Ethos Urban

Ethos Elevate Event Recap: Welcoming Emilya Colliver   This week, Ethos Urban welcomed Emilya Colliver, Founding Director and Art & Culture Curator at Art Pharmacy - B Corp Certified - Art Consultants, to our latest Ethos Elevate event - our forum for conversations celebrating the diverse journeys of women. With over 20 years in the art world, Emilya is a champion for Australian artists, dedicated to making art more accessible and fostering cultural change. Art Pharmacy is Australia’s first Arts & Culture B-Corporation and has contributed over $3 million to Australia's creative community in the last four years alone and is committed to diversity, sustainability, and putting artists first. Alongside their in-house digital sister agency, Sugar Glider Digital, which promotes the work of local digital artists, they are at the frontier of innovating and advocating for the arts sector.  Key Takeaways from Emilya’s Talk: 💡 Art Pharmacy’s Mission: "Our mission is to see art in the everyday"—bringing creativity into public spaces, workplaces, and communities.   💡 Public Art & Creative Activations: From pocket parks in industrial estates to corporate art collections, art can create moments of reflection and connection. Placemaking through art is not just about beautifying spaces; it’s about creating impactful experiences that resonate with people and foster a sense of belonging.    💡 Mentorship & Leadership: Mentorship is a reciprocal exchange of wisdom and fresh energy. More conscious leadership and female representation are needed in organisations.   💡 Flourish – Women’s Network: Emilya founded Flourish to build connections and a supportive community for women.   💡 Work-Life Balance: Prioritising quality family time and creating lasting rituals for deeper connection.   Advice to Her Younger Self: 🔹 Trust your gut instinct - women are naturally intuitive. 🔹 Put everything in writing for clarity and to avoid misinterpretation. 🔹 Always have insurance - an essential safeguard for creatives. 🔹 Be an agitator - challenge the norm, have difficult conversations, and use your voice. That’s where the gold is!   Emilya’s insights left us inspired, reminding us of the vital role art plays in our cities, workplaces, and communities. A huge thank you to Emilya for sharing her journey and to everyone who joined the discussion! Learn more: Flourish networking 🔗https://lnkd.in/g83Txfhn Sugar Glider Digital 🔗https://lnkd.in/gsT6ck6n Art Pharmacy 🔗https://lnkd.in/gGmYQbzm Michelle Wang Shanesse Wong Samantha Sanders Claire Burdett #EthosElevate #ArtPharmacy #ArtAndCulture #Leadership #Mentorship #ConsciousLeadership #WorkLifeBalance

Leading the Way in Build-to-Rent   The Build to Rent (BTR) sector continues to gain momentum across Australia and Ethos Urban is at the forefront - guiding clients through planning complexities, advocating for the sector growth and delivering outcomes that address housing supply.   We are pleased to support Rent to Live Co. in lodging their first BTR development - the largest proposal of its kind in NSW to date!   The $1.5 billion Marrickville Timberyards project is set to become the Inner West’s definitive neo-industrial neighbourhood and a global benchmark for regeneration, proving that a single precinct can positively impact its surroundings.   The plans include: ✅ 1,188 BTR and co-living units, including 115 affordable homes ✅ 10,200 sqm of new public open space in the heart of Marrickville ✅ Retail and commercial space (2,394 sqm) ✅ A 225 sqm creative arts hub for the community ✅ 2,890 sqm of communal indoor residential space ✅ 726 bicycle spaces and a car share scheme   BTR’s role in addressing housing supply challenges is further reinforced by Landcom’s latest initiative - a transformation of the former WestConnex dive site in Camperdown into a mixed-tenure development. This project will deliver 200 BTR homes for essential workers. Ethos Urban are also proud to be the planning consultants helping to bring this project to life for Sydney.   With our extensive expertise in BTR planning and government-led renewal, we look forward to helping facilitate an outcome that benefits the broader community. A huge shout out to Benjamin Craig, Schandel Fortu, Stephen Gouge, Matthew Di Maggio, and Aaron Hogan who are among the experienced BTR team driving these projects forward. Read more about Marrickville Timberyards 👉https://lnkd.in/gegUBHTM

