<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/charter-hall">Charter Hall</a>’s near-$1 billion Hyde Park tower proposal has secured crucial support from the City of Sydney’s planning committee, marking another step forward in reshaping Elizabeth Street.

The mixed-use project at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/201-elizabeth-street-sydney-nsw-2000">201 Elizabeth Street</a>, on the corner of Park Street and opposite Hyde Park, has been under the spotlight since plans were lodged in late 2024. Now under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning for final determination, the 55-storey scheme combines hotel and residential components in one of the CBD’s most high-profile corners.

Pending final approval, demolition can commence on the existing Pacific Power Building, a 38-level office block originally completed in 1978. The 3,900 sqm site connects directly to Museum Station via underground pedestrian links - a strong locational advantage for future residents and hotel guests alike.

<img alt="Sydney skyline transformation to continue as Charter Hall pitch near-$1 billion skyscraper" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/201%20-%20217%20Elizabeth%20Street%2C%20Sydney.png?VersionId=wxmccer91Ts7gSOKSUID_tbf1mCPjyrJ" />

The $925 million development will deliver 441 hotel rooms across levels 1 to 11, with apartments starting from level 12 upwards. Buyers will have access to a genuine mix of apartment configurations: 67 one-bedders - a relative rarity in new Sydney CBD stock - along with 123 two-bedroom, 58 three-bedroom, and 16 four-bedroom apartments, a total of&nbsp;264 units.

The design by FJC Studio, selected through a competitive design process, breaks up the tower into three visually distinct sections to create what the architect describes as an "urban repair" along Elizabeth Street. The staggered forms aim to maximise views east over Hyde Park and north towards Sydney Harbour, while also reducing overshadowing across the parklands.

<img alt="Sydney skyline transformation to continue as Charter Hall pitch near-$1 billion skyscraper" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-04%20at%2010.15.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADJyPnxYIZJ_vmEkQAw.zX3AS1jyaFAu" />

Sustainability is a focus, with plans targeting a 5-Star Green Star Buildings v1 rating, a 4-Star NABERS Hotel Energy rating, and a 3-Star NABERS Hotel Water rating. The building is also designed to exceed baseline BASIX standards.

Charter Hall’s proposal joins a cluster of major projects set to reshape this prime Hyde Park corridor. Just up the road, Central Element’s $100 million project at 271 Elizabeth Street will bring 53 apartments above new retail spaces, replacing the Hyde Park Inn hotel. Fife Capital has plans for a 17-level office and apartment redevelopment at 139 Elizabeth Street, further cementing the area’s shift towards a new mixed-use identity.

With its strategic location, diverse apartment mix, and integration of hotel amenities, Charter Hall’s project is expected to draw strong buyer and investor interest once it hits the market.

The $925 million development will deliver 441 hotel rooms and 264 apartments

Joel Robinson

City of Sydney backs Charter Hall’s $925m Hyde Park tower

South Mel​bourne’s Domain precinct is no stranger to transformation, but <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne-vic-3205">The Eighth</a> signals a new kind of shift - one that places lifestyle, wellness, and design on equal footing.

“When <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/crema-group">Projects by Crema</a> set out to develop in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>, they wanted to create more than just an apartment project - they wanted to create a lifestyle hub,” says Taylor Dow, Managing Director at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/dow-real-estate">DOW Real Estate</a>.

That vision has taken shape in an 18-level building that does more than simply house residents. The Eighth combines large-scale apartments, ground-floor hospitality spaces, and a rooftop wellness retreat, creating a true vertical community.

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On the residential levels, privacy is a defining feature. There are only 36 apartments in total, with layouts ranging from one to four residences per floor.&nbsp;

“Floor plans start from a generous 128 sqm up to our half-floor option, which is 256 sqm, and a penthouse soaring to 530 sqm of internal living space,” Dow explains.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=227030]

Inside, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> has approached each apartment as a carefully crafted sanctuary. Natural stone and marble floors, Gaggenau and Liebherr kitchen appliances, and expansive windows connect each space to the sweeping city and bay views beyond.&nbsp;

“Interiors feature natural stone, marble flooring, kitchens with Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances, and full-height windows and doors to take advantage of the elevated views,” Dow says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269726]

Above it all, the rooftop is a standout. More than a shared amenity, it’s designed as a dedicated wellness escape.&nbsp;

“One of the defining features of The Eighth is its private rooftop created as a wellness haven,” says Dow. The space includes a swimming pool, integrated daybeds, and an outdoor bar, offering residents panoramic 360-degree views across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269728]

Location, too, plays a central role. Sitting just steps from the new Anzac Station, the Botanic Gardens, and Albert Park, The Eighth connects easily to both the city’s cultural heart and its green spaces.

