Live Proud Magazine Spring/Summer 2020 (Mobile)

LIVE PROUD MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Introducing Midtown Renewing the heart of Macquarie Park Opportunity knocks How buyers are taking advantage of state and federal home buyer grants to turn their dreams into reality West-side story Heading west in search of a new life and a new start is a romantic tale as old as time, yet relevant as ever in modern Australia One in a million Inside One Bangkok, Thailand’s new gold standard in mixed-use design

Up front CONTENTS

Spring/Summer 2020 Residential and Community 4 – 5 6 – 12 13 – 16 17 – 19 20 – 23 24 – 29 30 –35 36 – 45 46 – 49 50 –53 54 – 57

More than meets the eye Leading with purpose Greater than the sum of its parts At home on the river Through her eyes West-side story Opportunity knocks Introducing Midtown Built to last Forged in the fire Thriving inside (and outside) with Smiling Mind

Things you might not know about Frasers Property 58 – 59 60 – 65 66 – 67 68 – 74 75 – 79 80 – 83 84 – 87

2

Creating every element of a proud life What’s next?

By popular demand Greening the industrial landscape One in a million Macquarie Exchange Sydney secret

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Up front CONTENTS

6 – 12 Leading with purpose

20 – 23 Through her eyes

36 – 45 Introducing Midtown

60 – 65 What’s next?

75 – 79 One in a million

68 – 74 Greening the industrial landscape

80 – 83 Macquarie Exchange

Please note that while reasonable care is taken to ensure the contents of this magazine are correct, all information is to be used as a guide only. Images are conceptual only. Purchasers must rely on their own enquiries and the contract for sale.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

3

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

More than meets the eye Welcome to the fifth edition of Live proud. If you’ve picked up our magazine before, you’ll know that we’re immensely proud of the residential places we create.

There’s nothing better than hearing from people who’ve established their own traditions and legacies in a Frasers Property Australia community, and in this edition you’ll meet a whole new suite of proud residents doing just that.

But creating great places to live is just one part of what we do. Frasers Property has both a long history and broad reach as a placemaker— with shopping centres, hotels, commercial precincts and industrial parks all part of our business here in Australia, as well as around the world.

4

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Why? Because we believe the richness of life isn’t just about where we live, but how we work, shop, play and stay too.

Our brand-new project in Sydney’s north west, Midtown MacPark, is a great example of this live-workshop-play ethos and directly descended from our iconic Central Park and Ed.Square communities— all three of which are showcased in this edition.

“ We believe the richness of life isn’t just about where we live, but how we work, shop, play and stay too.”

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Ed.Square, NSW

You’ll also read about how we’re rethinking the workplace of the future at Macquarie Exchange and transforming industrial centres into green and sustainable logistics spaces. Lastly, we’ll check in on One Bangkok, a precinct-scale mixeduse community set to transform Thailand’s capital; take in the new riverside homes at Hamilton Reach in Brisbane; and uncover Sydney’s secret charms.

Please enjoy, with our compliments.

Cameron Leggatt Executive General Manager Development Frasers Property Australia

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

5

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

LEADING WITH PURPOSE Frasers Property Australia’s new CEO Anthony Boyd is a man on a mission; a mission to reshape the role of property development into one of societal enhancement. It’s a lofty ambition with important consequences for the way we’ll live in the future. Live proud magazine sat down with Anthony to learn more.

6

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

7

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

First up, congratulations on your appointment to Chief Executive Officer, Anthony.

While new to the job of CEO, you’re certainly not new to Frasers Property Australia having just chalked up your fifteenth year in the business.

What’s kept you here for so long?

Brookhaven, QLD

I think ultimately, it’s that I had the very good fortune to be part of a company whose culture and values aligned with mine.

Even though I started out in the corporate finance team, I just fell in love with the business and the profound effect it has on the way places feel, as well as the impact we have on the lives of the people that live and work and move in those places. Frasers is a company that focuses relentlessly on doing the right thing and is really proud of its history. And because it’s also been a business dedicated to constantly innovating, I’ve never once felt bored or uninspired working here.

“The best part of our work is around welcoming all people and allowing those people to reach their potential in the communities we create.”

8

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

You were actually our very first interview in the first edition of Live proud two years ago.

As the head of the residential division at that time, you spoke really movingly about the responsibility and privilege of creating the places that would allow your customers to build a life to be proud of. Now that you’re heading up the whole Frasers Property Australia business—residential, retail, mixed-use and commercial developments—has this changed your perspective?

Not at all. If anything, it has reconfirmed it—because our role as placemakers isn’t just confined to the streets where people live.

It extends into the places we shop, work and learn, as well as the social bonds people have in their communities, and the opportunities they have to grow and prosper there.

ndrew, Tracey A and kids, Berwick Waters, VIC

If we don’t hold ourselves accountable to loftier ambitions than simply the delivery of square metres of accommodation or retail or office space, then I don’t think we have lived up to that responsibility. I believe some of the beauty of what we’re able to do is provide opportunities for people at all different stages of their lives, and to focus on outcomes that cater for diversity while fostering inclusion. It might sound a bit over the top to some, but for me, the best part of our work is around welcoming all people and allowing those people to reach their potential in the communities we create .

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

9

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Thakur family, The Grove, VIC

So, with that in mind, what does the next decade look like for Frasers Property Australia?

Growth is absolutely key to our plans, but more specifically growth through the right opportunities, not simply for its own sake.

That’s about leveraging our really strong business platform and financial stability, as well as our ambition and expertise to undertake a number of projects that cater to a diverse range of people. Increasingly, we’re well positioned for renewal of complex and challenging mixed-use opportunities like Central Place in Sydney’s CBD and the redevelopment of the old Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park. But added to that we’re also reimagining city-fringe living at projects like Ed.Square in Sydney and Mambourin in Victoria, as well as rethinking the way commercial office spaces work and exploring new markets via Build-to-Rent.

10

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

The key to it all is our focus on customers. How can we enhance their experience? How do we provide security for them as they move through various life stages and life milestones? How do we consistently provide aspiration through the places and communities we design and deliver?

For me, the answers to those kinds of questions are found the old-fashioned way: through conversations with the customers we serve. It’s about understanding what they desire, then using that knowledge to shape outcomes that provide greater opportunities— whether that’s in family life, economic opportunities, a sense of belonging, general wellbeing and so on.

And I guess the essence of that mirrors directly with our Frasers culture. We’re really proud of what we deliver, and that in turn enables people to be proud of their communities.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

It’s probably fair to say that 2020 will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Will your approach to guiding the business have to change as a result of changing and choppy economic conditions ahead?

This year has certainly focused our attention on our ambition for the business and where we may need to change tack. Certainly, we’ll need to be a bit more agile and flexible in some of our plans, because we’re very sensitive to changes that will occur in society. Do businesses require the same types of office space? What does the retail of the future look like? How does home design need to evolve to cater for more people working from home?

Where can we improve the health and safety of the people that live and work in our communities?

But in another sense, our broader course remains the same.

Because the property market has always been cyclical, and as

a business that’s been around almost a century, we’ve been through dozens and dozens of cycles, multiple big economic shocks, and several major shifts in societal make up. Through it all we’ve always been able to maintain a balanced view of risk and opportunity.

So, while agility is important, so too is confidence in the fundamentals of your business and your understanding of what drives human behaviour. We’re not going to panic and do things that erode value for the sake of a short-term situation. We’ve always taken a long-term view of property. We’ve always taken a long-term view of relationships with our customers.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

11

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY LEADING WITH PURPOSE

I guess that naturally leads on to the question I imagine you’re getting asked a fair bit right now: is it a good time or a bad time to buy property?

You’re right, I do get asked this question a lot!

We’ve obviously seen a fair bit of market upheaval occur off the back of COVID-19, and I can’t speak for every property company out there, but for us there’s still been plenty of activity from buyers, retailers, businesses and investors who see this moment as an opportunity.

The advice I give to people is the same advice I’d give my kids: if you’re buying property for longerterm objectives—not to say, resell it in 12 months—there’s likely to be value in that decision over the longer-term. Even if you take price growth out of it, just buying a place and working hard to pay it off is good financial and wealth creation discipline. Because at the end of the process, you have 12

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Brookhaven, QLD

an asset you own. And of course, time has generally shown that those assets do increase in value, especially those that tick all the right boxes for liveability, amenity, connectedness and character.

“We’ve always taken a long‑term view of relationships with our customers.”

