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The penthouse atop the Soul Surfers Paradise tower on the Gold Coast sold for $7 million at McGrath auction this weekend - long after a $16.85 million off the plan deal of 2006 failed to proceed.
<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-surfers-paradise-qld-4217/240361/?searchID=48350135" target="_blank">It is a four-level penthouse </a>with six bedrooms on the 70th floor of the Cavill Avenue building. 
Set 240 metre above Surfers Paradise beach, the penthouse has 1,040 square metres of space.
Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung beat out four other bidders, including veteran tourism industry player Frank Picone, to secure the apartment at auction, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
The gutted penthouse shell was marketed by John Natoli and James Ledgerwood of McGrath Estate Agents.
The billionaire is planning an $8.15 billion resort and casino at Cairns. The integrated resort at Yorkey's Knob, 13 kilometres north of Cairns in far north Queensland, would be one of the biggest projects in the state if it's given permission by Palaszczuk Labor government. He owns the Canberra Casino.
Last week Tony Fung paid a rumoured $15 million to buy four Gold Coast properties from tycoon Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farms racing empire.
The Aquis Group chairman bought all four Patinack Farm landholdings in the Gold Coast Hinterland — Wadham Park, Elysian fields, Sarahvale and Benobble — for an undisclosed amount.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Soul, Surfers Paradise penthouse auction results in $7 million sale to Tony Fung

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The four-level penthouse atop the Soul Surfers Paradise tower on the Gold Coast goes to McGrath Broadbeach auction this weekend - long after a $16.85 million off the plan deal failed to proceed.
The property qualifies for Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.
The interior has been gutted to provide a blank canvas for the penthouse buyers with four levels starting on level 70 of the 288-unit Soul tower.
It has been listed on behalf of receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for 7 March auction <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-surfers-paradise-qld-4217/240361/?searchID=48286330" target="_blank">through McGrath agents James Ledgerwood and John Natoli</a>.
It comes when the management rights to the luxury 77-level Soul Surfers Paradise beachfront apartment tower are put to market for the first time, under instructions from Receivers and Managers at PwC.
Specialist accommodation property agency Resort Brokers Australia has been appointed to handle what could be a record-breaking sale through an international expressions of interest campaign to close on 13 April.
The management rights sale is under instructions from Receivers and Managers, Michael Fung, Derrick Vickers and Gregory Hall of PwC, who were appointed to companies associated with the Soul development in October 2012.
Included will be the management (holiday) letting rights and caretaking business and associated real estate covering reception and back offices, the two-hatted Seaduction restaurant, conference centre, storage space and maintenance, staff and housekeeping rooms.
Developed by the Juniper Group and completed in 2011, it was initially a Sea Temple resort with Accor Hotels. It has traded as Soul Surfers Paradise since November 2013 when Mantra Group was appointed to manage the property.
Resort Brokers Australia’s regional sales consultant Glenn Millar and senior broker Alex Cook will handle the EOI campaign, which is expected to attract widespread interest from both domestic and international contenders.
“Few apartments in the residential tower now remain unsold, giving stability to the letting business, and the letting pool has now grown to over 170 apartments,” Millar said.
“Given the scale of the operation and iconic nature of the property, Soul will be of significant interest to serviced apartment, hotel and timeshare operators, investment and private equity groups, large private management rights operators, and overseas investors.”
Designed by architects DBI Design and boasting a grand lobby with nine-metre high ceilings and a cantilevered marble staircase, Soul is Australia’s third tallest residential building.
The record for a management rights sale is believed to stand at $15.5 million paid by an investment syndicate in 2010 for the Turtle Beach holiday resort at Mermaid Beach.
McGrath commissioned three architecture firms — Blainey North, DBI and Bayden Goddard Design — to devise possible layouts for the penthouse. 
“Having sold 14 penthouses over the past 20 years, and marketed several more, I have come to learn that the majority of penthouse buyers are generally successful people who have very individual taste and needs,’’ McGrath agent John Natoli advised local media.
Brisbane businessman Charlie Caltabiano purchased the penthouse in 2006 for $16.85 million, an Australian record for a penthouse at the time.
However the contract was terminated as the deal wisely didn't settle.
The Soul buyer bought the home just 24 hours after visiting the display centre back in boom time 2006. 
It's over four levels and 987 square metres, including 160 square metre of rooftop deck atop the 77-level tower.
{mijopolls 95}
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Soul, Surfers Paradise penthouse set for receivership auction