Only a small number of residences remain available, positioning The Eighth as an option for those who value space, privacy, and an integrated lifestyle experience - all in one of Melbourne’s most connected neighbourhoods.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5345]

The Eighth: A vertical community reshaping South Melbourne living

Infrastructure developments, both public or private, always drive demand to the suburb in questions. And with increased demand comes price growth.

Auburn, a small multicultural suburb on the fringe of the Parramatta CBD, looks set to become the next Western Sydney hotspot for significant uplift. This momentum follows the NSW Government’s approval to redevelop Auburn Village—the central shopping precinct adjacent to the train station.

The proposed mixed-use development will feature three new residential towers comprising 359 apartments, above a fully redeveloped commercial and retail precinct that includes hospitality venues and a new public plaza.

The project is being hailed as a cornerstone in Auburn’s transformation into a connected, amenity-rich urban centre.

Cumberland Council’s planning framework has been pivotal in shaping the redevelopment. By promoting affordable housing and integrated mixed-use precincts, the council is actively fostering diversity, sustainability, and accessibility—all key drivers of growing interest in the surrounding residential areas.

Set to benefit from the lifestyle uplift brought by the upgraded transport hub and retail offering—as well as the expected appreciation in property values—are purchasers in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a>, the newly launched stage of Auburn Square by developer Tian An LFD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324855]

Following the successful sell-out of stage one across the road, Tian An recently launched North Village to strong demand, with 25 per cent of apartments sold at the public launch.

Ray White WS Projects Managing Director Mark Bernberg said interest in North Village is being fuelled by its central location, trusted delivery partners, and standout buyer protections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324853]

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Rothelowman, the development will deliver 264 smart-tech enabled one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with a suite of resident amenities including a gym, cinema, and rooftop garden. A Coles supermarket will anchor the ground-floor retail space.

North Village, currently under construction by iCIRT-rated builder Binah, is expected to be completed by late 2027. It is also the only new development in Auburn to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, protecting purchasers against structural and waterproofing defects for a full decade after completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149184]

Set to benefit are purchasers in North Village, the newly launched stage of Auburn Square by developer Tian An LFD.

Growth slated for Auburn with shopping centre redevelopment greenlit

Sydney’s unit market continued its steady momentum in June, recording a 0.5 per cent rise in values, according to Cotality’s latest Home Value Index.

The strong performance outpaced the city’s housing market, which grew by 0.4 per cent over the same period.

This marks the third consecutive month of gains for Sydney units, bringing them back to a neutral position for 2025 after earlier declines earlier in the year. The median unit value now sits at $856,000.

While still below the 2021 peak, the consistent monthly growth suggests buyer confidence is returning—particularly in well-located, high-amenity areas. Buyers appear to be entering a rising market, even as interest rates trend downward.

On the rental front, unit rents in Sydney have risen 2.6 per cent over the past year, with gross yields sitting at 3.7 per cent—among the lowest of any capital city. However, historically low vacancy rates continue to support tight rental conditions, which may tighten further if migration increases in the second half of the year.

Developers will be monitoring this shift closely, as rising clearance rates and renewed interest at the upper end of the apartment market indicate a resurgence in both owner-occupier and investor demand for premium Sydney stock.

<hr data-end="1410" data-start="1407" />
<h3 data-end="1480" data-start="1412">What happened in Sydney’s off the plan apartment market in June?</h3>

Some of Sydney’s largest developers were active in June, and those bringing new projects to market are benefitting from limited competition.

