<html><body>
Westfield Corporation chairman Frank Lowy is proud of successfully completing the restructure of Westfield during the year.
"The combined market capitalisation of Westfield Corporation and Scentre Group is now over $41 billion, representing $12 billion of value creation for the securit yholders who participated in the restructure,” the latest results advised.
Westfield Corporation is included in the S&amp;P/ASX200 A-REIT Index with a weighting of approximately 20%.
"Given this significant weighting of the Group in that index, it is informative to show the comparison of Westfield Corporation’s total returns against the performance of other index participants (excluding Westfield Corporation)," Westfield said.
WFD total return (pro-forma for Restructure) v S&amp;P/ASX200 A-REIT Index constituents (excluding WFD) (Click to open in new window:):
<a href="/images/2015/02/25/westfiled-feb-25-one.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/25/westfiled-feb-25-one.jpg" alt=""></a>
Its development pipeline is expected to create significant long-term value for security-holders, the half year report noted.
As the group’s assets and operations are located overseas, principally in the United States, the group has adopted United States dollars as its presentation currency.
Westfield Corporation owns a pre-eminent portfolio in the United States and United Kingdom valued at $28.5 billion (Group’s share: $17.7 billion) with some 7,400 retailers and 50 million sqf of gross leasable area.
"The performance of Westfield Corporation’s portfolio in the United States and United Kingdom remains strong," the report stated.
"Significant progress is being made on the $11.4 billion pipeline of current and future developments, which include Westfield World Trade Center in New York, Century City in Los Angeles and the expansion of Westfield London and Valley Fair in Silicon Valley."
Westfield Corporation announced its earnings results with Funds From Operations (FFO) for the six months ended 31 December 2014 of $391 million, in-line with forecast. 
Speciality sales across its portfolio rose 3.9% to $700 per square foot across 2014, with growth of 4.5% in its flagship centres achieving $986 per square foot.
The regional portfolio specialty retail sales achieved of $476 per square foot, up 3.3%. 
Average specialty rents for the total portfolio were $86.34 per square foot, up 4.1% with the Flagship portfolio at $115.35 per square foot, up 5.0%.
Growth over expiring rents for comparable space was 20%, comprising 26% in the Flagship portfolio and 7.7% in the Regional portfolio. This includes the five yearly rent reviews at Westfield London. 
The group’s two London assets, Westfield London and Stratford City achieved combined annual sales of almost £2.1 billion with approximately 70 million annual customer visits. The upcoming expansion at Westfield London will be anchored by a new flagship John Lewis department store. On completion, Westfield London is expected to become the largest shopping centre in Europe. 
Meanwhile Frank Lowy has convinced his son Peter to reconsider departing from his executive role.
When the Lowy family announced the controversial restructuring of its empire last year, Peter indicated that he would step back from his position as co-chief executive with brother Steven and instead take a non-executive role.
"With the group's exciting prospects, its extensive and geographically diverse development pipeline, its drive for innovation and on-going capital management initiatives, the board has asked Peter Lowy to reconsider his decision to step down from his executive position," the company said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
"The board is please to announce that Peter has agreed to remain as co-CEO together with Steven Lowy."
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Westfield's Peter Lowy is staying with the family firm

<html><body>
Savills Australia open its Sydney Chinatown office last week to coincide with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Located in Dixon Street, the new Chinatown office will showcase a selection of Savills residential listings.
The NSW Premier Mike Baird popped by the celebrations that included the traditional lion dance and firecrackers, to bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead. 
<img src="/images/2015/02/25/chinatown-feb-25-three.jpg" alt="">
NSW Premier Mike Baird (second rear from the right) attends the opening of Savills' Chinatown office opening. Photo supplied.
Declaring the Savills Residential Projects office officially open was Paul McLean, Savills CEO, Australia and New Zealand who hoped the close identification with Chinatown would "make Savills not just an important business presence but a valued community one also.”
“With the growing demand for residential property, both from local and international buyers, we felt there was a need to establish a presence in Chinatown," Ged Rockliff, head of residential projects, Savills Australia said. 
“This also reflects our rapidly changing market and the need to not only focus on local buyers but to service the growing local Chinese community and the wider international market." 
Savills has over 600 offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
The opening comes as the number of Significant Investor Visas granted by the federal government has had 89% of all approvals from China. Hong Kong is the next most popular source country, with 3.5% of visas granted.
Victoria has attracted most of the visas granted, followed by NSW.
</body></html>