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Greater than the sum of its parts Fifteen years ago, a former brewery on Sydney’s Broadway had fallen into disrepair, a forgotten relic of Chippendale’s rich history. Fast forward to today and it’s a thriving community and one of the city’s bestknown addresses—Central Park.

This is the story of its extraordinary transformation and the people who made it happen.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

13

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

I

n 1943 Winston Churchill famously said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” The same could easily be said of the places modern architects and developers create today, with Sydney’s Central Park a shining example. The awardwinning precinct reshaped the Chippendale suburb, connecting it once more with Ultimo’s thriving university precinct and the city beyond.

Mick Caddey, Central Park’s Project Director for the better part of seven years says the project shaped him too. “When I look back on what we achieved there, it’s a real case study in never settling for second best,” Mick says. “Very early on we just agreed that phrases like ‘We can’t do that’, or ‘That’s not how we do it here’ weren’t in our vocabulary.

And that just totally shaped our entire approach. We took the view that we were delivering something really special here, and to do it right, we had to push outside our comfort-zone.”

The most visible example of that thinking is undoubtedly One Central Park. In a glittering

14

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

architectural landscape that includes some of the world’s most recognisable structures—the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Queen Victoria Building—One Central Park is one of the brightest new stars in Sydney’s constellation. With soaring vertical gardens that stretch up to an unmissable mirrored heliostat, the building— voted one of the world’s most influential in the last 50 years—is truly jaw-dropping and a popular Instagrammable destination for visitors.

Some of the other innovations undertaken by Frasers Property Australia and joint venture partner Sekisui House Australia aren’t necessarily as flashy but have gone a long way to helping Central Park become Australia’s most-

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Central Park, NSW

awarded project, racking up a slate of international and national gongs recognising its excellence in design, architecture, amenity and sustainability.

Deciding to build a central thermal plant that could supply efficiently produced, low-carbon energy to the whole precinct was one such bold innovation. “While central thermal was an approach that had been done quite extensively on hospitals and airports and things like that, it had never been done in a mixed-use private development before,” explains Mick. “Not only did we have to solve the engineering challenge, but we also had to create the regulatory controls needed to commercialise and sell that energy to residents and tenants at Central Park. I’ve done a lot of complex projects

in my career, but that was by far the hardest!”

There were plenty of other firsts on the project as well. Over the life of Central Park’s development, Frasers Property delivered over 1,000 student accommodation beds, built and ran the hotel now operated by Four Points Sheraton, assembled its first-ever retail team to manage the leasing and marketing of Central Park Mall, and convinced the local council to close Kensington Street so it could be transformed into Spice Alley.

With so many major deliverables and intersecting milestones packed into one $2.5 billion precinct, perhaps the most remarkable achievement was that it was managed by such a small team.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

15

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

“When I tell people that we designed, delivered, and marketed Central Park with a team of only 38 people, they refuse to believe it could be possible,” laughs Mick.

“But it’s true. What I learned from that is you don’t need an army, you just need the right people one hundred per cent dedicated to the goal.”

Stepping onto the grounds of Central Park today, it’s hard to believe that a mere decade ago this was a derelict site on one of Sydney’s busiest streets. Day and night, Spice Alley is full of diners enjoying the best of Asian street cuisine. Shoppers and cinema-goers stream in and out of Central Park Mall’s jungled interior, while sun-kissed residents laze on the manicured lawns of Chippendale Green. It manages to feel both exciting and idyllic in equal measure.

The award-winning legacy of the project is keenly understood

by Frasers Property, profoundly shaping the company’s approach to two other mixed-use projects in Sydney—Ed.Square in Edmondson Park and Midtown 16

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

MacPark. Much of Central Park’s focus on walkability, diversity of use, lifestyle and aesthetics have been transplanted into the design of both projects, bringing innercity edge and contemporary cool to the suburbs. And continuing Frasers Property’s relationship to the renewal of Sydney’s forgotten spaces, it will develop the city’s new tech precinct, Central Place Sydney—just down the street from Central Park.

For Mick, each project of this scale is more than an epic development program, but the source of lasting pride. “One of my first projects thirty-odd years ago was the redevelopment of Darling Park and Cockle Bay Wharf. Every year on my wife’s birthday, we go and have dinner there, and I’m proud all over again for what I helped create,” says Mick. “With Central Park, it’s the same feeling. I like to think in 10 or 20 years I’ll go back to have dinner with the family in Spice Alley and the kids will look around and go: ‘Dad built this’. That’d be pretty cool.”

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY AT HOME ON THE RIVER

RiverWalk, Hamilton Reach, QLD

At home on the river

A

cross the globe, the stories of the world’s great cities can be found on their streets.

Our buildings and streetscapes act as long-standing markers of our history as architecture evolves alongside society and culture. In Sydney, sandstone reminders of colonialism are nestled between steel skyscrapers of the digital age. In Tokyo, a shortcut through a Shinto gate in a Shibuya alleyway will lead you to streets lit by towering screens and flashing neon lights.

Architecture plays a vital role in shaping the fabric of a city’s DNA, interacting with its natural environment, residents, and visitors to tell an ever-changing story of place and time. So too, is Hamilton Reach—a blossoming

riverside community nestled on the banks of the Brisbane River— helping to renew and redefine the identity of Northshore Hamilton.

Located just 6km from Brisbane’s CBD, this award-winning community is set within the largest waterfront urban renewal project in Queensland. Over the next 20 years, The Northshore Hamilton Urban Development Area will transform 304 hectares of former port land into a contemporary new riverside suburb that will provide approximately 7,500 homes for 15,000 residents, and job opportunities for more than 15,000 people by 2025.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

17

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY AT HOME ON THE RIVER

uxury interiors at Rivers L Reach, Hamilton Reach, QLD

With several state and national accolades under their belt, the team from Hamilton Reach are now partnering with multi award winning architects bureau^proberts to create Rivers Reach—a premium collection of 11 to the revitalisation of one of Brisbane’s oldest and most freehold riverside homes located prestigious suburbs. on one of the community’s most coveted streets.

With so much historical and natural context to consider, the “This collection of luxury homes team at bureau^proberts were is the last opportunity to own focused on doing the site justice a riverfront home in Hamilton through bold design, a striking Reach, and an extremely rare street presence and incorporating opportunity to own an absolute riverfront home in inner Brisbane,” unexpected river connections throughout these 2 and 3 says Scott Ullman, General level homes.

Manager of Development Queensland for Frasers Property Consistently throughout the Australia. “So we’ve created design process, emphasis was something really special. A placed on bringing the elements collection of homes that will not of a luxury home to the realm of only become an architectural contemporary residential design landmark on the Brisbane River and paying reverence to the but a sanctuary—a place where unobstructed river views. From the memories will be made and proud 9m void inviting air and light into communities will grow for years the home, to the contemporary to come.” finishes in the kitchen that provide an ideal focal point for entertaining, Founded in the 1830’s, the Hamilton community grew steadily every space has been considered. in popularity with families over “The warmth of hand-picked the following century. In 2008, the natural materials creates interior Queensland State Government softness and the neutrality of the launched the Northshore Hamilton scheme makes it easy for residents urban renewal project, which to display their individuality has significantly contributed and taste,” says Saskia Ruijs of 18

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY AT HOME ON THE RIVER

bureau^proberts. “Blackbutt timber floors, bespoke hardwood handrails and vertical screens create a subtle backdrop, and quality fixtures accentuate the feeling of luxury.”

Beyond the design of individual homes and apartments that make up the community of Hamilton Reach, considerable thought has also been given to the masterplan as a whole in order to ensure that the community has an overarching feeling of harmony and tranquillity.

Residents enjoy a low to medium density environment of thoughtfully designed apartments, terrace homes, riverfront villas and river homes. The masterplan incorporates a network of view corridors to the Brisbane River and 2.5 hectares of parklands, as well as an abundance of riverside and park walking paths and cycle ways.

It’s this level of care and consideration that ensures the project is as highly commended by its residents as it is by the industry bodies that have bestowed a slew of awards on this idyllic riverside community.

Rivers Reach is now selling. Visit riversreach.com.au to find out more.

Rivers Reach, Hamilton Reach, QLD

Artist’s impression

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

19

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THROUGH HER EYES

Through

her eyes Sarah Abu Dareb, Frasers Property Master of Architecture scholarship recipient Photo courtesy of Sally Tsoutas

20

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THROUGH HER EYES

I

n 2004, Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid became the first female to receive the coveted Pritzker Prize for excellence in her field, the first of many trailblazing achievements that would see her become an icon for women in the fields of architecture and design.