Sekisui House Australia launched sales at Waterstone, its new St Leonards development adjacent to Newlands Park, to strong market interest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]

One of the most enquired-about projects on Urban.com.au in June, Waterstone will comprise 207 apartments oriented south towards the Sydney CBD.

The striking, landscape-integrated design was originally conceived by world-renowned Koichi Takada Architects, with TURNER appointed to complete the interiors following Sekisui’s acquisition of the prime Berry Road site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=231]

A major focus of the design is its integration with the surrounding environment, with nearly 30 per cent of the site dedicated to communal open space.

The project will feature a north–south green spine and a landscape scheme by ASPECT Studios, providing strong links to Lane Cove Council’s St Leonards South masterplan, as well as nearby pocket parks, walking trails, and bushland reserves.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/sekisui-house-australia-launches-waterstone-in-emerging-st-leonards-south-precinct">Sekisui House Australia launches Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct</a>

<hr data-end="2700" data-start="2697" />
Another successful sales launch came from PERIFA and joint venture partner Mitsubishi Estate Asia, who sold over 40 apartments at their Rozelle Village development.

Approximately $140 million in sales were achieved, largely to local owner-occupiers. Several premium three-bedroom residences sold for as much as $6.9 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=347021]

PERIFA Co-founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the team was “thrilled with the level of interest in Rozelle Village."

"It demonstrates the strong demand for well-designed, high-quality homes in the Inner West, and the ongoing appetite we’re seeing for new housing across Sydney.”

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/rozelle-village-achieves-strong-results-as-sales-officially-launch">Rozelle Village achieves strong results as sales officially launch</a>

<hr data-end="3483" data-start="3480" />
Developer The One Collection, in collaboration with leading builder Masscon, launched sales at Horizon in Hurstville—its latest acquisition and the final building in a four-stage precinct already home to a Woolworths supermarket and direct access to Kempt Field.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149850 project_image_fid=278]

The precinct benefits from strong walkability, with a current Walk Score of 81—set to improve with the arrival of St Clair Lane, a new laneway precinct soon to be activated by hospitality, health, and lifestyle retailers.

Above the laneway, 179 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are now available.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/horizon-brings-connected-parkside-living-to-hurstville-s-growing-centre">Horizon brings connected parkside living to Hurstville’s growing centre</a>

<hr data-end="4134" data-start="4131" />
<h2 data-end="4165" data-start="4136">On the planning front</h2>

Hyecorp was active once again in June. After submitting a State Significant Development Application for a 259-apartment project in Roseville in May, the developer has lodged plans for a 28-level tower at 37 Archer Street, Chatswood.

The tower, named Celine, will add 125 apartments to Hyecorp’s growing portfolio, which also includes Audrey in St Leonards—now nearing completion with only a few three-bedroom apartments remaining—and Juliet, a boutique 37-apartment project in Roseville.

Fuse Architects won the design competition for Celine, with the jury praising the proposal for its “strong response to the site context, the originality and thoughtfulness of the architectural approach, and the consideration of the broader Chatswood environment.”

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/hyecorp-doubles-down-on-lower-north-shore-with-celine-chatswood-tower">Hyecorp doubles down on Lower North Shore with Celine, Chatswood tower</a>

In the same suburb, Loftex has sought to go higher with their tower on Help Street, triggering the additional height affording to developers who incorporate affordable housing into the apartment mix.

They've filed for a State Significant Development Application for a 35-level tower designed by EM BE CE on a central 2,290 sqm site near the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067" target="">Chatswood</a>&nbsp;Interchange.

EM BE CE won the design competition for what was in 2022 a 127-unit, 27-level tower at 3-5 Help Street, besting&nbsp;schemes from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/kannfinch" target="">Kann Finch</a>&nbsp;and Nettleton Tribe.

The upscale plans will now see 160 apartments delivered, 32 of those being affordable housing.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-loftexs-chatswood-tower-goes-public-with-affordable-uplift">First look: Loftex's Chatswood tower goes public with affordable uplift</a>

<hr />
<h2>On the building front</h2>

Deicorp officially broke grounds on their upcoming East Zetland project, The Avenues, in June.

