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Off the plan sales are underway in Australia 108, the 100 storey residential highrise at 70 Southbank Boulevard in Melbourne. 
There has already been one family buying five apartments with intentions of combining them, on the 79th level costing over $9 million through Andrew Leoncelli, Melbourne director of the selling agents, CBRE.
It was not an entire floor, as Property Observer gleans the 79th floor has eight apartments.
The big launch is February 14.
The tower was originally designed to be 388 metres high but has been scaled back due to concerns over civil aviation flight controls.
It has also been changed from a hotel plus apartments to apartments only.
The tower is being developed by Singaporean company World Class Land, a subsidiary of Aspial Corporation headed by billionaire businessman Koh Wee Seng.
Completion is scheduled for early 2019. 
<img src="/images/2015/01/15/TPA8467_Australia_108_E01_Hero%20Elevated.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.australia108.com.au" target="_blank">Australia 108</a> will have one-bedroom apartments (42-50 square metres) from $517,500.
One bedroom plus study apartments (57 square metres) will be price from $630,500; and two bedroom apartments (58-72 square metres) from $642,500 all on the first 67 levels, called "Sky Rise".
The levels above will be the "Cloud Rise" section, with three-bedrooms (120-151 square metres) from $1.64 million and three bedroom, three bathroom penthouses (172-211 square metres) from $3,014,700. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Family snaps up five 79th floor apartments in Australia 108

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The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) today announced it will reduce interest rates on its standard variable rate (SVR) by 0.25% per annum.
Its three year and five year fixed rate products will also be reduced by 0.25% and 0.30% respectively.
The new SVR will take effect from 20 February 2015.
Standard variable rate (SVR) mortgage cut by 0.25% to 5.65%
<ul>
<li>Five year fixed rate mortgage reduced by 0.30% to 4.69%</li>
<li>Three year fixed rate mortgage reduced by 0.25% to 4.69%</li>
</ul>
The new SVR rate of 5.65% is the lowest since April 2009.
"Our fixed rates are now the lowest we have ever offered," said CBA's group executive retail banking services, Matt Comyn.
“As the nation’s largest lender, we are always seeking to deliver value to our 1.6 million home loan customers and today we are pleased to pass on the full benefit of the RBA’s recent interest rate reduction,” said Matt Comyn.
“Our new reduced standard variable rate of 5.65% is the lowest we have offered in five years, but beyond price, we are committed to ensuring our customers have the right tools, support and advice that will give them the best home buying experience.”
By reducing the standard variable home loan rate by 0.25%, home owners will save $48 a month, based on the average mortgage of $300,000.
CommBank has reduced its variable rate on home loans by 2.16 percentage points since 1 November 2011, equating to a saving of $430 in monthly repayments and an annual saving of $5,160 on a home loan of $300,000.
The Bank of Queensland has also announced it will pass onto its customers the full Reserve Bank cut, as hot competition to win borrowers is anticipated.
But it's decision has yet to be widely matched, other then ME Bank's quick announcement and ING.
The BoQ will lower its variable home loan and business term-loan rates from 24 February.
ING DIRECT will lower the interest rate on its variable mortgages by 0.25%, effective 20 February. 
Following this reduction, the rate on ING DIRECT's Mortgage Simplifier product will be 4.97% per annum.
ING DIRECT has a mortgage book of $38 billion.
BoQ’s Clear Path mortgage product’s variable home loan rate will be 4.62%, its standard variable-rate home loan at 5.76% and its variable rate on business term loans with residential security down to 7.25%.
Newcastle Permanent advised the 25 basis points represented a ­saving of $43 a month for $300,000 home loan holders with 25 year loans.
The non-bank lender Australian First Mortgage announced fixed rate cuts on two of its full-doc Flexible range products, just prior to the official RBA cash rate call yesterday. Its four year fixed rate is down by 0.41% to 5.12%, and the five year fixed rate it is down by 0.26% to 5.22%. <a href="https://www.brokernews.com.au/tools/company/afm/121294/"> </a>
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Rate war looms: CBA, BoQ, Newcastle and ING cut rates after RBA decision