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Australand's Clemton Park Village has seen over 600 apartments sold to date, with the penultimate building now launched.
Located 13 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, the latest 45 Campsie apartments will comprise a mix of one, two and three bedroom scheduled for a 2017 completion.
Most will have a north-east facing vistas of landscaped gardens, including the community garden where residents can grow their own vegetables and herbs.
The village comes with a Coles supermarket. The former Campsie factory site of electrical appliance maker Sunbeam hass now well been transformed.
Australand NSW residential division general manager Nigel Edgar said almost all of the 45 apartments priced for first-home buyers.
“44 of the 45 apartments are priced under the threshold of the First Home Owner Grant," said Edgar.
“Like the other 600 apartments at Clemton Park Village, we expect to get knocked over in the rush for this second last release.”
The new release went officially on sale to the general public on 2 March, with 12 one bedroom one bathroom apartments priced from $535,000, four two bedroom one bathroom apartments from $645,000, 28 two bedroom two bathroom apartments from $690,000, as well as a single three bedroom two bathroom apartment priced at $825,000.
All the apartments will feature secure parking and storage.
First home buyers Harriet Wallis Jara and Pablo Jara, currently living in Croydon Park, are among the recent off the plan apartment buyers within the master planned community.
They bought in the Parklife apartment complex with the first home buyer government grant incentive.
The couple plan to use the second bedroom in their new apartment as a guest room for when family and friends stay.
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Clemton Park Village pricing at under FHOG threshold

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Mark Mendel, CEO of iBuyNew, the largest facilitated market place for off the plan buyers in Australia, believes we should double stamp duty for foreign buyers.
The potential revenue increase should be used to reduce stamp duty for first home buyers (FHBs).
Mendel believes foreign ownership of Australian property is relatively inelastic.
“The application fee for foreign buyers does not go far enough in my opinion" said Mendel.
"We should look to double stamp duty for foreign property buyers and use this increased revenue to reduce stamp duty for first home buyers.”
“The current overreaction from many in the industry that the proposed application fee will affect foreign ownership of property in Australia is grossly misstated.
“From my experience, the motivation for overseas investors to buy property in Australia is to move funds into a politically stable economy.
"An additional application fee does not change this.” 
iBuyNew has sold over 400 properties worth over $170 million since launching and has over 1,500 apartments available.
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Double stamp duty for foreign buyers and reduce it for FHBs: Mark Mendel

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H&amp;M, the international retail giant, has announced the opening of its third Queensland store.
Located in Brisbane's Westfield Garden City, the store is set to open in May, the website<a href="https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/handm-where-to-next?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter+05+March+2015&amp;utm_content=Newsletter+05+March+2015+CID_0cceae9bf660fa3e671839f3ae9a9bda&amp;utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&amp;utm_term=HM%20where%20to%20next" target="_blank"> ragtrader</a> revealed.
It will follow an opening in Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Queensland tomorrow, as well as a Queen Street site later in the year.
H&amp;M also has stores in Melbourne's GPO in Victoria and Macquarie Centre in North Ryde.
Australia's first H&amp;M fashion store<a href="/expert-insights/investing/h-m-set-for-australian-roll-out-as-its-first-local-store-launches-tomorrow"> opened in Melbourne's GPO building</a> in the Bourke Street mall.
The chain has about 3,182 stores in 53 countries, opening a further 375 this year.
It took around three years to find the initial outlet sites in Australia, including the distribution warehouse at Eastern Creek in Sydney.
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H&M opening third Queensland department store

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While accountants PwC brush up on Point Piper foreign buyer laws, the Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey says further suspicious house purchases across Australia were to be investigated by the reinvigorated Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
It follows the government decision to <a href="/news/point-pipers-villa-del-mare-back-for-sale-as-australian-treasurer-thwarts-chinese-billionaire">force the sale of the $39 million Point Piper trophy home, Villa de Mare</a> (pictured above).
"It's amazing how many phone calls we got this morning," a chuffed Joe Hockey said yesterday, ignoring the backlash from some business interests which sees far wider ramifications for Chinese trade relations.
"We're not going on a witch hunt," the Treasurer added.
"And we definitely don't want an atmosphere of xenophobia or anything.
"We actually just want to be in a position where we maintain, preserve and enhance the integrity of the foreign investment regime."
The Sydney-based, but beneficially China-owned, company Golden Fast Foods has 90 days to offload 63-67 Wolseley Road, Point Piper after being found to have breached foreign investment rules.
The company was deemed ultimately beneficially controlled by Chinese developer Evergrande Real Estate Group and China's 15th richest man, according to Forbes, Xu Jiayin.
Golden Fast Foods is directed by Sydney-based accountant and former PwC partner Stanley Brogan and two Chinese associates, including the Evergrande director Huang Xiangui, <a href="/news/guangzhou-evergrandes-chinese-billionaire-owner-xu-jiayin-tipped-as-villa-del-mare-point-piper-buyer">as Property Observer noted on its November 2014 settlement</a>.
The federal goverrnment forced sale comes as Xu shortly attends, as a delegate, China's annual parliamentary meeting, the main public event on China's political calendar.
Searches on Baidu, a Chinese version of Google, brought up the matter of Xu's Point Piper mansion, though with an error page saying "the news content was unable to be provided".
Earlier critical coments by internet users had appeared on the Weibo website, according to The Australian's China correspondent, Scott Murdoch.
Hockey would give no details of the other houses under suspicion but advised they were across price ranges.
The Australian Financial Review reported Joe Hockey had indicated he had no sympathy for the owner of the home and the FIRB investigation had been requested personally.
The sale of Villa del Mare is FIRB's first forced divestment since 2006 coincided with the unveiling of a federal government consultation paper.
The proposed measures are designed to restore confidence in a foreign investment review system that had not prosecuted anyone for breaching the rules in nine years.
"We welcome foreign investment. It is hugely important," Hockey said.
But Sydney's top end of town fears the fallout will be much wider than a prestige property upheaval, arguing it was easy for the Chinese government to tacitly advise banks that there were not to be acquisitions of Australian businesses for a while.
Geoff Raby, Australia's former ambassador to Beijing, recently noted Chinese interest in Australian farms and processing assets was surging.
Since 1 March, foreign investors require approval from the FIRB to buy agricultural land worth $15 million, down from the previous threshold of $252 million.
Raby, who was the Chinese ambassador from 2007-2011 and has since founded Beijing-based advisory Geoff Raby &amp; Associates, said the changes had been noticed in China.
"The Chinese certainly wonder what our intention is and ask: Is this directed against China? Is this a Chinese concern we have? Any change in the [regulatory] regime will create uncertainty," he told The Australian Financial Review following his presentation to the ABARES Outlook 2015 conference in Canberra.
The Australian reported PwC had no role during the purchase of the Point Piper property as PwC merely helped Mr Xu establish the shelf company that later bought the property. 
The firm was also called in for advice after questions arose about why approval for the transaction had not been sought by the FIRB, The Australian advised.
 
