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The extent of the continued Sydney house price surge is well illustrated in the latest RBA chart pack.
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/household-sector" target="_blank">The housing prices chart</a> (pictured below) shows not only the growing gap after Sydney's price escalation between traditional rival Melbourne, but also the price proximity that has been surrendered since the previous 2010 peak.
<img src="/images/2015/01/09/6bl-houspri%203.gif" alt="">
CoreLogic RP Data also shows much the same pattern in the relationship between Melbourne and Perth prices. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's 2014 house price surge: RBA chart pack

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Labor senator Sam Dastyari has demanded the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) attend before the Senate economics committee next month to explain its apparent supervisory lag in the Myra Home Loans matter.
A mortgage broker continued to work in the industry long after his alleged fraudulent loans between 2008 and 2011 were detected, and then after the arrest and court proceedings earlier this month. “This is outrageous. It’s once again a demonstration of ASIC failing to act when all the evidence is before them,” Sam Dastyari told The Australian. Dastyari claimed that the issue was not the regulator’s lack of power, but that it was not using the powers it already had. “For those of us who have ­increasingly lost faith in ASIC’s ability to be the tough cop on the beat, situations like this reinforce the view, as Greg Medcraft said, that ­Australia is becoming a paradise for white collar criminals. There is this constant failure to act.”
The Melbourne man arrested after an alleged $110 million mortgage fraud, Aizaz Hassan, was capable of writing loans until his accreditation was stopped on Tuesday this week, 6 January 2015.
Hassan had appeared before a bail justice on 2 January 2015, bailed on conditions including that he report to police twice a week, surrender valid passports or any other valid travel documents and not apply for any other, not attend any points of international departure and not leave Australia.
He will reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 April 2015.
Hassan held his credit licence through several lenders since 2011, currently with Australian Finance Group, one of the country's largest mortgage brokerage networks.
Hassan and another Melbourne man, Najam Shah, have been arrested and charged following an ASIC investigation into the alleged use of false documents in support of loan applications valued at about $110 million.
Shah and Hassan have been charged with one count each of common law conspiracy to defraud, according to an ASIC release.
The charges relate to the men’s roles at a Footscray company, Myra Home Loan Pty Ltd trading as Myra Financial Services (no longer trading).
It is alleged that between April 2008 and December 2011, Shah and Hassan conspired to defraud 12 lenders, banks and other financial institutions, by creating and using false documents to support loan applications submitted on behalf of Myra clients.
<a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/financing/loans-and-mortgages/39109-arrests-follows-after-12-lenders-caught-in-alleged-100-million-myra-home-loan-fraud" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">At least 350 loans valued at $110 million were submitted and approved</a> on behalf of Myra clients.
The alleged conspiracy involves submission of false documents for more than 300 loan applications to numerous banks and financial institutions, including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, St George Bank, Bankwest, Adelaide Bank, ANZ, Bank of Queensland, Choice Home Loans, Citibank, National Australia Bank, Pepper Homeloans and Suncorp Bank.
 
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ASIC called to explain alleged $110 million Myra Home Loans broker fraud supervision delays 

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There is a budget-priced bathing box for sale on the beach at Edithvale on Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay.
It has $50,000 expectations. And just an hour down the peninsula, there is one on offer at $500,000 plus.
There was a recent sale at nearby Aspendale beach at around $135,000, but it was a bigger offering.
<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/vic/edithvale/1230283/" target="_blank">Box 926 on Edithvale beach</a> (pictured above) has been scheduled for auction on 24 January. 
The Ray White Chelsea listing agent Paul Mazur says its price hopes reflect its small size.
The freshly painted beach box comes with double doors and timber decking.
"It has been loved by one family for more than 40 years," Paul Mazur said.
In early 2013 one was for sale located on Dudley Grove, Edithvale –<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-edithvale-112446919" target="_blank"> known as boat shed 696</a> – which had hopes of $69,000 selling in April 2013 through Matthew Marshall from Biggin and Scott Aspendale (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2015/01/09/main.jpg" alt="">
Kingston rate payers or Kingston residents only could secure the opportunity.
Edithvale, 28 kilometres south-east of the CBD, has a record $642,500 median house price, <a href="/news">according to CoreLogic RP Data</a>.
The name of Edithvale was adopted from Edithvale Road which was the name of the suburb until 1921.
Bathing boxes are aplenty around Port Phillip Bay from Brighton to Portsea. In January 2011 a Portsea box - marketed as a boat shed - set a record $585,000 when five bidders fought for the property at its RT Edgar auction. 
Later this month there is a Portsea auction of a boat shed – <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/vic/39101-portsea-boatshed-listed-with-500-000-plus-hopes" target="_blank">number s28</a> – with $500,000 plus hopes.
With sales regularly tipping above $200,000, Brighton bathing boxes too can only sell to ratepayers.
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Budget-priced bathing box listed for summer January 2015 auction

