horan.<br><br></span></div></div><p>Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said the vibrancy reforms would help to deliver safer and more activated precincts.&nbsp;</p><p>“We need to change the rules around outdoor and street activation so that music, culture and entertainment can spill outdoors,” Graham said.</p><p>“We especially need to change the rules for sound and noise complaints that allow a single neighbour to make serial complaints to close a long-running venue they have just moved in next to.&nbsp;</p><p>“We want to encourage businesses to innovate and put on live performance, by giving them certainty. We want to create a safe and diverse set of options for people when they go out, to go to a pub, to see a show, to get a late-night meal. We want to activate our streets – see people milling on pavements after an exhibition or show, or dancing in the streets at a festival.”</p><h2><strong>Kings Cross rises again</strong></h2><p><br>The prominent Kings Cross strip became known as a place to avoid after a slew of alcohol-fuelled ‘king hits’ attacks that claimed the lives of two people, in 2012 and 2013.&nbsp;</p><p>Sydney’s lockout laws were introduced in 2014 in an attempt to stamp out alcohol-related violence, but these laws were scrapped in 2021 after the economy took a big hit and Kings Cross became a ghost town.</p><p>Lifting the laws marked a new era for Sydney, and included the appointment of Michael Rodrigues as the 24-hour economy commissioner tasked with activating the city.</p><div id="5bLSyhFEYbsM1sCSRoLyxS"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2GOxxUAR5Ua4BwWm4GYx7y/818b985d29595f891d85de334ff5945a/Kings_Cross.jpg" alt="The Kings Cross strip was once a bustling nightlife hub with hopes of returning to the original atmosphere." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2GOxxUAR5Ua4BwWm4GYx7y/818b985d29595f891d85de334ff5945a/Kings_Cross.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ The Kings Cross strip was once a bustling nightlife hub. Image: Ross Coffey<br><br></span></div></div><p>Road design and traffic calming in these districts allow businesses to showcase themselves, such as restaurants and pop-up bars—an opportunity for in-store activations and growth.</p><p>“The showcase is just one of many initiatives the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is doing to encourage businesses, councils and communities across greater Sydney to collaborate and raise awareness of their neighbourhoods,” Rodrigues says.&nbsp;</p><p>The City of Sydney has also launched its Sydney Streets program, focused on&nbsp; activating buildings, streets and businesses.</p><p>Under this, the council shuts down village high streets to vehicles and they are transformed into event spaces for dining, walking, shopping and entertainment.<br></p><p>To support the businesses and 540,000 Sydneysiders who live and work in the CBD, the NSW government has proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy to make it easier for venues to host art and food festivals outside their indoor premises without the need a development application.</p><h2><strong>Re-activating Sydney’s historic heart</strong></h2><p><br>Meanwhile, Sydney’s oldest locale, The Rocks, which dates back to the late 1700s, has made ground activating buildings and converting old buildings into hospitality precincts.</p><p>Night-time venues such as The Argyle and El Camino are drawing a younger crowd.&nbsp;</p><p>In a joint venture between Hannas Group and Golden Age group, The Harrington Collection was developed—a residential development in the heart of the Rocks, comprising 58 residences split between penthouses, apartments and two converted bakers terraces from the 1800s.</p><p>But Hannas Group chief operating officer Charlie Martin warns developers can’t jump into converting heritage buildings and expect it to be done quickly, rather, it takes time and attention to detail.</p><p>“There’s a lot of unknowns and checkpoints with different stakeholders that will have an opinion on what the final outcome could be,” Martin says.</p><p>Retail activation and ground-floor hospitality are all paying dividends in the reinvigoration of Sydney CBD.&nbsp;</p><p>Retail vacancy figures for the first half of 2023 revealed a softening in overall vacancy in Sydney, but strip retail had tightened to 6.9 per cent.&nbsp;</p><p>This followed a surge in leasing deals in prime locations to brands including Adidas, NBA and JD Sports and continued activity by luxury retailers seeking to open flagship stores to remain competitive according to CBRE data.</p><p>The overall Sydney CBD increase was attributable to a 406-basis points vacancy rise in arcade retail space and a 320bps rise in centre vacancies, largely due to tenancies becoming available following the refurbishment of the General Post Office coupled with difficulties in leasing upper-level retail centre tenancies.</p><p>CBRE’s report forecasts that increases in international visitor numbers, returning international students and a growing number of CBD events are expected to continue to boost city visitation and overall retail spending.<br><br></p><hr><p><strong><br>You are currently experiencing <em>The Urban Developer</em> Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals. </strong><a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans"><strong>Click here to learn more.</strong></a></p><div id="2GhuueZl01Zwo2aFfjNVi2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg" alt="TUD + Banner" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg"></picture></div>

