Immerse Projects is preparing its third new apartment development in the ever-popular Coolangatta/Kirra area.

Led by building veteran John Kearney, who also runs local construction giant Greyburn, Immerse has filed plans for a new development on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/5-haig-street-coolangatta">Haig Street</a>, just off Musgrave Street and just metres from the beach.

They've called on BDA Architecture to design the 14-level building, which will feature 105 apartments: 64 three-bedroom and 41 two-bedroom units.

<img alt="Kearney Haig Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ecdf609-dc29-4bbc-9030-16580980754c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-02%20at%202.49.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=GFWghfxn6ifF9N9Y4uduzMD9j7LV3GzH" />

BDA wrote in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council the architectural vision for 5-7 Haig Street "embraces its coastal setting by responding to the built form, climate, and surrounding landscape."

"The development is designed to integrate seamlessly with its neighbourhood, enhancing the identity of the Kirra precinct while respecting existing urban character and natural elements."

Apartment sizes start from 70 sqm internal for the two-bedroom apartments, and 130 sqm for the two-beds with MPR. The three's start from 130 sqm with 17 sqm of balcony. There are three two-level beach houses that start on the ground level.

The majority of the resident amenity is pitched for the level two podium. A lap pool will run along the northern edge of the building and will sit next to a pool deck, a spa and ice bath area, a gym, a kids play area, and a work from home space with a meeting room.&nbsp;There will also ba a private dining space with outdoor terrace on the ground level.

Immerse secured the amalgamated 2,026 sqm double-block earlier this year. The site is occupied by two two-level qwalk ups, Giraween and Caribbean, dating back to the mid 1970s. They comprise 14 apartments in total. 
<img alt="Kirra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e83139f-7614-4dab-b027-bd87f953d0f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-02%20at%202.49.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nQXnpNrdQmXuaMAj7hZ_ou7dXaWxsa_r" />

Immerse is currently developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/rhythm-kirra-hill-30-garrick-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Rhythm Kirra Hill</a>, just 850m away from the new development on Garrick Street. Rhythm has sold the majority of its 40 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, which will be completed later this year.

Immerse and Greyburn have become quite the formidable development partners in recent years.

As well as Rhythm, Immerse&nbsp;is currently developing&nbsp;Ombre Robina, which will finish construction this summer. They also have another site in Kirra, on McLean Street, which is approved for 58 apartments across a 17-level building.

Greyburn is building both of Immerse's projects, as well as <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri Villas</a> on Isle of Capri, which is nearly complete, and the first stage of Lewis Land's 16-hectare Biggera Waters masterplan, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>.

Kirra was one of the success stories for new apartment developments even before COVID hit Australia. The launch of Miles Residences by KTQ at the end of 2019 started a wave of demand, from both local and interstate developers and both local and interstate buyers at both ends of the market.

Joel Robinson

First look: Immerse Projects plan new apartments at Kirra Beach

Is Brisbane's property market growth sustainable?

We're still seven years away from the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics, and in the last two years alone, Brisbane dwelling values (houses and units combined) have risen by 24.5 percent.

Last year saw the biggest increase in units since the late 1980s, with values growing by 16.6 percent in 2024, bringing the median unit value to $680,000.

Three months into 2025, and not much has changed.

CoreLogic's latest Home Value Index shows another 0.7 percent gain in unit values in March, following gains of 0.7 percent in February and 0.6 percent in January. Now, the median unit value is approaching $700,000.

With billions of dollars set to be poured into major infrastructure projects across Brisbane, a forecasted strong increase in population, and an ongoing shortage of new properties coming to market, there's no reason why Brisbane can't continue to outperform the rest of Australia.

<h2>What happened in Brisbane’s off the plan apartment market in March?</h2>

Brisbane was spurred again with another huge government announcement. It was revealed Victoria Park, on the edge of Spring Hill, will be hub of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games.

A new 63,000-seat stadium will be delivered and will become the new home of the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls.&nbsp;There will also be a new National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool in Spring Hill and a major upgrade of the Queensland Tennis Centre.

<img alt="Let the Games begin: QLD Government reveals 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games plans" 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/Screenshot%202025-03-26%20at%208.29.00%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=tf4963Fh57hVGfR0RQFRtwEM_Grb4oQ5" />

While a dedicated Brisbane Arena is no longer required for the Games, the government is facilitating its delivery by the private sector at the GoPrint site in Woolloongabba.