Savills open Sydney Chinatown office as SIV numbers rise

<html><body>
Traditional method baker, Hometree, has committed to a new lease in South Yarra.
The deal by the high quality bread maker was negotiated by Savills Australia in conjunction with Grange Property Consultants for the 166 Toorak Road space.
It is the former Mecca Cosmetica premises comprising 140 square metres close to the railway station.
Savills Australia Victorian retail director, Michael Di Carlo, who brokered the deal, with colleague Jeremy Marmur and Grange Property Consultants director, Joel Wald, said the deal was negotiated on a seven year term. 
The rental was not disclosed but deals along the street have been struck in the vicinity of $900 to $1,000 a square metre.
</body></html>

Hometree bakery takes Toorak Road, South Yarra lease

<html><body>
The sale of Investa Property Group by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds is attracting international buyer interest.
The Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column advised interest has come from Mitsubishi Estate of Japan and Singapore's City Developments Ltd (CDL).
The early line-up of potential bidders for Investa included Blackstone with Ivanhoe Cambridge, as revealed by Street Talk, Fosun from China and LaSalle Investment Management. 
On the local front Cbus has already expressed interest in the opportunity to secure a stake in 13 towers worth at least $2.3 billion. 
</body></html>

Investa listing atracts international attention

<html><body>
The Queenscliff Hotel has been relisted for sale.
<a href="https://www.abercrombys.com.au/queenscliff-queenscliff-hotel-16-gellibrand-street-ab2974/" target="_blank">The striking 1887 Queen Anne-style building</a> has 16 rooms with ensuites, sitting rooms, library, bar and dining room and a breakfast room.
There is a commercial kitchen and a manager’s residence.
Abercromby’s are selling the property on a walk-in, walk-out basis at its 20 March auction, where expectations are $3.5 million plus.
The hotel is still taking guests, but the restaurant served its last meals on Christmas Day, following the death of owner Johann Schuetz.
John Schuetz and his wife, Theresa bought the property at 16 Gellibrand Street in 2002.
The 1887 built Queenscliff Hotel on the western tip of Port Phillip bay was designed by Melbourne architects Reed, Henderson &amp; Smart, the same architects responsible for the State Library of Victoria, Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne Trades Hall and a number of Melbourne university buildings.
It was built by NW Frogley in the English Queen Anne style for Martha Nugent and Joseph Goslin, wealthy local citizens at the time.
Heritage documents describe its polygonal tower, with its coned roof and bellcast profile and gables, as a reflection of northern European Renaissance architecture, particularly from countries as such France and the Netherlands.
The Schuetz family acquired the property in 2002 from restaurateur Patricia O’Donnell, sister of the late Mietta O'Donnell, who ran the hotel as a fine dining hotel for a number of years. The hotel was first restored for modern use in 1978.
Queenscliff became a significant tourist destination in the late 19th century with holiday-makers taking a two hour paddle steamer journey from Melbourne. 
The influx continued with the 1879 opening of the Geelong railway line, which coincided with the construction of a number of luxury hotels including the Palace Hotel, the Baillieu Hotel and the Vue Grande Hotel.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Queenscliff Hotel relisted for sale with $3.5 million plus hopes