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<div>Business woman Katie Page’s Gold Coast beachfront development at Main Beach, M3565 has begun its preliminary marketing.</div>
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Like everything she turns her mind to, M3565 will be a cut above anything else seen on the Gold Coast.
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Part of that stems from the fact that Katie Page and her husband, Gerry Harvey, are long time Main Beach devotees. Indeed, they were spotted last night dining on Tedder Avenue ahead of the frantic activity of the Magic Millions.
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Ken Jacobs at Christie's International has the task of finding seven buyers for the boutique Virginia Kerridge-designed building at 3565 Main Beach Parade.
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Just seven whole floor apartments will be available in M3565. The typical floor plate will be 400 plus square metres.
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<div>Excluding the two level penthouse, the apartments will be priced between $5 million and $7 milllion.</div>
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<div>Katie Page has commissioned Goldeneye Media to produce <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/113463242" target="_blank">the initial video teaser</a> for the strong international campaign which will get underway in the next couple of months.</div>
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<div>Tracey Atkins has been joined in the Goldeneye Media business by Janette Kendall who has spent the last three years in Macau running marketing for the fastest growing Chinese gaming entertainmdent group, Galaxy.</div>
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<div>Title Tattle reckons that will help getting the Australian property offerings past China’s famously tricky firewalls and in front of the much desired ultra high net worth individuals.</div>
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Katie Page's Main Beach M3565 beachfront residential marketing eyes UHNWs

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Entertainment industry veteran John 'Strop' Cornell and his wife, Delvene Delaney, who were Paul Hogan's sidekicks in their comedic heyday, have listed their Belongil beach retreat.
It was more than three decades ago that they all took a fancy to property around <a href="/news">Byron Bay</a>, and after almost 30 years of ownership the couple are putting the best of their remarkable holdings on the market.
It is a very private 2.3 acre compound, known as lost 4 and 5 Border Street.
The modernised two level home at Belongil has been listed through LJ Hooker agent Glen Irwin. <a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/83YF5G/lot-4--5-border-street-belongil-byron-bay" target="_blank">Offers close January 28</a> for the absolute beach-front home with wrap-around timber decks with views of Cape Byron Light-house, Julian Rocks, Mt Warning and Belongil Beach.
Local sales suggest $10 million plus, according to local authoritative property observers.
"We no longer stay in our Belongil beach-house, and therefore wish to allow someone else the pleasure," Delvene Delany advised Property Observer.
It has been a $650 to $1600 per night rental offering too.
Two years ago the neighbouring beach-front holdings were offered for sale. Shannon Bennett, owner of Vue de Monde restaurant, paid $2 million for a five lot 4,588 square metre holding on the Belongil Beach peninsula and Adam Garrinson's Wetherby GPO trust company paid $2.25 million for its acquisition, on 18 month delayed settlement terms with financing from Apaing Woong.
The Cornell's are likely to retain the remaining vacant holding.
The lots were bought in the early 1980s for around $325,000 from the then local abattoir. Title Tattle once calculated the entire holding totalled 's 18,000 square metres or so.
The properties were bought in the name of Delvene Delaney who was a Sale of the Century television hostess and appeared with Paul Hogan and the John Cornell-devised character, the dopey Strop  in Channel 9 comedy shows.Cornell and Hogan went onto make the Crocodile Dundee movies, which earned both of them a fortune. Cornell also developed a close relationship with Kerry Packer, taking the World Series Cricket idea to Australia's richest person.
Much of their money went into buying extensive property around Byron Bay.
Paul Hogan had the most obvious of holdings, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cedar-springs-the-paul-hogan-built-byron-bay-hinterland-house-listed-for-auction-by-duncan-and-sally-mount/2012073155795" target="_blank">Cedar Springs at Possum Creek in the Byron Bay hinterland estate.</a>
Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski sold it in 2006 to Duncan and Sally Mount.
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John "Strop" Cornell and Delvene Delany list bonza Byron Bay beachfront home