Hadid passed away in 2016 but her legacy lives on in those she has inspired. One of whom is 21-year-old Sarah Abu Dareb, a Campbelltown native and Master of Architecture student at Western Sydney University. In June 2020, Sarah was named the recipient of the Frasers Property Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) Scholarship for women.

Sarah—who is also of an Iraqi background—was inspired to pursue studies in the field after hearing the news of Hadid’s passing.

“When I saw her work, as a woman, it made me want to do something equally ambitious and impactful,” says Sarah. “At university, most of the buildings we studied were designed by men. She is one of the few women who had been rightly recognised for their contribution to architecture. It made me question: where are all the women? What must that have been like for her?”

The scholarship has been designed to support budding female architects and help to support gender equity in the industry.

In 2016, women made up 25% of registered architects and 31% of the total architecture profession*.

The $60,000 scholarship will fund two years of study in the University’s Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) program, which is run with a small cohort of just 25 candidates.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

21

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THROUGH HER EYES

General Manager of People and Culture for Frasers Property, Ranna Alkadamani, says that large developers have a responsibility to play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.

“For us this might be a small scholarship, but we hope it will make a significant difference to the recipient,” says Ranna. “In our industry we all need to recognise both the opportunities and obligation that we have to encourage young talent starting out.”

Ranna acknowledges that architecture and indeed the property industry as a whole have traditionally been maledominated industries, but that achieving gender equity is in the best interests of all parties.

“When we improve the representation of women in this industry, it improves the decisions we make and the outcomes for our customers. Having a diversity of thinking and experiences is absolutely critical for human‑centric design, and you can’t forget that women make up 50% of your end users.”

Sarah is looking forward to completing her studies and one day leaving a legacy of her own to inspire other young women in architecture.

“Being the first recipient of this scholarship means a lot to me, I am really ready to represent the growth of women in this industry and I would love to be a world leader, like Hadid, one day.”

* Parlour Census Report 2001–2016: Women in Architecture in Australia

22

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THROUGH HER EYES

“When we improve the representation of women in this industry, it improves the decisions we make and the outcomes for our customers.”

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

23

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY PROPERTY WEST-SIDE STORY THE LONG VIEW

West-side story Heading west in search of a new life and a new start is a romantic tale as old as time, yet relevant as ever in modern Australia.

F

or a big country, we sure do fancy our eastern shores a lot. In fact, our Pacific Coast cities are home to nearly 80% of Australia’s population.

But with space at a premium and prices that can truly make your eyes water, there’s a move going on to where there’s a bit more room to breathe and a chance to carve your own destiny.

“West is best” comes the rallying cry, from Brisbane to Melbourne to Perth and everywhere in between.

The clout of the west is on the rise as more and more people discover that there are plenty of cool places further west than Bondi or Brighton or Balmoral.

The Great Western Migration The ‘Great Western Migration’ conjures up some pretty colourful imagery. Dusty saloons, frontier towns, and gun-toting cowboys are often—thanks to the Hollywood films and TV shows of our youth—

24

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

first to mind. But what could America’s Wild West have to do with Australia in the twenty-first century? Perhaps more than you’d think.

A pioneering spirit, a love of freedom, opportunity, and a burning desire to be part of something new are all traits shared by those migrating west in our capital cities these days too.

Erin Stokes grew up an inner-city Sydney kid with a scepticism of all that lay out west. When the time came to choose between a small, expensive home in her home suburb or expand her field of vision to find a place that

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WEST-SIDE STORY

Jake Robbins and Hannah Prins, East Green, WA

represented more value, she was surprised to find that Fairwater in Blacktown was exactly the oasis she was looking for.

“We didn’t want to move west to be honest,” Erin says, “but we had to ask ourselves what kind of lifestyle we wanted. Do we want a small run-down house in the inner west, or do we want a big new house with a backyard? Fairwater ticked every box.”

Although necessity drove her initial move, Erin is now one of the west’s biggest champions.

“My mum fought really hard to keep us out of the west when we were kids, and back in those days

it wasn’t a nice place. But when she came to Fairwater, she was shocked, and it was so different to her pre-conceived perception.

We’re settled here, we’ve met some really great friends. And the house that we have now—we’d never be able to have that where we used to be. Our necessity for the west has turned into a real love of the west.”

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

25

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WEST-SIDE STORY

The story is the same down in Melbourne’s booming western growth corridor, where hundreds of growing families are flocking to masterplanned communities like Frasers Property’s Mambourin and The Grove. Danish Khan and Maria Baloch emigrated from Pakistan five years ago for a new life in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

With three kids, Danish and Maria had a hard time in the city, isolated from their community and feeling fenced in by small apartments that couldn’t accommodate their large family. When they decided to move to the west, everything changed.

After a year and a half of living in Wyndham Vale, the couple saw a noticeable difference in multiple aspects of their lives. “The environment out here has done great things for our kids especially.

They’ve started riding bikes all the time, making new friends and spending a lot of time outside,” Danish says. “The next step for us is to actually double down and move to a bigger house. For that we’re looking at Mambourin.”

In just a few short years, Danish and Maria have seen first-hand the fast-evolving housing market in western Melbourne. “When we started thinking about moving a couple of years ago, the notion was that the western suburbs were cheaper and not a great investment. But what we’ve found is that in just a year and a half, property prices have increased.

And I do think that this is because of this ‘western migration’. The prestige of living in the west is definitely increasing every year.”

“Do we want a small run-down house in the inner west, or do we want a big new house with a backyard?

Fairwater ticked every box.”

Stokes family, Fairwater, NSW 26

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WEST-SIDE STORY

The Grove, VIC

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

27

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WEST-SIDE STORY

The booming coast On Australia’s other coast, a different west-side story is playing out, and it’s a tale of a booming economy, an expanding population, and an image of laidback sophistication.

With some estimates predicting Perth will soon become our third most populous city, Western Australia is poised to wrestle the east for title of coolest coast.

Part of the charm of Australia’s western coast is just how much of it there is. There’s room to breathe for those with the sense of adventure and an independent streak. A case in point is East Green in Perth’s leafy suburb of Greenwood. Built on the site of a former primary school and developed by Frasers Property in partnership with the Department of Communities, East Green offers new residents a chance to cut their own path and establish new family traditions.

28

Autumn/Winter 2020 | Live proud

East Green, WA

For those already living in WA as well as those looking to change states, Perth and its suburbs appeal for their bang for buck as well as their added lifestyle potential. On top of the federal government’s HomeBuilder stimulus package, the WA government has also generously kicked in its own Builder Bonus, making WA almost irresistibly attractive to those looking wistfully west.

As more and more people decide that a life of traffic jams, noise, and cramped inner-city homes comes with too high a price tag and too little room to move, the western migration will continue to reshape our suburbs and cities and towns.

The only question left to ask is whether a west-side story is in your future.

For more information on East Green, Fairwater, Mambourin, and The Grove head to liveproud.com.au.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY WEST-SIDE STORY

Craigie Leisure Centre, amenity close to East Green, WA

Artist’s impression District Park, Mambourin, VIC

Live proud | Autumn/Winter 2020

29

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Opportunity knocks How buyers are taking advantage of state and federal home buyer grants to turn their dreams into reality

I

t’s almost ironic that the best time in recent history to buy a first home is also the time in which Australians are spending an unprecedented amount of quality time in theirs. But whilst many have been faced with significant financial challenges this year, thousands of young Australians have found a silver lining in this new opportunity to achieve the Australian dream.

Amidst Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown, Stuart Proud and his fiancé, Morgan Browne purchased their first property in Mambourin, a budding Frasers Property community in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

It was a case of perfect timing for Stuart—who originally hails from the UK—as he received his Australian citizenship just in time to apply for a number of state and federal grants. The couple

30

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

were eligible for the Victorian First Home Owner Grant of $10,000, the Federal Government HomeBuilder grant of $25,000 and further savings through the State Government’s Stamp Duty Exemption program. Altogether, the first home buyers saved more than $35,000 on their new home.

The purchase, and the savings, were welcome good news for Stuart and Megan, who had to postpone their wedding earlier this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

“Buying the land and then choosing the house design, it’s given us something positive for the future to focus on,” says Stuart. “It’s a shame that we couldn’t have the wedding we planned earlier this year, but at least we can make concrete plans for the house. We’re ready to take that next step in our lives.”

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Danielle Grimsey, FHO, Brookhaven, QLD

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

31

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

The pair, who are currently renting in Elwood, are excited to start their next chapter for their family at a connected community like Mambourin.

