570 Little Bourke, Melbourne development

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Argo Group will break ground on a $280-million office tower in central Melbourne after securing planning approval.</p><p>The developer, alongside partner Hickory, will build a 30,000sq m A-grade office tower on the corner of King and Little Bourke street across four sites spanning 1300sq m in the city’s legal precinct.</p><p>The slender 23-level development, to be known as 570 Little Bourke Street, is in Melbourne CBD’s legal precinct close to Flagstaff train station.</p><p>The City of Melbourne approved an initial development application, designed by UNStudio in collaboration with Melbourne-based architects XO Projects, in mid-2020.</p><p>Melbourne-based Argo, which was established about 30 years ago, secured an adjoining three-storey building at 232 King Street soon after landing its approval, allowing for a larger precinct.</p><p>The developer submitted amended plans, enlisting Fender Katsalidis to build on the existing proposal and increasing the office floorplates from 625sq m of net lettable area to 900sq m.</p><p>It was unanimously approved by the Future Melbourne Committee and will now go before planning minister Richard Wynne for the final sign-offs.</p><p>The development will include the retention and redevelopment of the heritage-listed Great Western Hotel, comprising a new kitchen and basement level, as well as the recently acquired building at 232 King Street.</p><p>Fender <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_410312405621644551766504" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_410312405621644551766504" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="Katsalidis" data-mce-lingo="en_au">Katsalidis</span> director James <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_3212919335631644551766504" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_3212919335631644551766504" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="Pearce" data-mce-lingo="en_au">Pearce</span> told <em>The Urban Developer</em> said the design would enrich Melbourne’s <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_2557308645671644551766506" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_2557308645671644551766506" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="laneway" data-mce-lingo="en_au">laneway</span> culture through the provision of an activated arcade link, connecting the tree-lined boulevard of King Street and Brown Alley’s pocket park.</p><p>“It also encapsulates the various characteristics of the multiple site frontages, while retaining the local pub,” <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_5592612555681644551766506" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_5592612555681644551766506" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="Pearce" data-mce-lingo="en_au">Pearce</span> said.</p><p>Melbourne deputy lord mayor Nicolas <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_8614648246481644551796912" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_8614648246481644551796912" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="Reece" data-mce-lingo="en_au">Reece</span> said there has been a “robust exchange of ideas” between the council and the developer to get the proposal over the line.</p><p>“I believe this will be an outstanding building and one in which Melbourne can be proud,” <span class="mce-spellchecker-annotation mce-spellchecker-word mce-cram_9557873267301644551820246" aria-invalid="spelling" data-mce-highlight-id="mce-cram_9557873267301644551820246" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-annotation="Reece" data-mce-lingo="en_au">Reece</span> said.</p><p>“Council officers have received agreement for several conditions which have been incorporated into the amended plans including setbacks and the retention of the brick motif along Brown Alley.</p><p>“I am pleased to see the design changes which will emphasise a hidden square off Brown Alley and as a result of this development that pocket square will become one of the most popular gathering places for people in central Melbourne.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/1749872c-d70b-42f6-87b3-92b668d8e12c.jpg" width="800" data-mce-src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/1749872c-d70b-42f6-87b3-92b668d8e12c.jpg"></picture><div><span style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;">▲ The development comprises a narrow tower, with ground floor retail tenancies to activate the adjoining Brown Alley and surrounding streetscape. Image: Fender Katsalidis</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Construction is expected to commence in mid-2022 with completion scheduled for 2024.</p><p>The approval is a positive sign for Melbourne’s beleaguered office sector with activity slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels.</p><p>Melburnians have been returning to CBD workplaces <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-government-explores-ideas-for-revitalising-sydney-cbd" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-government-explores-ideas-for-revitalising-sydney-cbd">at a faster rate than Sydneysiders</a> since the country emerged from lockdowns late last year.</p><p>Argo Group managing director Nick Argyrou said the approval of the project solidifies the evolution in quality workplaces in Melbourne.</p><p>“It has always been our intention to create a world-class office destination, from our initial collaborations with UN Studio and XO Projects to the renowned expertise Fender Katsalidis bring to this significant amendment,” Argyrou said.</p><p>“Although our immediate attention was to contribute to the upgrade of the King Street precinct, exemplar developments like this will be critical in enticing workers back into the city and are essential to the revival of the CBD.”</p><p>Nearby, Mirvac will is advanced on a similar A-grade office tower after <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-383-la-trobe-street-melbourne-approval" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mirvac-383-la-trobe-street-melbourne-approval">securing planning approval</a> last year.</p><p>Mirvac intends to build a 44,000sq m office tower of 31 levels at 383 La Trobe Street, the current home of the Australian Federal Police.</p><p>At 600 Lonsdale Street, developer V-Leader also has approval for a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-major-development-projects" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-major-development-projects">$500-million mixed-use development</a>.</p><p>Its 42-story building will comprise 24,400sq m of A-grade office space, a 280-key boutique hotel, amenities, and retail space.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

  Argo Group will break ground on a $250 million office tower in central Melbourne after securing planning approval...

