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Australian banks are really dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s with prestige property lending in 2015, according to the Melbourne buyers' agent Mal James.
"It is obvious that there have been directives from the top through most banking hierarchies," said James.
"Prudential banking is a good thing, just so long as it’s fair and equitable to local buyers as well," he suggested on the issue of offshore borrowings versus local.
He added the banks will lend if local buyers get in shape – with the right valuations, right loan to value ratios and updated earnings figures.
<div id="attachment_49545">But the now "massive differences between the agents quote and the end result" was becoming a major issue, he said.</div>
"Many Chinese buyers have worked out agent quoting, but some local buyers appear to have not.
"Chinese buyers have in many cases no real contact with agents and in many cases can’t even speak English, yet they are able to buy well and locals are not.
"Chinese buyers form their own opinions on values or get assistance from their friends or buyer advocates.
"Local buyers listen to agents, who fill their heads with mush."
<img src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Quoting-Bidding-597x448.jpg" alt="Quoting Bidding" width="597" height="448">
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/some-chinese-buyers-have-worked-out-agent-quoting-but-many-local-buyers-appear-to-have-not/" target="_blank">A James Buyers Agency graphic</a> (above) was used to show in red the agent quote on offerings in Brighton, Kew and Hawthorn.
The orange is the Chinese bidding which was consistently high across the board. He said his agency had some Chinese buyers on its books.
The blue is what Mal James bid and the black boxes is the range James Buyer Advocates gave to its clients the week before the auction on where it felt the home would sell.
"See how consistent it is with three different agents on three different homes in three different suburbs," said James.
"During the first few weeks of 2015 it was understandable for agents and advocates and buyers to get it wrong as the market shifted big time and yes, agents and advocates can’t get it right every time (but they shouldn’t get it wrong every time either)."
He noted many were underestimating the power of the inner Melbourne prestige market, saying "they think it is an aberration. 
"We do not share that view while the fundamentals are so obvious and so strong. 
"Of course we have no idea how long it will last but the bidder depth from overseas buyers is as David Hart from Brighton Buxton described it – 'profound'."
He advised values change dramatically with:
+ Building Quality + Chinese Bidding + Better Precincts + Building Size + Auction Volcano Interest - Poor Floor plan - Poor Land Features - Poorer Precincts - High Vendors
James also noted some houses - especially ones that cannot be bulldozed are actually discounting their land value; "such is the insatiable appetite by overseas buyers for land you can build on."
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Local banks unwittingly giving the Chinese advantages in Melbourne's prestige suburbs buyers' race: Mal James

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The 1940s Kew home rented by the actor Gregory Peck during the production of the 1959 film On The Beach sold at Melbourne auction today.
It fetched $3.11 million as the owners of the three-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/59-fellows-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-8392634" target="_blank">59 Fellows Street</a> secured $400,000 above the reserve price.
The Marshall White selling agent Jack Stean didn't market the home’s Hollywood link in the campaign, but the longtime owners and neighbourhood have been fond tellers of the story.
It is set on 957 square metres in the Studley Park precinct one of Melbourne's finest residential areas, with panoramic City skyline views. 
Gregory Peck starred alongside Ava Gardner in the post-apocalyptic film adapted from the 1957 Neville Shute novel. 
<a class="image" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:OnTheBeach.jpg"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/43/OnTheBeach.jpg/220px-OnTheBeach.jpg" alt="OnTheBeach.jpg" width="220" height="325" data-file-width="282" data-file-height="417"></a>
It's disputed but long reported that Ava Gardner famously described Melbourne as “the perfect place to make a film about the end of the world”.
The Fellows Street site was offered with the prospect of building a luxurious new residence. 
The accommodation over two levels currently comprises sitting room with adjacent dining, three bedrooms, main with WIR and ensuite, period-style family, full-width informal living and dining with modern timber kitchen with rear decks overlooking a deep, rambling garden with soaring mature trees.
<a href="/news">CoreLogic RP Data</a> put Kew's median house price at $1.85 million. 
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Gregory Peck's On The Beach Melbourne rental home sells