“The shift to Mambourin is going to be a big change for us, but one we are really looking forward to,” says Stuart. “It will be exciting to be part of something new and watch the community grow, hopefully as our own family grows too.”

Also taking advantage of the generous grants on offer is Tenielle Miller, who recently purchased at Frasers Property’s Brookhaven community in Queensland with the help of the HomeBuilder Grant and the Frasers Property Prosperity referral program.

Tenielle’s sister, Caitlin was already settled at Brookhaven, making her eligible to share her 2% purchase reward1 with

The Facts The Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grant is being offered to new home buyers, with a $25,000 grant available to eligible purchasers2.

To access the grant, you’ll need to sign a contract for an apartment off the plan or to build a new home up to the value of $750,000 (including the value of the land) before 31 December 2020, with construction commencing within three months of the contract date. (Treasury advice indicates that extensions are theoretically possible due to unforeseen delays like building approvals, and these will be judged on a case-by-case basis.)

In extra good news, the HomeBuilder grant is in addition to existing commonwealth and state-specific grant programs and stamp duty concessions, which means like Stuart, you could be eligible for more than one grant.

32

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

The Marques Family, Brookhaven, QLD

Tenielle, which supplemented Available properties the generous $25,000 Federal The great news is that across HomeBuilder grant. a range of Frasers Property “The timing was great and the idea communities around the country, of getting in on the ground floor at there is titled or near-titled the same community my family land available, plus a variety was in—that was all I needed to of off the plan and completed get me over the line,” says Tenielle. townhomes and apartments that “The grant and benefits really just could help you fast-track your helped make my decision a reality” homeowner goals.

Stuart and Tenielle are just two Simply call of the thousands of Australians 13 38 38 for who are using these grants to shape their futures. If you’ve been available properties. thinking of taking the plunge into home ownership, there’s a few things you’ll need to know. Read on for all the information you need to maximise your opportunity.

1. Applies to participating projects. Visit www.frasersproperty.com.au/Prosperity for details

2. Grant eligibility criteria and income-cap limits apply for HomeBuilder. Please refer to the relevant fact sheets at https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder for up-to-date information.

The Marques Family, Brookhaven, QLD Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

33

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Here’s everything you need to know in one handy chart.

National First Home Loan Deposit Scheme A portion of your home loan from a participating lender will be guaranteed by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation. This means that first home buyers may be able to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as 5%.

First Home Super Saver Scheme This scheme allows first home buyers to make up to $30,000 in voluntary contributions to their superannuation fund to save for a home, with a maximum of $15,000 a year.

HomeBuilder A $25,000 grant available to owneroccupiers building new homes valued at up to $750,000, and for renovations of an existing home valued between $150,000 and $750,000.

Purchasers must obtain their own advice and satisfy themselves about their eligibility for any of the state and federal grants.

Visit the relevant state government websites for further information.

34

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

NSW

QLD

First Home Owner Grant A $10,000 grant for purchasers of new properties costing less than $600,000 and ownerbuilder contracts worth less than $700,000. If you’re buying land to build a new home, the total cost of the home and land combined must be no more than $750,000.

First Home Owner Grant A $15,000 grant towards buying or building a new house, apartment or townhouse where the cost of the home is less than $750,000.

First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme First time buyers of land, existing homes or new homes will pay no stamp duty if the land costs less than $400,000, the exisiting home less than $650,000 and the new home is less than $800,000.

VIC First Home Owner Grant A $10,000 grant for new homes is available until June 30, 2021. A $20,000 grant is available for new homes built in regional VIC with a value of $750,000 or less.

Stamp Duty Concessions Eligible first home buyers will pay no stamp duty on homes costing under $500,000 and reductions in stamp duty payable for homes up to $600,000.

WA First Home Owner Grant A $10,000 grant towards buying or building a new house, unit or townhouse where the cost of the home is less than $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concession First time buyers of land, existing homes or new homes will pay no stamp duty if the property costs less than $530,000, or vacant land costing less than $400,000.

Stamp Duty Exemption First time buyers of existing or new homes will pay no stamp duty if the property costs less than $600,000.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

35

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

INTRODUCING

36

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

RENEWING THE HEART OF MACQUARIE PA R K

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

37

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

W

hen it comes to the art and science of urban planning, says Frasers Property Australia’s General Manager Development NSW Nigel Edgar, it’s useful to think of cities as living organisms, evolving alongside the people that live there.

“Cities are fundamentally social creations. We build places to work, to learn, to escape to, to congregate in. And then, as a result, those places influence how we live, who we meet and what we enjoy. It’s a A case in point is a new fascinating symbiosis that’s always development about to get changing, never static.” underway in the heart of Sydney’s Macquarie Park. Formerly known as the Ivanhoe Estate, the project— christened Midtown MacPark—will transform an 8.2 hectare site from the ground up to breathe new life into a suburb better known for its Midtown, NSW titular university and business district than for its residential character. With an ambitious mixed-use masterplan and deep urban renewal expertise honed on recent high-profile projects like Central Park, Discovery Point, and Putney Hill, Frasers Property sees Midtown as exemplifying the best attributes of social cities.

Artist’s impression

38

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

Artist’s impression

“Midtown is a totally unique opportunity,” says Nigel. “Less than 15kms from the CBD, and well connected to transport, education, employment hubs and retail—but more than that, it’s a chance to renew and revitalise a space that can offer so much more to the community it serves.”

Midtown’s Development Director, Cameron Jackson, agrees. “The Frasers Property approach to building communities is centred around creating a well-rounded experience for the end user and that includes things like great

local character, an abundance of things to do and places to meet. This site at Macquarie Park is perfectly positioned for us to achieve all of those things, and in such close proximity to everything that makes life great—from shops, work, education, transport, parks and more—it’s all just a short walk away.”

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

39

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

Partnering with the NSW Government, the $2.2 billion renewal of the former Ivanhoe Estate will see Midtown deliver world-class amenity for its projected population of approximately 6,500 residents, living in a mix of new private, community and affordable housing dwellings. Centered around a major village green that will be a focal point for leisure and community activities, Midtown will also include retail with cafes and restaurants; a local grocer and everyday conveniences; a proposed primary school and two childcare centres; aged care and wellness centre; public art; pocket parks and playgrounds; walking and cycling paths; as well as a community centre, and commercial gymnasium and pool.

It’s this level of amenity that brings Nigel back to his theme of living cities. “What we know through our experience at Central Park for example, is you can take these places that are lying fallow and

40

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

with a little bit of ingenuity and foresight, totally transform them,” he says. “In doing that, we always look for ways to create accessibility for the community, architectural outcomes that add to the project’s sense of identity, and sustainability that will ensure the wellbeing of the people that live there for generations to come.”

The project has been priced to support its accessibility and encourage the creation of a diverse community contributed to by individuals from all walks of life. With a number of properties eligible for the national HomeBuilder grant, Midtown will provide the opportunity for buyers at every stage in their journey to invest in a community that offers so much more than just a home.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

Map illustration by Peita Blythe

Midtown, the new heart of MacPark, NSW This plan is an illustration for decorative purposes only. It is not to scale and should not be used as a guide. Amenities subject to change and third party approval.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

41

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

To that end, Midtown has been designed to target a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. In addition to an extensive landscaped village green, the creation of a reserve to protect native flora and significant replanting of trees along Shrimptons Creek, the project will also deploy a series of sustainable technologies and approaches to reduce, recycle and reuse natural resources. All buildings at Midtown are designed to target a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating and will feature solar PV systems to reduce peak-electricity demand and cost to residents, high-

efficiency centralised hot water, and smart metering technology.

Green roofs will cool buildings naturally, while design and construction stages will focus on minimising waste.

Artist’s impression

42

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

Artist’s impression

Artist’s impression

The goal, says Cameron Jackson, is for Midtown to be a carbon neutral community. “It’s a big challenge we’re setting for ourselves, but one I believe we can achieve. When you combine our technology approach with the basic tenets of good urban design—walkable neighbourhoods, great public transport links, carshare facilities and so on, Midtown will set new standards for how lowimpact a living city can be.”

