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New research from Roy Morgan has revealed the domestic destinations that Australian families are most likely to name as somewhere they’d like to take a holiday.
Queensland tops the list, with 46% saying they’d like to holiday there in the next two years, followed by Victoria (45%) and NSW (43%).
However, of the capital cities, Melbourne is the clear favourite, named by 25% of families, well ahead of Sydney at 14%.
Roy Morgan noted where Melbourne offers culture, museums, sport and shopping for all ages. Surfers Paradise has beaches, theme parks, amusement arcades and endless sunshine, and is another popular potential holiday destination among Australian families, 15% of whom say they’d like to visit.
Top 10 domestic destinations Aussie families would like to holiday in the next two years
<img src="https://www.roymorgan.com/~/media/files/morgan%20poll/2015/march/6107-chart.jpg?la=en" alt="family-holiday-faves" width="800" height="522">
Source: Roy Morgan Single Source (Australia), January 2014 – December 2014 (n=15,944). 
Other coastal holiday destinations that rate highly among Aussie families are Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island and New South Wales’s lush North Coast. 
Thredbo/Perisher is the ski-spot with the most appeal for families as a potential holiday destination, being 54% more popular with this demographic than the average Australian, Angela Smith, group account director, Roy Morgan Research noted.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Queensland tops holiday destination wishlist for Australian families

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Andrew Wilson, chief economist of the Domain Group, predicts Sydney's inner west will retain its boom sale conditions, along with the continued emergence of some real prestige suburbs such as Balmain East and Strathfield.
While some experts believe the growth is starting to push prices towards their limits, the Domain Group has selected 13 suburbs which it forecasts will record 15% plus house price growth during 2015.
They are:
<ul>
<li>Ashfield 
</li>
<li>Burwood Heights 
</li>
<li>Burwood 
</li>
<li>Cabarita 
</li>
<li>Camperdown 
</li>
<li>Canada Bay 
</li>
<li>Croydon Park 
</li>
<li>Five Dock 
</li>
<li>Homebush 
</li>
<li>Lilyfield 
</li>
<li>Mortlake 
</li>
<li>Petersham 
</li>
<li>Rozelle</li>
</ul>
The typical Sydney inner west suburb is tipped to secure 10-12% house price growth this year, with Dr Wilson tipping 7-10% dwelling price growth across Sydney.
Source: Domain Group
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The 13 Sydney suburbs with highest 2015 house price growth prospects: Fairfax Domain

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The almond industry has emerged as one of Australia’s most valuable horticultural export industries with annual export sales in excess of $300 million.
The Almond Board of Australia has indicated there has been strong growth in production, prices, consumption and exports.
Colliers Rural research shows <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Find%20Research/Rural%20and%20Agribusiness/Rural%20and%20Agribusiness%20-%202015" target="_blank">the area planted to almonds has increased by 211% </a>or around 19,391 hectares over the past decade.
There is now 28,586 hectares under crop.
Typically, almond trees take three years to bear a crop and seven to eight years to reach mature production levels.
Colliers suggest currently there remains 1,008 hectares or 4% of almond plantings that are not yet bearing and 33% (9,486 hectares) of trees that are still maturing. 
Australian almonds are predominately grown across three Australian states in four major growing regions, including:
<ul>
<li>Adelaide and Riverland regions of South Australia</li>
<li>Riverina region of New South Wales</li>
<li>Sunraysia region of Victoria</li>
</ul>
A wide range of almond varieties is available, however within Australia the dominant varieties are Nonpareil, Carmel, Price, Peerless and Ne Plus.
Nonpareil is the main commercial variety and, as evidenced in the chart overleaf, currently accounts for over 50% of plantings in Australia.
Australian almond production in 2013 was 73,361 tonnes (kernel weight equivalent) with an expected tonnage for 2014 of 70,000 tonnes according to the Almond Board of Australia.
On a global scale, Australia is now the second largest producer of almonds behind the United States, who remains the dominant force in the industry with the majority of US almonds grown within the state of California.
The growth of the Australian almond industry has been mirrored by the US which produced 854,000 tonnes in the 2012-13 season making up 82% of world production.
Consumption growth has been led by improving incomes in major export destinations (most notably India) along with increased public awareness of the positive health benefits surrounding almond products.
The big grower Select Harvests currently is seeking expressions of interest for long-term investors to fund 5,000 acres of new trees with PPB Advisory appointed to manage the process.
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Almonds emerging as healthy Australian export industry