Is It Time to Rethink Victoria’s Development Facilitation Program?   Retirement Living communities provide a naturally affordable housing option, yet they remain excluded from Victoria’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP). With an ageing population and growing demand for downsizing options, should policy shift to better support these developments?   In a new article, Henry Wallis, Associate Director, Planning, explores: 🔹 Affordability Retirement Living dwellings are inherently affordable to their local context. They also ease pressure on the broader housing market. Despite this, to access DFP, these projects are required to contribute to affordable housing funds.   🔹 The Growing Demand for Seniors Housing With over 20% of Victoria’s population expected to be over 65 by 2050, the need for purpose-built, age-friendly communities is urgent. Fast-tracking approvals would help address chronic undersupply.   🔹 Economic & Social Benefits Beyond housing, these developments support jobs, reduce social isolation and improve access to in-home aged care services. This helps seniors stay independent for longer and provides for government efficiencies in service provision.   🔹 A Policy Opportunity Expanding the DFP to include Retirement Living would reduce approval timeframes, encourage investment and align Victoria with NSW’s Housing SEPP approach to seniors housing approvals.   Read Henry’s full article on our website to explore why a policy update could deliver better outcomes for housing affordability and Victoria’s ageing population 👉 https://lnkd.in/ghT3e_h3 #UrbanPlanning #RetirementLiving #HousingAffordability #PolicyChange

Precinct planning is a long game and when done well, they drive economic growth, create jobs, and support liveable, sustainable communities. At the recent Property Council NSW Precincts Outlook event, our own Chris Bain, Director – Strategic Planning at Ethos Urban, joined the panel to explore how strategic planning is crucial to the future success of precincts.   With his experience on precincts like Waterloo and Central Station, Chris shared his insights on the importance of understanding a precinct’s role and intent from the outset, creating vibrant public spaces, delivering community dividends and need for flexibility in the planning framework.   Well done, Chris, for sharing your expertise! 👏

NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms: Key Insights & Resources With the NSW Government’s Stage 2 Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms now in effect, Ethos Urban hosted a client information session to unpack what the reforms mean in practice – where they apply, key challenges, and opportunities as well as real-world case studies. Key Takeaways: ✅ Significant FSR and height uplift – Particularly when combined with the 30% affordable housing bonus. ✅ Achieving maximum uplift may be challenging – Factors like ADG, DCP controls and site-specific constraints will influence feasibility. ✅ Context matters – Mid-block vs. end-block positioning, orientation and impacts on neighbours will influence outcomes. ✅ Landscaping complexities – The interplay between tree canopy targets, deep soil requirements and basement designs needs further consideration A big thank you to our speakers: 🔹 Clare Swan – Director & Living Sector Lead, Planning 🔹 Jessica Saunders – Associate Director, Planning 🔹 Stefan Meissner I Exec MSc in Cities– Director & National Design Lead 🔹 Guillaume Volz – National Director, Residential, Colliers Key Resources now available on the Ethos Urban website 📄 Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy Snapshot – A concise summary of key changes and implications. 📘 Full Policy Monitor Summary – A deep dive into planning controls and development pathways. Access these insights 👉 https://lnkd.in/geZ_5W-T Understanding the impact of these changes on specific projects requires strategic expertise. Our team can help you interpret the reforms, assess site potential and develop tailored strategies. Get in touch to discuss how these changes affect your portfolio. Clare Swan Benjamin Craig Jessica Saunders Stefan Meissner I Exec MSc in Cities Stephen Gouge Yvette Carr Matthew Thrum Mercedes Janecek