Frasers Files Apartment Precinct Plan for Brisbane Hotspot

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Frasers Property Australia is beefing up its development pipeline, filing to develop an apartment precinct in Newstead as <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-housing-market-update" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-housing-market-update">south-east Queensland’s booming market</a> continues to gather pace.</p><p>The developer and investor, a subsidiary of Singaporean property giant Frasers Property Limited, wants to build a 16-storey tower with 142 apartments and 10 townhouses on the corner of Chester and Morse streets.</p><p>The 3000sq m site, picked up by Frasers Property in July 2021, is currently occupied by two industrial buildings and a carpark.</p><p>At the time of the acquisition, Frasers Property said the site had been selected due to its close proximity to Brisbane’s emerging James Street precinct.</p><p>The proposed development is aimed at owner-occupiers due to its location—next to the established Gasworks precinct and Brisbane River.</p><p>The 15,000sq m, Rothelowman-designed tower will sit above four levels of basement car parking for 250 vehicles, two ground floor retail tenancies and will feature a rooftop pool.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/8c346ca7-ea5e-4819-8422-182dabdf6894.jpg" width="960" data-mce-src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/8c346ca7-ea5e-4819-8422-182dabdf6894.jpg"></picture><div><span style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;">▲ Frasers is planning a new urban plaza as well as number of public realm improvements to deliver enhanced links between Chester Street and James Street. Image: Rothelowman</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Running through the centre of the site will be a new pedestrian laneway to connect Chester Street with the greater James Street precinct.</p><p>At the rear of the site, along Morse Street, two rows of townhouses are planned, each with its own terrace garden.</p><p>The project’s development manager declined to comment to <em>The Urban Developer</em> on the application.</p><p>Frasers has sharpened its focus in recent years to undertake large scale mixed-use or multi-stage masterplan projects.</p><p>The developer currently has $2.5 billion of capital deployed in Australia—$3 billion with funds partnerships included.</p><p>Half its business is invested in traditional land estates and apartment developments, around 20 per cent is invested in mixed-use projects and the remaining 30 per cent holds investments in retail and commercial assets.</p><p>Frasers Property is currently delivering its first build-to-rent apartment development on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, not far from the Newstead site.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/73c992b9-0c7f-4f69-81ea-c692f732c307.jpg" width="960" data-mce-src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/73c992b9-0c7f-4f69-81ea-c692f732c307.jpg"></picture><div><span style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="align-content: center; opacity: 0.8;">▲ Pending approvals, Frasers aims to launch the development in mid-to-late 2022. Image: Rothelowman</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The $200-million development, part of the state government’s build-to-rent pilot program, will include 366 apartments across a 25-level building.</p><p>Frasers Property broke ground on the project, dubbed Brunswick and Co, in late 2021 and is anticipated to be finalised by late 2024.</p><p>Developers have been quick to move on available sites in and around James Street, a precinct gaining a reputation as <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/a-retail-renaissance-in-australias-entertainment-precinct" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/a-retail-renaissance-in-australias-entertainment-precinct">Brisbane’s most cosmopolitan fashion and lifestyle hotspot</a>.</p><p>The blue-chip precinct sits between the established apartment markets of Newstead and Teneriffe, as well as the city centre.</p><p>Queensland developer Forme currently has two development applications, drawn up by Richards and Spence, in front of the council.</p><p>At 31 Doggett Street, four blocks from James Street, Forme is planning a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/forme-development-application-31-doggett-street-teneriffe-brisbane" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/forme-development-application-31-doggett-street-teneriffe-brisbane">boutique residential building</a> containing 22 apartments.</p><p>It is also in advanced talks with the council to deliver a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/forme-james-street-brisbane-development-application" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/forme-james-street-brisbane-development-application">five-level office, retail and dining complex</a> on a large amalgamated site between 75 and 85 James Street.</p><p>Closer to Bowen Hills, at 99 Breakfast Creek Road, Seymour Group is planning a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/seymour-group-99-breakfast-creek-road-development-application" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/seymour-group-99-breakfast-creek-road-development-application">$600-million residential precinct</a>.</p><p>The two-stage project will include eight buildings ranging from 11 to 17 storeys rising from a four-storey podium.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Frasers Property Australia is beefing up its development pipeline applying to develop an apartment precinct in Newstead...    

Meriton Group is expecting apartment prices to finally start to catch up with house prices, lodging plans to build 629 units in Carlingford near Parramatta.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Meriton Group is expecting demand to surge for apartment stock, lodging plans to build 629 units in Carlingford near Parramatta to  cash-in on the changing market. </p><p></p><p>Australia’s largest residential developer lodged a development application for six mid-rise buildings after finalising the purchase of the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/-triguboff-meriton-moves-on-3bn-eastgardens-buys-development-site">2.8ha site at 263 Pennant Hill Road</a>, Carlingford.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Meriton managing director Harry Triguboff said demand for apartments was about to rise again, narrowing the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/house-apartment-price-gap-widens">record gap between houses and apartments</a>.</p><p></p><p>The developer outlined two main reasons prices would rise drastically in 2022: <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/homebuilders-end-hits-dwelling-starts-abs">commencements in attached dwellings</a> dropped 15.8 per cent in the September quarter and overseas students, migrants and investors were due to return. </p><p></p><p>Triguboff said Meriton was now shifting the focus to larger apartments.</p><p></p><p>“We are now concentrating on bigger two- and three-bedroom units with car park because there is a big demand and very little supply,” he said.</p><p></p><p>The Carlington development had a mix of 112 one-, 355 two-, 147-three and 15-four bedroom apartments. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/ba6807ff-c107-484a-8060-56afa7c1ae6c.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Meriton&#x27;s plans for a new residential development designed by Fender Katsalidis in Carlingford, 22km north-west of Sydney.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Set over three stages, the plans by Fender Katsalidis comprise six 10- to 12-storey buildings, a childcare facility and neighbourhood shops within the development. </p><p></p><p>There would also be 1146 car parks and three internal roadways along with public parkland replacing the remaining low-density residential dwellings on the site.</p><p></p><p>Part of the triangular site, which has frontage on Shirley Street, had a previous approval for five buildings with 450 units.</p><p>The sizeable 2.8ha site was listed by receivers after its owner, Dyldam Group, entered voluntary administration with more than <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dyldam-group-creditors-chase-500-million">$500 million in outstanding debt</a>. </p><p></p><p></p><p>This month Meriton also <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/meriton-oxford-street-epping-development-application">lodged plans for a 30-storey residential tower </a>at Oxford Street, Epping, near a new train station. </p><p>Nearby, the Carter Street development in Lidcombe is entering its final stage with <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/meriton-plots-600-apartments-in-parramatta">plans for a 46- and 42-storey tower </a>on a similar sized site to the Carlingford development.</p><p>The group also reported positive occupancy across its serviced apartments so far this year—the Gold Coast portfolio “exceeded all expectations” and was “especially strong” in Parramatta, Brisbane and Bondi Junction.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Meriton Group is expecting apartment prices to catch up with house prices, lodging plans to build 629 units in Carlingford near Parramatta...

