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Retired racing car champion Mark Skaife and wife, Toni, have sold their Toorak family home.
<a href="https://www.138kooyongroad-toorak.com/gallery/" target="_blank">The Kooyong Road</a> sale price has not been revealed after the weekend RT Edgar auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-105704479" target="_blank">It was bought in 2009 for $2.93 million</a> in Toni's name.
The six-time Bathurst 1000 champion’s home was passed in at $3.9 million, then sold after its weekend auction.
Two buyers took part in the sluggish bidding before the underbidder struck a deal, the Herald Sun noted.
They previously lived in another Toorak home, an apartment which was sold around 2007.
Skaife was a five time champion of the V8 Supercar Series.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mark Skaife sells in Toorak

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The federal government's foreign investment crackdown was premised on the doubtful outcome of making houses more affordable for young Australian first home buyers.
Treasurer Joe Hockey's accompanying dramatic announcement regarding <a href="/news/point-pipers-villa-del-mare-back-for-sale-as-australian-treasurer-thwarts-chinese-billionaire">a $39 million Point Piper divestiture order</a> after it's illegal purchase won't however achieve that outcome.
But it will make trophy homes on pricey harbourside peninsulas much more affordable. Even Hockey's own suburb, Hunters Hill will feel the ripples after Villa del Mare's buyer was caught illegally buying it through a company, registered in Australia, which had warranted it did not need FIRB approval. We'll keep the $2.67 million purchasing stamp duty!
The many high ranking Chinese buyers that seek to cherry pick our best trophy homes were already ill at ease about the exposure their private residential acquisitions were attracting in the free press, but now they will undoubtedly back off in anxiety to suburbs or countries friendlier to their discrete purchasing desire.
Certainly nothing on the street that has attracted bus tours from sightseeing Chinese tourists when they visit Sydney. No more just cuddly koalas and the Opera House – <a href="/expert-insights/investing/point-piper-on-the-chinese-tourist-route-for-insight-into-the-privileged-lives-of-communist-party-princelings">they started touring along Wolseley Road, Point Piper for a glimpse of the now demolished $32.4 million property owned by a son of a former vice-president of China</a>. Set high on a hill, above a towering sandstone wall and overlooking Sydney Harbour with picture postcard-perfect views of the bridge, Craig-y-Mor, the Point Piper non-waterfront residence, remains owned by Zeng Wei and his wife, Jiang Mei.
Xu Jiayin, one of China’s richest men, was <a href="/news/guangzhou-evergrandes-chinese-billionaire-owner-xu-jiayin-tipped-as-villa-del-mare-point-piper-buyer">first named by Property Observer</a> as the identity who likely bought the palatial-style 16,230-square-foot Villa del Mare home last November, with the poorly resourced FIRB taking another four months chasing the same paper trail.
The first to likely feel the consequences of Joe Hockey's whistle will be the near Point Piper neighbour, Mandalay which sought to piggyback Villa del Mare's success, in <a href="/news/point-piper-resumes-trophy-home-sales-momentum-into-2015">the emerging sales momentum</a> of Point Piper.
The SMH spruiking of the opulent Mediterranean mansion of a former tobacco executive, William Webb, advised Mandalay was set to challenge the newly set record held for a non-waterfront property in the affluent harbourside suburb, through the Black Diamondz agency.
There is a Chinese saying, 山雨欲来风满楼, coming events cast their shadows before them, but listing agent Monika Tu wouldn't have seen this left field interference from the federal government.
And the Villa del Mare order to sell within 90 days - agents yet to emerge - is hardly likely to yield the best selling conditions between now and the chilly onset of winter for <a href="/news/guangzhou-evergrandes-chinese-billionaire-owner-xu-jiayin-tipped-as-villa-del-mare-point-piper-buyer">Villa del Mare which took three years</a>, on and off, to find a buyer last time.
Possibly the villa will even be jinxed, ruled out by feng shui experts.
There might even be the emergence of a new proverb, Point Piper property is like a ladder, with some climbing up it, others down.
 
