Who We Are
We are seeking to establish synergistic partnerships to create wealth. To create wealth there has to be an increase in value proposition for the stakeholders in a Partnership. This can be achieved by bringing innovative development strategies and applying them to real estate that is currently not performing at its highest and best possible use.
Traditionally land is the element of real estate that has the most appreciation. By looking for opportunities where we can secure land and gain approvals, we can create uplifts in value meaning that above average returns can be generated. The Managing Partners of Urban Rise have over 55 years of combined experience in the property and finance markets.
They have witnessed three boom and bust periods throughout the last thirty years and intuitively know the timing of what to do in each cycle of the market. By applying these skills and experience, many opportunities are now becoming available. Our catch cry is ‘You make money on a property transaction when you buy’. So each transaction required due diligence to ascertain the true value in a property and then negotiate favorable terms to acquire and development.
Our Journey
Our innovative new company specializes in creating modern style homes and affordable House and Land Packages for today’s market through a new business model. Our primary focus is on sourcing land and transforming it into thriving communities. We engage in land subdivisions, project management, project marketing, and other property development opportunities. In just 12 months, we have acquired over $100 million worth of projects. Our directors and managers boast over 100 years of combined development experience and have a proven track record of bringing innovative projects to market. We are excited about the growth potential of this synergistic blend of experience and talent.
Leadership
Hannah MacPherson | Chief Executive Officer
Hannah is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Rise Communities, responsible for the strategic direction, capital structuring, and operational performance of the group’s development portfolio exceeding $160 million in end value. With over 20 years’ experience across property, finance and commercial growth, Hannah combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution. Since joining Urban Rise, she has led the delivery of high-performing residential and commercial projects, successfully navigating acquisitions, planning approvals, funding negotiations and consultant coordination before being appointed CEO. Hannah is recognised for her commercial acuity, disciplined decision-making and ability to scale development operations efficiently. Her leadership focuses on governance, risk management and capital stewardship — ensuring Urban Rise delivers strong financial outcomes while creating thoughtfully planned communities positioned for long-term value.
Alison Gilbert | Director
Alison brings over two decades of experience in finance and real estate, providing strong financial governance and strategic oversight to Urban Rise Communities. As Director of Gateway Finance Pty Ltd and Partner in an accounting firm, Alison has extensive expertise in funding structures, cash flow forecasting, financial compliance and capital management. Her disciplined and analytical approach underpins the financial integrity of each Urban Rise project. Alison plays a critical role in structuring development finance, assessing risk exposure and ensuring each project is positioned for sustainable performance and investor confidence.
Adam Gilbert | General Manager
Adam brings more than 20 years of property and financial market experience, with exposure to multiple property cycles and evolving market conditions. As General Manager, Adam oversees feasibility modelling, market positioning and strategic project optimisation. His experience spans land subdivisions, master-planned estates, townhouse developments and structured funding solutions. His background in financial planning, finance broking and psychology provides a unique lens for understanding market behaviour and investment timing. Adam’s strength lies in identifying value, repositioning assets to their highest and best use, and aligning project strategy with long-term capital growth objectives.
Frank Marino | Development Manager
With over 35 years in the development industry and a completed project value exceeding $750 million, Frank provides deep technical and strategic expertise across residential, mixed-use and commercial projects. His experience includes large-scale land subdivisions, retail centres, petrol stations, supermarkets and master-planned communities. As Development Manager, Frank leads planning, design coordination, and delivery frameworks, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and to a high standard. Frank’s depth of industry knowledge provides the foundation for Urban Rise’s disciplined development methodology and long-term project success.
Jamo Stephenson | Project Manager
Jamo is a planner and project manager with over a decade of experience delivering planning and project management outcomes across Australia and Internationally. Jamo has worked across a diverse range of projects, guiding developments from early feasibility through to approval and delivery. Jamo is a clear and conscience project manager that focuses on hitting delivery timelines ahead of schedule and in budget.