Premier David Crisafulli emphasised that the new venues and upgraded facilities would attract world-class events beyond 2032, ensuring a lasting impact on Brisbane.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/let-the-games-begin-qld-government-reveals-2032-brisbane-summer-olympic-games-plans">Let the Games begin: QLD Government reveals 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games plans</a>

Limited new apartment supply is still the story of Brisbane, although prospective new apartment buyers were treated to a rare new project launch.

Local developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/demartini-fletcher-property">DeMartini Fletcher</a>&nbsp;launched their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld-4120" target="">Stones Corner</a> development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/corner-house-stones-corner-18-stoneham-street-stones-corner">Corner House</a>, 88 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments starting from $765,000.&nbsp;

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330588]

DeMartini Fletcher has collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ellivo-architects">Ellivo Architects</a>&nbsp;on the design which aims to honour the heritage of the localicty while bringing in a contemporary twist.

Residents will have access to a rooftop retreat designed as a lifestyle-focused extension of their homes. The roof will feature a&nbsp;resort-style pool, spa, sauna, ice bath, gym, yoga lawn, residents’ herb garden, and barbecue facilities, all with sweeping views of Brisbane’s skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330608]

Corner House will integrate sustainability principles, with a focus on climate-responsive design and urban greenery.

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Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/demartini-fletcher-launches-corner-house-apartments-in-stones-corner">DeMartini Fletcher launches Corner House apartments in Stones Corner</a>

While a lot of new apartment developments are going through the development application process or locking in build contracts before becoming available for buyers, developers are continually padding out their pipelines.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/silverstone-group" target="">Silverstone Developments</a> sees more value in apartments than offices, so they've changed their plans for their prime riverfront Coronation Drive site in Milton. They now want to develop a 30-level building with 192 apartments.

<img alt="First look: Silverstone Developments to turn office to apartments on Milton riverfront site" 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/Screenshot%202025-03-03%20at%202.29.53%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=8nPCP662AeBDd37vsZH_na4avFEqCn4T" />

Targeting owner-occupiers, the development will offer two and three-bedroom residences with rooftop amenities, including a lap pool and gym.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-silverstone-developments-to-turn-office-to-apartments-on-milton-riverfront-site">First look: Silverstone Developments to turn office to apartments on Milton riverfront site</a>

&nbsp;

City Beat March 2025: Olympics announcement to drive further growth in Brisbane property market

Sydney House, the Sydney CBD's newest landmark, has been designed by not one, but two of Australia's most decoarted architecture practices.

BVN Architecture and FJC Studio joined forces to win the design competition for the project, a process required for new buildings in the City of Sydney local government area that cost over $100 million or exceed a certain height.

FJC Studio, led by Richard Francis-Jones, conceived the designs for the heritage podium and restoration of the original 1891 building, while BVN took care of 50-level protruding glass tower which will home 241 luxury apartments and a high-end hotel.

The former Pitt Street home of the City Tattersall Club is being redeveloped by joint venture partners <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/first-sponsor">First Sponsor Group</a>, a listed Singaporean developer, and the Melbourne-based developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a>, the developer behind several of Melbourne's tallest and most impressive apartment towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312147]

The design of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-house-by-city-tattersalls-club-194-204-pitt-street-sydney">Sydney House</a>&nbsp;pays homage to the late Victorian architecture of City Tattersalls Club and interprets its Free Classical style with contemporary grace.

BVN Architecture, led by Principal, Phillip Rossington and Matthew Blair, designed the tower with interiors by BVN Principal, Sally Campbell.

&nbsp;

Seen from the street, there is an interplay between the arched windows of the heritage facades and the scalloped fenestration of the tower above.

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“The fenestration has a rhythm inspired and inflected by the arched windows of the historic facades, subtly linking the forms while delineating new from old," Rossington says.

"This complementary approach enriches the reading of the heritage buildings, so they’re appreciated in a new light."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312145]

The craftmanship of a bygone era is reinterpreted through a considered design language that filters through all levels of the hotel and tower.

Residents, patrons and hotel guests benefit from new levels of amenity with the stepped volumes creating expansive terraces and floorplans that draw natural light deep into the tower. Skyline vistas are available at every level while the penthouses enjoy panoramic views east across Hyde Park to the Heads, west to Darling Harbour, and north toward Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312146]

&nbsp;

Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director of FJC Studio, says Sydney House is a "remarkable ensemble of beautiful street facades and interior spaces across four eras, from Victorian Free Classical to today."