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Treasurer Joe Hockey sprinkles hot water on snow in Point Piper divestiture decision

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The lacklustre Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey has announced the forced sale of the $39 million Point Piper trophy home, Villa del Mare.
Its purchase last October was in contravention to Australia's foreign ownership laws for established housing.
The sale has been deemed an illegal purchase because Golden Fast Foods Pty Ltd was a shelf company for the Hong Kong-based Evergrande Real Estate Group.
It is the first divestment order - and huge scalp - in almost a decade, timed exquisitely with the Abbott Government's established residential foreign investment purchasing crackdown.
The ownership trail in the bullish sale by recruitment queen Julia Ross was first detailed<a href="/news/guangzhou-evergrandes-chinese-billionaire-owner-xu-jiayin-tipped-as-villa-del-mare-point-piper-buyer"> by Property Observer last November</a>, but the government decision was announced today, four months later, in timing with the government's latest endevours to correct its political misfortune.
"Today I have made an order under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) for Golden Fast Foods Pty Ltd (Golden Fast Foods), to divest the established residential property at 63-67 Wolseley Road, Point Piper, in Sydney," Joe Hockey said.
The Treasurer said the property was bought illegally by Golden Fast Foods, which is ultimately owned by Evergrande Real Estate Group, a large company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, via a string of shelf companies including in Australia, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands.
"Under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act (1975) foreign investors must notify the Treasurer through the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing residential real estate.
"Golden Fast Foods is a foreign-owned company which failed to notify FIRB of its intended purchase.
"Under Australia’s foreign investment policy, foreign investment should increase Australia’s housing stock. Non-resident foreign nationals cannot buy established dwellings as homes or investments.
"I made this order following advice from the Australian Government Solicitor that the purchase breached the Act. Under the Divestment Order I have issued today, the company now has 90 days to dispose of the property or the matter may be referred to the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions.
"We welcome all foreign investment that is not contrary to our national interest."
The government last month proposed that illegal purchases by foreigners would potentially result in a civil penalty of as much as 25 percent of the value of the property when they are forced to sell it.
 
Joseph Zaja, managing director of Ausin Group which sells property to Asian buyers, suggests the public’s perception about foreign buyers pricing them out of the market was impacting on the government.
"It is an extraordinary measure to use a sale of this magnitude to set an example for the industry,” he said adding enforcing FIRB rules was long overdue. 
Property Observer's initial exposure noted Golden Fast Foods was directed by two Chinese directors Han Xiaoran and Huang Xiangui, both from Guangzhou.
Huang Xiangui is also an executive director at <a href="https://www.evergrande.com/En/about.aspx?uc=team" target="_blank">Evergrande Real Estate Group Ltd</a>, whose billionaire owner Xu Jiayin, (許家印 also known as Hui Ka Yan) is estimated by Forbes to be worth about $7 billion. 
Property Observer gleaned also from <a href="https://jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?regsearch=B-6435" target="_blank">sky tracking websites</a> that Xu Jaiyin, aged 56, was in Australia around the time of the early October sale, having arrived with a team of 25 in his private Airbus A319.
 
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Point Piper's Villa del Mare back for sale as Australian Treasurer thwarts Chinese billionaire

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Singaporean billionaire Tay Tee Peng has snappily sold one of his family's Sydney assets.
Tay, ranked Singapore's <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/family-tay/" target="_blank">25th richest</a> in the latest Forbes rich list, sold <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/dover-heights/?adid=2011771854&amp;sp=5" target="_blank">the Dover Heights property</a> which comes with panoramic ocean views.
It last traded in April 2000 for $1,175,000. It had been listed for 16 March auction with Ballard Property's Will Manning suggesting about $4 million, but that was well before it was snapped up late last week.
Tay Tee Peng has commercial properties through his private investment company Memocorp, including Suncorp Plaza which was bought for $395 million in 2011.<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/city-investors-reach-for-sky-with-deals-worth-650m-20110728-1i1yr" target="_blank"></a>
The Tay family is known throughout Asia for its chain of affordable OG department stores, started in Indonesia as shirtmaker Ocean Garments.
They own a Wentworth Street, Point Piper home that was bought through McGrath agent James Dack in 2012 for $4.25 million.
They also own three townhouses on The Serpentine at Kensington, bought by Memocorp between 1993 and 2007 in the Raleigh Park development.
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Singaporean billionaire Tay Tee Peng sells in Dover Heights

