The City of Sydney has committed more than $150m to a new public square opposite Sydney Town Hall, with construction to start in 2028.

Framed by George, Pitt and Park streets, the square is central to the City of Sydney’s long-term vision of a city centre with plenty of space for people and public life.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said plans for a square outside Town Hall have been underway for more than 40 years and will be one of the biggest projects ever initiated by the City of Sydney.

“Like other major cities around the world, we need large, lively, welcoming civic spaces for the growing number of people living in and visiting Sydney,” the Lord Mayor said, adding that the central, public square will&nbsp;be the heart of the city.

“For more than three decades, the City of Sydney has been progressively acquiring properties opposite Town Hall to create space for a future Town Hall Square, and we’re excited to be in a position to deliver this incredible community asset.

“With ample trees and seats, it will be a place to sit on a weekday lunch break, home to large-scale events and gatherings like festivals, markets, celebrations and protests, and a meeting spot as iconic as the Town Hall steps.

“The extra public space along George Street has transformed the city centre, and this square will take our work creating a city for people even further.”

As part of a revitalisation of the precinct, the area between St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Sydney Town Hall is set for an upgrade with new paving, furniture, and lighting to be installed in 2027. The scope for this project is also being considered by the Council this month.

The square at Town Hall is one of three that the City of Sydney envisions as part of a transformation of Sydney. Linked by the newly pedestrianised George Street, it includes squares at Circular Quay and Central Station.

With the proposal approved by the Council on Monday, 12 May, the design for the square will be developed over the next year. The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on a draft concept in 2026.

Joel Robinson

$150m plan to reshape Sydney's Town Hall into new public square to go ahead

Apartment living and Melbourne's Abbotsford come hand-in-hand, with well over half of those who live in Abbotsford calling an apartment home.&nbsp;

Despite the appetite for apartment living, there have been very few new apartment developments hit the suburb in the last decade.

Recognising this gap, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sq-property">SQ Property</a> has launched Lulie, the first major apartment project in Abbotsford since the release of New Johnston in April 2024. Prior to that, it had been over four years since any new residential development entered the local market.

Located just 30 metres from Victoria Park Station, at the corner of Lulie and Johnston Streets, will comprise 60 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149640 project_image_fid=145]

The residences will be spread across two distinctive buildings, designed by Metaxas Architecture. The Johnston Street-facing building will rise five levels behind a classic red brick façade, echoing Abbotsford’s industrial heritage. Behind it, a taller seven-level building with a striking copper-clad and glass façade adds a modern contrast to the streetscape.

Inside, homes have been crafted with an emphasis on natural light, generous proportions, and timeless finishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise northerly views over parkland, while interiors—curated by Air Design Studio—showcase warm materials, natural stone surfaces, and a soft tonal palette that connects with the outdoor environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149640 project_image_fid=146]

Resident amenities have also been carefully considered. A co-working communal area caters to the continued rise of hybrid work lifestyles—an increasingly sought-after inclusion in new developments.

Sustainability and long-term environmental performance are core to Lulie’s design. The development includes secure car parking with provisions for electric vehicle charging, ensuring future-ready infrastructure from the outset.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149640 project_image_fid=150]

Situated within the Lower Johnston Street District, Lulie is surrounded by Abbotsford’s vibrant blend of industrial character and creative culture. The project is also just moments from the Yarra Trail, the Abbotsford Convent arts precinct, and the soon-to-be-upgraded Victoria Park Station, offering outstanding lifestyle and connectivity.

Realco agent Chris Koullapas is marketing Lulie.

Construction is already underway, with completion slated for 2026. Apartments at Lulie are priced from a competitive $600,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149640]

Lulie brings new apartments to the edge of Victoria Park in Abbotsford

The Gold Coast has recorded the strongest unit price growth in the country over the past five years.

According to the latest data from Cotality, the median unit value on the Gold Coast is now just under $850,000. If compared to capital city median prices, it would rank second only to Sydney, where the median sits at $855,000.

However, the style of new apartment developments is pushing many buyers out of the market, with few projects offering homes under the $1 million mark. When they do, these more affordable options are typically the first to sell.

For buyers with budgets below $1 million, acting quickly is essential.

We’ve rounded up the best new apartment developments on the Gold Coast that still offer apartments priced under $1 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>What: Harbour Shores</h2>

<h3>Where: Biggera Waters</h3>

<h3>Who: Lewis Land</h3>

Palm House, the latest release at Lewis Land's multi-stage masterplan <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>, has apartments on offer from $990,000.

