Transport Oriented Developments have taken a hold of the Sydney development market in recent months, particularly since the opening of the extended Sydney Metro line.

Third.i is building Hume Place above Crows Nest Metro, while Mirvac and John Holland have revealed their future plans for Waterloo Quarter.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/holdmark-property-group">Holdmark</a> is the latest to look to the ToD, which the government says "encourages sustainable and mixed-use development around transport and aims to create vibrant and walkable communities."

They have proposed three structures in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>, on a&nbsp;12,720 sqm site at 2-4 Giffnock Avenue, strategically located near the Macquarie Park Metro station, Macquarie Centre, and Macquarie University.&nbsp;

The proposal includes just under 600 apartments, with 10 per cent allocated as affordable housing.

The development will also incorporate retail spaces, including a supermarket, and essential infrastructure such as open space and road networks.

<img alt="2-4 Giffnock Avenue Macquarie Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa573be2-ab30-4736-ad7e-6aa918ebdc51" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site.png?VersionId=C1kfLHjpR1WHsWB043K2Enx59vV_YBXd" />

The site has been rezoned to allow for mixed-use development, with a maximum incentive height of 130 meters.

The development plan includes two slender residential towers and a smaller building above a shared podium. It aims to deliver a built form that reflects the evolving urban character of Macquarie Park while providing active ground-level uses and green spaces.

"Holdmark's proposal aligns with the precinct's goals of creating walkable, vibrant neighbourhoods with enhanced connectivity," the State Significant Development Application noted.

Studio SC, formerly Scott Carver, has handled the preliminary designs for the towers.

<img alt="Holdmark" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="158b54d2-872a-477e-92af-85f7af31beeb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-29%20at%208.04.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZG.PM2H0GjFOGi4rmBm1fLih11q0JCIO" />

The precinct is one of six accelerated housing areas designated by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, aiming to boost housing supply near major transport hubs while retaining job opportunities and improving public amenities.

"NSW needs more housing supply," the NSW Government says.

"We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shape the Six Cities Region’s city planning around Sydney’s new world-class metro system and leverage existing rail stations to serve generations to come.

"By building more housing near the metro and rail stations, we can enable more people to live close to transport, jobs, services, night life and amenities.

"The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program will create sustainable and connected cities now and for future generations."

The proposal includes just under 600 apartments, with 10 per cent allocated as affordable housing

Joel Robinson

First look: Holdmark submits Sydney's latest Transport Oriented Development at Macquarie Park	

Boutique townhouse developer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sloane-property">Sloane Property</a>, is accepting deposits of just five per cent at its under-construction Brighton townhouse development, 111 Carpenter.

The lower deposit, plus significant stamp duty savings since the government <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/vic-government-slashes-stamp-duty-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers-savings-available-immediately-oct-2024">abolished stamp duty in October 2024 for 12 months</a>, aim to provide greater accessibility to purchasers seeking larger homes in one of Melbourne's most sought-after suburbs.

Located on Carpenter Street, the project comprises just seven townhomes designed by Chris Megowan, who has a deep understanding of the area and its lifestyle demands. He has designed serveral successful projects for Sloane across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=214118]

Each townhouse has been crafted to maximise the northern exposure of the site, with key living spaces oriented to optimise passive solar gain and cross-ventilation.&nbsp;

The townhouses range between two and three levels and offer three or four bedrooms, open-plan living areas, and private landscaped gardens by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a>.

Sloane Property Managing Director, Adam Sloane, highlighted the location as a major drawcard, citing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a>’s combination of beachside living, parks, cafes, retail, and highly regarded schools.&nbsp;

With the project situated near public transport and tree-lined streets, Sloane noted that the development provides an ideal base for families wanting a low-maintenance yet spacious home in the Bayside area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=218198]

While apartments in the area cater largely to downsizers and Brighton's grand mansions suit families seeking large-scale homes, Brighton has had a lack of new townhouse development in recent years, a dwelling type designed to bridge the gap between apartment and house-sized living.

Sloane has reached framing stage of the seven townhouses. They are on track to complete in late 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7517]

Sloane has reached framing stage of the seven townhouses. They are on track to complete in late 2025

5% deposit, $0 stamp duty - Buy into Brighton's affluent property market with 111 Carpenter townhomes

Australia’s first four-tower vertical stair climb challenge is set to debut in 2025, with Towers 4 Change aiming to raise over $400,000 – or $100,000 per tower – at Far East Consortium's West Side Place precinct in the Melbourne CBD.

As Australia’s largest stair climb charity event, and with the highest tower exceeding 80 levels and 1400 stairs, Towers 4 Change not only offers a physical challenge but also provides a powerful way for individuals and groups to ‘Step Up For Charity’ and raise money to support a charity that they connect with.