Developer Plots Four Apartment Buildings on Vacant Crows Nest Site

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Lindsay Bennelong Developments has put forward plans for a $150-million residential development in Crows Nest on Sydney’s lower north shore.</p><p>The commercial, industrial and residential development company has applied to the North Sydney Council to build four buildings on a 4350sq m site it purchased in 2019. </p><p>Lindsay Bennelong pursued the site, at 27-57 Falcon Street, due to its location near the new Sydney Metro station and Crows Nest Town Centre within the Willoughby Road Precinct.</p><p>The site, half of which is undeveloped, is bound by Falcon Street to the north, Hayberry Lane to the south, Alexander Lane to the west and low-density residential properties to the east.</p><p>Its has lain vacant for more than two decades but has been subject to a number of proposals in that time, including a vertical aged care facility and high-rise residential flat buildings.</p><p>Due to planning difficulties, the approaches to the council during the past decade to develop the site have gone unsuccessful, leading the site to change hands several times.</p><p>The remainder of the site is currently occupied by three ageing two-storey commercial and industrial buildings.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/b51f6070-02da-4ebc-aed6-7f09c28d9574.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The existing run down commercial buildings at the eastern part of the site will make way for four new contemporary residential buildings. Image: Allen Jack and Cottier Architects</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Its proposed development, designed by Allen Jack and Cottier Architects, will comprise three buildings stepping up to four-storeys, double the current height limit.</p><p>The buildings, if realised, will offer 74 apartments in one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment configurations.</p><p>A fourth, narrow two-storey building fronting Hayberry Lane will comprise nine townhouses.</p><p>The developer has set aside 10 apartments for tenants with specialist disabilities, while 15 apartments will be for social housing. </p><p>The masterplanned development will include three courtyard spaces linking Falcon Street to Hayberry Lane as well as two retail tenancies on the corner of Falcon Street and Alexander Lane. </p><p>The development will be within 350m of the future Crows Nest metro station, which was approved in early 2017 and scheduled for completion in 2024.</p><p>The station is one of seven being built as part of a $27-billion metro rail line from Chatswood, under Sydney Harbour to central Sydney and on to Bankstown. </p><p>The Lindsay Bennelong development will be in the state government’s approved St Leonards-Crows Nest 2036 plan.</p><p>In late 2020, the NSW government <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/2036-draft-plan">unveiled</a> its finalised <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/2036-draft-plan">2036 plan</a>  with tower heights reduced and the number of dwellings to be built in the emerging precinct cut to 6700.</p><p>The finalised plan reduced building heights for the tallest towers planned south of the Pacific Highway near St Leonards station to 42 storeys, down from the previously planned 60 storeys.</p><p>The state government has also promised 8ha of extra open space, which it says will be partly funded by developer contributions.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

  Lindsay Bennelong Developments has put forward plans for a $150 million residential development in Crows Nest in Sydney’s lower north shore...