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The comparison site Mozo.com.au has reviewed how the big banks compare when it comes to setting up savings accounts for children to learn the savings habit.
The CommBank Youth Saver account pays 3.45% as long as your child makes at least one deposit and no withdrawals for the month. 
An added bonus is that primary school students can bank at school if their school is part of CommBank’s school banking program.
The ANZ waives transaction fees on its Progress Saver (kids) account and pays 3.41% if your child deposits at least $10 and makes no withdrawals each month.
The Westpac Reward Saver for under 12s pays 3.4% interest with a deposit in any account and no withdrawals are made each month. Kids can deposit money in branch and online.
"NAB no longer offers kids only accounts," <a href="https://mozo.com.au" target="_blank">Mozo</a>'s Kirsty Lamont lamented.
"You can open a regular savings account in your kid’s name instead."
Suncorp’s Kids savings account offering 4% interest and Bankmecu’s mySaver account, Hume Bank’s Clancy Koala Junior Saver, Wide Bay’s Ziggy Kids Saver which all offer 3.75% in interest, currently ranked as the best accounts.
Mozo.com.au's Kirsty Lamont had <a href="https://www.familycapers.com.au/getting-started-with-kids-bank-accounts/" target="_blank">five general tips</a> about opening a kids savings account on the familycapers website.
<ol>
<li>Decide if the account is for you or them </li>
<li>Open the best account for their needs </li>
<li>Explain how a bank account works </li>
<li>Draw up a savings plan </li>
<li>Reward good savings / money habits</li>
</ol>
"Sit down with your child and ask them what they want in the short and longer term and draw up a savings plan to achieve each of those goals," Lamont said.
"It will be much more motivating for them to save if it’s for the latest toy gadget or a trip to the Gold Coast’s theme parks."
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Five tips for helping children learn the savings habit: Mozo

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Prospective buyers saving for a home must save longer, as savings account interest rates are already starting to take a dive following the Reserve Bank cash rate drop at the February meeting.
Finder.com.au listed nine providers, including three of the four major banks, who have dropped interest rates on some of their savings accounts since the cash rate cut, with some by more than the Reserve Bank's 0.25 percentage points according to finder.com.au.
"This is compared to 33 lenders announcing variable home loan rate drops," Michelle Hutchison, money expert at<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/personal-loans" target="_blank"> finder.com.au</a> said.
"While it's expected that savings accounts will fall in line with the cash rate movements, it's interesting to see many of them falling before these lenders have passed on rate cuts to their lending products like home loans and personal loans.
"It's also interesting to see that these lenders have missed off any announcements about the bad news for savers of dropping their savings account rates but happy to announce the good news for lenders with dropping variable rate home loans.
"Financial institutions shouldn't feel like they can't disclose these rate changes like they do with their variable home loan announcements.
"It's a shame that they are potentially hiding these rate cuts by not announcing them. What this means is that savers need to keep track of their accounts and they can't assume that if they haven't seen a rate announcement that their rates won't be dropping. 
"It also shows that more savings accounts could fall before the majority of variable rate home loan changes come into effect from 20 February."
Here are the savings accounts found that have fallen since the RBA rate cut:
<ul>
<li>UBank dropped its savings accounts by 0.25 percentage points on 18 February</li>
<li>NAB dropped its savings accounts by 0.25 percentage points on 18 February</li>
<li>Commonwealth Bank's Goal Saver Account bonus interest dropped 12 February, by 0.25 percentage points: base rate of 0.01%, bonus is now 3.19%</li>
<li>Citibank dropped its Ultimate Business Saver by 0.35 percentage points on 15 February</li>
<li>ME Bank First Home Saver Account: dropped 12 February by 0.25 percentage points from 2.75% to 2.5%</li>
<li>ANZ Online Saver and Progress Saver: both dropped by 0.25 percentage points on 7 February</li>
<li>ING Direct Savings Accelerator: dropped its base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% on 7 February</li>
<li>ME Bank Online Savings Account: dropped its base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.5% on 7 February</li>
<li>RaboDirect High Interest Savings Account DIY Super: dropped its base rate by 0.05 percentage points to 3.15% on 5 February</li>
<li>People's Choice Young Saver Account: dropped its bonus rate by 0.10 percentage points to 1.40% on 5 February</li>
<li>Commonwealth Bank Business Online Saver: also dropped its base rate by 0.15 percentage points to 2.10% on 4 February</li>
</ul>
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Frustrated home buyers face lower, longer task while saving for home: finder.com.au