Each of the four towers at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place</a> will be dedicated to raising much-needed funds for a different and deserving cause, including building homes for women and children escaping family violence, supporting those living with life-altering conditions, and vital medical research.

<ul>
	<li>Tower 1: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation</li>
	<li>Tower 2: Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (fara Australia)</li>
	<li>Tower 3: Good Friday Appeal</li>
	<li>Tower 4: The Victorian Homeless Fund</li>
</ul>

<img alt="West Side Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1443c90-8098-433a-9c7c-5e7251502425" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/West%20Side%20Place%20Towers.jpg?VersionId=hL563J70gxDdhXbtDWtu_ZG9cKDjTT2A" />

Lauren Sheldon, Director of Marketing and Sales at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, said the developer is excited to contribute to Melbourne’s vibrant event scene and raise awareness for these worthy causes.

"This four-tower climb exemplifies our commitment to fostering a vibrant community. By bringing people together for this unique event, we aim to benefit everyone involved, from residents to participants and beyond,” Sheldon said.

EVENT DETAILS 
What | Towers 4 Change 
Where | West Side Place, 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Date | Sunday 30th March 2025 
Time | 7am – 1pm

<h2>ABOUT THE CHARITY PARTNERS</h2>

<h2>Good Friday Appeal</h2>

Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has been dedicated to fundraising for The Royal Children’s Hospital so that it can continue to provide world-class care for children in Victoria and beyond. Funds from the Good Friday Appeal go towards ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, education and family-centred care programs. GFA funds over 28 different projects each year - some are across multiple years, others one-off purchases.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a charity partner for the West Side Place Towers 4 Change, a unique and challenging event," Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, said.

"These funds will have a profound impact on funding state-of-the-art equipment, research, training, and patient- and family-centred care programs to continue the world-class care provided by The Royal Children's Hospital."

<h2>Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (fara Australia)</h2>

fara raises funds for research into treatments and a cure for Friedreich Ataxia (FA). FA is a rare genetic and progressive neuro-muscular disorder that is typically diagnosed in children or teens. It leads to loss of muscle coordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss, slurred speech, and then a serious heart condition which in many cases turns fatal by the mid-thirties. One in every 30,000 in Australia is affected. One in 90 people are carriers. There is currently no cure and no approved treatment in Australia.

Brad Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of fara Australia, says&nbsp;Friedreich Ataxia robs you of muscle strength, mobility and the ability to do even the everyday things we might take for granted.

"At fara, we are a small, rare disease charity with no government funding, raising funds for FA medical research. Being a partner of West Side Place Towers 4 Change will deliver the single greatest boost to awareness and fundraising beyond our own community. Every step climbers take will Lend Some Muscle to those living with FA and get us closer to finding that cure.”

<h2>Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation</h2>

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) supports vital research across the country that will help better detect, treat and prevent ovarian cancer. The OCRF is Australia’s largest independent funder of ovarian cancer medical research. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal women’s cancer with a five-year survival rate that has barely changed in decades, languishing at under 50 per cent. Addressing health disparity and funding inequity in cancer research is fundamental to achieving higher survival rates for ovarian cancer.

“West Side Place Towers 4 Change is a great new event that symbolises the heights we can achieve when we unite together for a cause, " Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO&nbsp;Robin Penty says.

"Every step up, and every dollar raised, will directly support our vision of a healthy future for those impacted by ovarian cancer. This challenge is a powerful statement of hope, resilience, and the belief that each of us can make a difference. We are deeply grateful to the climbers and supporters helping OCRF achieve a step-change for women’s cancers, both figuratively and literally!"

<h2>The Victorian Homeless Fund</h2>

The Victorian Homeless Fund (VHF) is a Melbourne-based charity committed to providing safe and stable long-term housing for women and children escaping family violence. By building homes on unused residential land, the VHF offers families a fresh start and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. At its core, the VHF believes that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

 
Colleen May, Victorian Homeless Fund Chair, says domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia, and it's such a&nbsp;significant problem, it can't be solved by one group.

"If individually we all give a little, then collectively, we can change people’s lives. Every home we build is about extending a helping hand to those most in need, and providing a family with more than just a home—they gain hope and a future."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1270]

Far East Consortium's charity push in Australia’s biggest stair climb challenge

Busy developer Princeton has achieved a key milestone at its new South Sydney apartment development, Marque Rockdale.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/princeton">Marque</a> is the only new apartment development in Rockdale currently on the market, and it is also the only one in the local government area to offer the new 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy from Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Located just 200 metres from Rockdale Plaza and under one kilometre from Brighton-Le-Sands beach, Marque combines thoughtful design in an ideal location that takes advantage of the coastal lifestyle, as well as the convenience and connectivity <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a> offers.