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The Block South Yarra is slipping.
It had a poor 609,000 viewers Wednesday night, it’s lowest Block ratings this season outside of its Thursday night Unlocked show. 
There were 191,000 Sydney metro viewers and 183,000 in Melbourne, according to the five city metro OzTam ratings. There were 127,000 in Brisbane, 61,000 in Perth and 47,000 in Brisbane.
Last night's regular Thursday Unlocked show made way for the NRL season opener on Channel 9.
Title Tattle reckons the boss David Gyngell, with more series in the pipeline for late this year, must be possibly considering replacing the reality show with The Big Bang Theory instead, with The Block over to the Gem channel.
Let's not forget that The Block started out as one night a week, with then proprietor Kerry Packer not being sure as to its likely success. "You're kidding me...What viewers watching paint dry?," is the cleaned-up version of Kerry's initial thoughts on the program idea. Episode one attracted more than two million viewers!
Interestingly the viewers who have turned off more of late have been from its new adopted home town, Melbourne.
They were underpinning <a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency">it </a><a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency">in the</a><a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency"> early weeks</a>. 
Crikey television ratings columnist Glenn Dwyer noted yesterday The Block was doing "miserably".
Noting 7.30 on ABC had more metro viewers twice this week.
"This version of The Block is a dud," wrote Dwyer.
"Being beaten by 7.30 didn't happen last year." 
He added that The Block was suffering from viewers being too familiar with its formula.
 
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The Block South Yarra is proving neither ratings threat or treat

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"This is the best market I have seen in 20 years, for sellers," founder and CEO of McGrath Real Estate Agents, John McGrath, estimates.
"The Sydney market is up from late last year," he told Radio 2UE today.
"Cool heads are important at this time, so don't over-stretch," he added.
He said one of the reasons for the recent price gains was that listing volumes were down by about 10%, according to the realestate.com.au website.
"It is a short-term blip," he said.
He said another reason for the reduced volume was that the recent intensity of sales had meant potential vendors were worried they would struggle to buy back into the market after any sale.
"They are concerned about going on the market before buying, which is not the natural cycle," he said.
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Best sellers' market for 20 years: John McGrath

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Interest rate cuts are losing their potential at stimulating the economy, Reserve Bank deputy governor Philip Lowe says.
Lowe said rate cuts were having little effect on household consumption because retirees and other savers were instead cutting back spending as their incomes fell in line with deposit rates.
"At the end of the day, the solution to the problems caused by the disconnect between the desire to save and the desire to invest cannot lie with monetary policy," he said in a speech in Sydney yesterday.
"Instead, it lies in measures to improve the investment environment so that once again there is strong productive demand for the use of our societies’ savings."
Lowe noted borrowers with debts have been using the lower rates to accelerate repayments rather than raising their spending.
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph11.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 11: Mortgage Repayments"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph11-small.gif" alt="Graph 11: Mortgage Repayments"></a>
Lowe said monetary policy was becoming less effective worldwide, in a speech titled, 'Low Inflation in a World of Monetary Stimulus' to the Goldman Sachs Annual Global Macro Economic Conference.
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph10.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 10: Housing Equity Withdrawal"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph10-small.gif" alt="Graph 10: Housing Equity Withdrawal"></a>
“In the years leading up to the (global financial) crisis, a reduction in interest rates could be reliably predicted to encourage such a response,” Lowe said.
“Credit was easily accessible, economic volatility in many economies was low and people were prepared to borrow.
"In today’s world, things look quite different.”
“Many borrowers have responded to the lower interest rates of recent years by paying off their loan a little faster, rather than increasing their spending.
“Conversely, it seems likely that those relying on interest income have reduced their spending by more than would previously have been the case.
 “Certainly, the many letters we have been receiving at the bank recent­ly would suggest this.
“In (this) earlier period, the level of interest rates that we have today would have caused a large boom in borrowing, but this has not occurred.”
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph9.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 9: Household Saving and Debt"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph9-small.gif" alt="Graph 9: Household Saving and Debt"></a>
Dr Lowe said the same reaction to low interest rates could be seen in governments.
“Few governments have seen the very low intere­st rates as an opportunity to support long-term infrastructure investment at low cost.
“Rather, much as households have done, governments have taken advantage of the lower debt-servicing costs to help shore up their finances.”
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There is no boom in borrowing says RBA

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One of the bayside Melbourne's finest homes has been listed for sale by the agriculturalist Ken Jarrett and his wife, Carolyn.
It is the captivating boomstyle Victorian residence at 140 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park.
Behind its elaborate original facade, it showcases interior designer David Hick's luxury style located directly opposite Albert Park beach.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/140-beaconsfield-parade-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-8456412" target="_blank">Marshall White </a>agent Lisa Jarrett has the listing, set between Kerford Road and Mills Street.
Title Tattle recalls it last sold 15 years ago at $1,115,000.
Pricing before the weekend's first open for inspection might easily be subject to review, but Title Tattle reckons it will sit somewhere between the estimated $6.5 million plus recent sale of 16 Beach Street, Port Melbourne through Marshall White agent Michael Paproth and the yet to settle price secured by Kay &amp; Burton for <a href="/news/romanby-middle-park-sells-for-around-10-million">Romanby, at 261 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park</a> that was possibly between $9 million to $10 million.  
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Albert Park's ornate Beaconsfield Parade boomstyle gem