With International Women’s Day tomorrow, this week we had the privilege of hosting a company-wide panel featuring four female colleagues who shared their personal experiences navigating gender-related challenges. A heartfelt thank you to our inspiring panellists for embodying this year's theme, March Forward, Sophia Kusznirczuk, Lily Brown, Cheyenne Mistry and Belinda Mackay. From cultural expectations and career progression to balancing work and family, community sports, and leadership, they highlighted the key elements that support women’s success.   The discussion sparked broader conversations across our teams, reinforcing the power of shared experiences in igniting progress.   Key takeaways from the panel and break-out sessions were:   🎯 Grit and determination drive change – Women in leadership have pushed through barriers, often making personal sacrifices to create systemic change, such as improved workplace policies. 🎯 Diversity beyond gender matters – Cultural backgrounds and lived experiences shape career progression, challenging norms and opening new opportunities. 🎯 Support networks are essential – Gender equality is a collective effort. Male allies are key in advocating for change and sharing caregiving responsibilities. 🎯 Balancing work and family is tough – Structural and cultural barriers still exist, but strong mentors, inclusive workplaces, and visible female leadership make a difference. 🎯Flexibility isn’t enough – Workplace equity requires more than remote work—transparent discussions about salaries, career growth, and leadership opportunities are critical.   The session welcome was provided by CEO, Mark Stefanac and moderated by VIC Regional Director, Nick Brisbane. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #womeninurbandevelopment #MarchForward #diversitymatters #ColliersEthosUrban 

Insights from the Illawarra Outlook: Economic Growth, Housing, and Investment Trends Keynote speaker Hon. Stephen Jones MP addressed the cost of living crisis, protectionism risks, and the importance of free trade. Housing dominated discussions: ✅ Slowing approvals are tightening an already constrained housing supply. ✅ Housing is an economic driver and social necessity—getting it right is crucial. ✅ Migration remains essential, given reliance on skilled workers and students. ✅ Insurance costs are also rising - premiums have jumped 50% in three years, with climate risks set to impact affordability further.   ➡️ Commercial & Retail: Confidence with Caution ▪️Wollongong’s office vacancy rate is 15.2%, in line with national averages, as businesses prioritise office space to attract and retain staff. ▪️Retail remains strong despite economic uncertainty, with repurposing of existing spaces proving successful. Christmas sales reinforced consumer confidence. ▪️Private investment is growing, with 75% now coming from the private sector, particularly in industrial and smaller retail assets as interest rate expectations shift.   ➡️ Growth, Infrastructure & Development ▪️Transport links between Illawarra and Sydney will drive further investment and residential growth. ▪️Housing feasibility remains a challenge, with councils working to meet targets despite funding and Class 2 construction constraints. ▪️Healthcare investment continues, ensuring hospital and imaging services keep pace with growth.   ➡️ What’s Next for Illawarra? ▪️Diversifying housing in greenfield areas to improve affordability. ▪️Activating underutilised retail spaces rather than waiting for large-scale developments. ▪️Boosting industrial investment to support Western Sydney’s logistics sector. With Wollongong set to be the fastest-growing region over the next 15 years, the challenge isn’t just attracting investment - it’s ensuring the right development happens in the right places. Important to also recognise that whilst there are currently feasibility constraints, Shellharbour South and Nowra are in a growth stage of where Wollongong was 15 years ago.    A huge thank you to moderator Jennifer Macquarie, Fountaindale Group of Companies and speakers for sharing their insights on Illawarra’s economic and investment outlook: Michael Croghan, Director, Commercial Leasing MMJ Real Estate, Nic Di Condio, Executive Director Western Region, Health Infrastructure, Richard Walters, General Manager Leasing, Haben Property Fund and Vanessa Rader, Head of Research, Ray White. Jessica Saunders Alysha Tse Christopher Curtis (Goody) Daniel Howard Daniela Vujic Isabel Lu