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Brisbane agents scheduled a record number of homes for a February weekend with the preliminary result seeing a 61% success rate.
Some 142 properties were scheduled for auction, well ahead of the 84 auctions conducted last weekend and significantly higher than the 100 listed over the same weekend a year ago.
Windaroo hosted the most number of auctions this weekend with seven followed by Sunnybank and Ascot with five each.
Seller confidence in the Brisbane housing market continues to rise following a record spring-summer auction season, Fairfax Domain senior economist Andrew Wilson said.
"This year has commenced in similar fashion with a record early season 448 auctions over the last five weekends compared to the 390 listed over the same period last year," said Wilson.
"Solid buyer demand for inner and middle suburban properties continues to drive the Brisbane housing market with prices continuing to rise."
APM reported the weekend's top sale was $1,496,000 when the four bedroom 89 Towers Street, Ascot (pictured above) deceased estate offering sold through Ray White.
The weekend's cheapest was a three bedroom house at Morayfield for $183,000. The 1 Judith Street house sold through Lynne Cornish Real Estate.
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A solid 61% auction success rate Brisbane's first February Super Saturday

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<div>
The Hawthorn AFL footballer Jordan Lewis sold his two-bedroom Victorian semi for $1.1 million at weekend auction.
</div>
Lewis had bought the 1890s Hawthorn East semi for $690,000 in April 2009.
Five bidders triggered the sale around $150,000 above reserve through Jellis Craig agent Richard Winneke, who sold it last time too.
There are approved plans for a second story extension at the white-washed, single fronted semi-detached Victorian home on its 226 square metre block.
The house has 95 square metres space.
CoreLogic RP Data put Hawthorn East's <a href="/news">median</a><a href="/news"> house price at $1.45 million</a>, down on its 2014 peak. 
The house previously sold at $445,000 in 2001 and $245,000 in 1998.
In 2014, Lewis won his club's best and fairest award, as well as All-Australian recognition, as the Hawks won back-to-back premierships.
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Hawk star Jordan Lewis sells in Hawthorn East

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The $588,000 Sydney median unit price is dearer than the house median in seven other capital cities, according to RP Data.
It is cheaper to buy a median house in Melbourne Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data report, than an apartment in Sydney. 
The nearest is Canberra where houses have a $575,000 median price.
CoreLogic put the Sydney house median at $780,000, after a 1.6% jump during January. There was an overall 1.4% increase in January for all dwellings to a $680,000 median.
Despite a 2.7 per cent surge in January, Melbourne dwelling values rose just 0.2 per cent in February, according to the CoreLogic RP Data figures.
Adelaide prices rose 0.2 per cent in January, with Canberra’s up by 1.3 per cent and Darwin up 0.9%.
But Perth, Brisbane and Hobart fell, down 2.2%, 0.5% and 0.9% respectively.
<a href="/images/2015/03/02/Picture%2018.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2015/03/02/Picture%2018.png" alt=""></a>
Click above to open in new window.
Source: CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index
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Sydney unit prices dearer than houses in all other capital cities: CoreLogic RP Data

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Cabramatta secured the weekend's cheapest auction result when $325,000 was paid for a two bedroom unit.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/1-11-gilbert-street-cabramatta/Property-Details-buy-residential-8285788" target="_blank">The Ray White marketing</a> advised its annual rent return was $17,680 at $340 a week, reflecting a 5.4% yield.
The sale was secured pre-auction.
Located just a minutes walk from the Cabramatta CBD, the first floor, freshly painted, street facing unit came with an updated kitchen and two balconies.
The 1976 apartment had a lock up garage.
It last sold in 2007 at $175,000, reflecting 8.3% annual price growth, and at $185,000 in near-boomtime 2003.
The Ray White Green Valley selling agent was Scott Whittle. 
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Cabramatta $325,000 sale Sydney's cheapest weekend auction sale

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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