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

43

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

MIDTOWN BY THE NUMBERS SITE

VISION

$2.2 billion redevelopment of Ivanhoe Estate Owned by NSW government, developed by Frasers Property 15km from Sydney CBD Walk to Macquarie University— ranked in the top 1% of universities world-wide Walk to work—Macquarie Park is the second largest business district in NSW Walk to Macquarie Centre— largest suburban shopping centre in NSW Sydney Metro train station— just 3 stops to Chatswood and only 6 stops to Sydney’s CBD when Stage 2 of the metro opens, expected in 2024

3,300 dwellings Over 30% of open space, including; - Central village green 6,000m2 - Pocket parks with BBQ facilities - Adventure playgrounds for all ages - New cycle paths and exercise stations - Revitalised Shrimptons Creek reserve with walking tracks and cycleways Proposed primary school, two childcare centres, aged care and wellness centre Cafés, dining and everyday conveniences Community centre with meeting rooms Commerical state-of-the-art gymnasium and pool

Shrimptons Reserve, Midtown, NSW

44

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY INTRODUCING MIDTOWN

ARCHITECTURE & SUSTAINABILITY A mix of studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with flexi rooms, and 2 storey, 2 & 3 bedroom penthouses Top tier architects Solar PV and stormwater harvesting Smart metering Substantial planting and landscaping Targeting a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating by the Green Building Council of Australia Targeting a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating Aiming to become a carbon neutral community

Midtown MacPark is now selling.

Visit midtownmacpark.com.au or call 13 38 38 to find out more.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

45

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY BUILT TO LAST

BUILT TO LAST

T

he word community carries with it a sense of permanence. A community doesn’t exist for a year, or even ten.

A community is an enduring and evolving entity that has a presence across generations. People come and go; families change and grow.

But the community remains.

It’s this notion of permanence that lies at the heart of the Frasers Property approach to placemaking.

Masterplanned communities are thoughtfully designed to appeal not just to the desires of the market of that moment, but to cater for the needs of future generations over decades, and to become pillars of their surrounding locales.

The gold standard of this approach can be seen at Minnippi Quarter, a new community by Frasers Property, bordering Brisbane’s expansive Minnippi Parklands.

More than just architecturally

Residents pool, Minnippi Quarter, QLD

designed homes with beautifully landscaped gardens, the community offers its residents all the elements needed to form the foundation of a great life at every stage.

Designed to connect residents to nature and simplify every day, the community includes lush parks and gardens, 25m outdoor pool and adjoining pavilion with barbeque facilities, private dining room and entertainer’s kitchen, on-site parcel lockers and car and dog wash facilities.

And just 8kms from home, residents can access all that Brisbane’s CBD has to offer, as well as a range of surrounding educational facilities.

Future residents Sam and Sarah stumbled across the Minnippi Quarter website while searching for an established home in the local area and decided to check out the Sales Centre one weekend.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY BUILT TO LAST

“We stayed at the Sales Centre for three or four hours at that first visit,” recalls Sam. “We’d been looking for three or four months, established homes mostly. But nothing we had seen really checked all the boxes. When we came here, it was everything we needed.”

“It even had the things I wanted but weren’t must haves, like a gym and a pool,” adds Sarah.

Sam and Sarah are looking forward to moving into their new home soon but have already started connecting with their neighbours through a private residents Facebook group, which is helping them feel right at home even before move‑in day arrives.

“It’s really important for residents to create a sense of ownership

The Wigley family, Minnippi Quarter, QLD

over their community from these early days,” says Marion Allard, Community Development Manager for Frasers Property in Queensland. “Connecting with one another and discussing the progress of the community as it’s being built helps to form strong foundations for when they eventually do become neighbours.”

One of the other ways Frasers Property is helping residents to form a sense of ownership over their new community is by giving them a unique opportunity to offset the carbon emissions associated with the materials and construction of their homes.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

47

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY BUILT TO LAST

The ambitious initiative is called Build Neutral. It’s built on a simple concept—similar to offsetting carbon when purchasing a flight.

The initiative puts the power in the hands of the customers through an opt-in process, offering a way in which residents can be part of taking practical climate action and contribute directly to support projects that strive to reduce or mitigate carbon emissions.

Through Minnippi Quarter’s Build Neutral initiative, residents will support communities both locally and globally, furthering Frasers Property’s commitment to a low-carbon future. The project supports farmers at home in Queensland, as well as protecting forests and supporting communities in Zimbabwe.

Lily and Cory were among the first to purchase at Minnippi Quarter following its public launch earlier this year and are proud of the role they are playing in such a landmark project.

48

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

“We’ve gone from knowing very little about carbon neutrality, to doubling down on the sustainability front,” says Lily.

“Cory was never a ‘nature person’ before but now he loves telling our family and friends about the Build Neutral initiative. He’s also put a Tesla at the top of his shopping list!”

With a young daughter at home, future-proofing their home was top of mind for the couple, and the Build Neutral initiative will play an important role in achieving this.

“We want Gabby to grow up feeling secure, which extends way beyond the walls of our home,” says Lily. “The Build Neutral program really aligned with our values which is so important when it comes to choosing a community to call home.”

Construction commenced on Minnippi Quarter earlier this year, with the community set to house 480 proud Australians upon completion—the first generation of many to come.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY BUILT TO LAST

Cory & Gabi Adams, Lily Harris and their dog, Minnippi Quarter, QLD

Terrace homes are now selling. Visit mquarter.com.au to find out more.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

49

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY FORGED IN THE FIRE

Forged in the fire How the hardships of COVID-19 strengthened communities like never before

Artist’s impression

50

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY FORGED IN THE FIRE

T

he true character of individuals, and the strength of our relationships with others, is more often than not revealed by the choices that we make when faced with difficult circumstances. 2020 has tested individuals, relationships and communities across the globe more than any of us could have anticipated. And while there have been plenty of trying times and disheartening moments, the strength and value of a connected community has never been more evident.

At Frasers Property communities across Australia, residents have drawn together in shows of solidarity, empathy and mateship.

At Queens Riverside in WA, residents observed a minute’s silence on ANZAC Day as local resident and music teacher Evan played the last post from an apartment balcony. At Fairwater in NSW, residents exchanged their favourite family recipes to spice up midweek meals. And at The Grove in Victoria, residents gathered in their driveways and on their front lawns to enjoy a socially distanced afternoon tea.

Community Development Manager, Michelle Mrzyglocki oversees community engagement at several communities in WA and says that the last nine months have been a testament to the strength of connected communities.

“In the early years of a new community, so much time and care is put into providing opportunities for residents to get to know one another and establish connections, even if that just means knowing their neighbours’ names or being part of a resident Facebook group,” says Michelle. “We never could have foreseen the impacts of COVID-19, but what we have seen is those early connections now forming really important parts of everyday life.”

Residents of Fairwater utilised ‘kindness cards’ to offer support to their neighbours through their mailboxes. From doing grocery runs for essential workers, to sparing a rare roll of toilet paper and sharing home-schooling resources, every community member pitched in to support those around them.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

51

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY FORGED IN THE FIRE

Community thriving in Hamilton Reach, QLD 52

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY FORGED IN THE FIRE

And at Ed.Square in NSW, the first wave of residents moving into the community used printed ‘get to know your neighbour’ cards to introduce themselves to their new neighbours in lieu of a welcome event, set to come later in the year.

“It’s been amazing to see residents engaging with the activities we’ve put forward, but even more incredible to see them coming up with so many new initiatives by themselves,” says Michelle.

At Cova in QLD, residents joined in on the popular bear-hunt taking over social media, decorating their front windows with teddy bears and other stuffed animals for local children to spot on their walks around the neighbourhood.

At the same time, an hour away on the banks of the Brisbane River, residents of Hamilton Reach established a free community library to stay connected and inspired. Hamilton Northshore Men’s Shed members constructed the weatherproof library case, helped by donations from Frasers Property and Bunnings. Books

covering all genres and suitable for all ages have been donated by residents and managed by a volunteer librarian.

With restrictions now easing in all states, life is slowly returning to normal for our residents. But these trying months will leave behind an enduring lesson about the importance of knowing our neighbours and reaching out to offer and ask for help.

Our communities will enter 2021 stronger, more connected, and prouder than ever before.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

53

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THRIVING INSIDE (AND OUTSIDE) WITH SMILING MIND

Thriving inside (and outside) with Smiling Mind

54

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THRIVING INSIDE (AND OUTSIDE) WITH SMILING MIND

S

ince 2017, Frasers Property has been supporting Smiling Mind in its mission to provide Australians with accessible, life-long tools to support healthy minds through its schoolbased mindfulness program.

Since its inception, the program has already reached over 60,000 students in 72 schools across the country and is on track to reach its overall target of 75,000 students.