Mall Owner Vicinity Plots 600 Apartments in Central Brisbane

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Retail landlord Vicinity Centres is stepping up efforts to diversify its shopping mall portfolio, lodging plans for a mixed-use precinct of seven  buildings at its Buranda Village Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s south-east.</p><p>The shopping centre, which opened in 40 years ago, sits on a 2.13ha island site at 264 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba.</p><p>Vicinity is now planning to develop the dated, low-format shopping centre in a visually prominent location into a 8200sq m laneway-based, open-air retail and dining centre precinct featuring medium-rise towers.</p><p>The proposal for the mall site, designed by architecture firms Rothelowman and Hassell, will include four 15-storey residential buildings comprising 630 build-to-rent apartments.</p><p>It will also build two 15-storey commercial buildings comprising 40,000sq m and a 10-storey building offering 12,000 square metres. </p><p>Vicinity plans to retain all three 5-star Green Star rated commercial buildings which will accommodate a range of uses including retail, hotels and bars.</p><p>The precinct, will feature a 3400sq m Woolworths supermarket as well as 10 smaller retail tenancies.</p><p>Directly above the retail laneways will be a 3400sq m landscaped precinct, known as The Terraces, half of which will be publicly accessible, while the remaining section, including a swimming pool and barbecue, area will be reserved for tenants.</p><p>The development will include 1265 car parking spaces, 25 motorbike parking spaces and 710 bicycle spaces.</p><p>Vicinity will retain the existing heritage-listed ventilation, erected in 1913 by the South Brisbane Council on the corner of Cornwall Street and Ipswich Road, as a component of its Ipswich Road stormwater catchment system. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/14be17c8-d92c-4ccf-b93b-66090ac98afe.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The 21,300sq m site bound by Ipswich Road to the west, Tottenham Street to the north, Carl Street to the east and Cornwall Street to the south. Image: Rothelowman, Hassell</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Vicinity chief development officer Carolyn Viney said the proposal had been inspired by Brisbane’s suburban village centres and would offer modern, flexible commercial office solutions that catered to the growing “work near home” demand. </p><p>“In addition to delivering everyday community needs to residents and workers, the plan also delivers a significant economic benefit, creating close to 580 jobs during construction and more than 3200 long-term jobs,” Viney said.</p><p>“This is a true mixed-use outcome where our offerings complement each other to create a modern and activated community while also taking advantage of the strong rail, bus and car transport links and the proposed Brisbane Metro Cross and River Rail services.”</p><p>The development will be delivered in three stages, with construction of the residential towers and 10,000sq m of new shopping centre upgrades planned first followed by the smaller of the three commercial towers in the second phase. </p><p>The Buranda Village redevelopment comes as a considerable amount of urban regeneration and significant public infrastructure projects break ground in the lead up to the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-2032-olympics-property-market-development-stadium">2032 Olympic games</a>.</p><p>The shopping precinct is close to the Gabba stadium, just 3km from the 42,000 seater stadium, which is planned to be the heart of the Games and will be <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/brisbane-olympics-2032-development-infrastructure-projects">upgraded to hold 50,000 spectators</a> as part of $1-billion redevelopment.</p><p>Nearby at Boggo Road, the delivery of the Cross River Rail station is expected to be a catalyst for significant investment and development in the locality. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3003fec1-762a-4981-aaf0-67038bd72d79.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The seven-tower masterplan will be split into two precincts—the working and lifestyle precincts. Image: Rothelowman, Hassell</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>For Vicinity, the country’s second-largest retail landlord, the development application follows a series of similar plays across the country as it realises key elements in an ambitious diversification strategy.</p><p>The strategy was put in place three years ago by chief executive Grant Kelley in an effort to bolster its $26-billion real estate portfolio Vicinity manages as conditions in the retail sector weakened amid the rise of e-commerce.</p><p>The mall owner has been actively attempting to exploit its existing real estate holdings, building apartments, hotels and office towers on available space within its shopping centres. </p><p>The strategy has also struck a chord with the broader embrace of suburban living since the pandemic, which has increased demand for decentralised office accommodation.</p><p>Late last year the mall owner <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/vicinity-adds-office-tower-to-frankston-precinct">secured approval to build a 14,000sq m office tower</a> at its Bayside centre in Melbourne’s south-east.</p><p>Vicinity is also planning to develop another 20,000sq m office building at Chadstone, which it co-owns with its biggest shareholder, billionaire John Gandel.</p><p>It also has plans at its Bankstown Central shopping centre in Sydney’s south-west for 900 apartments, a 700-guest room hotel and 300,000sq m of mixed-use space as part of a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/vicinity-unveils-plans-for-bankstown-centre">$1.3-billion redevelopment</a> spanning 18 towers.</p><p>It is also well advanced on a new high-rise office and apartment buildings included in plans for an expansive redevelopment at its Box Hill shopping centre in Melbourne’s east.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Retail landlord Vicinity Centres has lodged plans for a mixed-use precinct comprising for a mixed-use precinct comprising seven new buildings...

Gurner Parramatta development application Hassell Street PCYC

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Gurner has closed out a big year of acquisitions and applications strongly, lodging plans for a $450-million build-to-rent tower in Sydney’s fast-growing second CBD.</p><p>Gurner has put forward plans for a 62-storey residential tower at 12 Hassall Street in Parramatta—a 2050sq m site it <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-qualitas-parramatta-450m-mixed-use-project">picked up</a> in mid-November from Toplace.</p><p>It is understood Toplace, led by Sydney developer Jean Nassif, accepted a bid of about $70 million for the property—formerly the Parramatta PCYC.</p><p>Toplace originally acquired the site for about $33 million in 2016 and sounded out plans for the skyscraper in 2017 after receiving demolition approval for the existing building on site.</p><p>Gurner has now built on Toplace’s plans for the site, designed by PTW Architects, proposing 328 build-to-rent apartments across a total of 32,600 square metres. </p><p>Under revised plans, still retrospectively labeled under Toplace’s branding, Gurner will retain the current massing and FSR approved on the site, with amendments focused on ground floor activation, car parking, amenities and apartment mix.</p><p>Gurner is planning 60 one-bedroom apartments, 235 two-bedroom apartments and 33 three-bedroom apartments, as well as 3900sq m of office space.</p><p>The tower, which will feature a four-storey podium, will be built above six levels of basement car parking for 216 car spaces and 173 bicycles.</p><p>Gurner’s remixed development has a renewed focus on ground floor retail, health and wellness, and “high end” amenity.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/dbeed35f-9465-4121-a6b1-4ff19a9a06a0.png" width="1155"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The development&#x27;s four level podium will comprise three retail tenancies and a cafe at ground level and three levels of office space to be taken by the NSW Police.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Gurner has been quick to change tack and move on the build-to-rent sector amid a flood of capital pouring into the asset class and as a diversification of his portfolio.</p><p>Driving this has been a significant reduction in apartment supply, falling interest rates, and land tax breaks and incentives introduced in NSW last year specifically to drum up investment in the sector. </p><p>Late last year Gurner <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/oxford-gurner-move-on-melbourne-build-to-rent">partnered</a> with real estate investment house Qualitas to establish a $1-billion build-to-rent development fund.</p><p>The Gurner-Qualitas partnership has since completed a capital-raising campaign <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-qualitas-raise-12bn-build-to-rent-war-chest">worth almost $1.2 billion</a>.</p><p>The war chest will be used to fast-track the construction of 1700 apartments and fund the acquisition of further build-to-rent assets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. </p><p>Gurner has since allocated the capital across a number of projects and is preparing to commence another round of capital raising in order to “<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-qualitas-raise-12bn-build-to-rent-war-chest">aggressively</a>” grow the size of the fund with mooted plans to build up to 5000 apartments over the next few years.</p><p>It has been a busy year for Gurner. In September, the Gurner-Qualitas partnership <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/newmark-gurner-qualitas-lodge-plans-for-15bn-jam-factory">teamed with Newmark Capital</a> to turn Melbourne’s Jam Factory into a $1.5-billion mixed-use precinct.</p><p>The Jam Factory development will comprise four residential towers with 400 apartments, a hotel with 180 keys, a 1700sq m plaza, three levels of retail and entertainment including a cinema as well as 22,500sq m of commercial space.</p><p>Gurner also has plans to build a <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurners-250m-southbank-tower-planned">$250-million, 40-storey apartment tower</a> at Southbank, delivering 400 apartments.</p><p>In Queensland, Gurner is planning to <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-plans-125bn-budds-beach-towers">build four towers</a> comprising 889 apartments and a 200-key hotel on the Gold Coast as part of a $1.25-billion joint-venture with investment house Wingate.</p><p>Meanwhile, Sydney remains a key strategic focus for Gurner in the medium term after the company set up a Sydney office last year.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Gurner has closed out a rampant year of acquisitions and applications strongly, lodging plans for a $450-million build-to-rent tower in Parramatta...