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In what was the first of the expected lender announcements, ME Bank will pass on today’s full 0.25% RBA rate cut to customers.
ME Bank’s Standard Home Loan variable interest rate will drop to 5.13% per annum and its member package rate will fall to 4.93% per annum.
The new home loan rates are effective 20 February 2015.
Last month ME Bank cut its five-year fixed rate home loan by 25 basis points to 4.69% per annum.
Their three year fixed rate loan is at a record low of 4.59%, which brings both their three year and five year offerings to the cheapest on the market, according to ME Bank CEO Jamie McPhee.
“The cost at which ME Bank borrows in the fixed rate market has been falling. In turn, we can pass on these savings to customers,” he said.
“Unlike the majors, we’re keen to pass these opportunities on to customers and continue our aggressive position in the home loan market.”
McPhee said that, as well as their competitive rates, they recently made the decision to extend home loan offers to all borrowers, both members and non-members of Industry Super Funds and unions.
APRA statistics saw ME Bank boosting investor lending by 39.1% and owner occupied lending by 11.5% during the 12 months to 30 November 2014.
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ME Bank cuts first after February RBA announcement

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The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut rates to a new record low of 2.25%.
It was the most eagerly debated decision among economists for some time.
The RBA noted credit growth picked up to moderate rates in 2014, with stronger growth in lending to investors in housing assets. 
"Dwelling prices have continued to rise strongly in Sydney, though trends have been more varied in a number of other cities over recent months."
"The Bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain economic risks that may arise from the housing market.
It was only a few months ago the majority of experts expected a rate increase. 
Australian Property Monitors’ <a href="/expert-insights/finance/domain-groups-andrew-wilson-predicts-rba-will-cut-rates-further">Andrew Wilson was among the first to lean towards a cut</a> coming, though he didn't tip it in the <a href="https://ht.ly/Io0xt" target="_blank">finder.com.au survey</a>.
The rate of 2.5% had been stable throughout 2014.
The cut suggests the bank does not have an obsession with Sydney house price directions.
"The decision by the Reserve Bank to cut the cash rate by 25 basis points is likely to take the typical standard variable mortgage rate down to 5.7% and discounted variable rates to 4.85%; the lowest cost of mortgage debt since July 1968," Tim Lawless, the head of research at CoreLogic RP Data said.
"Lower mortgage rates have the potential to add some fuel to what are already strong housing market conditions (dwelling values Australia’s capital cities have already increased by 19.6% since interest rates started falling back in November 2011), however the stimulus from lower rates may not be as influential on housing market conditions as what we have seen in the past.
"Lower consumer confidence, stricter serviceability requirements for borrowers, tighter lending conditions for investors, affordability challenges and low rental yields are all factors that may contribute to the moderation in housing market conditions over 2015.
"The ideal outcome for the Reserve Bank under the new interest rate setting would be that housing market conditions continue to moderate back to more sustainable levels, but housing demand remains strong enough to keep dwelling construction at the current high levels and new home sales relatively high.
"The challenge for the Reserve Bank is to stimulate stronger economic growth without over stimulating the housing market," Lawless suggested.
Photo courtesy of Newtown grafitti/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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RBA cuts rates to record 2.25% low at February 2015 meeting