But in the wake of COVID-19, as schools across the country shifted to remote learning, Smiling Mind rapidly adapted to cater to the new world, launching a full suite of digital resources. The online offering has also allowed Smiling Mind to reach children and teachers in regional communities, extending the organisation’s impact far and wide across the country.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

55

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THRIVING INSIDE (AND OUTSIDE) WITH SMILING MIND

Frasers Property is proud to “Mindfulness tools are extremely have played a supporting role important in helping people cope with challenges and are even more in the incredible work Smiling Mind is doing and encourage important when facing extremely anyone looking for their resources, difficult circumstances such as a global pandemic. There is still a lot including Thrive Inside—a special initiative to help you stay calm and of uncertainty in the community, healthy in the physical constraints especially when it comes to of your home, while remaining schooling which affects student’s calm and healthy inside your mental health in a number of different ways. We’re grateful for mind—to head to smilingmind.com.au. the generous support of Frasers Property, this funding has allowed us to reach students’ across the country so they have the tools they need to look after their mental health through the pandemic and beyond.” says Dr Addie Wootten, Chief Executive Officer at Smiling Mind.

Reaching young people across Australia

Students

Teachers Schools

Delivered as of 28/9/2020

60,000

2,520

72

Target (by 31/12/2020)

75,000

3,150

90

Note: Student and teacher totals are approximate, based on school enrolment data

56

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY THRIVING INSIDE (AND OUTSIDE) WITH SMILING MIND

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

57

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY CREATING EVERY ELEMENT OF A PROUD LIFE

58

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY CREATING EVERY ELEMENT OF A PROUD LIFE

Creating every element of a proud life

Frasers Property Australia’s impact beyond the home

Frasers Property Australia has created homes and communities for more than 160,000 proud Australians. But in order to truly live proud, proud, there are needs and wants that must be met outside of the home.

With footprints in the industrial, commercial, retail and hospitality sector, Frasers Property is providing opportunities for individuals to work, play, shop, dine, travel, connect and live better.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

59

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

What’s

Eastern Creek Quarter, NSW

60

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Image by i2C Architects

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

next?

The changing face of Australian retail

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

61

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

W

hen the first modern shopping centre in Australia opened its doors in 1957, a local paper described it as “an island of retailing in a lake of car parking.” In the 63 years that have passed since that day, the role and design of our shopping centres has evolved alongside the shifts in the way that we live, work, and play.

Whilst always social in nature, the increasing density of our cities and continued complications of maintaining a work/life balance in the digital age demand that our retail centres serve a greater purpose than merely consumption and congregation. Two new Sydney precincts by Frasers Property Australia are setting the example for how modern retail

62

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

environments should seek to serve their users.

Nestled on the edge of the expansive Western Sydney Parklands lies Eastern Creek Quarter (ECQ). Newly opened in June 2020, the innovative retail precinct was designed to serve as a community hub for a diverse local area with ECQ Social, its highly-anticipated ‘revolving dining precinct’ as the centrepiece.

Jo Russell, General Manager of Retail Development for Frasers Property says that the offering was designed to give opportunities to local businesses and create a sense of community ownership in the precinct.

“We’ve invested in five tenancies at ECQ which run on short term

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

ECQ Social, Eastern Creek Quarter, NSW Image by i2C Architects

licenses, each of which we have had designed and equipped with a kitchen and cool room,” explains Jo. “What this does is provide a very low barrier to entry for a new food catering tenant to establish and operate a business. The tenancy period is short, all the basic kitchen equipment is provided and the tenant rents any other specific items required. All they need is a concept and they can come and grow a business with very little capital outlay.”

Since the centre’s opening earlier this year, the team have already seen great success for small businesses taking advantage of these tenancies. “We have one tenant who was previously just cooking in her kitchen,” says Jo, “and this has given her an

opportunity to start her own business. Having that local element was really important to us and makes the whole centre feel very authentic to the area and community.”

In addition to its extensive and diverse dining offering, ECQ also offers visitors a range of retail, health and wellbeing operators, beauty and personal services, alfresco dining options, as well as a large outdoor deck with kids play area and large format outdoor screen.

“Experiences are becoming more and more talked about in the retail industry. We wanted to make sure that we were creating a space that people would want to come and spend time in outside of the retail transaction.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

63

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

It’s why the food offering was so important to us and why we as the landlord invested so heavily in those food tenancies for the community,” says Jo. A short drive south at Ed.Square, a new Town Centre is bringing longawaited amenity and opportunity to the community of Edmondson Park. The Town Centre sits at the heart of a newly created residential community by Frasers Property, soon to be home to more than 1,800 excited home owners and tenants.

“The opportunity at Ed.Square was unique because we essentially started with a blank canvas,” recalls Jo. “There was very little existing in the immediate local area in terms of retail, and we were also situating this retail space within a brand-new community, so we needed the offering to work quite hard to activate the community.”

Eastern Creek Quarter, NSW

64

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Ed.Square’s design is largely centred around tapping into what Jo calls the “evening economy”. A vibrant Eat Street offering a range of diverse dining options and alfresco spaces is complemented

by Event Cinemas, giving locals a long-awaited social destination.

First home buyers Chloe and Anthony had ruled out the south west at the start of their property search due to a lack of amenity, but that all changed when they found Ed.Square.

“Walkability was one of the big things that we were looking for and purchasing in south west Sydney previously, that simply wasn’t an option,” says Anthony. “If you wanted a different kind of cuisine you’d say ‘okay, we’re travelling 15 minutes to get there’. That’s why the inner west was appealing to us at the start but when we saw Ed.Square, it was the all-in-one for us.”

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY WHAT’S NEXT

Eastern Creek Quarter, NSW

The grand openings of both centres were unfortunately delayed to differing degrees due to the impacts of COVID-19 as Woolworths ECQ was transformed into a ‘dark’ store to assist in meeting supply at surrounding stores and the team at Ed.Square stepped back to give retailers their best chance of survival in a difficult climate.

Now as we look to the future, Jo says considerable thought is being given to the lasting impacts that COVID-19 is likely to have on the design of our retail spaces.

“We’re going to see changes in the way that customers interact with each other and with retailers, and we’ve got to be respectful of that,” she says. “We’re looking at things like how we can provide greater

space overall and how queuing could occur within a smaller tenancy, and we’re watching really interesting examples come through from overseas that we can take learnings from.”

To find out more about Eastern Creek Quarter, visit easterncreekquarter. shopping and for Ed.Square Town Centre, visit liveproud.com.au

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

65

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY

BY POPULAR DEMAND

By popular demand Tenants flock to Ed.Square despite COVID-19 market fears

I

ndustry experts have spent months musing about the potential post-pandemic recovery of the property industry, and it seems like the Ed.Square community in Sydney’s south-west may hold some helpful hints.

With the community’s first apartment buildings settling in August, Frasers Property Management launched an Expressions of Interest Campaign for rental apartments. National Property Manager, Richard Kemp said that his team didn’t know what to expect in the lead up to the launch.

“Ed.Square is the first community of its kind in the area so there’s really nothing to go off,” says Richard. “Edmondson Park is known for project homes rather than apartment communities, so it’s not somewhere you’d typically think to look if you were searching for a rental apartment.”

66

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

After several months of renegotiating payment plans and rental prices across their national portfolio, the team were cautiously optimistic but braced for the worst. Launch day arrived and eight weeks later the team were following up more than 240 rental registrations from tenants eager to join the south-west’s new urban village.

“We were quite overwhelmed with the response we received after opening the project to expressions of interests from prospective tenants,” recalls Richard. “What we’ve seen is a lot of people from the local area who are excited about what’s being created at Ed.Square and really want to be a part of the community. They’ve been watching the site come to life over the last few years and know that they’re going to have movie theatres and an Eat Street and a really lovely environment to live in.”

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY

BY POPULAR DEMAND

Ruksanah Sagvand, Ed.Square, NSW

Ed.Square, NSW

The multi-staged mixed-use precinct at Ed.Square will include more than 1,800 dwellings upon completion, serviced by a Town Centre that will include a full-range Coles supermarket, Event Cinemas, vibrant Eat Street and dozens of exciting specialty stores. The project is also located adjacent to Edmondson Park station, which Richard identifies as a major drawcard for prospective tenants.

“We’re creating a community, not just an apartment block. And it’s something that people want to be a part of.”

Ed.Square is the latest Frasers Property community to buck the trend of rising vacancy rates and dropping enquiry during the pandemic.