The 2.87-hectare site on Joynton Avenue, previously home to an Ausgrid depot, sits just four kilometres from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw" target="">Sydney</a>&nbsp;CBD and forms part of the broader Green Square renewal zone.&nbsp;

Once complete,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-avenues-zetland-130-joynton-avenue-nsw-2017">The Avenues</a>&nbsp;will deliver 624 apartments across nine buildings, along with curated ground-floor retail, purpose-built student housing and build-to-rent dwellings delivered in partnership with Scape. It's one of the largest developments to be launched in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw" target="">Sydney</a>’s inner south in recent years, and one that takes a layered approach to scale, tenure and architecture.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/deicorp-to-break-ground-on-the-avenues-zetland-masterplan">Deicorp to break ground on The Avenues, Zetland masterplan</a>

Time &amp; Place, and joint venture partner NPACT, also kicked off construction in June, at their new Manly project, Two Tides.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/ultra-building-co">ULTRA Building Co.</a>&nbsp;will deliver the&nbsp;five-level, $100 million coastal development that will complete in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141371 project_image_fid=833]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/two-tides-manly-9-raglan-street-manly-nsw-2095">Two Tides</a>, on a gateway site at 9 Raglan Street, will comprise 24 luxury apartments above&nbsp;an activated ground-floor retail space, intentionally designed to enhance the local Manly streetscape and seamlessly integrate with the strong existing retail offering that services the area’s daily foot traffic, surrounding businesses, and residents.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-kicks-of-construction-at-two-tides-manly-with-half-of-the-apartments-sold">Time &amp; Place kicks of construction at Two Tides Manly with half of the apartments sold</a>

What happened in Sydney’s off the plan apartment market in June?

City Beat June 2025: Sydney units continue quiet comeback as new project launches capture off the plan demand

National developer Fortis has submitted a development application for a major residential project on New F​arm’s dress circle Bowen Terrace.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal includes 74 apartments and four standalone houses, replacing the former Palm Lodge aged care facility on a prime 5,727 sqm site at 424 Bowen Terrace.

The seven-level apartment building will front Moreton Street, while the four individual homes will face Bowen Terrace, positioned to maximise views and enhance the streetscape.

In its submission to Brisbane City Council, DK​O stated that the project aims to “create a high-quality residential development which celebrates its location, maximises amenity for future residents, and makes a meaningful contribution to the surrounding community.”

“The architecture draws inspiration from Brisbane’s subtropical character and traditional Queensland housing, incorporating elements such as verandahs, bay windows, deep balconies, and vertical greenery. The apartment building is configured around a U-shaped layout that frames a north-facing courtyard featuring a swimming pool, spa, and wellness zones.”

<img alt="DKO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ce4fbfe-ffc1-4026-b98b-bccc018b60b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-02%20at%2012.46.24%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XiD9KY.niDaW9YfF8G9lsl_rw_S.5.dg" />

&nbsp;

A Heritage Assessment was undertaken due to the site's proximity to the heritage-listed Fingal House at 3 Moreton Street. The broader heritage context includes several properties along Moreton Street and Bowen Terrace that fall within Brisbane’s Heritage Overlay.

In its Heritage Impact Statement, Urbis noted that “the proposed works are not considered to have a detrimental impact on the adjoining Local Heritage Place.”

The report stated that the proposed building massing, material palette, and setbacks have been carefully designed to reflect and respect the surrounding architectural character.

The application follows three rounds of pre-lodgement consultation with Brisbane City Council and early engagement with local residents, including two letterbox drops and nine meetings with neighbours. Community feedback led to several design refinements, including increased setbacks, additional deep planting, and noise mitigation through improved waste collection strategies.

The New Farm proposal follows Fortis’ entry into the Brisbane residential market with River House at Kangaroo Point, currently under construction. The developer also controls a prime Newstead site earmarked for 65 apartments.

Fortis is the development arm of real estate investment group Pallas Group and has a substantial pipeline of projects in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, as well as in Richmond and St Kilda in Melbourne.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The New Farm proposal follows Fortis’ entry into the Brisbane residential market with River House at Kangaroo Point, currently under construction

Stockland have five Merrylands residential tower plans

Jonathan Chancellor

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