<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> is one of the most active developers in Brisbane right now. The family-run builder-developer is busy welcoming buyers to two of its recently completed inner-city developments in Chermside and Stones Corner.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/estilo-on-the-park-chermside-81-kittyhawk-drive-chermside">Estilo on the Park</a>, located on one of the last parkside sites in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a> overlooking the expansive 73-hectare Seventh Brigade Park, has just a handful of three-bedroom apartments remaining in its final stage, Esencia, following sellouts of the first two stages, Lujosa and Belleza, several years ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100682 project_image_fid=186903]

GVG is putting the finishing touches to their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld-4120">Stones Corner</a> development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/stonebrook-stones-corner-10-flora-street-stones-corner">Stonebrook</a>. Just one apartment remains for sale in the Flora Street project near Hanlon Park. The nine-level building, topped by a communal rooftop terrace with park views, is UDIA-certified as an EnviroDevelopment for its sustainability features, including EV charging and community herb gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114094 project_image_fid=246997]

Not one to rest on its laurels, Gardner Vaughan is gearing up for another busy year with four projects in market in 2025. They have just launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/danby-ln-nundah">Danby Lane</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/nundah-qld-4012">Nundah</a>, 84 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above four retail spaces on the street level.

The project will also feature a rooftop deck with barbecue facilities, herb and veggie garden, and outdoor dining, as well as a first-floor resident pool, gym, and commercial spaces. Gardner Vaughan’s building arm has already started construction on site and is expecting an early 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=320117]

While inner-city Brisbane has been Gardner Vaughan’s main focus for the last two-and-a-half decades since being founded by Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, they’ve expanded their footprint across wider Brisbane and South East Queensland in recent years.

Last year they completed their second Sunshine Coast project, Zinc Bokarina, and now they’re delivering <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina">Bask Bokarina</a>, 135 apartments next door to Zinc. Bask will feature nine retail spaces on Bokarina Blvd. The two towers are currently under construction and will complete in mid-to-late 2026, and will feature a podium-level pool, gym, and herb garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The first tower is 85 per cent sold and tower two will launch to the market in the middle of this year. Bask recently set a suburb record for one of its four penthouses. The four-bedroom apartment sold to a local downsizer for $5,499,000, the biggest apartment sale in Bokarina by some margin.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333361]

GVG will expand further into the Sunshine Coast later this year with Eden Caloundra, another two-tower development with 179 apartments.

There’s even further expansion in 2025 for GVG with the recent launch of ONE Redcliffe, the group’s first foray into the Moreton Bay region.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/one-redcliffe-19-23-redcliffe-parade-redcliffe">ONE Redcliffe</a>, another two-tower project, will have 214 two, three and four-bedroom apartments on the Redcliffe Peninsula with unobstructed views overlooking Moreton Bay and Settlement Cove Lagoon. Apartments start from $1,061,500.

Joel Robinson

Gardner Vaughan Group set for big 2025 as new apartment pipeline expands across South East Queensland 

Over 12 months after securing a prime Toowong site on Sylvan Road, local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/pradella-property">Pradella</a>&nbsp;has revealed what it envisages for the site.

They've submitted plans to the Brisbane City Council for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/70-sylvan-road-toowong">Sylvan Residences</a>, 53 two and three-bedroom apartments across a 12-level building opposite <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> Memorial Park.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> have been tasked with the design of the building. They say it "evokes opulence,&nbsp;underpinned by the classic subtropical Queenslander vernacular," drawing inspiration from Toowong’s rowing history with a curved and sculpted form.

<img alt="Sylvan Residences" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fdf4def8-8df3-4942-bd77-937b42fb6919" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Sylvan%20Residences%20podium.png?VersionId=vx3uU1wkWOP5CXqNET960_C.JHWqoh6d" />

31 two-bed and 22 three-bed apartments have been pitched, above basement levels with 83 parking spaces.

A significant rooftop terrace will serve as a "lush oasis nestled in the urban convenience of Toowong," according to HAL.&nbsp;

Planned amenities include an infinity lap pool, fitness centre, steam room, sauna, community garden, private dining and lounge spaces, and barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

The landscaping and terracing are designed to complement Brisbane’s active, outdoor lifestyle, with views of the city and Mt Coot-tha.

<img alt="Sylvan Residences amenities" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5239aad-df11-4721-8153-65992dfe0862" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Sylvan%20Residences%20amenities.png?VersionId=fkDuy6QaCqw9Lg_XW3I03JAH4EJZoBuB" />

&nbsp;

The town planning report by Plan A said "the proposal is consistent with surrounding development in the Toowong area and will provide a positive contribution to the streetscape."