Palm House builds on the momentum of the first stage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/biggera-waters-qld-4216" target="">Biggera Waters</a>&nbsp;community, which is already under construction and over 50 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=336743]

Palm House introduces an exclusive collection of just 60 two and three-bedroom apartments across a seven-level building. The homes will feature open-plan interiors, expansive balconies, and contemporary finishes.

Residents of the new release will enjoy full access to&nbsp;Harbour Shores’ unmatched suite of resort-style amenities. The community will boast a 25-metre lagoon pool, a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, sauna, tennis courts, and an expansive 1.2km waterfront boardwalk.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290031]

For families and outdoor enthusiasts, The Green parklands and a network of walking and cycling paths provide abundant green space to relax and play.

The Clubhouse, a social hub with indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces, will anchor community life, while on-site cafés and eateries, as well as proximity to Harbour Town Premium Outlets, ensure day-to-day convenience.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>What: Villea Palm Beach</h2>

<h3>Where: Palm Beach</h3>

<h3>Who: Abadeen</h3>

National developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>'s debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea</a>, comes in with generously-sized two-bedroom apartments under $1 million.

The Palm Beach project, just 400 metres from the sand, is well under construction and will see its buyers move in well before Christmas. It features 69 two and three-bedroom apartments designed for owner-occupiers and downsizers.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bda-architecture" target="">BDA</a>&nbsp;Architecture, the eight-level building will maximize natural light in each apartment. The apartments will feature kitchens with premium stone benchtops, central islands, and integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances.

Additionally, each apartment will have balconies off the kitchen, living, and dining areas, offering either ocean or hinterland views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

Villea will also feature a resort-style pool, gym, barbecue area, and a convenient boutique retail strip at street level.

<h2>What: Corallo</h2>

<h3>Where: Palm Beach</h3>

<h3>Who: Changfa</h3>

Another Sydney-based developer, Changfa, is offering apartments under $1 million in Palm Beach.

Changfa, who has previously developed Lyra on Hope Island among several projects in Sydney's inner ring, has recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, where one-bedroom apartments start from $715,000.

Corallo, on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, has been designed by Plus Architecture and will comprise around 113 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across a 21-level building.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Corallo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8173b9d-1c8d-4b27-9d75-f5b377487de6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-26%20at%201.28.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=967vcmMqsBbjuVU7DDB8wDr_VXi2n2cd" />

The second level of the building will home a swimming&nbsp;pool, cold plunge, steam room, sauna, gym, yoga space, fire pit, and barbecue and dining areas.

There will be a retail and dining precinct and street level.

<h2>What: Tapestry</h2>

<h3>Where: 39 Darrambal Street, Chevron Island QLD 4217</h3>

<h3>Who: SIERA</h3>

The remaining apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/tapestry-chevron-island-39-darrambal-street-chevron-island">Tapestry</a>&nbsp;on Chevron Island start at just $9,000 over the $1 million threshold, so they just sneak into this list.

The 113 apartments, currently under construction by SIERA's in-house construction arm, have been designed by BDA for the owner-occupier looking for&nbsp;proximity to cultural and lifestyle amenities, such as the HOTA precinct, local cafes, and the Gold Coast beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192961]

The residences feature floor-to-ceiling glazing, open-plan interiors, and premium finishes including European appliances and timber flooring. Outdoor areas are shaped by curved balconies designed to make the most of surrounding views.

The amenity is geared toward the rooftop, where there will be a pool, gym, sauna, coworking space, and communal gardens.

We’ve rounded up the best new apartment developments on the Gold Coast that still offer apartments priced under $1 million

What $1 million can buy you in the Gold Coast's new and off the plan apartment market

Over half of the apartments in SP Setia's Atlas skyscraper have been snapped up before the project launch.

The new tower, at the northern end of La Trobe Street, has been designed by Cox Architecture and Fender Katsalidis and is Setia's&nbsp;fourth project in the CBD, following the success of Sapphire by the Gardens, UNO Melbourne, and Fulton Lane.

The heritage-listed wall of the former Royal Mint forms the backdrop to the contemporary porte-cochere, forming a striking contrast to the 72-level tower.&nbsp;

Atlas will feature&nbsp;852 apartments, from studios through to three-bedroom residences, starting at $410,000.

<img alt="Atlas Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4c50513-ae45-4149-8ca6-0e94dec0e373" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/240925_Level%2072_Library.jpg?VersionId=LCAlVvC3OQ0j6fzz4NzrS998OXBSfCqW" />

Tim Storey, Managing Director, Victoria | Residential at Colliers, said Atlas is a very rare proposition.