39 MCLEAN STREET, COOLANGATTA 

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Local developer Greyburn has lodged plans for a 19-storey residential tower in Coolangatta as demand for the Gold Coast’s red-hot apartment market continues to <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-apartment-market-boom">outstrip supply</a>.</p><p>The 63-apartment project is planned for a 1000sq m site on the corner of McLean and Musgrave streets, one block back from the beach and Coolangatta’s RT Peak Memorial Park.</p><p>The high-rise apartment complex, to be called 39 McLean Street, will replace an ageing surf shop on the western end of the site.</p><p>The BDA Architecture-designed development has been inspired by the triangular Flatiron building in New York City—a 22-storey office tower and destination in the city that has been popular with photographers and artists for more than a century.</p><p>Greyburn director John Kearney told <em>The Urban Developer </em>the site had been selected due to its position at the intersection of Griffith Street, the suburb’s major shopping and dining strip.</p><p>“As a Gold Coast-based developer we follow the market here with great passion,” Kearney said.</p><p>“Over the last several years we have been investigating where we believe is the best place to deliver well priced high quality homes and circled in on Coolangatta. </p><p>“I’ve always been passionate about Coolangatta having grown up on the Gold Coast surfing the famous Coolangatta surf breaks along with being a competitive freediver of the Tweed Gold Coast Freediving club.</p><p>“This site has all the major features we thought highlight the liveability of the Gold Coast being central to all the amenity of Coolangatta’s beachside retail as well as the best beaches in Queensland.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/35d5d7c6-b0f1-485d-9c02-dfc1cb5e288d.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Positioned at the south-western end of the Coolangatta centre zone, the residential tower will be part of a cluster of taller buildings. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Greyburn’s latest proposal follows the completion of its 83 townhouse estate in Mudgeeraba adjacent to Somerset College.</p><p>Its oceanfront tower will be targeted at the local owner-occupier market and is close to to Coolangatta and Kirra beaches, and nearby retail, dining, entertainment and other businesses.</p><p>The tower will offer four apartments per floor in two- and three-bedrooms, two three-bedroom penthouses and will be topped with a rooftop area with gymnasium, barbecue area, lounge and pool. </p><p>It will be built above three basement levels with 80 spaces for cars and 44 for bicycles.</p><p>“Development within the beachside strip of the Gold Coast appears to be going through a really good phase where renewed emphasis is being placed on the experience and liveability of the property,” Kearney said. </p><p>“We engaged two sets of architects to design the most liveable product for this site and tried to maximise the features that count. </p><p>“It’s a small boutique complex within walking distance to everything and we really wanted to create residences where occupiers could leave their car in the garage and enjoy everything on foot.”</p><p>The development will neighbour a future 23-storey apartment tower at 31-35 McLean Street, also designed by BDA Architecture.</p><p>That <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-becdev-coolangatta-tower-jazzland">$130-million development, being overseen by Melbourne-based Beckdev,</a> will be built on a 2400sq m site and have 175 apartments with sea views.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/b4e0ca92-35b2-40f9-808d-a2d7b9a33c26.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The apartments have been orientated to the east and west to ensure views are maintained and privacy protected if the adjacent sites to the north or south are developed.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>At 144 Marine Parade, Spyre Group is <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/double-penthouse-gold-coast-spyre">well advanced</a> on a $50-million, 30-apartment project development designed by Bureau Proberts.</p><p>The 4000sq m residential project, due for completion in 2022, replaces the well-known <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/spyre-group-development-application-coolangatta">Komune Resort</a>—popular with professional surfers competing in the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro events.</p><p>At nearby Rainbow Bay, plans have also been put forward for a $100-million-plus apartment tower.</p><p>That 12-storey development, being led by CapDev Partners, Kingbella Group and Steer, will comprise 94 apartments, including three ground-level “town homes”, topped by a rooftop communal area with infinity pool.</p><p>The project is the trio’s <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/plans-lodged-for-100m-rainbow-bay-tower">third joint-venture</a> on the Gold Coast.</p><p>Sizzling demand due to pandemic-inspired sea-changers and downsizers has led to record apartment sales on the Gold Coast, dragging supply levels to new historical lows.</p><p>According to Urbis, the Gold Coast’s southern beaches from Mermaid Beach to Coolangatta currently hold just<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-apartment-property-development-undersupply"> 2.1 months supply</a>.</p><p>Strong demand for apartments in the precinct has now made it the most expensive for new apartments on the Gold Coast.</p><p>The weighted average sale price in this market has surged by $142,000 to $1.36 million, compared to the first quarter of this year, up more than 42 per cent in just two years.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

A Gold Coast-based developer has lodged plans for a 19-storey apartment tower in Coolangatta...