Pradella <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/pradella-secure-their-next-brisbane-apartment-development">bought the 1,083 sqm corner site</a> at 70 Sylvan Road for $6.1 million in late 2023.&nbsp;

CBRE’s Adelaide O’Brien and Will Carman, who facilitated the sale, noted strong developer interest in the suburb. O’Brien highlighted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a>’s appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors, adding that the site also provides Pradella with secure rental income while planning its development strategy.

Pradella is most known for its development in West End where they're behind the $1.5 billion Montague Markets mixed-use precinct.

First look exclusive: Pradella plot Sylvan Road, Toowong apartment development

The Brisbane River has well and truly come alive. In the last decade there have been billions in new developments, both apartments and mixed-use precincts that have changed the face of the waterfront in the Queensland capital. The completion of the redevelopment of Howard Smith Wharves in 2019 was a key milestone. The 3.4 hectares of prime riverfront underneath the Story Bridge is now a vibrant hospitality hub with several restaurants, bars, hotels, and event spaces.

The riverfront had to wait another five years before the completion of Far East Consortium’s $3.6 billion mega-precinct, Queens Wharf. The huge 12-hectare precinct, a new landmark for Brisbane, is home to four new luxury hotels, over 50 new restaurants, bars and entertainment experiences, luxury retail, and a state-of-the-art event centre, home to Brisbane’s largest hotel ballroom. Between the resort’s four towers, 37 metres above street level, is a 12,000 sqm, open-air Leisure Deck will deliver a mixed-use space for hotel guests and the public. The Leisure Deck features an Event Deck, expansive lawn area for sunset picnics and exclusive resort amenities overlooking the city skyline.

While there’s now limited land on the northern side of the Story Bridge and on the fringe of the CBD, there is still significant opportunity down the river for more waterside development. Economic Development Queensland is undertaking the largest urban renewal project in the state, and arguably the country. They are creating Northshore, a new mixed-use community on 304 hectares of previously industrial port land at inner-city Hamilton. The 40-year development, which started 10 years ago, is estimated to cost $12 billion.

There will be around 14,000 new homes built over the next three decades that will home roughly 24,500 residents. Over 25,000 employees will call Northshore their place of work, with an innovation and technology precinct covering over eight hectares of the precinct. That will comprise commercial, retail, and clean industrial businesses. In December, Northshore’s central precinct achieved a 6 Star Green Star – Communities certified rating. Northshore will also play host to Brisbane Athletes’ Village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

While there have been major commercial developments that have driven huge economic boosts to Brisbane, the riverfront boom hasn’t been lost on some of states best new apartment developers. Don O’Rorke’s Consolidated Properties was quick to act back in 2021 when they snapped up the 1.5-hectare former ABC site on Coronation Drive in Toowong. The prime site, with 130m of waterfrontage, is also home to the heritage-listed Middenbury House, which is being restored as part of the new development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong">Monarch Residences</a>. Monarch has been one of the best-selling developments across Brisbane in recent years, with nearly all of the apartments spoken for well before its late 2025 completion through Hutchinson Builders.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211466]

Just a handful of penthouses remain in the two-tower project with nine of the 11 residences in the Penthouse Collection, which includes several riverside homes, snapped up in recent months. Predominantly local downsizers seized the opportunity, with an average sale price of $5.85 million. Colliers Director of Residential for Queensland, Andrew Scriven says the demand for Monarch’s top floors and unique River Homes has been incredibly strong, and the remaining penthouses will sell quickly.

"Since coming onto the market, the demand for these once-in-a-lifetime ultra-premium penthouse homes has been incredible," Scriven said.

"We’re continuing to see enquiry from local buyers as well as from out-of-state buyers. The level of interest in these homes speaks to the calibre and design of the Penthouse Collection."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302322]

Consolidated Properties Group CEO and chairman Don O’Rorke says the development team’s vision was to deliver a super-premium residential project worthy of its unique north-facing location on the Brisbane River.

“The Monarch Residences penthouses offer unparalleled views, elegant design, and the kind of luxury living rarely seen in Brisbane,” O’Rorke said.

“Every apartment in the buildings is beautiful and in a class of its own – but with the penthouses, we’ve created a very small, exclusive set of residences that elevate themselves into a new class.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302440]

With Monarch nearly sold out, Brisbanites are now turning their attention to other opportunities to live by the river. The latest launch is in Teneriffe, where Kokoda Property Group—the developer behind The Ambrose and Ruby Ruby in Milton, as well as a major precinct project in Melbourne—has unveiled Teneriffe Banks (right and below). This development will be located on one of the last riverfront sites in the suburb, on Skyring Terrace.