<html><body>
Foreigners approved to buy established residential properties will have to pay extra when they purchase through the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) under laws proposed by the federal government.
A $5,000 fee will be payable on FIRB approved properties valued under $1 million, while a $10,000 application fee will apply at over $1 million. It will be $20,000 above $2 million, then rising incrementally.
Fines of up to 25% of the value of the property will be made for non-compliance as part of the Abbott government's new regime.
There will be a four week community consultation to consider the proposals by the <a href="https://www.treasury.gov.au/ConsultationsandReviews/Consultations/2015/Strengthening-Australias-foreign-investment-framework" target="_blank">Australian Treasury</a>.
There are big changes which will affect the off the plan market, though no plan to put a buyer fee for off-the-plan.
Property developers seeking an advanced off-the-plan certificate will instead be levied an application fee based on the number of dwellings sold to foreign investors, based on the $5,000 under $1 million fee, and then the rising scale. 
Currently, property developers can apply for an advanced off-the-plan certificate to sell new apartments in a development of 100 or more to foreign investors (the investor does not then need to obtain separate approval). 
These certificates are granted on the condition that the apartments are marketed in Australia, as well as overseas, to ensure that domestic buyers have the same opportunity to purchase the apartments. However, there are currently no penalties for breaching this condition.
The House Economics Committee report recommended a tightening of the rules around advanced off-the-plan certificates to ensure developers comply with their obligations to market properties to domestic buyers.
Recognising these concerns, the Government proposes to strengthen enforcement options by subjecting developers to civil and criminal penalties under the Act.
In addition, the Government is proposing to tighten the rules around the use of advanced off-the-plan certificates by limiting the value of all apartments that can be bought by a single foreign investor to $3 million in any single development. 
If foreign investors want to purchase apartments above this value, they would have to seek individual approval. This would reduce the scope for any criminal behaviour (such as money laundering) by ensuring that high wealth investors are subject to the upfront screening process. 
Many of the proposals go further than those recommended by Kelly O'Dwyer's Parliamentary committee, but Prime Minster Tony Abbott said it will mean that foreigners who aren't playing by the rules won't be in the system.
"There are millions of Australians who want to realise the dream of owning their own home," said Abbott.
"Obviously we want the dream to continue."
Abbott said the fee structure was comparable with a system in New Zealand, through less punitive than regimes in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The fees would raise $200 million a year which would fund FIRB scrutiny and the establishment of a register of foreign home owners.
Non-resident foreign persons are generally prohibited from purchasing established dwellings in Australia.
However, reflecting the fact that foreign persons who are temporary residents need a place to live during their time in Australia, temporary residents can apply to purchase one established dwelling to use as a residence while they live in Australia. 
The purchase of an established dwelling is conditional on the foreign person selling the property when they leave Australia.
Temporary residents cannot acquire established dwellings for investment (rental) or holiday purposes.
Under the Act, it is a requirement that each proposed acquisition of real estate be individually notified and reviewed, unless specifically exempted.
However, property developers (Australian or foreign) can apply for an advanced off the plan certificate to sell all new dwellings in a development of 100 or more dwellings to foreign persons, provided the development is marketed locally as well as overseas.
Foreign persons purchasing dwellings in a certified development do not require separate approval. 
But the government seeks feedback on proposed changes to advanced off the plan certificates, including:
<ul>
<li>Should penalties be introduced for developers that fail to comply with obligations to market domestically?</li>
<li>If so, what should developers be required to do to prove they have marketed domestically?</li>
<li>What level of penalty would be appropriate for developers that fail to comply with obligations to market domestically?</li>
<li>Are there alternative approaches that should be considered </li>
</ul>
</body></html>

$10,000 FIRB fee to buy $1 million plus home: Tony Abbott policy unveiled

<html><body>
All the advertising around low home loan interest rates was stimulating activity, the outgoing head of Mortgage Choice Michael Russell told an investor briefing.
But rates will get to a point where it will not be material enough to bring forward future buying demand, he suggested.
"We have to be getting close to that point now," he added, though not for refinancing loans.
Mortgage Choice Limited today announced its financial results for the six months ending 31 December 2014. 
The company's net profit after tax was $10 million, up 3.3% annually. Total group revenue was $97 million, up 11% on 1H14 with its total loan book reaching $48.4 billion. 
"This was up 4.5% from $46.4 billion at 31 December 2013 and is poised to hit $50 billion by 1H16," Russell advised.
"We are about to smash through the $50 billion milestone," he told the investor briefing. He said the biggest lending boost within their boost had been derived from CUA lending given their sharp lending rates.
Some $6.9 billion worth of housing loan approvals were written in the six months to 31 December 2014, up from $6.2 billion in 1H14. 
It's annual share of new home loans remained at 3.9%, although strong growth was achieved especially on Queensand's Gold Coast were it held a 10% plus market share.
Micheal Russell said the group had adopted a "steely focus" to boost its lending book.
"Victoria was starting to hit its straps," he said in what was the mortgage broker chief executive's swan song half year results.
Mortgage Choice has previously announced the appointment of John Flavell as its chief executive officer, set to join the company in April 2015.
Michael Russell will work alongside Flavell in a transition phase and then depart the business at the end of the 2014/15 financial year.
Russell joined Mortgage Choice as CEO in 2009, developing two three-year plans to expand the company.
</body></html>