Ethos Urban was proud to host today’s Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) Emerging Leaders event to discuss the "Future of Large Format Retail in Mixed-Use Environments", including the potential opportunities within the NSW Industrial Lands Action Plan, for the sector. A big thank you to our own team including Jethro Yuen for leading the keynote presentation, moderator Jessica Kotselas and our panel speakers Costa Dimitriadis, Julia Moiso and Mark M. for sharing their planning and economics perspectives on the issues and opportunities facing Large Format Retailers. Read more on what the Industrial Lands Action Plan means for the Large Format Retail Sector, by Claire Burdett, Ethos Urban's Large Format Retail Specialist 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4c4dJAr

Congratulations to Clare Swan, Director, Planning, on her appointment to the Property Council of Australia’s NSW Division Council! With over 20 years of planning experience on significant projects and precincts, Clare works across a range of asset classes with a focus on residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Her expertise extends to specialised sectors like seniors living, build-to-rent and student housing. Clare also facilitates and manages design competitions. As an active industry leader, she currently serves on the PCA Commercial Office and Cities Committee. Her previous contributions include two terms on both the PCA Hotel Committee and the Commercial Office Committee, as well as roles with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) NSW Committee and CTBUH Australian Board. Her in-depth industry knowledge will be invaluable in supporting the Division Council’s work in influencing planning policy, advocating for industry reforms and driving initiatives that support sustainable growth and investment in the built environment.   Well done, Clare - an exciting opportunity to represent the interests of the industry! 👏 Ethos Urban #IndustryLeadership #Advocacy #UrbanPlanning

💡 Key Insights from the Property Council of Australia Industrial & Logistics Outlook 2025 The industrial and logistics sector is evolving rapidly, driven by e-commerce demand, constrained land supply, and shifting investment patterns.   With over 700 industry leaders in the room, the Property Council NSW's Industrial & Logistics Outlook event covered the key forces shaping the sector.   ➡️ Keynote: Luke Petherbridge (CEO, Link Logistics) Insights from the U.S. market reveal global trends shaping industrial demand: ▪️ E-Commerce is the dominant driver in the U.S., with higher penetration than Australia. ▪️ Growing pressure to reduce transport costs and consumer demand for shorter delivery time is fuelling demand for infill warehouse space—driving rents higher in prime locations. ▪️ Amazon’s transport costs exceed 50% of total expenses, reinforcing the importance of location strategy. ▪️ Businesses are shifting away from large centralised distribution centres towards decentralised networks with multiple smaller nodes—a trend led by Amazon. ▪️ Onshoring of major manufacturing - such as Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin and Boeing’s Everett Factory - creates spillover demand for industrial floorspace. ▪️ Industrial development in the U.S. is slowing due to headwinds; limited land supply due to lack of infrastructure and land shortages, as well as the cost of labour and materials—challenges also affecting Australia. ▪️ Automation, autonomous trucking, and drone delivery are emerging factors to monitor, alongside sustainability priorities from major on- and offshore investors.                 ➡️ Panel Discussion Highlights The expert panel, moderated by Sass Jalili (CBRE) with insights from Mollie Alteri (Amazon), Peter McDonald (Gateway Capital), and Luke Petherbridge, explored the local market outlook: ▪️ Sydney’s industrial vacancy rate is just 2.1%, keeping rental growth persistent at +8% in 2024 after two years of +20% growth. ▪️ High-quality modern assets in infill locations are outperforming while lower-grade stock is struggling. ▪️ The Industrial Lands Action Plan is a step forward, but execution is critical to unlocking investment confidence. ▪️ Multi-level warehouses remain a debated solution - due to high construction costs and recent leasing challenges, while Amazon views them as inefficient and not suitable for the Sydney market. ▪️ Victoria’s foreign investment tax is dampening investment, driving capital flow towards other locations, including Sydney, as a preferred market.                 With demand intensifying and land supply constrained, strategic planning and infrastructure investment will be crucial for long-term growth.   Thank you to the Property Council of Australia for an insightful discussion and to Event Partner Women in Industrial (WIN). Bernard Gallagher Christopher Curtis (Goody) Claire Burdett Daniel Howard Daniela Vujic Gordon Kirkby Lachlan Jones Ross Hornsey Tim Ward Ethos Urban