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James McCowan, of Sotheby's International, and Will Manning, of Ballard Property, have been enlisted to sell the Bondi Beach apartment of tycoon James Packer.
There's a price tag of $20 million plus, Fairfax Media reports, seemingly down a tweak on the initial hopes of more than $22 million when briefly offered two years ago.
<a href="https://ballardproperty.com.au/4925817/36-campbell-parade-bondi-beach" target="_blank">The vast Campbell Parade complex</a> has previously played host to Latin pop star Ricky Martin during his The Voice judging residency.
Only three photos comes with the marketing, the most we see is the view from the balcony.
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<div class="img-wrapper"><img src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w1242-h932-2011834083_1_pi_150311_065254" alt="36 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach"></div>
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The abandoned garage site was bought by James Packer in 1995 for $2.25 million before constructed into the billionaire's Bondi Beach pad.
The news came as the NSW government and developer Lend Lease finally reached an agreement which will allow James Packer's planned $2 billion hotel casino in Sydney to proceed.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/packer.jpg" alt="packer" width="470" height="351">
It's a four-storey Campbell Parade property.
The four bedroom, six bathroom home has an eight car garage, gym, cinema, winter garden and six terraces.
The Bondi Beach pad has views of the beach. The initial report of the listing came July 2012 in News Ltd papers when property reporter Bronwen Gora reported its $20 million plus mumurings.
But its then McGrath listing agent Andrew Livingston only acknowledged the official pricing in early 2013.
The then pricing was derived from September 2012 sales at the nearby Swiss Grand Hotel redevelopment into the Pacific Bondi Beach, where its ''lighthouse'' penthouses are being offered at $40,000 or so a square metre. The 800-square-metre Packer pad pricing rates at short of $30,000 a square metre. 
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Billioniare James Packer relists Bondi Beach apartment for sale

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The two level Rushcutters Bay apartment crafted by the style setter Maggie Tabberer has been sold by its latest owner for $3.1 million.
More than $3.5 million was sought at its November 2014 auction with Jason Boon, of Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay, and Di Grundy, of BresicWhitney.
The Belle featured apartment was offered by Ben David who had bought it from Roger Melik, a name behind the Roger David group.
Before that, Title Tattle recalls Tabberer had the abode.
It was 2006 when Maggie Tabberer, the fashion and style guru, sold her Rushcutters Bay garden apartment in the McLachlan Avenue block developed in the mid-1990s by James Packer and Theo Onisforou.
The <a href="https://www.rwebay.com.au/1843429/" target="_blank">1 and 2/61 McLachlan Avenue apartment</a> is the size of a house, was offered by Ben David, creative director of linen design company Kas who bought the property in 2009 for $2.8 million (pictured below).
It was an urban sanctuary in the then still industrial zone of Rushcutters Bay.
The Tabberer touch is still there with the enormous wooden carved doors decorating the dining room.
The two level apartment had been sold by Maggie Tabberer in 2006 for $1.7 million to rag trader David Mellick.
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Maggie Tabberer's former Rushcutters Bay apartment sold

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The 1855 Quiberee, a piece of Sydney history at Lavender Bay, has been sold by the Rothwell family.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-lavender-bay-nsw-2060/248872" target="_blank">The house</a> with pool and gardens on 896 square metres, it looks out to the Harbour Bridge.
It last sold at $3.44 million in 2006, having been previously with the Uniting Church.
Title Tattle gleans at least $8.75 million was secured for what is one of the first homes built in Lavender Bay, and given the late buyer interest may have even hit $9 million through McGrath agent Greta Simpson.
It was built by the stonemason William Montgomery for local publican Mathew Charlton, then held by generations of the Charlton family until it was sold and turned into a boarding house.
Robert Gilfillan, the merchant who traded for many years as Gilfillan &amp; Co., lived at Quiberee.
It was also owned by artist and musician Joyce Trickett for almost four decades until her 2001 death.
It is only a year ago when another nearby home sold, but after a lengthy struggle.
Mercedes, the 1886 Rustic Gothic Revival residence at Lavender Bay, sold at $6.95 million, at almost half its ambitious 2011 asking price of $13 million, occupying 1,185 square meres with landscaped grounds.
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Quiberee, the 1855 Lavender Bay trophy home sold

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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