Low interest rates almost at tipping point: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
ASIC's Park Trent trial is set to be heard over the course of four days commencing 7 April 2015.
ASIC commenced its proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales seeking orders to prevent the property investment promoter from carrying on an unlicensed financial services business.
Park Trent’s business promotes the use of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) to purchase investment property.
ASIC alleges in the contested matter that that Park Trent was unlawfully carrying on a financial services business without an Australian financial services (AFS) licence.
ASIC understands that Park Trent has advised at least 500 members of the public to establish and switch funds into an SMSF which are then used to purchase investment properties that are owned or promoted by Park Trent companies.
It has not gone all to plan for ASIC in the court. 
At the directions hearing on 15 December 2014, ASIC's application sought, amongst other things, orders restraining Park Trent from carrying on a financial services business until the hearing of ASIC's application for final relief.
But ASIC's interlocutory application was not determined with orders made expediting the trial of the proceedings.
</body></html>

Park Trent trial set for April NSW Supreme Court hearing

<html><body>
BlackRocks's James Quille, the former chairman of Macquarie Global Property Advisors, has emerged as the buyer of the Mona Vale home of the the former chief executive of McDonald's Australia, Peter Ritchie and his wife, Leigh.
The Mona Vale weekender fetched $7.65 million.
It's a Peter Burford-designed beach house on 2,056 square metres - a pavilion-style home on level lawns to the beachfront.
They had bought the two title Surfview Road property in 1996 at $850,000 and $1,185,000 in 1997.
The property was sold to the property industry veteran and his wife, Gillian just before Christmas last year through Lachlan Elder of LJ Hooker Mona Vale who held adjusted, almost accomplishable <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/investment-strategy/property-news-and-insights/27801-peter-ritchie-lists-biggest-mona-vale-beachfront-with-pavilion-style-home" target="_blank">$8 million hopes</a> following its initial late 2013 offering.
There was no registered mortgage taken out by the expatriate purchasers.
James Quille has over 33 years experience in the real estate sector and 22 years has been directly involved in real estate funds management in both the listed and private equity sectors in Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and Latin America, with companies including Goodman and BlackRock, where he has been a senior advisor since the 2013 buyout of MGPA.
</body></html>

Peter Ritchie's Mona Vale beachfront sells at $7.65 million

<html><body>
From the copper on the timber front door, 36 Kent Street, Newtown is an abode with art you can live in.
There are $1.1 million plus hopes for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/newtown/?adid=2011765822" target="_blank">the 247 square metre inner Sydney space</a> which dates back to the early 1990s.
The colourful corner block offering has been a labour of love by the owner builders. The block cost<a href="https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=36+Kent+Street+Newtown+New+South+Wales+Australia+2042&amp;ll=-33.902252,151.175875&amp;z=16"> </a>$130,000 in 1989 when bought by Catherine Barber, the Kennedy Miller film financing veteran.
Newtown's highest price in the past year was $3,625,000 for 1 Warren Ball Avenue, with CoreLogic RPData reporting the <a href="/news">median </a><a href="/news">house price sits at </a><a href="/news">$1 million</a>.
The auction is scheduled for 14 March.
Another more typical Newtown offering goes to auction this weekend with $800,000 plus hopes.
<img class="cboxPhoto" src="https://cdn1.rwaws.com/s3/rw-media/propertyphotos/2015/2/12/S1324-1422931954-29933-Bedford-St-87-Newtown-Facade-Low.jpg">
The <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/newtown/1258440/" target="_blank">Ray White agency</a> has the two bedroom 1910 semi with attic space.
Behind the traditional facade of 87 Bedford Street, there are the standard rustic floorboards, original fireplaces and ornate ceiling roses.
</body></html>

Newtown art you can live in

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News