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Ngara, the Kew birthplace of former prime minister Gough Whitlam, should not be saved from the bulldozer, Heritage Victoria has suggested, because Gough Whitlam didn't have a long association with Victoria.
Wreckers began the preliminary demolition of the house last October on the day that Mr Whitlam, Australia's 21st prime minister, died aged 98.
An interim protection order subsequently placed on the Rowland Street house by the Heritage Council expires next month.
The public can make submissions over the fate of Mr Whitlam's birthplace to the Heritage Council until February 16.
Fairfax media reported although the house was one of Mr Whitlam's "few physical links" to Victoria, it was not of state significance because he "had no association with the place during his term as prime minister and did not spend any of his politically formative years at the place".
Boroondara Council wants the house given heritage protection as other homes in Melbourne have been given heritage protection because a prime minister was born in, or lived at, the property including nearby 10 Howard Street in Kew, the former home of Robert Menzies; and 167 Cotham Road in Kew, the former home of Billy Hughes.
The Whitlam house was built in 1915, the block having been bought two months after the wedding of his parents, Fred and Mattie.
At the time of Mr Whitlam's death, Premier Daniel Andrews claimed the former prime minister would not have wanted any money spent on a house he lived in only briefly as a baby.
"I would imagine Gough Whitlam, being the humble man he was, would much prefer the taxpayers' money to be invested in health and education," Andrews said.
Mr Whitlam was born in the house.
In 2013 it was bought for $3.3 million by overseas buyer Youquing Liang, who has sought the demolition.
Ngara, the 1916 birthplace of the late Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam at 46 Rowland Street, was, despite some alterations to the façade, still clearly recognisable as a typical Federation brick villa.
According to his birth announcement, the birth took place at Ngara, Rowland Street, East Kew (<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/1590998" target="_blank">Argus, 22 Jul 1916: page 13</a>).
The Whitlams sold the family home on Rowland Street in 1917, moved for work to Sydney and Canberra.
Victoria has a number of places individually listed on municipal heritage overlays, as well as the Victorian Heritage Register, because they served as the residence of a prime minister during his time in office.
As Melbourne served as the national capital until 1927, prior to this, all Australian prime ministers had a residence in Melbourne during their time in Parliament. 
<ul>
<li>Boroondara HO315 – 10 Howard Street, Kew. A handsome and intact two-storey house built in 1912. Robert Menzies owned and occupied it 1928-60, encompassing his time as prime minister.</li>
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<li>Boroondara HO285 – 167 Cotham Road, Kew. A single-storey double-fronted Federation-style villa of brick construction, which features a distinctive centrally-placed square porch with Art Nouveau parapeted walls. Intact apart from a rear extension. Built in 1911, it was owned and occupied by Billy Hughes 1915-24, during his time as prime minister.</li>
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<li>Southern Grampians HO375 – “Nareen”, Colraine-Nareen Road, Nareen. A Victorian timber homestead owned by the Fraser family 1946-2000 and closely associated with Malcom Fraser during his time as prime minister in the 1970s. The gardens were developed by Malcolm and his wife Tamie.</li>
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<li>VHR H1126 – “Ballara”, 57-73 Glaneuse Road, Point Lonsdale. An early bungalow built in 1907-08 as a holiday home for then-prime minister Alfred Deakin.</li>
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<li>VHR H1998 – “Bruce Manor”, 34 Pinehill Drive, Frankston. An architect-designed, Mediterranean Revival villa built for Stanley Bruce in 1926, during his time as prime minister. He left Australia in 1932. The house is intact and its design was influential at the time.</li>
</ul>
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<li>Moreland HO298 – 2 Fallon Street, Brunswick. A typical block-fronted timber house of c1906, with a high level of intact detail. It was rented by John Curtain from 1913-15 during his days as an anti-conscriptionist, prior to his WWII-time term as prime minister. The house is of architectural significance and historic interest only for its ‘brief association’ with John Curtin.</li>
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{mijopolls 71}
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Gough Whitlam's Kew birthplace conservation debate continues

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A $4.2 million refurbishment is planned for the forthcoming The Block Octagonal series.
The development application proposes seven whole-floor apartments, each with three bedrooms.
It is not known how many contestant couples there will be, with rumours of a competition between the alumni of rival Block and House Rules television shows going head to head.
 