Melbourne Top 20 Development Projects

From Australia's tallest building to the city-shaping metro tunnel here are Melbourne's major development projects... 

Google Pyrmont REVY development application Sydney Jones Bay

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Google is looking to expand its technology precinct in the  mixed-use Sydney suburb Pyrmont, lodging plans to redevelop the existing Royal Edward Victualling Yard.</p><p>The tech giant has put forward plans for the adaptive re-use of two heritage buildings at 38 and 42 Pirrama Road alongside a new contemporary three-level extension to create a “long-term home” for the technology provider.</p><p>The project will expand Google’s growing technology campus, which is currently spread across three other sites.</p><p>The yard sits alongside Google Workplace 6—a six-level commercial building offering the tech giant 3600sq m floorplates.</p><p>Google picked up the yard’s buildings from developer Aqualand in 2018 for $150 million.</p><p>Before it was in private hand, the site was owned and occupied by various government entities between 1905 and 2003 and has historically been used for commercial and industrial purposes.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/9fd75ae7-647d-4b0a-931b-27063b870243.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A pair of former navy warehouses in Sydney’s Pyrmont will be transformed into a new workplace for multi-national tech giant Google. Image: Warren and Mahoney</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>In mid 2020, Google secured approval for the subdivision of a neighbouring lot on the site, the majority of which will now be amalgamated as part of the broader redevelopment.</p><p>The 7300sq m site, the first royal yard in the Southern Hemisphere, has significant heritage overlays. </p><p>It is at the south-east corner of Jones Bay, and is bounded by Pirrama Road, Darling Island Road, and Jones Bay.</p><p>The federation buildings were originally constructed to warehouse general goods for the Royal Australian Navy and the Postmaster General’s departments, with No 8 Royal Edward Victualling Yard (REVY) one of the few surviving narrow vertical warehouse designs in Sydney.</p><p>Google said it had enlisted and worked closely with heritage consultants GBA since the beginning of the design process in early 2020. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a2c3f32a-eedf-472b-88f6-4a60cb5f339c.jpg" width="1600"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Google is planning to relocate the precinct’s entrance to Darling Island Road through Metcalfe Park. Image: Warren and Mahoney</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The partly two and partly three storey Warren and Mahoney-designed extension, dubbed Vessel, will slot in between the “wings” of the existing REVY buildings and will ​​sit over a single basement level. </p><p>Google plans to restore the REVY buildings to their original condition, with new interior elements, including loose-fit modular meeting rooms to create a contemporary, adjustable and flexible workplaces that can be “pulled away” easily in the future.</p><p>The new curved structure will replace the existing two-storey Gatehouse.</p><p>It will afford Google additional office space above a ground floor employee and visitors cafe and will be connected to the existing REVY buildings via bridges on level one. It will be topped with a rooftop terrace.</p><p>Along the Darling Road side of REVY, two pavilions; the tech pavilion and plant pavilion, will be created at the north and south to house spaces for external and internal presentations and building services.</p><p>As part of the masterplan, Google is also intending to create a 3m- wide public boardwalk to provide public access along the foreshore while also upgrading the wharf, sea wall, yard and industrial archaeology.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

  Google has lodged plans to redevelop and extend the existing Royal Edward Victualling Yard in the Sydney Harbour mixed-use suburb of Pyrmont...