A recent sale of a one-bedroom apartment for $700,000 highlights buyer confidence in the project, a confidence which is further bolstered by the LDI policy.

Ray White WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says the team behind Marque Rockdale has seen it achieve a strong level of success, even in a market where continued high interest rates are pushing down demand.

"The development is going from strength to strength, hitting key milestones and strong sales as a result of Princeton's standing in the development industry, the reputation of iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/coplex">Coplex</a>, and the all-important Latent Defects Insurance," Bernberg says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=278616]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/princeton">Princeton</a>, which is funding the project itself through its capital arm, has been active in the new development space in recent years.

They have just completed a row of eight terraces in St Peters, which are achieving stellar results, and they are now putting the finishing touches on Eurangi, their ultra-luxury development on Bondi Beach’s prestigious Campbell Parade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=278367]

Marque comprises 58 apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, as well as a handful of SOHO apartments that blend residential and workspace uses.

The development has been designed with owner-occupiers in mind, featuring contemporary interiors, expansive glass walls for natural light, and premium finishes such as Caesarstone benchtops and engineered timber floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277074]

A communal rooftop space offers over 100 sqm of amenities, including a herb garden, barbecue area, children’s play zone, and pergola-shaded dining areas.

Coplex is set to complete Marque in late 2025, offering an attractive price point in an undersupplied local market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Ray White WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says the team behind Marque Rockdale has seen it achieve a strong level of success, even in a market where continued high interest rates are pushing down demand

Princeton tops out Marque Rockdale as development team and Latent Defect Insurance drives sales

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;village&nbsp;is set to undergo further transformation, with new plans revealing more shoptop housing on Knox Street.

Scali furniture boss Anthony Scali is behind the plans for a five-level development on the site currently occupied by the Savoy Hotel at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/35-45-knox-street">35-45 Knox Street</a>. Scali paid a reported price of around $35 million for the 616 sqm in 2021.

The lease to the Savoy Hotel has expired - paving the way for redevelopment to create nine apartments above three ground-level retail spaces - no doubt a potential new space for the Nick Scali furniture empire in the heart of one of Sydney's most affluent shopping suburbs.

<img alt="39-41 Knox Street DOUBLE BAY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7125a8ff-e053-4e0f-a92e-f5ebc8f2d48b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan%20-%20Photomontage%20-%20DA2024%20546%201%20-%2039-41%20Knox%20Street%20DOUBLE%20BAY.JPG?VersionId=KxFL5jxNq.xqt61llbJlwcGIJGh4YWzP" />

The $31 million development has been designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a>&nbsp;who has chose a light brick and metal clad&nbsp;façade to integrate with the area's established character, which includes a combination of inter-war and contemporary mixed-use buildings.

Plans are for six two-beds, two three-beds, and one four-bed apartment, each with balconies and living areas which have been oriented to achieve maximise natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

The project has been designed to suit a diverse demographic, including families, retirees, and downsizers, reflecting market demand for flexible and functional living spaces, the documents submitted to the Woollahra Municipal Council say.

The development provides 20 parking spaces across two basement levels, accommodating cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

<img alt="41-45 Knox Street, Double Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="186c47d7-a0fa-48a2-84fb-429a9774e0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Double%20bay.png?VersionId=HdatkgUJU8wHfXN.VBVGiu9fcf2h2u1r" />

&nbsp;

Double Bay is undergoing a huge redevelopment everywhere you look.

Late last year plans were submitted for the InterContinental Double Bay, also on Knox Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/intercontinental-hotel-double-bay-to-become-1-billion-lifestyle-precinct">to turn it into a $1 billion mixed-use precinct</a> with a new high-end retail and dining precinct, cinemas, landscaped open spaces, a new boutique luxury hotel, and a health and wellness centre, and 29 apartments across the top seven levels.

Shortly before that, more <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-double-bays-cross-street-transformation-to-continue">plans were filed with the local council on Cross Street</a>, where the well-known&nbsp;Florida dry cleaners, womens clothing store Alex &amp; Harry, and cafe Bar Lanziano, will make way for more shoptop housing, with six luxury apartments planned above two more fashion outlets and a cafe.

Construction is well underway at Top Spring Australia's Ode Double Bay, where suburb records have tumbled in recent years. The penthouse sold for $25 million in 2022.&nbsp;

Suburb	Postcode	Bedrooms	Current median rent
South Gladstone	4680	2	$120
Chinchilla	4413	2	$150
Dysart	4745	3	$150
Collinsville	4804	2	$150
Blackall	4472	3	$160
Scottville	4804	3	$165
Tannum Sands	4680	2	$165
Calliope	4680	3	$170
Mount Morgan	4714	2	$175
West Gladstone	4680	3	$175

Dysart, Chinchilla and Collinsville ranks among Queensland's cheapest rental localities: Investar

Staff reporter

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