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The international style setter Tyler Brûlée says Canberra's CBD need urgent urban renewal initiative.
<a href="https://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4dec3b54-ce36-11e4-86fc-00144feab7de?siteedition=intl#axzz3VRLZOQME" target="_blank">His weekly Financial Times column</a>, following a recent visit, acknowledged the sparkling new airport.
"But the capital’s central business district leaves a lot to be desired," wrote Brûlée.
"With seemingly every other shopfront available for lease, a lack of proper landscaping and no shortage of well-paid civil servants and diplomats, a smart developer should seize on a stretch of streetfront and kick off an urban renewal initiative."
His timing was exquisite as a new discussion paper on the future of Canberra's CBD calls for immediate action to be taken to revitalise the languishing city centre.
The ACT Property Council and Canberra CBD Limited paper recommends the ACT follow the successful City of Melbourne "Postcode 3000" campaign of the 1990s to save the territory's CBD.
Property Council ACT executive director Catherine Carter said the city centre faces many challenges – transport bottlenecks, empty streets and boring building facades.
Officially the Property Council of Australia's figures show a record high office vacancy rate of 14.7% and Canberra CBD Limited's latest retail activity report indicates a vacancy of 15.7%.
Brulee's column went on to praise a recent Sydney restaurant meal.
"When was the last time you tucked into a dish and found the whole experience so delicious and mouthwatering that you haven’t been able to stop thinking about the next time you might be able to return to sample it again?" he wrote.
"Eight days after I sampled the udon bolognese at Cho Cho San in Sydney’s Potts Point I’ve been trying to find an excuse to book a trip back there."
<a href="https://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4dec3b54-ce36-11e4-86fc-00144feab7de#ixzz3VRNFwA5o"></a>Melbourne, he says, is a city that just keeps on getting better noting the fare at Supernormal on Flinders Lane.
But he says Victoria’s state capital is in desperate need of a good hotel.
"With none of the big chains putting on a particularly good show, the opportunity is there for a small property to deliver 20-30 rooms in a residential setting complete with rambling garden and an easy-breezy restaurant/bar staffed by one of the city’s better chefs," Brûlée wrote.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tyler Brûlée says empty Canberra CBD needs urban renewal…and possibly udon bolognese eatery

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The 1860s Pommy Lodge, the former church and manse, passed in at $1.4 million at its weekend North Willoughby auction has been since sold for $1.65 million.
It was the home of the late artist John Butler, whose family owned the property for around four decades.
Forsyth agents Di Burcham and James Snodgrass had <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-willoughby-119184479" target="_blank">th</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-willoughby-119184479" target="_blank">e 1860s sandstone offering</a>.
The enchanting cottage is located at 105 Penshurst Street.
The site contained a two roomed wooden school building, which Eliza Davies opened as a Bush Mission School in June, 1862, the first school on the north side.
The following year in July, it was relaunched as the North Sydney National School, when it came under the government school ­system.
The building of Willoughby Public School in 1863 made it redundant.
The North Sydney Congregational Church was officially opened in 1872. In the late 1880s the Congregationalists built a larger church on the corner of Church Street and the old church became the manse.
In 1896 George Leafe, owner of a general store in Penshurst Street, bought the manse and converted it into a residence.
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The enchanting 1860s Pommy Lodge cottage, North Willoughby sold

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The Australian Financial Review columnist Chris Joye has suggested "the Reserve Bank of Australia's governor Glenn Stevens is trying to unravel a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/239059/Gordian-knot" target="_blank">Gordian knot</a> created by his institution's inconsistencies".
"The RBA is blowing the mother of all housing bubbles to deflate an overvalued exchange rate," Joye wrote today.
He said "it is replacing one asset pricing conundrum with another, arguably more dangerous, one" with "unprecedented monetary policy settings in the form of the cheapest borrowing rates in history to put downward pressure on the Aussie dollar".
Joye suggests "when the RBA cut rates in February it judged the local housing market was cooling".
"Much like it thought rate cuts in 2013 would not fuel an unsustainable housing boom that would force regulators to introduce macro-prudential rules to slow credit growth running at three times the rate of incomes," Joye wrote.
"On all these counts the RBA's forecasts have proven badly wrong.
"It has probably been blindsided by housing dynamics over the last couple of years because it has never confronted these conditions before.
"Back in 1991 the value of housing debt divided by disposable household incomes was just 35%.
"Today it is over 140% - beyond any previous peak.
"And climbing every day."
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"RBA is blowing the mother of all housing bubbles": Chris Joye