Teneriffe Banks will feature five distinct, slender buildings housing over 200 residences, lofts, and penthouses, designed by Studio McCue, Cottee Parker Architects, and Carr. One of the buildings will house the first Kimpton Hotels &amp; Restaurants in Brisbane. The development will also offer an expansive commercial precinct, including more than 4,800 sqm of waterfront dining and retail space, as well as a redeveloped, purpose-built community centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Before the official launch of Teneriffe Banks, there were $285 million worth of sales. Over half of the residences have already been sold in The Interloom and The Skyform buildings. The Interloom building connects the urban landscape with the waterfront, featuring up to 404 sqm luxury residences with soaring 3.8-metre ceilings and panoramic views. Perched above the soon-to-be-released Store House Lofts, The Skyform features more spacious apartments that offer up to 334 sqm of luxury living with four-metre ceilings and panoramic views of the Brisbane River and city skyline.

Residents of Teneriffe Banks will enjoy resort-style amenities, with each building including private dining rooms, personal wellness spaces, mineral baths, infinity pools, and exclusive access to the Canopy Club, one of the largest private members’ clubs in Queensland. The Ferry Building, a smaller-scale building, and The Skyform, merges Teneriffe’s historic woolstores with contemporary apartment design. Each Ferry Building home incorporates a large, private courtyard as an extension of the living space, with higher floors offering large terraces to entertain from.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295102]

Supply on the river looks like it will continue over the coming years. The next project to launch will come from national developer Traders in Purple. Late last year they secured the prized 1.25-hectare West End site from Crown Group and have <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-traders-in-purple-plan-large-apartments-on-west-end-megasite">plans in with the Brisbane City Council</a> for around 130 apartments and 32 river and terraces homes designed by Rothelowman.

<img alt="Traders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31ace497-87de-4039-a9a2-2f8a5e103e6c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-27%20at%209.15.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=tkYmoUNWZAVgREsNu6_gSHwbIXSNRwNo" />

Traders in Purple Director George Geagea said the size and location of the West End site presented a rare opportunity to create a remarkable lifestyle-focused destination just 4km from the Brisbane CBD. “We have long wanted to make our mark in Brisbane’s inner-city but we were prepared to wait until the right site came along.”

Another national developer, ICD Property, who is creating mixed-use towers in Adelaide and Sydney after a string of successful buildings in Melbourne, snared the well-known R&amp;F site on the West End riverfront. While they are yet to revise the plans, approval is there for seven towers with over 1000 apartments on the 1.68-hectare block. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/exclusive-icd-property-secures-riverfront-west-end-site-for-brisbanes-latest-multi-tower-precinct">ICD paid just under $50 million</a> for the prime riverfront site that cost R&amp;F $82.5 million in 2015.

<img alt="ICD Property" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fc67d00-ac03-4d73-9b61-23cc39e4c20d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-27%20at%208.44.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZW6VAMPpJSxSK2TrKj_qkfG_35_KdTg8" />

Plans have also been submitted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/multi-tower-precinct-planned-for-south-brisbane-riverfront">on the site next door</a> by concrete supplier Heidelberg Materials. Heidelberg, formerly Hanson, is also seeking to develop a new riverside community, which just falls into the suburb of South Brisbane rather than West End. Heidelberg had global design firm fjcstudio draw up plans for a 1.3-hectare precinct that will comprise three 50-level residential buildings with 620 apartments, a food and beverage plaza, and a 5,400 sqm public park (right).

Brisbane is poised for continued growth, following its strongest market performance in nearly four decades in 2024. According to CoreLogic data, unit values in the city surged by more than 16 per cent last year, marking the highest annual return since 1988. With a robust pipeline of projects in the works, Brisbane is set to maintain its upward trajectory, positioning itself as a serious contender to Sydney’s dominance. Last year Brisbane surpassed Melbourne to become the second most expensive property market in the country.

Brisbane is poised for continued growth, following its strongest market performance in nearly four decades in 2024.

Brisbane's riverfront renaissance, and the developers leading the charge

Builder-developer giant McNab is pushing on in both sales and construction at its new Gold Coast apartment development, Elements Budds Beach.

Over 60 per cent of the Azure Collection, the more premium two-bed plus MPR and three-bedroom apartments within the Oak Avenue building, have been snapped up by a mix of investors and owner occupiers.&nbsp;

The sales success comes off the back of McNab starting construction on site, demolishing the old three-level walk-up and old timber home on the amalgamated 1,013 sqm Oak Avenue and starting to excavate the four basement parking levels.

The building, of just 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments that start from just over $1 million, has been crafted by<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects"> Cottee Parker</a> who says the design "pays homage to the sea and sky and responds to its unique midwater location with distinct simplicity and openness, bringing the waterways to its inhabitants."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111522 project_image_fid=322242]

Set behind a curved, glazed façade, Elements apartments will feature open plan kitchen, living and dining areas that will extend to balconies with views across the Gold Coast skyline, hinterland, and beach.