Once ghost towns out of business hours, developers and planners are injecting the fun back into Sydney’s hubs, and creating a vibrant night-time economy…

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<p>With the post-pandemic surge of tens of thousands of international students returning to study in Queensland it’s a full house in Brisbane’s student accommodation towers.</p><p>The spike in demand has prompted Australia’s largest student accommodation provider, Scape, to file revised plans upscaling an approved addition to the city’s purpose-built digs for scholars.</p><p>Under the plans, it is seeking to add four storeys to its greenlit development earmarked for a 1530sq m site at 41-47 Tribune Street, South Brisbane.</p><p>The reworked proposal increases the building height from 15 to 19 storeys, providing an extra 45 student accommodation beds—bolstering the tower’s residential yield from 479 to 524 beds.</p><p>According to the submitted planning assessment report, the changes are “in response to a high level of housing need”.</p><p>“In Brisbane, Scape currently has six operational buildings comprising 4000 bedrooms located in the South Bank and Toowong precincts,” the report said.</p><p>Significantly, it adds: “Scape’s Brisbane portfolio is currently full, and ... [it is] continuing to receive enquiries on a daily basis.that the student accommodation provider’s Brisbane portfolio “is currently full, and … continuing to receive enquiries on a daily basis”.</p><p>“Scape is proactively seeking to assist in alleviating the supply pressure currently being faced by students (and renters in general) by fast-tracking the planning and development process of the existing pipeline projects,” the documents said.</p><p>“The subject site on Tribune Street sits adjacent to one of Scape’s existing operating buildings in South Bank and is considered a key site to alleviating some of the housing supply pressing in Brisbane.</p><p>&nbsp;“Of note, increasing student accommodation may assist in freeing up private rental accommodation currently being used by students.”</p><div id="4YDXnbDIIimn2U8QxOpgvf"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/47CB56lynuogzWpwb6ON5v/a3b027f09fcac7c09c65f77012d0e83c/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-07T145033.575.jpg" alt="Renders of Scape's revised student accommodation tower plans for 41-47 Tribune Street, South Brisbane." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/47CB56lynuogzWpwb6ON5v/a3b027f09fcac7c09c65f77012d0e83c/Untitled_design_-_2023-11-07T145033.575.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Renders of Scape’s revised student accommodation tower plans for 41-47 Tribune Street, South Brisbane.<br><br></span></div></div><p>The influx of foreign students into Australia hit its highest level in a decade in the 12 months to June 30, with 520,911 student visas issued—115,000 above the previous peak.</p><p>In the first six months of this year, Queensland recorded a 41 per cent jump in international student numbers compared to the same period last year.</p><p>The additional 38,000 students arriving from overseas bumped up Queensland’s total to 94,308—a level on a par to pre-Covid numbers and surpassing the rate of increase in NSW and Victoria.</p><p>China accounted for 15,700 students.</p><p>At the corner of Colchester and Tribune streets, Scape’s tower proposal would provide the missing piece to a student accommodation precinct spanning an entire block.</p><p>The redesigned scheme by Plus Architecture is capped by a rooftop terrace with communal outdoor space, a yoga lawn and deck.</p><p>As well, it provides additional retail spaces at street level and an extra lift.</p><p>“The proposal represents an urban renewal project which will be located within a developing ‘student accommodation precinct’, completing the remaining underdeveloped site in this precinct,” the planning report said.</p><p>“[It] draws on the site’s proximity to nearby Queensland University of Technology and South Bank TAFE campuses and provides an alternative for students looking to live off-campus.</p><p>“The proposed development will invigorate the existing student precinct by placing an additional 524 students at the South Bank TAFE door step, reinforcing the centre as the social and economic heart of the inner South Brisbane.”</p>

A full house in Brisbane’s student accommodation towers has prompted Australia’s largest student accommodation provider Scape to rework plans for an approved inner-city tower...

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