NSW Government Urged to Improve DA Flow

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Almost 60,000 development applications have been approved in NSW between 2019 and 2020, but decision times are still lagging, taking on average three months to determine.</p><p>According to the latest annual report card on the state’s local government sector, comparatively analysing the operations of 128 councils across NSW, $84 billion in development was moved through the system during the year.</p><p>The result is down on 63,000 applications processed between 2018 and 2019, at an average of 70 days, creating an uplift of ​​$85 billion in investment.</p><p>In order to address delays, state governments across the country have been dusting off plans and boosting decision-making frameworks to speed up the rollout of projects to keep people in work and restart the economy post-pandemic.</p><p>In July 2020, the NSW government <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-planning-development-unit-pdu">formed the Planning Delivery Unit (PDU)</a>, headed by former Liverpool City Council chief executive Kiersten Fishburn, to streamline the planning system and address bottlenecks within the state’s planning system.</p><p>EG Advisory managing director Shane Geha told <em>The Urban Developer</em> that while there had been a steadying influence to support employment in the local government sector, approval times in NSW have not improved in the past two years.</p><p>“I think that the figures are well dressed for local government,” Geha said.</p><p>“In my experience, I would say that these are actually the slowest approval times for both rezonings and development applications that I have seen in two decades.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e1c39be2-c204-4298-9978-7388dad00704.jpg" width="1600"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said it had worked with councils for two years to “create a user-friendly system that suited the needs of all councils”.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Between 2000 and 2001, the average determination period for almost 50,000 development applications was 27 days.</p><p>Since July, all NSW applications, from a minor home alteration to a multi-billion-dollar development, are now required to be lodged through the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.</p><p>Once the development application is lodged with the council, it can take between 21 and 90 days for a decision.</p><p>The state government had estimated that 90 per cent of housing approvals would be determined within 40 days of lodgement by 2019, a target that has since been missed.</p><p>The PDU, however, is focused on reducing bottlenecks in larger development applications, state significant developments and planning proposals.</p><p>Its formation followed a spate of <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-fast-tracks-a-further-47bn-of-projects-">fast-tracked approvals </a>by the state government during 2020.</p><p>At the time, policymakers explained that assessments under the acceleration program would not skip normal checks, balances or community consultation processes, but would instead focus on projects that could commence within six months.</p><p>Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the PDU would also prioritise project delivery in regional NSW by directing planning panels to determine projects, where necessary, if a decision had not been made within 120 days.</p><p>A commitment of $4.5 million on a pilot program aimed at slashing assessment times for regionally significant development applications was made in July.</p><p>Thirteen regional councils in the state have been <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-government-to-slash-planning-time-25pc">given a $350,000 grant</a> to appoint and upskill staff, improve technology and engage planning panels to reduce assessment times by at least 25 per cent.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/97847866-b85f-4c7d-bcde-af8258b1e93d.jpg" width="1600"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Sydney will have to accommodate close to 2 million extra people by 2036, according to the state government’s annual housing supply forecast.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>“There’s now more regulation and more bureaucracy to help with the bottlenecks but unfortunately we can see the approval times going in the opposite direction to the desired faster timeframes,” Geha said.</p><p>“This is not about blaming anyone or complaining uncontrollably, but NSW will shortly know the real importance, in a post-pandemic world, of why it is important to have approvals in the system to bring about investment and employment in the state.</p><p>“We need to care more and if we do, then and only then, will things improve.”</p><p>New South Wales is now <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-building-approvals-hit-33yr-high-homebuilder">leading the way for building approvals</a>, hitting highs last seen in the 1980s.</p><p>A Department of Planning, Industry and Environment spokesperson told <em>The Urban Developer </em>housing approvals had more than tripled since 2009, with more than 57,000 homes approved in the past year alone, well above the average for the past 20 years.</p><p>“Every reform that the industry has asked for is being delivered as part of the biggest reform process in the NSW planning system in generations,” they said.</p><p>“There are more than 100,000 dwellings already approved where construction has not started.  </p><p>“We would expect the housing sector to get on and start building these homes, and work closely with the state and local governments to deliver supporting infrastructure where required.”</p><p>The state government has forecast a further 725,000 new homes will be needed by 2036 to meet demand based on current population projections.</p><p>A typical Sydney house is now about <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-housing-market-update">$150,000 more expensive than it was at the end of January</a> this year, while units have experienced a gain of $90,000.</p><p>Economics has forecast dwelling prices to rise by 20 per cent nationally over the year, with Sydney expected to experience the biggest surge in values.</p><p>Housing affordability is now under pressure with building approval rates <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-housing-approvals-decline">affecting the delivery of housing targets.</a></p><p>The knock-on is that residential property construction times have now blown out to double during the year as labor and material shortages, particularly <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/construction-industry-steel-supply-shortage">steel</a> and <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/timber-shortage-construction-materials">timber</a>, <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/beleaguered-construction-sector-fights-on?utm_source=TUD%2B+%7C+Members&amp;utm_campaign=2762315694-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_08_04_04_27_COPY_02&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_94dbbb9716-2762315694-">cripple the industry</a>.</p><p>A single-storey dwelling, which required six to eight months to build in 2019-2020, now takes between 12 to 16 months, while a double-storey home, which had previously taken 10 to 12 months, is now taking 14 to 20 months to complete.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Almost 60,000 development applications have been approved in NSW between 2019 and 2020, but decision times are still lagging...

Forme 75-85 James Street in New Farm


<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Local developer Forme has lodged plans for a mixed-use precinct in Fortitude Valley’s up-market James Street precinct, a few kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.</p><p>The 2600sq m site, an amalgamation of a collection of low-rise residential properties between 75 and 85 James Street, will be redeveloped into a new office, retail and dining complex.</p><p>The proposed 5-level commercial building will include eleven ground floor retail tenancies targeted at “high-end” fashion brands, health and wellbeing as well as restaurants and cafes.</p><p>The 6100sq m building will feature a central piazza and arcade linking James Street and Southwick Lane at the rear of the building.</p><p>The development will sit above three levels of basement car parking for 145 cars and end-of-trip facilities which will be accessed via Harcourt Street. </p><p>It marks a quick turnaround for the developer after picking up the first portion of the site, 75 and 77 James Street, in June 2020 for a combined $2.8 million before moving on 85 James Street in November, outlaying $3.4 million.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e5bc91bf-b7f6-4367-ba0d-22e7a193a8c7.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The building&#x27;s piazza will include stair access to larger retail, wellness and hospitality tenancies on level one. Image: Richards and Spence</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Soon after, Forme directors David Calvisi and Byron Griffith approached the owner of 79 James Street, the largest portion and centrepiece of the site.</p><p>The private owner, who built and held the low-rise apartment building, decided to sell the property after Forme matched an offer made by a rival developer intending to redevelop the property into a Coles supermarket.</p><p>All three pre-1911 homes, at ​​75 and 77 James Street and 228 Harcourt Street, will be relocated while the apartment and dining complex will be demolished.</p><p>Calvisi and Griffith told <em>The Urban Developer</em> the proposed development ​​would “extend the vibrant and recognised retail strip” which currently featured over 130 specialty stores, including high-end boutiques such as Scanlan Theodore, Sass &amp; Bide and Calexico, as well as top restaurants and bars.</p><p>“James Street is a neighbourhood precinct which has reached national acclaim for the vitality of its retail and hospitality offering, however, the precinct stops dead at Arthur Street,” Griffith said.</p><p>“Expanding along its namesake, the precinct has evolved by natural progression to include two hotels and a myriad of small commercial tenancies.”</p><p>“We have now managed to unlock a site which can extend the commercial and retail strip into what we are candidly calling ‘James Street east’ and, if realised, would be built on one of the street’s last remaining commercially-zoned sites,” Calvisi said.</p><p>“We are proposing a prime mixed-use endeavour to continue the fine grain tenancies synonymous with the precinct while supplying much needed small to medium office space.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/8b2db95a-a218-4fc2-8a45-72253e13e281.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The building will be topped with a rooftop terrace with views across to the Storey Bridge and Brisbane river. Image: Richards and Spence</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The sought-after precinct currently has zero vacancy for office and retail tenancies. </p><p>Richards and Spence, the Brisbane-based architecture firm behind the broader James Street precinct, including the 175-room, 5-star Calile Hotel and James Street Market has been enlisted by Forme to design the office precinct.</p><p>Calvisi and Griffith said they had been in close contact with brothers Cal and Michael Malouf, the developers responsible for The Calile, to discuss the opportunity to create additional retail and office tenancies along James Street, a mix they had “fine-tuned” while managing the strip. </p><p>Over the years, the Maloufs have guarded against unhealthy competition and retail cannibalisation at James Street, opting for quality over rental quantity.</p><p>The family has also promoted home-grown and Australian stores and designers, rather than globally recognised brands.</p><p>“We want to provide for the community and ensure that our development is a continuum of James Street and has lots of public space to draw people into a new and thriving retail destination,” Calvisi said.</p><p>“We intend on holding onto this asset for a long time and we feel like we are staying true to what has kept James Street such an exclusive and unrepeatable location. </p><p>“For us, this development will be a generational asset, and working with Richards and Spence has allowed us to deliver on our broader vision.”</p><p>On the Gold Coast, Forme has wrapped up construction on <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-apartment-property-development-undersupply">Norfolk</a>—a 10-level residential building of just 15 apartments on Goodwin Terrace in Burleigh Heads, designed by architect Koichi Takada.</p><p>The project achieved $73 million in pre-sales for its 15 apartments and in January had its two-level five-bedroom beach house with pool snapped up for $6.2 million by prominent local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Cathie Reid and Stuart Giles, while the penthouse was bought for $9 million.</p><p>On a neighbouring site Forme has sold out all eight full–floor residences of its under construction Luna development, designed by Plus Architecture and Mim Design, for a combined $37 million. </p><p>Meanwhile, at <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/burleigh-beachside-development-forme">96 The Esplanade</a>, Forme has plans for a $107 million, Koichi Takada-designed, 18-storey apartment tower, dubbed SEA.</p><p>That 1000sq m site, which was amalgamated by Forme over six months, is currently home to a low-rise unit block. It is directly across the road from beachfront parklands.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