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A clearance rate of 77 per cent was recorded across Melbourne on the March 21 weekend, which matched the 77 per cent of last weekend.
Two Middle Park sales dominated the top sales among the 1053 auctions reported to the REIV.
There was 353 Richardson Street at $4,750,000 and 208 Beaconsfield Parade at $4,510,000.
Bidding on the Richardson Street property - with Pleysier Perkins interiors in the heritage listed home - opened with a $4 million vendor bid by the auctioneer John Bongiorno, and sold after it was passed in at $4.5 million.
Hocking Stuart Albert Park auctioneer David Wood secured the $4.51 million sale of the near-derelict 208 Beaconsfield Parade (pictured below) on the corner of Harold Street.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/ccd0d079b39833677079580ef9606691f16a83f9a5aa7b370c491e86bd350cda/image4.jpg" alt="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" title="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" data-index="3">
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV noted there was a median house price of $940,000 and a $595,000 median unit price.
There was a $4.68 million Toorak sale (pictured top above) in between the two Middle Park trophy home sales.
It was a grand 1930s Toorak residence which became the home of then Country Party Prime Minister Sir John "Black Jack" McEwen.
It last sold at $2.6 million in 2003.
The home, at the corner of Orrong Road and Montalto Avenue, has a grand reception hall with formal entertaining rooms to each side.
The four bedroom home with arched windows, ceiling roses and fireplaces, also has two studies.  There is a swimming pool in the garden designed by Paul Thompson.
More than $4 million had been expected by Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/vic/toorak/?adid=2011800569" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">679 Orrong Road</a>.
John McEwen and his first wife, Annie, bought the house in 1956. It was sold by his second wife, Mary, in 1989 following his death in 1980.
He was the country's 18th prime minister from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968 following the death of PM Harold Holt, who lived elsewhere in Toorak.
Kay &amp; Burton achieved a 100% clearance rate for houses in metro Melbourne, including four in South Yarra.
There was an undisclosed Hawthorn sale of around $4.7 million at 4a Kooyongkoot Road. The 1237 square metre holding had last sold in 1999 at $1.01 million.
There was also the sale with an undisclosed price of Alta Vista, at 81 Wellington Parade South through Abercromby's which had $6 million hopes on its initial 2014 listing.
Kooyong's 10 Monaro Road sold through RT Edgar under the hammer at $4.5 million, after a $4.4 million vendor bid. Last sold at $406,000 in 1984, it had been listed initially for sale last October.
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 353 Richardson Street, Middle Park $4,750,000 2. 679 Orrong Road, Toorak $4,680,000 3. 208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park $4,510,000 4. 14 Stirling Street, Kew $4,410,000 5. 3 St James Mews, Brighton $3,550,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 18 Ardent Court, Hastings $197,500 2. 7 Thredbo Court, Epping $320,000 3. 88 Creedmore Drive, Rye $322,500 4. 15 Miram Court, Westmeadows $330,000 5. 30 Bootie Court, Roxburgh Park $332,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. 27 Oak Grove, Brighton $2,397,000 2. 1/36 Dean Street, Kew $1,951,000 3. 40A Cochrane Street, Brighton $1,605,000 4. 3/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 5. 4/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 5/1-3 Braemer Street, Seaford $215,500 2. 10/29 Raleigh Street, Essendon $260,000 3. 4/7 Stewart Street, Thomastown $265,000 4. 2/2 Martin Street, Rosebud $272,400 5. 7/9 Poplar Grove, Carnegie $275,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a> 
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Steady and strong with Middle Park taking two podium places

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It was Sydney's highest weekend sale, on a weekend when another strong 86% auction success rate was achieved.
It was first time the trophy home had been offered by the original owner of the Versace-inspired Sandringham mansion.
The $7.8 million sale was achieved through Liam Tsaprazis and Kelvin Zheng at McGrath Estate Agents.
There was a strong Chinese appeal about the home which was completed about eight years ago by the Tomazin family.
There had been hopes of $8 million, with bidding interest from three parties.The beachfront reserve masterpiece provided a luxurious indoor/outdoor lifestyle with views over Sandringham Bay, setting a record price in the St George District district.
The block cost $2,765,000 in 2002.The home sits on 980 square metre block at its Primrose Avenue cul-de-sac location, moments from Sandringham's café culture.
APM's 86.1% initial clearance rate was the seventh consecutive weekend at 80% or above. There were 602 of the 715 results included in the preliminary tally.
McGrath auctions achieved a clearance of 87% for Sydney.
Last weekend's revised figure came in at 80.4%.
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Sandringham's $7.8 million Versace inspired trophy home tops Sydney's weekend auctions

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The redundant Mosman investment property of Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart has been sold.
It had been scheduled for <a href="https://raywhitelowernorthshore.com.au/nsw/mosman/1063220/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">26 March auction</a>.  
The local News Ltd paper noted the contemporary, non-waterfront property at 18a Bradleys Head Rd had a price guide of more than $5 million.
Designed by Corben Architects to embrace its landscaped gardens, the house comes with a centrepiece wet-edge pool and cabana.
There was single lowball bid of $4.3 million when it went to December 2013 auction.
It had cost $5.4 million in 2007.
The contemporary Bradleys Head Road house was again been listed through the Ray White Lower North Shore with agents Megan Thomas and Dino Gatti.
Hope Welker and her husband, Ryan, vacated the Mosman property as they departed for New York in 2011, around the time the family dispute over control of the family's mining interests became public through litigation.
Gina Rinehart had the property advertised on <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/18a-bradleys-head-road-mosman-nsw-2088?adid=2011804238" target="_blank">Fairfax</a>, who reported the pre-auction sale.
In the late 1990s, another miner, the founder of rare earth miner Lynas Corporation, Nick Curtis, and his wife Angela briefly owned the property.
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House of Hancock in Mosman sells