As the building ascends, the apartments get more premium, and give way from the two-bed and two-bed plus multi-purpose rooms to half-floor three-bedroom apartments, as well as the soon-to-be-released Horizon Collection.

As demand for spacious, high-end apartments continues, McNab is preparing to launch the Horizon Collection, just a handful of four-bedroom apartments each with a multi-purpose room, panoramic views, a master retreat with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and a built-in bar area with a custom stone finish.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111522 project_image_fid=322246]

The original plans back in 2021 had the communal facilities located within the building, but, in a trend seen across the majority of Gold Coast projects in the last few years, McNab more recently had Cottee Parker relocate them to the roof.

Now a full rooftop retreat, it will feature an infinity-edge pool with beach club-style loungers that actually sit in the water, several day beds surrounding the pool, and a sauna, hot plunge pool, and a yoga deck.

There will also be a poolside barbecue and teppanyaki area, as well as a private formal dining room and a gym.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111522 project_image_fid=322250]

Elements will sit in a quiet pocket of Surfers, only a six-minute walk to Budds Beach and eight minutes to Surfers Paradise Beach.

It could be argued that viewlines, especially from the upper levels, are unlikely to ever be obstructed. This is due to the scale of the Paradise Resort Gold Coast hotel across the street, which is unlikely to be redeveloped anytime soon.

McNab is forecasting a completion date of around Q3 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111522 project_image_fid=322251]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> as a builder has a diverse workbook across the whole of South East Queensland, from warehouse and office buildings to social housing projects.

As a developer, McNab recently completed White in Main Beach, selling all of the apartments prior to completion. The project won the 2024 Master Builders QLD Housing &amp; Construction Award, as well as Queensland’s Best Project in the $50m+ multi-residential category.

McNab also has several development sites in Brisbane, in West End and Highgate Hill, as well as<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-mcnab-shoots-for-full-floor-apartments-in-broadbeach"> plans for a future Broadbeach project</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=111522]

Sales success drives momentum at McNab’s Elements Budds Beach

OSK Property, the team behind the $3 billion Southbank precinct Melbourne Square, has unveiled Melbourne’s newest large-scale illuminated landmark, an eye-catching public artwork by nationally renowned artist Troy Emery, titled Guardian Lion.

Designed and created by the local Melbourne artist, the large-scale artwork – which features bright colours, LED lighting and a distinctive silhouette – now stands as a bold addition to Melbourne’s cityscape, joining the ranks of cultural icons like Richmond’s ‘Skipping Girl Vinegar Sign’ and the iconic Hosier Lane.

<img alt="OSK Guardian Lion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07e86d23-8444-48c5-97fd-421602ba2828" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-26%20at%2011.05.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pZwP1BwSKbLqPaeVpiBT5tEg_4FsD2I8" />

Inspired by Melbourne’s dynamic arts culture, alongside Victoria’s ‘Grampians big cat’ folklore, the artwork refers to a mythical big cat that roamed the Grampian Mountain ranges with sightings dating back over a century.

Emery said Guardian Lion signifies his first permanent public installation in his hometown.

"It’s an honour to contribute to Melbourne’s ever-growing library of public art," Emery said.

"I hope this colourful art wall becomes a beloved city landmark, acting as a guardian to the city and standing as a welcome protector to visitors and residents alike.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the Guardian Lion is Melbourne’s most important neon sign since the Skipping Girl and it’s going to become a landmark for the city.

"It’s a brilliant addition to the thriving and evolving public art scene in Melbourne – solidifying our position as Australia’s leading art city.”

Measuring over 15m high and nearly 19m wide, Guardian Lion’s laser-cut aluminium structure is adorned with LED flex lighting to be lit-up at night. Its location on the southern podium wall of Melbourne Square’s residential towers will ensure it is an unmissable sight for those entering Melbourne via the Westgate Freeway or passing through Southbank and South Melbourne.

Guardian Lion’s unveiling is underpinned by OSK Property’s commitment to the local Southbank community. Alongside its residential apartments, Melbourne Square offers retail stores, hospitality dining options, cafés, and expansive green public spaces such as parks, basketball courts, and more.

OSK Property Australia CEO, Chong Boon Woon, said the team are&nbsp;deeply inspired by the power of public art to connect spaces and communities.

"Guardian Lion is a testament to our vision of making Melbourne Square a cultural and social hub for Southbank. This symbol of Melbourne’s creative and inclusive spirit is our contribution and one that we hope continues to thrive for many years to come”.

Guardian Lion will be open to the public as a must-see destination and will be visible 24/7 with neon-LED lighting turned on each night.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107714]

In profile: DTZ's leasing executive for landlord and institutional investor services company, Alex Brownlee

Katherine Jimenez

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