"We have adapted and restored three heritage buildings and designed a new contemporary infill building that completes the Pitt Street composition and defines the distinctive identity of Sydney House.

“The new infill facade is distinctly modern, with a depth, compositional character and material richness that complements the exceptional detail and beauty of the three heritage facades. The Victorian and Inter-War Palazzo-style heritage facades have been carefully restored and enriched through new modern adaptive elements. &nbsp;

“New entrances, awnings, and shopfronts are refined contemporary designs inspired by the geometry and grandeur of the restored Art Deco rooms within. This integrated architectural approach extends to the interiors where the restored late Victorian and Art Deco spaces are complemented by a new grand staircase and public artworks, creating a cohesive and enriched experience for occupants and visitors in a unique multi-era, mixed-use Sydney House.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sydney House is being marketed through CBRE and is expected to launch later this year.

s[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=12428]

Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director of FJC Studio, says Sydney House is a "remarkable ensemble of beautiful street facades and interior spaces across four eras, from Victorian Free Classical to today."

BVN and FJC Studio’s architectural vision for Sydney House

There’s nothing quite like a new penthouse listing.

Beachfront apartment developments, particularly at the southern end of the Gold Coast, are incredibly rare. This makes the penthouses that crown developments like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">PIPIS</a> even more unique.

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> has been working toward the completion of the luxury 11-level Golden Four Drive development, located on the sands of Bilinga Beach. They are anticipating welcoming residents at the end of 2025. Now, they've released a first look inside the luxury two-level penthouses, which are expected to set a new apartment record for this quiet beachside suburb.

Each penthouse spans 446 sqm of internal and external living space across the top two levels of the Ellivo Architects-designed building.

The PIPIS Penthouse Collection is defined by high-end finishes, including natural stone, Navurban Balmoral and Plytec Blossom joinery, woodcut white-oiled natural timber, wool-textured loop carpet, and handmade feature tiles.

A sculptural spiral staircase serves as a striking focal point, complemented by a private lift offering seamless access between levels.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=341447]

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap almost entirely around the penthouses, framing panoramic views of the coastline. Each residence has been designed for indoor-outdoor living with four balconies and two entertainment areas, one of which is positioned on the rooftop and will be home to a private plunge pool with a sun deck.

The kitchens are appointed with premium appliances, including an induction cooktop, combination steam oven, speed oven, ZIP tap, InSinkErator, built-in coffee machine, and a butler’s pantry with a wine cellar.

The penthouses offer four spacious bedrooms, one of which is an expansive master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

Each penthouse includes four secure car spaces with EV charging, dedicated bike and surfboard storage, and a full-size laundry with an outdoor drying court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=264308]

PIPIS comprises just 17 half-floor apartments, as well as the two penthouses.

Residents of PIPIS will have access to a range of private ground-floor amenities, including a 15-metre heated lap pool with a sun lounge deck, a fully equipped gym with rowing, biking, and reformer Pilates facilities, as well as an outdoor rain-head shower and dog wash station.

PIPIS has been popular with owner-occupiers, downsizers, and investors from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, while a handful of buyers have come from outside Sydney and Melbourne.

The highest settled sale price for an apartment in Bilinga is $4.6 million, in the recently completed Si Bilinga block, just a few doors down from PIPIS.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138311]

PIPIS has been popular with owner-occupiers, downsizers, and investors from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, while a handful of buyers have come from outside Sydney and Melbourne

PIPIS penthouses turn heads in Bilinga

The value growth in the unit market on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> is starting to slow a touch, after a bull run that has stretched over five years.

Unit values rose 0.3 per cent in March, according to CoreLogic's Home Value Index, to reach a new record-high median of $836,000.

While still growing in value, the gains are softer than the 0.6 per cent growth in February and 0.5 per cent in January.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>&nbsp;unit market has been one of the best-performing in the country over the last five years. From the start of 2020 to the end of 2024, the median value of a unit has jumped 78 per cent, from $465,000 to $832,000.

<h2>What happened in the Gold Coast’s off the plan apartment market in March?</h2>

The Gold Coast off the plan unit market saw an increase in buyer demand in March.

Enquiries rose by 13 percent in March compared to February. Excluding January's large spike in enquiries, the March figures were the highest they’ve been in the past 12 months.

Views of Gold Coast projects in Q1 2025 were the highest since Q2 2023, with Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Palm Beach capturing the lion's share of the views.