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It's a bumper crop of auctions in both Sydney and Melbourne this weekend.
There are 1,202 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,160 for the same time last year, according to Robert Larocca from CoreLogic RP Data.
The highest volume of auctions are the 21 on offer in both Reservoir and Thornbury
CoreLogic have noted Melbourne auction volumes are higher than last year and on track to exceed last years volumes when there were more auctions and a higher proportion of homes sold at auction.
"Our latest data shows that a record 33.6 per cent of sales were by auction in Melbourne last year, up from 29.4 per cent in 2013 and a mere 20.3 per cent in 2012," said Larocca.
"Remarkably the 30,079 sales at auction last year was near twice the 15,640 recorded in 2012.
"The increase in use of auctions is a market feature, especially when prices rise as they can deliver better outcomes in competitive markets."
APM advised 693 Sydney auctions are scheduled across this weekend.
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Pre-Easter auction momentum builds in Sydney and Melbourne

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A four bedroom Guildford homes has been sold for a record $1.51 million.
The sale of 18 Bligh Street was by private treaty sale through Starr Partners Auburn agents Greg Okladnikov and Adam Hmoud.
The contemporary house bettered the previous highest price paid for a single dwelling property in the area by more than $230,000.
It sold to a Guildford family.
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Record $1.51 million Guildford trophy home sale

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James Symond, the nephew of Aussie founder John Symond, is the new chief executive of the home loan group.
He replaces Ian Corfield in the top role, who joined Aussie from Bankwest <a href="/expert-insights/finance/aussie-home-loans-appoints-bankwest-executive-ian-corfield-as-new-ceo">in mid-2013</a>.
"It was clear after a rigorous international search and comparing a number of external candidates, James was the candidate with the best industry knowledge, track record and passion to be Aussie's CEO," executive chairman John Symond said in a statement.
Working his way up to be an executive director, James Symond has been with the company since his uncle established it in 1992.
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James Symond takes CEO job at Aussie 

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The Adelaide housing market recorded another year of solid activity over 2014 with the median house price increasing by 4.6%, according to the Domain Group senior economist, Andrew Wilson.
This is despite the continued underperformance of the local economy. Up from the 3.4% recorded over 2013, this growth reflects a market finding its feet again after a prolonged period of subdued buyer activity.
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/adelaide-mar-12-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
Buyer activity in the Adelaide housing market has centred on mid to upper price ranges, particularly in the established western and eastern suburban areas.
Lower interest rates will fuel confidence in aspirational buyers in these areas again through 2015.
The budget markets to the north and south will remain subdued as high unemployment and concerns over job security constrains growth.
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/adelaide-mar-12-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
The Adelaide market is set for another solid year in 2015 with prices growth likely to be similar to those recorded over the past two years.
The median house price in Adelaide is forecast to increase again by between 3 and 5% over the year 
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/adelaide-mar-12-three.jpg" alt="">\
Source: Domain Group
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Budget Adelaide market tipped for subdued 2% annual growth: Domain Group

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The Hobart housing market will consolidate its performance of 2014 with moderate prices growth expected through 2015, according to the Domain Group senior economist, Andrew Wilson.
Hobart has recorded prices growth over the last two years following a subdued period of buyer activity. The impact of lower interest rates since 2012 has been offset by an underperforming local economy that remains the worst performer of all the capitals. Recent signs, however, are positive with the local housing market recording strong growth over the December quarter.
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/hobart-mar-12-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
Hobart recorded moderate price growth of just 2.1% over 2014 following the previous year’s 5% result.
This years lower interest rates will feed into buyer confidence and add to the prospects of rising buyer activity. Hobart’s median house price is set to increase by between 3 and 5% through 2015.
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/hobart-mar-12-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group 
Best performers will be the budget and middle price market sections and regions with value perceptions from subdued prices growth over recent years driving increased changeover buyer activity.
The performance of the local economy will as usual be the key ingredient for rising housing market activity with recent encouraging signs of improvement this year. 
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/hobart-mar-12-three.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
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Budget Hobart houses will be the city's best 2015 performers: Domain Group

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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