Real Estate
The Australian Real Estate sector is becoming increasingly complex, with a shift to new and emerging asset classes, increased competition and a need to act quickly.
However, despite these complexities, the Australian market remains strong and an attractive investment, which is driving local competition and increased activity from overseas players looking for a secure and stable environment.
Leading global investors, developers, occupiers and financial institutions will need to consider the right advice for their large and complex or multi-jurisdictional real estate transactions and disputes.
How we can help
We cover all aspects of the property sector, including acquisitions and disposals, leasing and developments, and provide our clients with efficient and cost-effective advice on all issues that they may encounter.
End-to-end support throughout the asset life cycle, including:
- tendering for (and structuring) property developments and acquisitions;
- acquisitions and disposals of assets in all property classes, including commercial, retail, industrial, residential and hotels;
- sale and leaseback transactions;
- advising in relation to master-planned and high-rise residential developments and major commercial, industrial and retail developments;
- tourist resorts and hotels;
- mixed-use developments;
- joint venture, project management, property and asset management negotiations and documentation;
- leasing and lease negotiation; and
- general real estate issues such as subdivisions, easements, enforcement of securities and financing.
A common sense, pragmatic approach to getting the job done
We have a strong track record in advising on large-scale and unique development projects, and bring an innovative approach to the complex structuring of those deals.
Experience
Stockland
Advised on the planning approval for Coopers Paddock logistics centre at Warwick Farm in Sydney. This included advising on communications with Council in relation to the DA, representing Stockland at Regional Planning Panel meetings to secure the consent, and subsequently negotiating amendments to the Voluntary Planning Agreement with Council and adjacent landowners.
AMP Capital
Advised on the staged mixed-use retail, commercial and residential redevelopment of Macquarie Shopping Centre. Advised on and negotiated a complex planning agreement dealing with the delivery of local facilities, and provided strategic advice - both before lodgement and during the assessment of the concept development application. We continue to advise on future stages of the development.
David Jones
Worked with GPT to reposition its Wollongong Central Shopping Centre by restructuring the exit of Myer and the new lease to David Jones, including managing the lease tail and indemnity position.
NSW Ports
Advised on the development of the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre and the pre-commitments and leasing of the to-be-developed industrial and intermodal sites, including:
- Strategy and negotiation of development agreements over a 10-year staged development with complex use issues;
- Advice on development management and delivery arrangements with a focus on risk identification and allocation; and
- Drafting and advising on the full suite of pre-commitments and development documents with industrial and logistics tenants.
Investa
Advised on leasing to Telstra and on the redevelopment of 16-18 Mort Street, Canberra, which became Telstra's Canberra head office.
Have acted as key legal adviser on 33 Bligh Street, Sydney and 60 Martin Place, Sydney and all leasing transactions relating to 126 Phillip Street, Sydney for over 10 years.
Singapore's GIC Real Estate and Frasers Property Australia
Advised on the $1 billion plus sale of a portfolio of 26 industrial centres. This transaction is the largest industrial portfolio sale in Australian history.
Mirvac
Advised on negotiation of tenancy documentation with AGL for a new commercial office building to be developed at 699 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Advised on the development and leasing of two new commercial office towers in the Melbourne CBD being constructed over Southern Cross Station.
Goodman
Advised on significant acquisitions, including from Fuji Xerox, of an industrial site in Mascot for $35 million; Sydney Corporate Park - a 14.3ha corporate park in Alexandria, in 2013, for $343 million; and on the acquisition from the City of Sydney of a 1.98ha site in Rosebery for $37.4 million.
Vicinity Centres
Advised on the acquisition and divestment of Albany Brooks Gardens and Warnbro Shopping Centre in WA, Hilton Plaza in SA, Maitland Hunter Mall, Lidcombe Shopping Centre, Lavington Square Shopping Centre and Toormina Gardens in NSW, Tweed Mall and Goldfields Plaza Shopping Centre in Queensland and Wodonga Shopping Centre and Brandon Park Shopping Centre in Victoria.
GPT Group
Advised on the sale of a 50% interest in two regional shopping centres, Casuarina Square shopping centre in NT and Westfield Woden in ACT.