Ashwin Property Director Tony Ashwin has seen strong demand in the northern Gold Coast at Kelyin and Kinstone's latest waterfront release in their Serentiy 4212 masterplan in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/helensvale-qld-4212">Helensvale</a>.

The new release,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/serenity-lakeside-villas-helensvale-6-lake-serenity-boulevard-helensvale-qld-4212">Lakeside Serenity 4212</a> Waterfront Villas, comprises just&nbsp;16 absolute waterfront homes, each with direct water access and a private pontoon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324622]

The four-bedroom residences, featuring premium finishes and expansive lake views, have drawn significant interest from both local downsizers and Brisbane buyers seeking a coastal lifestyle with easy city access.&nbsp;

“The northern suburbs of the Gold Coast are in extremely high demand,” Ashwin says, highlighting that Helensvale is central to this growth.

“Helensvale is the only Gold Coast suburb with both heavy and light rail connections, offering residents easy access to Brisbane and the rest of the Gold Coast.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149142 project_image_fid=324623]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/resort-homes">Resort Homes</a>&nbsp;is well advanced in construction of the homes, which will be ready for occupancy in Q3 2025.

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Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/high-demand-and-limited-supply-in-northern-gold-coast-drives-buyers-to-helensvales-lakeside-serenity-villas">High demand and limited supply in Northern Gold Coast drives buyers to Helensvale's Lakeside Serenity Villas</a>

Construction is also gathering steam at DD Living's popular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/burly-residences-north-burleigh-264-268-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads">Burly Residences</a> in North Burleigh. The luxury beachfront development will comprise just over 100 high-end apartments, introducing a new standard of residential amenities to the area.&nbsp;

Designed by renowned Japanese architect <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>&nbsp;with interiors by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">MIM Design</a>, Burly Residences will offer two, three, and four-bedroom apartments alongside two levels of six-star resort-style amenities. These include multiple swimming pools, a gym with a Peloton room, and private dining areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134791 project_image_fid=328212]

Gowdie Management Group is handling the construction of Burly Residences and is expecting to complete the build in 2027.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/construction-commences-at-devines-luxury-burleigh-tower-burly-residences">Construction commences at Devine's luxury Burleigh tower, Burly Residences</a>

The pipeline of new apartments was also topped up in March. The most impressive plans came from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a> where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gdi-group">GDI Group</a>&nbsp;is planning a luxury apartment development on Cunningham Avenue.

<img alt="First look: GDI Group plot two-level apartments in Main Beach" 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/Cunningham.png?VersionId=O8Zo4guRXRsWLaxXreN8Xix7ySPEPKo0" />

Approaching completion of their Drift Residences nearby, GDI Group is planning a 23-level building with just 10 two-level apartments, each featuring three bedrooms on the lower level and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area on the upper level.

Amenities will include a wellness centre and a pool, with Bureau Proberts designing a contemporary addition to Main Beach’s evolving skyline.&nbsp;

GDI is expected to oversee construction, having brought the build for Drift Residences in-house, a popular choice for developers in the current build environment.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-gdi-group-plot-two-level-apartments-in-main-beach">First look: GDI Group plot two-level apartments in Main Beach</a>

Another builder-developer, the Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a>,&nbsp;also has a new project on the horizon.

They are planning a return to the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>&nbsp;with a 14-level tower on a double-block site across the Gold Coast Highway and a prized entry from Jefferson Lane.<img alt="First look: BPG Developments returns to Palm Beach new apartment market" 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/gold%20coast%20da.png?VersionId=2WnKIURE0J1ceRTfRntCUamzdrHV0DxR" />

The new development will include 71 two- and three-bedroom residences, three two-level townhouses, and resident amenities such as a pool and wellness space. Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/plus-architecture" target="">Plus Architecture</a>, the project draws inspiration from Queensland’s coastal vernacular.&nbsp;

Situated next to the recently completed Village Palm Beach and near other upcoming projects, this development will add to the growing apartment supply in the sought-after Palm Beach market.

BPG completed Sable on Palm Beach, just up the road, in 2019.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-bpg-developments-returns-to-palm-beach-new-apartment-market">First look: BPG Developments returns to Palm Beach new apartment market</a>

From the start of 2020 to the end of 2024, the median value of a unit on the Gold Coast has jumped 78 per cent, from $465,000 to $832,000.

Tom Lane passes on Manly pearl

Jonathan Chancellor

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