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Australia’s largest mortgage broker has appointed Chris Slater as the general manager AFG Home Loans. 
Slater has been with the organization for eight years starting out as a national account manager and then moving to the role of state manager for NSW/ACT in 2008. 
In 2013, Slater was appointed to the role of head of sales and operations.
AFG managing director Brett McKeon said Slater has been a key player in growing the business.
AFG Home Loans division is a key plank of our business strategy. 
Slater and his family are relocating from Sydney to be based in AFG’s Perth head office this week.
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AFG Home Loans appoints Chris Slater as general manger

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Fashionista Collette Dinnigan and her hotelier husband Bradley Cocks have quietly bought a Watsons Bay home.
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The asking price was around $8 million for the four-bedroom home with Blainey North interiors and a 20 metre lap pool.
It has been suggested around $7 million was paid by Dinnigan who is currently working on her collaboration with Anthropologie available in the USA and UK from end of April.
It was bought from Matthew Csidei, who works for James Packer, and his lawyer wife Lauren Roscoe, who are now based in London with their two children. 
Its parquetry floors are from an 18th century chateaux in France's Loire Valley.
Its original incarnation was as a Masonic Lodge. 
</div>
It was marketed as expertly rebuilt from a shell in 2008 as a luxurious classical Beaux-Arts inspired contemporary home with what was arguably Sydney's biggest living room and possibly the largest master bedroom suite in an exclusive harbourside/oceanside village pocket.
It was listed with James McCowan of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty and William Manning of Ballard Property, who also have James Packer's Bondi Beach home for sale.
Last September the Careel Bay, Palm Beach retreat of fashion designer sold for $3.2 million.
The Barrenjoey Road house sold to actor Sophie Lee, wife of Anthony Freedman, chief executive of ad agency Host.
The stylish retro Hamptons-style three-bedroom house on a sandy beach was refurbished after being bought by Dinnigan and Cocks for $3 million in 2010.
They still retain a South Coast retreat.
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Collette Dinnigan buys Watson Bay trophy home from Matthew Csidei

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Rising risky investment in the residential and commercial property market could inflict pain for the broader economy, the Reserve Bank (RBA) has warned in its semi-annual financial stability review.
The commercial property sector was especially under closer scrutiny now as the RBA identified a build up in risks in an area that has "posed a disproportionately large risk" to the financial system.
The comments, reiterating past warnings about the threat, noted competition among lenders remains vigorous in a number of domestic markets and lending margins have fallen.
"Property-related lending has been a particular focus of the competition in the corporate lending market, said the RBA.
"Although the Australian banking system’s exposure to the commercial property sector declined following the global financial crisis, and the recent lending has not increased its share of banks’ domestic assets, risks in this area appear to be building.
"Investor demand for both new and existing commercial property developments has been strong, despite weakening leasing conditions in a number of market segments.
"Particular caution around collateral valuations is warranted in the current environment of declining property yields.
"Lenders should also be mindful of the collective effects of strong lending activity within particular market segments, even if individual borrowers appear to be of low risk.
It noted at this stage, competitive pressures have not induced a material easing in non-price housing lending standards.
"The composition of new mortgage finance remains skewed to investors, however, particularly in the largest cities.
"Ongoing strong speculative demand would tend to amplify the run-up in housing prices and increase the risk that prices in at least some regions might fall significantly later on.
"In the first instance, the consequences of such a downturn in prices are more likely to be macroeconomic in nature because the effects on household wealth and spending would be spread more broadly than just on the recent property purchasers. However, the further housing prices fall in that scenario, the greater the chance that lenders would incur losses on their housing loans.
"At the margin, the recent decline in mortgage interest rates can be expected to boost demand for housing further, though it will also make it easier for existing borrowers to service their debts.
"Indicators of household stress are currently at low levels, but could start to increase if labour market conditions weaken further than currently envisaged"
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Watch your yields, RBA warns as commercial property risks rise

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Savills International has taken time to take a close look at 12 leading world cities, particularly at urbanisation.
They all command world city status and attract, for different reasons, a wide variety of overseas investment while playing host to a wide range of international companies and enterprises.
"US real estate trends often lead the way for other parts of the globe and the repopulation, regeneration and city renaissance experienced in so many US cities over the past 20 years has been echoed in Europe and other ‘old world’ regions, while the urban growth in many ‘new world’ cities has tended to emulate an earlier, mid-20th century auto-oriented and high-rise US model of city-making," the report said.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/03/25/chart-mar-25-one.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/25/chart-mar-25-one.png" alt=""></a>
Source: Savills
The report noted the predominant theme in the West, or rather in the ‘old world’ – the pre 20th century cities of North America, Europe, Australia and Japan – has been the rediscovery of the city.
"Since the 1990s, patterns of depopulation dating from various points in the 20th century have been almost universally reversed in these old cities and businesses of many types have once again created revenues and wealth after previous decades of population decline, and in some cases, urban decay," Savills noted.
"The shift in city economies during the mid-1980s away from manufacturing and toward financial and business services made the location of goods and markets less important and once again put the interactions of people at centre stage.
"This has given cities a new currency: there is value in human interaction and the marketplaces that cities provide.
"Little wonder that London and New York rose from the ashes at this time to dominate the world city scene.
"This economic, geographical and financial phenomenon had big impacts on the real estate industry and these cities remain heavily invested by institutions, funds, private companies and individuals.
"In the 21st century, the emphasis on and need for human interaction on city streets is as great as ever."
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The cities investing in urbanisation around the world: Savills International