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20three.jpg" alt="">
The rooftop of the former Hotel Saville.
At ground level, the Brenchley Architect plans propose a café for 80 patrons.
Stonnington Council has yet to approve the conversion of the recently closed hotel.
The eight level, 34-room octagonal-shaped Hotel Saville in South Yarra was purchased last year by Watercress Pty Ltd, the production company of Channel 9’s The Block for $6.25 million.
The property has close access to popular attractions and amenities such as the Prahran Market, Chapel Street, Fawkner Park, the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park Lake. St Kilda Road and public transport are all nearby, with The Alfred Hospital is just down the road. 
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20two.jpg" alt="">
The Hotel Saville, the site of a forthcoming series of The Block.
Property Observer is aware that in the 1990s, some of its rooms were briefly rented to the Alfred Hospital.
In 2002 the hotel was in the news after it was alleged Reservoir man Shane Chartres-Abbott violently raped a client in a hotel suite, with part of her tongue missing.
The gigolo Chartres-Abbott was arrested shortly after the attack with the victim's blood on his pants and her phone in his bag. With the forensic evidence, medical reports, the victim's testimony and witness statements, Chartres-Abbott presented a bizarre, headline-grabbing defence that he was a 200-year-old vampire.
Chartres-Abbott was subsequently executed outside his Reservoir home in 2003 as he left for the County Court during the rape trial. 
The 3.5 star Hotel Saville of South Yarra, with restaurant, had been trading under various names since its opened in the early 1970s.
With 360 degree views, the property is located at<a href="https://rca.colliers.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank"> 1-5 Commercial Road</a>, near busy Punt Road.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20one.jpg" alt="">
A notice at the entry of the Hotel Saville.
Watercress's next series of The Block which is currently being advertised to start next month is on Darling Street, South Yarra.
Their Brenchley Architects plans were lodged for a $2.4 million development application for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-vic-south+yarra-116269171" target="_blank">South Yarra</a> property. Titled The Block Triple Threat, the show's 10th series follows the 2014 The Block Glasshouse series in Prahran.
The current 12-unit block at 27 Darling Street, South Yarra, (pictured below) will be four luxury triple-storey townhouses.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20five.jpg" alt="">
Watercress paid $5.7 million for the Darling Street site.
 
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The Block Octagonal will have seven luxury South Yarra apartments

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Analysis of the sales last year in Desane Group's Easton, Rozelle project indicated that 31% of the apartments were sold to investors.
The remaining 69% of the apartments sold to owner occupiers.
While 31% is a strong investor presence historically, it is below the current Sydney norm. Perhaps the Easton project is attracting a strong owner occupier interest as its strata will be a pet friendly block.
Some 12% - three - of the total sales were Foreign Investment Review Board approved buyers, all from China.<a href="https://eastonapartments.com.au" target="_blank"></a>
<a href="https://eastonapartments.com.au" target="_blank">The five storey project</a> comprises 11 one bedroom apartments, 16 two bedroom apartments and 2 three bedroom apartments, as well as 3 commercial suites and 45 car parking spaces.
Last June, Desane reported 15 of the 29 residential apartments had sold, with prices ranging from $595,000.
CBRE Residential Projects, headed by Ben Stewart and Caroline Fagerlund, secured the off the plan sales at 47-51 Lilyfield Road. During the later stages of marketing Desane had prices for a one-bed-plus study (72 sq m) at $795,000; the two-bedrooms (86-107 sq m) from $895,000; and the three-bedrooms (116 sq m with a large terrace) from $1,395,000.
Construction for the project is expected to be completed by September this year.
Desane Group has exchanged contracts for 26 of the 29 residential apartments totalling $23.6 million, averaging $12,100 per square metre.
When completed, the project is expected to generate sales of up to $27 million, Phil Montrone, the managing director advised.
Desane Group owns $52 million of properties and other assets.
"Much of the attraction for own occupiers was that the Easton Apartments project was its location in a well established inner Sydney suburb, with the historical Easton Park being just 50 metres to the west, the bus stop to the Sydney CBD, only 100 metres to the east, with the next bus stop being in the CBD," Phil Montrone said.
"The inclusion of the pet friendly provision in the body corporate has also played well with owner occupiers, where the majority of purchasers of the 2-bedroom apartments are aged over 40 and are existing Sydney inner city residents and lower North Shore residents."
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31% investors in Desane Group's Easton, Rozelle sales

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Singapore’s Government Investment Corporation has listed the Westin Sydney hotel for sale.
There are reported hopes of more than $400 million for the five star hotel purchased in 2002 for $160 million. 
The sovereign wealth fund sold the Park Hyatt in Melbourne for $135 million last year to Fu Wah International.
The 414-room Westin Sydney has been listed through JLL Hotels.
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Westin Sydney listed with $400 million hopes 

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The former chief executive of McDonald's Australia, Peter Ritchie and his wife, Leigh, have sold their Mona Vale weekender.
It's a Peter Burford-designed beach house on 2056 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 through Lachlan Elder of LJ Hooker Mona Vale who held adjusted, 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.
 No final sale price has been given, but interested parties were told they would need to pay close to $8 million in the lead up to its pre-Christmas sale.
Ritchie oversaw the restaurant chain's expansion from Yagoona to 500 plus stores during his 25 years as chief executive until 1995.
Ritchie was a board member of the United States parent company in 1983 and 1991.
His subsequent executive positions have included board positions with Mortgage Choice and the Seven Network.
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Peter Ritchie sells Mona Vale's biggest beachfront with pavilion style home 

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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