“Atlas is the last building in this pocket of the city to be granted a permit for this volume of units, as the permit was obtained back in 2017. Since then, new height restrictions have come into effect, and no other super-skyscrapers of this size will be built in the CBD.”&nbsp;

He says the reason they have been able to sell more than half of the apartments in a short amount of time is that the development ticks all the boxes.

"Not only is the location right, the amenities are right, the design is right, but most importantly, the product is right.&nbsp;The development also caters to a wide range of buyer profiles. We haven’t seen many studio &nbsp;apartments in recent new developments, but as a way to address affordability and the growing &nbsp;demand for city living, the development will house 189 studio apartments, which are already sold out, and we now have a waiting list.”&nbsp;

The tower is divided into three bespoke residential offerings: Garden Residences on levels 1-7, &nbsp;Horizon Residences across levels 9-49, and Sky Crown Residences on levels 50-70.

<img alt="Atlas Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e937e56-e4b7-400f-b950-886752d79883" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/240917_Pool%20view%20level%208_0.jpg?VersionId=uMoDCs2t1JvMXwVtxiYZB.8V8.0gEZEc" />

Philip Rowe, Director at Cox Architecture, said throughout the building, there are strong connections to nature and greenery.

“It’s a vertical village that includes the Sky Club on levels 71 and 72, and the Horizon Collective on levels 42, which features a music room, cinema, &nbsp;game area, karaoke lounge, terrace, and more. Level 8 is dedicated to a Wellness Club, offering a gymnasium, spa, sauna, pool, and open green space."

&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence in Q3 2025, with completion expected to take place in mid-2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=148772]

Construction of Atlas is set to commence in Q3 2025, with completion expected to take place in mid-2029.

Half of apartments snapped up in Setia's Atlas Melbourne skyscraper

Sherpa Property Group is continuing to service an untapped market of affordability in Palm Beach with its new Flourish brand.

Following the success of Flourish on Sixth, its first price-pointed development that offered one-bedroom apartments for under $600,000, a rarity in the current market, the burgeoning developer has confirmed its next Flourish play.

They've secured a 1,800 sqm site on the corner of 1150-1154 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the old Palm Beach Cash Converters, which is across the road from Flourish on Sixth.

The new development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-ovana-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Ovana</a>, will offer 102 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Flourish" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36fc64a3-bfe7-4dc0-a023-e61bdffd7b26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-23%20at%2011.16.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EO.BS6av91ptjk.7YZmenHPgLNzl9RsY" />

Sherpa Property Group Founder Christie Leet said the recent lodgment of the new Flourish site signals the next chapter for the developer’s ongoing vision to create accessible, community-focused residential apartments on the southern Gold Coast.

“Following the success of Flourish on Sixth, we are extremely excited to unveil plans for another site in Palm Beach that continues the Flourish legacy," Leet said.

"We are particularly proud of the product typologies and unit mix which, amongst others, allow first-home buyers to get a foothold in the market."

Leet says Sherpa's focus is on&nbsp;building connected communities and delivering exceptional living experiences.

"This new project gives us the opportunity to extend our vision, ensuring Flourish Ovana integrates seamlessly with Flourish on Sixth. Our vision for Flourish Ovana is to cater to a broad market – from first-home buyers and local rightsizers to savvy investors – without compromising on quality or livability.

“Palm Beach is a vibrant and rapidly evolving coastal hub, and we’re proud to be playing a role in delivering high-quality housing at an ideal entry price point.&nbsp;Our commitment is to address housing affordability while promoting long-term well-being through supportive, integrated communities.”

Residents will have access to resort-style amenities, including a rooftop pool, wellness spa, gymnasium, and recreation areas, as well as a large retail space available to the Palm Beach community on the ground level.

“The ground floor retail offering will be a game-changer for Palm Beach, bringing everyday convenience to the heart of the community whilst delivering streetscape renewal and activation," Leet added.

<img alt="Sherpa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76f438f1-45b1-48ca-918a-e833a4630aeb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-23%20at%2011.16.15%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=SfV1qX7MJfhF2TO5CqaKa1ZNB6TEu8Pc" />

This latest project represents a significant step in Sherpa’s growth strategy, further strengthening the company’s footprint in Palm Beach, where it has successfully delivered three projects over the past three years with two more under construction, including the highly anticipated Flourish on Sixth and Perspective Nexus.

With a current workbook valued at over $1 billion, Sherpa Property Group is cementing its status as a significant player in the South East Queensland development landscape, with a growing portfolio of residential and mixed-use projects across the Gold Coast and beyond.

Sherpa aims to launch Flourish Ovana later this year, pending council approval.

South Australia pair Kate and Harry tipped to win House Rules

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.