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Luci Ellis, the head of Financial Stability Department at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), had her thoughts presented to the World Economic Forum at Davos last month.
She noted Australia's prevalence of variable rate mortgages was seen as stabilizing because it encourages rapid amortization, beyond what the loan contract requires.
But she also noted the use of fixed rate loans is regarded as stabilizing in German-speaking countries. 
Attendees at the World Economic Forum at Davos were told both 1929 and 2008 were financial landmarks, but they were not unique, according to an analytic report prepared by the <a href="https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Emerging_Horizons_Real_Estate_Profile_Prescriptions_Proposals_report15.pdf" target="_blank">Steering and Advisory Committees of the Emerging Horizons in Real Estate – Asset Price Dynamics Initiative</a>. 
"Institutional settings that have been regarded as sources of vulnerability in some cases can be sources of stability in others, depending on the context," Ellis wrote in the report's foreword.
"For example, restrictions on building are seen as exacerbating the 1970s cycle in office property in the United Kingdom, but more recently in Ireland, tighter restrictions might have helped to prevent the geographic misallocation of construction activity.
"Similarly, the use of fixed rate loans is regarded as stabilizing in German-speaking countries, whereas in Australia the prevalence of variable rate mortgages is seen as stabilizing because it encourages rapid amortization, beyond what the loan contract requires."
She observed that many of the recent boom-bust episodes were sparked, at least in part, by financial deregulation.
"Freed of past quantitative restrictions, banks eased their lending standards and expanded credit beyond levels that could be reasonably serviced once the market turned down," wrote Ellis.
"But this shift necessarily only happens once.
"It remains to be seen if these episodes could repeat themselves in the same countries.
"Yet memories fade, and the lax lending standards that characterized some of the boom phases described in this collection have re-emerged in some cases.
"The stance of prudential supervision seems to be important here, in that “light touch” regulatory regimes have frequently failed to prevent excessive risk-taking by financial institutions or their customers."
Ellis noted tax systems that encourage leverage and prudential regulatory regimes that do not effectively curtail imprudent behaviour seem to be common factors in many of the episodes analysed in these case studies.
Another common factor relates to the price of credit: where fixed exchange rate regimes or currency union membership result in interest rates being out of line with the needs of the domestic economy, capital flows and credit supply can fuel a speculative boom in domestic asset markets, particularly property.
"The overarching lesson for policy-makers from the collected experiences is that the social costs of the busts can be large enough to justify preventative policy action," Ellis wrote.
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RBA's Luci Ellis tells World Economic Forum boom-bust cycle fueled by financial deregulation

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Low inflation and a still-subdued growth outlook give scope to ease policy, the ANZ Research department thinks.
They now publish The ANZ Heatmap (click to open in new window):
<a href="/images/2015/02/02/anz-feb-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/02/anz-feb-2.jpg" alt=""></a>
Source: ANZ Research
After the decision the ANZ suggested the forward guidance is not strong but with the period of stability reference now gone, we would expect further cuts in the months ahead.
The tone of the Statement is quite dovish with obvious concern for underlying growth in domestic demand. Our initial reading is the RBA could well follow up today’s move in March and it therefore does raise the possibility, at least for market expectations, of a cash rate below 2% this year.
After almost 18 months on the sidelines the shift back to easing is likely to generate more than just one 25bp cut. So March is certainly live.
We will wait for Friday’s Statement to review the RBA’s new forecasts for inflation and growth. This will be the key to gauging the extent of further monetary stimulus the RBA is currently contemplating.
In the Statement there is more emphasis on growth being weak than inflation providing the scope to ease.
The RBA notes that housing remains strong in Sydney and comment: “The Bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain economic risks that may arise from the housing market.”
The final paragraph from the Statement provides no formal guidance.
“For the past year and a half, the cash rate has been stable, as the Board has taken time to assess the effects of the substantial easing in policy that had already been put in place and monitored developments in Australia and abroad. At today's meeting, taking into account the flow of recent information and updated forecasts, the Board judged that, on balance, a further reduction in the cash rate was appropriate. This action is expected to add some further support to demand, so as to foster sustainable growth and inflation outcomes consistent with the target.“
The above is an immediate post number reaction. An economic update will be forthcoming with more detailed analysis, views, charts and tables.
 
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RBA 2% cash rate forecast: The ANZ heatmap

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Marcus Padley, the author of the stock market newsletter Marcus Today, has tipped the housing market will remain supported in 2015 as interest rates stay down and investors continue to prefer property to equities.
"But as the property market plateaus as the economy wilts and unemployment rises, making money in property will mean doing what we did in the 1980s, buying the worst house in the best street and adding value," he told Fairfa Media.
"On that basis renovating/DIY/home improvement suppliers to the housing market will continue to be a strong sector."
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Home improvements set to increase: Marcus Padley