In July 2020, REI NSW reported a vacancy rate of 5.0% in the greater Sydney area, before the pandemic hit, Frasers Property Management maintained a vacancy rate of

approximately 1% across their portfolio and have managed to keep it steady at around 3% even as vacancy rates elsewhere have skyrocketed.

Just a short drive north from Ed.Square in Blacktown, the Fairwater Community has maintained an incredible 0% vacancy rate.

If there’s one thing that 2020 has shown us, it’s that we never know what’s around the next corner. But for now, the team from Frasers Property Management are feeling optimistic about what the next 12 months hold and are looking forward to placing the first tenants in their new homes at Ed.Square.

For rental opportunities at Ed.Square, please call 13 10 25.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

67

LIFESTYLE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY INSPIRED OUTDOORS GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

Greening the industrial landscape Located, as they often are, at the outer fringe of cities and encircled by the highways and transport links on which they rely, industrial parks are the lifeblood of local economies—manufacturing and moving the goods we consume or export. Out-of-sight, they’re generally out-of-mind too; but at Frasers Property Industrial, these precincts are quietly undergoing a green revolution.

68

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS LIFESTYLE PROPERTY GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL INSPIREDLANDSCAPE OUTDOORS

Artist’s impression Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

69

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

T

o the extent the average person thinks about industrial parks—and let’s be frank, they almost never do— the impression is probably of places that are noisy, cold, dirty and inhospitable. Andrew Thai, Sustainability Manager for Frasers Property Industrial, concedes that’s generally a fair assessment, given that most industrial precincts are stacked with manufacturing hubs and squat warehouses, heavy machinery working day and night, acres of concrete, and lots and lots of trucks.

But peek inside a Frasers Property Industrial facility and you might be surprised to find a quiet revolution going on; one that places just as much importance on the health of the environment and the wellbeing of the people that work there, as it does the means of production and the movement of goods. “There are a lot of reasons to prioritise sustainability in the creation of industrial precincts and facilities,” says Andrew. “Chief among them is that greener buildings are cheaper to run, safer to work in, and more

70

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

Macquarie Exchange, NSW

resilient in the long run.”

So, what makes a greener industrial building? In many ways, the same principles apply as they do for 5 and 6 Star Green Star homes, says Andrew. “The first thing is to reduce energy use. That means energy efficient lighting— including the use of natural light where that’s practical; automated controls that turn lights off and on depending on the amount of daylight and; solar panels to reduce the amount of energy you need to buy from the grid. All these factors help reduce the cost of running the building.”

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

In Australia, Frasers Property Industrial customers include Amazon, Arlec, CEVA Logistics, DHL, Hino, Mazda, Nissan, and Toll among many others.

Artist’s impression

In recent years, thanks to drought and soaring temperatures, water has also been a major focus. “A typical warehouse is approximately the size of 40 basketball courts. The large roof to cover this area gives us a fantastic opportunity to capture rainwater in our tanks and re-use it to irrigate trees and native landscaping in the area, as well as flushing of toilets.

This helps conserve our valuable water resource.” says Andrew. “We also focus on the internal space by choosing to use low-toxic materials in the construction of the building itself. Things like paints, adhesives, sealants, joinery, carpet and so

on. We believe the health and wellbeing of the people that work in these facilities needs to be prioritised as well.”

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

71

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

The quality of the environment industrial workers occupy is a big theme for Andrew’s work.

“Ultimately a warehouse isn’t just for the storage of goods, people work in these spaces too,” he explains. “And they actually deserve a nice place to work, just like anyone else. Now, of course it’s true that many industrial buildings and industrial parks are noisy places where manufacturing and logistics occur. But as we transition to an economy that focuses on high tech logistics and robotics and automation, the workforce is also likely going to get more skilled. And to attract and retain that talent, you need to be able to offer a better place to work, much like any other company would do. So, we’re very conscious of that.”

So much so, that Frasers Property Industrial—a global leader in developing and managing logistics and industrial properties across Australia, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands—has been

introducing a range of talked-about new initiatives in several of its parks around the world.

In Germany’s Hessen district for example, Frasers Park Egelsbach is a haven for biodiversity. There’s a 5,000m2 habitat for local lizards, a renatured watercourse to attract aquatic plant life and birds, a meadow for native flowers and

Vantage Yatala, QLD

Horsley Drive Business Park in Wetherill Park is Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star industrial estate.

Artist’s impr

72

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY GREENING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

wild herbs. There are also electric vehicle charging stations planned and a new cycle path to minimise reliance on cars.

Closer to home, Frasers Property Industrial are focused on a newbreed of community-centred design of industrial precincts they hope will become the benchmark for logistics facilities of the future.

“Industrial parks will always have big buildings, but that’s not all they have to be,” says Andrew.

“If you think holistically about the space, you can introduce elements that create a more pleasant and friendly environment. Parks and gardens with fitness stations and running tracks give workers a place to get outside and work-out before their shift starts, or have lunch with friends during the day, instead of being confined to some dismal, poorly-lit little lunchroom inside. Traditionally that sort of thinking hasn’t been introduced into industrial spaces, but it’s where we see the future going—it’s no longer just a place for logistics; it’s a community where people can thrive and our customers cement their place for the future.”

Artist’s impression

Frasers Property Industrial’s business includes assets in Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Austria.

ression

Artist’s impression Macquarie Exchange, NSW Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

73

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

Inside One Bangkok, Thailand’s new gold standard in mixed-use design

One in a 74

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

a million Artist’s impression Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

75

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

O

Bangkok is cementing its identity n the doorstep of one of as a connected, competitive the largest green spaces in central Bangkok lies a new global business capital of Asia, and landmark destination for business One Bangkok is designed to be its heartland. and culture—One Bangkok. This fully-integrated mixed-use district “It is our vision to enhance the is setting new standards for city’s status by creating a focal design, quality, connectivity and point for business in Bangkok sustainability, and is set to become that will gain global recognition,” the most prestigious corporate says Su Lin Soon, Chief Executive address in the city.

Officer of Development at One Bangkok. “And by learning from The ambitious project comes the great neighbourhoods of the on the back of over a decade of world, we came to understand that exponential growth of Bangkok as one of the most significant hubs of it is vital to create a diverse district business and culture in Asia, which that will be engaging and alive with energy at all hours.” is now the world’s fastest growing economic region. In addition to The projects complex masterplan exporting more than USD$235 has been optimised to deliver a Billion of goods and services each vibrant, successful community year, the country also receives and features four diverse more than 30 million visitors precincts centred around a annually and is a key link in the 10,000m2 landscaped civic plaza. global supply chain.

76

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

Artist’s impression Vibrant public spaces at One Bangkok

Each precinct is connected on multiple levels, with adjoining retail and lifestyle elements on the lower levels creating a vibrant streetscape as towers for work and living rise above and stretch into the city skyline.

Achieving such an intricate vision on so grand a scale is no easy feat.

Once complete, the community will offer more than 450,000m2 of premium commercial space, housing over 500 local and international organisations with more than 50,000 workers; over 150,000m2 of retail; three luxury residential towers and five new hotels—including the luxury RitzCarlton, Bangkok—that will give tourists and business travellers

the best home base the city has to offer.

In order to achieve round-theclock community engagement, art and culture will be intrinsic to the fabric of One Bangkok. Presenting more than just the best choices for shopping and dining, One Bangkok will allow for a wide range of leisure activities and social experiences with things to do all day through to the night. It will present new opportunities for brands to engage, interact, and inspire their audience with fresh concepts and spaces across four differentiated retail precincts that will be connected across multiple levels: a complete retail offering of more than 450 stores over 180,000m2.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

77

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

Overlooking One Bangkok

This allows for truly distinct retail experiences within a single district—a first for Bangkok.

The various districts of the precinct will be linked through multisensory experiences and a variety of cultural expressions, including performing arts, museum, galleries, public artworks, and an events calendar to rival that of any major global destination.

Su Lin Soon says that these public spaces play an integral role in future-proofing the development and building its landmark status.

“The district is peppered with activated public spaces, and we expect the synergy from this mix of uses will create an exceptional destination capable of attracting top-level organisations and a place that tourists and locals alike will want to go to and keep returning to; a place to work, shop, play, and create.”

The entire community is made possible by a smart, centralised infrastructure system, the first of its kind for a private development in Thailand and a symbol of the smart-cities of the future. This system is responsible for district cooling to enhance liveability in its tropical climate, centralised security, water and energy management systems, a data 78

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

centre and more than 250,000 smart sensors that identify opportunities for preventative maintenance and oversee facility management.