 
 
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Foreign buyer crackdown is no witch hunt says Joe Hockey after Point Piper FIRB divestiture order

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"Have you ever seen a $1 million in cash," a Sydney estate agent asked the quite surprised 2GB Money News broadcaster Ross Greenwood on his show last night.
"I can't think that I have," <a href="https://www.2gb.com/article/money-news-ross-greenwood-wednesday-march-4" target="_blank">was Greenwood's reply</a>.
"It's intoxicating, you can't keep your eye off it" the undisclosed agent advised.
The claim coincided with the unveiling of a federal government FIRB property buying consultation paper, with proposed measures designed to restore confidence in a foreign investment review system that had not prosecuted anyone for breaching the rules since 2006.
The agent said he came from an undisclosed suburb heavily populated by people of Chinese origin and also a destination for Chinese investors. Property Observer gathers it may be riverfront inner west Sydney.
"They come in weekly with literally suitcases with a $1 million, $2 million in cash," the agent told Greenwood, who had the agent's identity checked, but not revealed on air.
"The one thing they say is we don't need a bank, we can settle in two weeks."
Asked whether they were buying new or established homes the agent said: "Anything."
"It is happy days for me as I am an agent, but for my kids, your kids and the listener's kids, they have no hope."
Asked how they are getting around the rules, the agent said they respond 'you don't have to worry about that.'
One buyer told him the cash came from camper van trailer factory back in China, when his questioning met his curiosity and obligations regarding excessive cash transactions.
Ross Greenwood wondered how the money gets through Australian customs.
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Chinese investors reportedly with $1 million cash in suitcases to buy Sydney property

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Sydney auction clearances rates have been in the 80s for all of February.
But the Monday auctions at Cooley Auction Centre East saw a clearance rate on the night of 94%, with 29 of the 31 offered finding a buyer.
There was an average of four registered bidders per property across the 16 auctioned on the night.
Many sold before and one was postponed.
<img src="/images/2015/03/05/cooley-mar-5-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2015/03/05/cooley-mar-5-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Cooley
The property with the most competitive bidding was 8/24 Manion Avenue, Rose Bay which also sold for the most over reserve % wise.
It fetched $780,000 which was $90,000 or 13% over reserve.
Dollar wise, the property selling the most over reserve was 140 Military Road Dover Heights. The home sold for $3.68 million which was $380,000 above the written reserve.
All up Damien Cooley secured around $733,500 over the written reserves on the night, equating to an average $52,000 over reserve.
Counting his other auctions this week has seen his sellers secure a staggering $4,978,500 above their reserve prices.
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Cooley Auctions takes auction success rates into the 90s

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The private school Haileybury College has been tipped to open a city campus after buying on Melbourne's King Street in a $50 million deal.
The 383 King Street contains a substantial 10-level office overlooking Flagstaff Gardens sold by Singapore-listed Aspial Corporation.
It sold at $41.5 million in January last year with intention for a mixed-use development with 600 units.
Haileybury has campuses in Keysborough, Brighton East, Berwick and Wuqing, China.
Colliers International acted for Haileybury College, Fairfax Media reported.
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Haileybury College buys likely Melbourne CBD campus site

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A South Melbourne religious landmark since 1874 has been listed for sale. The former congregational church has more recently been used as a photography studio and a private home.
 Architect Simon Swaney renovated the property in 2001.
Expressions of interest close 23 March with $8 million plus hopes through Greg Hocking and Warwick Gardiner at Greg Hocking Holdsworth.
The former 34 Howe Crescent congregational church comes with a mix of residential and working spaces set against a landscaped garden backdrop.
There are also dual garages accessed from second frontage to Martin Street. 
There are living, dining and entertaining areas, accompanied by a contemporary kitchen with a butler's pantry and cellar.
Currently featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms there is also a range of study, office domains. 
It sists on a 901 square metre block.
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South Melbourne former church trophy home offering 

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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