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Australians with multiple superannuation accounts could be paying thousands in unnecessary fees every year.
<a href="/news">According to new figures released today </a>by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), 45% of working Australians have more than one super account.
The ATO is encouraging those with multiple accounts to consider consolidating their super into one preferred account. Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority (APRA) figures show the median figure for fees and charges paid by Australians for a low cost superannuation account is $532 per year.
“Consolidating your super into one preferred account is easier than ever and the New Year is the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start with your finances.” says ATO Assistant Commissioner of Superannuation, John Shepherd.
“It is not uncommon for people to open a new super account when they start a new job instead of taking their super fund with them when they change jobs.
“People might also have super accounts which they have lost track of, for example, they may not have updated their contact details with their funds when they moved house — there are still $5.8 billion worth of accounts in this category.”
Australians are encouraged to use the improved myGov online portal to check their super accounts and consolidate multiple accounts.
“myGov has made it much easier for people to combine their super accounts in one place,” Shepherd said.
“Users can see all their accounts and consolidate them with a few clicks and having one account minimises fees and can help maximise retirement savings.
“We’ve recently seen a significant increase in Australians merging their super into one preferred account with more than 265,000 accounts with balances totalling $1.13 billion consolidated in the six months to December 2014. In one case, 17 accounts were consolidated.
“This is a rise of 400% from the six months to December 2013 when 52,000 accounts worth more than $270 million were consolidated.
“If you’ve tried to combine your accounts before and found it difficult to do, give it another go. We have simplified the process since our online services were first launched and it’s now easier than ever to consolidate your super.”
Shepherd said that before people consolidate, they should look at any insurance cover with each fund, as it will be cancelled once they close their account.
“People should also make sure their super fund has their tax file number. They'll pay less tax on their super and it will help us to make sure all their super accounts are displayed online,” he said.
The following data provides a breakdown of the lost super by postcode as at 31 December 2014:
<table style="width: 460px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<th>
State
</th>
<th>
Total no. of accounts
</th>
<th>
Value of accounts
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
ACT
</td>
<td>
22,270
</td>
<td>
$248,435,330.45
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
NSW
</td>
<td>
405,079
</td>
<td>
$4,212,608,046.21
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
NT
</td>
<td>
23,819
</td>
<td>
$208,096,039.80
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
QLD
</td>
<td>
274,790
</td>
<td>
$2,722,734,421.04
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
SA
</td>
<td>
72,238
</td>
<td>
$680,425,943.04
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
TAS
</td>
<td>
22,160
</td>
<td>
$198,112,427.52
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
VIC
</td>
<td>
264,330
</td>
<td>
$2,736,093,306.68
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
WA
</td>
<td>
207,075
</td>
<td>
$1,518,250,373.92
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Total
</td>
<td>
1,291,761
</td>
<td>
$12,524,755,888.66*
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Australians losing thousands with multiple super accounts

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Lakemba had the cheapest of Sydney's 70% weekend auction success rate, according to the results from Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors.
There were 97 offerings in Sydney ranging from $417,000 at Lakemba to $2 million at Lane Cove North.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/lakemba/?adid=2011679420" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The 5/41 Sproule Street, Lakemba</a> offering was a two bedroom unit sold through Ralph RE which sold for $417,000. Agent Mark Dissinger says it was a suburb record for a two bedroom without a garage. The modernised 82 square metre last sold at $163,000 in 2001. It came with carport. Mark Dissinger said $476,000 was the top two bedroom price with garaging. It sold to an owner occupier.
The 36 Kara Street, Lane Cove North offerings was a recently refurbished four bedroom house.
McGrath agent Brent Courtney had the house listed for December auction last year with $1.8 million hopes, but the occupation certificate didn't come through in time. 
So as soon as it became available in January, Courtney organised an impromptu auction.
There were nine registered bidders, around half having been there on the property in the lead up to the thwarted December auction.
 
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Lakemba record but cheapest among Sydney's opening weekend auction range

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A Sandpiper, Noosa beachfront apartment has been sold for $7.15 million.
Set centre stage on Hastings Street, it was the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-noosa+heads-116383719" target="_blank">whole top floor penthouse</a> in the bespoke beachfront triplex building. 
The three level building has interiors by JDM Designs.
"There are fewer than thirty three bedroom apartments available along this world famous boardwalk," Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa selling agent Peter Butt emphasised in the marketing.
The apartment comes with an 80 square metre rooftop terrace.
It was 2013 when the Pherous clan headed a $14 million deal in the block. 
Two of the three apartments in the Sandpiper building on Hastings Street sold. The ground-floor unit poolside apartment cost $8 million off the plan in 2011, while the second floor apartment went for $6 million in 2013. 
 
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Noosa's Sandpiper penthouse sells through R&W Noosa at $7.15 million

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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