Once complete, One Bangkok will aim to meet LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification as well as WELL Platinum global standards, setting a new benchmark for green development in Thailand.

“Our ambition is to build sustainable developments that improve quality of life for users and are part of the fabric of the community,” says Panote

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY ONE IN A MILLION

Artist’s impression

Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Frasers Property Limited. “We believe that One Bangkok is an offering worthy of what Thailand’s capital can deliver on the world stage, and our goal is to see the country become the very epicentre of ASEAN.”

Now under construction, One Bangkok is set to open to the public in 2023, with full completion expected in 2026.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

79

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY MACQUARIE EXCHANGE

Macquarie Exchange

Sydney’s Innovation Gateway

Office space at Macquarie Exchange, NSW

Artist’s impression 80

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY MACQUARIE EXCHANGE

S

ydney’s CBD has long been defined by a glistening harbour and the great steel arches that traverse it, as well as the historic The Rocks district with its sandstone structures sandwiched between towering hubs of business and culture.

But just beyond the bridge, 18kms north west from the city lies Macquarie Park: the suburb tapped to be Sydney’s secondlargest CBD. Long characterised by uninviting business parks of the 1980s and brown brick units, Macquarie Park is in the middle of a $15 billion urban renewal upgrade that will see the area completely transformed to meet the changing needs of working Australians now and into the future, redefining commercial design and vastly improving the work life balance for thousands of individuals.

At the heart of this regeneration, directly connected to the Macquarie Park metro station, sits Macquarie Exchange (MQX): an ambitious new ‘community business district’ by Frasers Property Industrial and Winten Property Group.

The first of its kind in the region, Macquarie Exchange is reinventing the corporate parks of yesterday to provide a dynamic destination for workers and visitors alike. Four innovative commercial buildings integrate with intimate laneways packed with an eclectic mix of dining and retail, as well as greenfilled public spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Anthony O’Neill, Commercial Development Manager for Frasers Property Industrial, says that the precinct’s masterplan was designed to be as open as possible and to mirror the best elements of community-centred design, rather than simply focus on the provision of office space.

“Being on top of the metro, this site will be the starting point for many people’s journeys into Macquarie Park, not just for those working within MQX itself,” says Anthony.

“The ground-floor plaza has been fully pedestrianised to welcome people into the site and create a space where the entire Macquarie Park community can come and enjoy.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

81

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY MACQUARIE EXCHANGE

Artist’s impression Macquarie Exchange, NSW

Artist’s impression Macquarie Exchange, NSW

Those arriving at the Metro Train station will be able to meander through vibrant laneways filled with cafes, restaurants and retail designed to cater from a morning coffee, to lunch with colleagues or clients, and right through to after work drinks with friends.

Those laneways connect directly to a large central park, the calm and welcoming heart of the precinct, where workers can enjoy a bite to eat in the sunshine, combat the 3pm slump with a spot of fresh air, or get stuck into an outdoor fitness class on the lawn.

Anthony says health and wellbeing was a major consideration for the team when assessing the design of the precinct. “Each building has significant rooftop or terrace spaces which support those ground-floor park spaces and 82

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

provide opportunities for people to host outdoor meetings and just spend more time outdoors generally. We’ve also integrated opportunities for Wi-Fi and charging points throughout the landscaping to make sure people can essentially work from any location in the precinct to prevent workers becoming too stagnant.”

A gym facility has also been proposed for the precinct, along with a childcare facility on the ground floor to support working parents and make it as easy as possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance, the importance of which has been further emphasised during the COVID-19 era.

And while some design changes have been made to respond to the way Australians are working

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY MACQUARIE EXCHANGE

Central Park at Macquarie Exchange, NSW

A community business district like no other 11,132m2 public space 15,620m2 site area 7,000+ employees on site 3,800m2 designed retail spaces 4 min metro frequency Alfresco dining 2,200m2 of green space Outdoor fitness Childcare centre Gym Artist’s impression

in 2020—including medical grade air filtration and alternate means of moving up and down buildings— Anthony emphasises the importance of taking a long-term view when building a landmark precinct like this.

“A project like this is intended to last for well over 30 years, so for us the focus is really on futureproofing the design to ensure it’s relevant in the long term,” Anthony explains. “We’ve addressed this by providing flexible floorplates and inter-floor connectivity to support a new way to work, our Wired rating to ensure we’re digitally connected, WELL rating to ensure we’re healthy, and renewable power supply and sustainability targets to do our bit for the future of the planet as well.”

“This project is almost ten years in the making and we couldn’t be more excited to see it finally underway,” says Anthony. “To have the opportunity to take 15,000m2 of land and turn it into Sydney’s next community business district is really just incredible.”

Construction is now underway at Macquarie Exchange. For more information and leasing enquiries, visit mqx.com.au.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

83

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY SECRET SYDNEY

S Y D

secret

N E Y Sydney is home to a fifth of Australia’s population, and a decent chunk of our country’s most celebrated landmarks. But this worldfamous destination has secrets that even lifelong residents haven’t yet explored. Here’s the skinny on the Emerald City.

84

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY SECRET SYDNEY

I

f you travel interstate reasonably frequently, chances are you’ve spent some time in Sydney, and been to all the usual places—Circular Quay, The Rocks, Bondi Beach.

And even if you’ve never been but plan to one day, we don’t need to tell you about famous landmarks you already know about. Instead, this is a list of places you might not have heard of, that are well worth your time to discover.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

85

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY SECRET SYDNEY

1

2

86

Camperdown Cemetery Okay, so this one isn’t hard to find per se, but it’s a level or two below the clichés of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, offering some of the best ghost and murder tours in all of Australia. If you love a good spook, a little bit of history, and something alternative, this is a cemetery with a lot of life still left in it. 1/5 Hush points.

Forgotten songs Tucked away in a hidden alleyway just moments from Martin Place, you’ll find a canopy of suspended birdcages that pay homage to the birds that once chirped and fluttered the streets of Sydney. It’s an art installation from Michael Thomas Hill and it’s a jaw-dropping and thought-provoking place just a hop and a skip away from the regular tourists tracks.

This commemoration of our feathered friends features a soundtrack of birdsong as well as information about endangered and threatened species. 2/5 Hush points.

Spring/Summer 2020 | Live proud

3

Collins Flat Beach, Manly Sydney beaches and Australian Summer—name a better duo.

We’ll wait.

It’s hard to find a secret beach in Sydney these days, but this welcome escape from the crowds on Manly Beach, Collins Flat Beach lies on the harbour side of Manly and is as idyllic as it is centrally located. Accessible only via water or lesser known walking trails, Collins Flat Beach feels like a local find, but is welcoming to everyone intrepid enough to look for it. It’s the perfect spot for an Instagram post, and this list. 3/5 Hush points.

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FRASERS PROPERTY SECRET SYDNEY

4

Employees Only Part of the charm of Employees Only is that, much like its New York namesake, it’s frustratingly difficult to find.

Once found though, it’s easily one of Sydney’s coolest bars, a speakeasy that brings the city that never sleeps to Sydney Harbour. This cocktail bar lurches from quirk to quirk, allowing you to dance late into the night with top tier DJ’s, complimentary chicken soup, and an in-house psychic.

To give away more would be to spoil the experience, so best you go discover it for yourself. Once you find the right alleyway, look for a suspicious neon sign…we’ve already said too much! 4/5 Hush points.

5

Clovelly Bowling Club Bowls is a sport often overlooked in a country where footy and cricket are considered religions, but it’s something that everyone can get involved in and have quite a bit of fun doing. Clovelly Bowling Club is sneakily positioned right between Bondi and Coogee, hidden right under the noses of lots of unsuspecting passers-by.

It’s a clifftop paradise suitable for anyone willing to learn, and the stunning view can be appreciated with a drink in one hand and a winning bowl in the other. Better yet, you don’t have to worry about membership— this place is open to members, families, visitors and everyone in between. 5/5 Hush points.

Fraser Suites Sydney

If secret Sydney feels like a place you’re destined to explore, then here’s one last confidential tip we’ll let you in on: Fraser Suites Sydney puts you right in the middle of the action. A premium hotel that punches above its weight in value, it’s the perfect place to base yourself as you explore this exceptional city.

Live proud | Spring/Summer 2020

87

“Our role as placemakers isn’t just confined to the streets where people live.

It extends into the places they shop, work and learn, as well as the social bonds people have in their communities, and the opportunities they have to grow and prosper there.”

Anthony Boyd Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Property Australia

Find out more Liveproud.com.au Frasers Property Australia