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The striking 1887 Queen Anne-style Queenscliff Hotel building has been sold to a local family.
Abercromby’s sold the property on a walk-in, walk-out basis with expectations at $3.5 million plus. The local News Ltd paper, The Geelong Advertiser, reported it sold for close to $3.5 million.
The hotel is still taking guests, but the restaurant served its last meals on Christmas Day, following the death of owner Johann Schuetz.
John Schuetz and his wife, Theresa bought the property at 16 Gellibrand Street in 2002. It had been made famous again by the late Mietta O’Donnell after she re-opened the dining room in the late 1970s.
The 1887 built Queenscliff Hotel on the western tip of Port Phillip bay was designed by Melbourne architects Reed, Henderson &amp; Smart, the same architects responsible for the State Library of Victoria, Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne Trades Hall and a number of Melbourne university buildings.
It was built by NW Frogley in the English Queen Anne style for Martha Nugent and Joseph Goslin, wealthy local citizens at the time.
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Queenscliff Hotel sold to local family

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After three years of consecutive rises, the vacancy rate in the Melbourne suburban office market fell to 6.3% as at January 2015, declining by 120 basis points over the 12 month period, according to a Knight Frank report.
New supply is projected to record its second highest annual level ever in 2015, it noted. Supply has been boosted by increased levels of speculative development with more than 40,000 square metres under construction.
Boosted by a record number of sales in excess of $30 million, office investment activity in the Melbourne suburban office market reached an all time high in 2014.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/melb-office-mar-23-one.jpg" alt="">
Knight Frank forecasts suburban office market was expected to be driven by growth in the health care, professional services and retail trade sectors. It noted since 2012, net face rents across the suburban office market have largely remained stable.
In the 12 months to January 2015, average suburban A-grade net face rental levels increased by a mere 0.5% which was the weakest annual A-grade rental growth rate over the past three years.
Average suburban secondary net face rental levels decreased by 2.3% over 2014, impacted by the tenants’ preferences for prime quality accommodation.
While incentive levels in City Fringe and Inner Eastern precincts remain elevated to compete with the CBD office market, solid tenant demand and a lack of large available options should result in effective rental growth over the next 12 months, particularly for the City Fringe precinct. In contrast, the impending level of backfill space is likely to lead to further softening in the Outer Eastern precinct, particularly for secondary grade offices with incentive levels anticipated to increase, the report noted.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/melb-office-mar-23-two.jpg" alt="">
The report noted a record number of sales in excess of $30 million, with office investment activity in the Melbourne suburban office market at an all time high in 2014.
Investment sales activity (above $10 million) in 2014 within the suburban office market totalled $711.67 million from 22 properties. The volume of sales achieved in 2014 was 118% higher than the long term average, and in fact, 37% higher than the previous record high set last year.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/melb-office-mar-23-three.jpg" alt="">
Source: Knight Frank
Following a subdued first quarter, investment activity surged in the final quarter with transactions totalling $487 million, higher than the historical average yearly suburban sales total.
Over the course of 2014, there were nine sales in excess of $30 million, accounting for 71% of total sales volume.
Two of the transactions recorded in 2014 were the third (60 Brougham St, Geelong— $95.8 million) and 4th (6-22 Gladstone St, Moonee Ponds—$83 million) highest suburban office sales ever.
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Suburban Melbourne office pipeline soars in 2015: Knight Frank

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A Melbourne based developer has paid $3.6 million for a prime residential development site at Bentleigh in Melbourne’s inner south-east.
It was in a private treaty sale brokered by Savills Australia on behalf of two neighbours.
The 24-26 Vickery Street site, located close to the Centre Road retail strip and Bentleigh railway station, sits within the McKinnon High School zone.
The Residental Growth Zone allows for a four level development under recently amended planning laws.
Savills’ Julian Heatherich and Jesse Radisich said the consolidation of neighboring residences sold on the very strong rate of $2,652 a square metre.
"The sale price reinforces the market’s appetite for well located suburban development sites,’’ Heatherich said.
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Neighbours unite in Bentleigh to offer residential development site

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

Jonathan Chancellor

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