      Forme has lodged plans for a mixed-use precinct in Fortitude Valley’s up-market James Street precinct, a few kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD...

8-10 PARNENO STREET Surfers Paradise

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>A private developer has lodged plans for a residential tower on Chevron Island, a suburb currently awash with high-rise development as the booming local property market <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-housing-market-update">continues to gather pace</a>.</p><p>The 28-storey project will comprise 78 two- and three-bedroom apartments on a 1000sq m site amalgamated from two smaller residential properties at 8 and 10 Parneno Street.</p><p>The amalgamated site currently has zoning for high-density residential development—multiple dwelling and short-term accommodation.</p><p>Plans, designed by Plus Architecture and managed by Urban Planning Services, have been lodged with the Gold Coast City Council on behalf of local developer Chevron Development Group and Yamba Partners.</p><p>While the site is bordered by existing residential unit blocks, including a three-storey apartment building to the south of the site, the tower would be the tallest structure on a street of mainly  single-storey dwellings.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/7fd60c53-8ba9-421f-b7ca-b38d160dcced.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The development will feature a lower level wellness centre, rooftop spaces, gym, sauna, and yoga deck. Image: Plus Architecture</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Momentum on the Gold Coast has accelerated post-Christmas with developers reporting that some luxury projects launched earlier this year are almost sold out despite premium pricing.</p><p>Chevron Island in particular has benefited from the high demand from sea-change buyers from both intrastate and major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne searching for increased affordability and lifestyle.</p><p>The city’s apartment market has also been experiencing a differing trend—switching from skyscrapers such as Q1 and Soul, both of which are more than 75 levels, to smaller projects featuring bigger apartments and higher prices.</p><p>Chevron Island, next to Surfers Paradise, the Southport Golf Club and HOTA, has  become a hotspot for development with up to 14 mid-rise developments currently approved or under construction.</p><p>Chevron Island has no height limits currently under the City Plan as it is considered high density due to being within walking distance of <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-neighbourhoods-targeted-for-growth">two light rail stations</a>.</p><p>At a neighbouring site, 17-19 Parneno Street, plans for a 14-storey building comprising 42 apartments, designed by BDA Architects and being developed by Sydney-based Draycon, are under way. </p><p>The Benson Family Group is currently forging ahead with plans for a 40-storey tower on Stanhill Drive, known as Chevron One, while a smaller seven-storey tower on the same street has also been approved.</p><p>Leading healthcare provider Infinite Care has plans to build a 142-bedroom residential care tower on a 3500sq m triangular site fronting Stanhill Drive and Anembo Street.</p><p>Brisbane-based Ention Properties has also recently filed plans with the council for Greenwich, a 15-storey tower  for the corner of Anembo and Aruma streets.</p><p>The development will have 46 units with a mixture of two- and three-bedroom units, and a four-bedroom penthouse.</p><p>On a 3000sq m site between 30-36 Mawarra Street plans are under way for a 47-storey tower, Odyssey Chevron, that will comprise 170 aged and disability care units.</p><p>HWI Saltwater has approval for a 30-storey tower, Bliss, on a 3000sq m corner site on Thomas Drive and Darrambal Street.</p><p>Marquee Development Partners is also pressing ahead with its 75-apartment building, The Catalina, due to be completed at the end of the year.</p><p>According to Urbis almost 800 new apartment sales were made on the Gold Coast in the first quarter of 2021, by far the largest amount since it began tracking the market in 2013, while <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gold-coast-supply-construction-feasibility-development">supply has decreased</a>.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

A private developer has lodged plans for a residential tower on Chevron Island, a suburb currently awash with high-rise development...

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION