<html><body>
The National Australia Bank (NAB) has joined the other banks to tip rate cuts in 2015 as it noted declining business confidence.
But its chief economist Alan Oster went further given rising nervousness that Australia will spend less and save more next year.
"What worries me there is that people are becoming less confident, they're less likely to employ and they're less likely to invest,"  Oster told Ross Greenwood's 2GB Money News last night.
So while NAB certainly expects two 25-basis-point cuts in the cash rate next year, it even countenances it could fall beyond this fresh record low of 2%.
"There will be at least two, and we haven't actually put it in a third, but if you gave me odds there's probably a 30 per cent chance," Oster said.
Adding that there won't be a technical recession next year, he suggested it very much depended on what happens with the currency, commodity prices and domestic demand.
Nonetheless he tipped the RBA would be be dragged kicking and screaming to cut rates, indicating a March rate cut would be the first, while other economists have tipped February.
"To some extent we were among one of the last to give up on the idea of cuts earlier this year," he told Greenwood.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NAB's Alan Oster says 30% chance of three 2015 rate cuts

<html><body>
The Melbourne- based comedian Dave Hughes has snappily sold his St Kilda family home, just two weeks into the marketing.
The renovated three bedroom Victorian terrace was being offered with $2 million plus hopes by Hughes and his wife, journalist Holly Ife.
It cost $1.8 million in 2007 and before than $1.27 million in 2002. No sale price has been revealed.
<a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/49_ROBE_STREET_ST_KILDA_VIC_3182" target="_blank">Fareham</a> was built 1867 by architect William Allen. 
<div>Allen was builder of the first St Kilda Town Hall on the corner of Grey and Barkly Streets in the 1850s, which was demolished in the 1930s. It is said the terrace, along with neighbouring Figsby include some design elements derived from the early Town Hall: the Roman Doric columns, verandah and internal stairs. 
</div>
It has been the home of the painter Albert Tucker and his wife Joy Hester. Tucker's painting 'Watcher on a Balcony' shows the unusual iron work. The writer Marcus Clarke also lived there.
Hockingstuart agent Sam Inan had the private treaty offering.
Hughes will be returning to radio with his longtime co-host Kate Langbroek in the drive slot at Kiis FM next year.
The couple bought another St Kilda home in 2010 for $1.84 million. 
</body></html>

Comedian Dave Hughes snappily sells $2 million plus St Kilda heritage terrace

<html><body>
New York ranks first, with Sydney sitting in second place when it comes to the latest Knight Frank forecast for 2015 luxury residential market price growth.
Rising business confidence and an increasing sense of political stability is helping to attract interest in Sydney from overseas, the Prime Global Cities Forecast report from Knight Frank said.
It tips 5% price growth in 2015 for Sydney luxury property markets.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2014/12/10/kf%20dec%2010%20two.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/12/10/kf%20dec%2010%20two.jpg" alt=""></a>
"The weak Australian dollar is adding to this momentum and also reviving interest from Australian expats," Knight Frank researcher Kate Everett-Allen said.
Knight Frank’s Global Cities Report has eight cities included in its forecast.
New York is back on top with luxury prices across Manhattan expected to accelerate by 5% to 10% over the course of 2015, with strengthening foreign interest from Chinese, British, Russian and Latin American buyers. 
"Sydney is also on the radar of foreign buyers but here limited luxury supply is pushing prices higher, so we forecast by up to 5% in 2015," Knight Frank wrote. 
The report noted Sydney was a beneficiary of the flow of wealth from economic or political crisis locations into ‘safe-haven’ markets.
"In markets like London, Sydney and New York, these flows tend to reinforce demand for established market neighbourhoods, with buyers focusing on wealth preservation and looking for mature and stable markets," according to Knight Frank.
The report pinpointed Sydney's eastern suburbs and the lower north shore.
But the report noted their was a risk of potential political interventions in the residential property markets given the prospect of "further debates" in Australia.
"The rising level of cross-border investment is likely to contribute to further debates in other parts of the world in 2015 (Canada, Australia, Dubai) on the impact of foreign buyers on local residential market affordability and stability," it said.
It noted the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics had delivered its review into foreign investment in Australia’s residential property market. 
"No additional restrictions have been placed on foreign purchasers buying in Australia but a list of recommendations have been made to ensure the rules are more rigorously enforced."
"The Significant Investor Visa program that attracts high net worth individuals will be refined and a Premium Investor Visa will be introduced on 1 July 2015; a more expeditious pathway to permanent residency for those meeting a $15 million threshold."
The Sydney forecast noted low interest rates are forecast with banks keen to lend at competitive rates.
The report noted luxury residential markets face a diverse range of challenges and opportunities in 2015, but now that stimulus measures have all but disappeared in the US and the UK, all eyes are on Europe and Japan and the extent to which they could halt the tentative global recovery.
"Of the eight cities included in our forecast we expect two to experience prices gains, one to see prices remain stable and five to see prices decline."
Dubai sits at the bottom of the Knight Frank forecast with prime prices expected to slip by 5% to 10% as limited supply and a growing appetite from Indian purchasers should cushion the market.
<img src="/images/2014/12/10/kf%20dec%2010%20three.jpg" alt="">
Source: Knight Frank
The full <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/379/documents/en/prime-global-cities-forecast-q4-2014-2541.pdf" target="_blank" title="Prime Global Cities Forecast Q4 2014">Prime Global Cities Forecast </a>for city by city analysis by Kate Everett-Allen, says residential markets in the world’s leading cities are well-positioned to benefit from both the peaks and troughs of the global economy.
 
“As there are more purchasers in the prime end of the market, prices are now being achieved closer to the original asking price and in most instances, this was set by the owner several years ago," Knight Frank Australia associate director of residential research Michelle Ciesielski said.
 
</body></html>

Sydney luxury residential to run second only to New York in 2015: Knight Frank

<html><body>
With 15% annual price growth, Ireland leads the world in residential price growth.
But with subdued price growth in Dubai and much of Asia slowing, the Knight Frank Global House Price Index record a rise of just 0.1% in the third quarter of 2014 across its 54 surveyed countries.
Some 16 countries had zero or negative price direction.
Australia sat in ninth place with 9.1% annual price growth.
"For the first time in two years the <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/84/documents/en/q3-2014-2540.pdf" target="_blank" title="Global House Price Index Q3 2014">Global House Price Index </a>came close to falling into negative territory," Kate Everett-Allen from Knight Frank research said.
"Muted growth in the third quarter comes on the back of jitters over the global economy, a lingering malaise in Europe and, in the US, a slower-than-expected housing recovery."
Ireland, having languished at the foot of the table for most of 2009 to 2012, saw prices increase by 15% in the year to September.
But Ireland remains 39% below their pre-crisis peak in 2007.
The turnaround in fortunes over the last 12 months (see below) included Spain.
<img src="/images/2014/12/10/kf%20dec%20120%20one.jpg" alt="">
Hong Kong and Dubai, by comparison, have seen price growth slow. 
No country has recorded an annual fall in house prices in excess of 10% for three consecutive quarters.
Dubai mainstream residential prices fell by 5.2% in the three months to September – the emirate’s first quarterly decline in prices in the last four years.
China’s slowdown continued with 58 of the 70 cities tracked by the National Bureau of Statistics recording price falls in the year to September.
In the US, the price of a single-family home increased by 4.8%, down on last quarter’s figure of 6.2%, with Miami pinpointed as the city with the strongest prices rising by 10.3% year on year.
The Knight Frank Global House Price Index was established in 2006 to allow investors and developers to monitor and compare the performance of mainstream residential markets across the world.
The index is compiled on a quarterly basis using official government statistics or central bank data where available.
The index’s overall performance is weighted by GDP and the latest quarter’s data is provisional pending the release of all countries’ results. 
<img src="/images/2014/12/10/houses-list-dec-10-oone.jpg" alt=""> 
Source: Knight Frank
</body></html>

Ireland residential back on top, with Australia ninth fastest in world rankings: Knight Frank

<html><body>
ASIC will probe into the interest-only loans market as part of a broader review by regulators into home-lending standards.
It will look at the conduct of banks, including the Big Four and non-bank lenders, on compliance with consumer protection laws, including their responsible lending obligations.
The review follows concerns by regulators about higher-risk lending, following strong house price growth in Sydney and Melbourne.
ASIC, APRA, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Treasury are all working together to monitor, assess and respond to risks in the housing market.
Interest-only loans as a percentage of new housing loan approvals by banks reached a new high of 42.5% in the September 2014 quarter.
The ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said it was critical that lenders are not putting consumers into unsuitable loans that could see them end up with unsustainable levels of debt.
"Compliance with responsible lending laws is a key focus for ASIC," said Kell.
"If our review identifies lenders’ conduct has fallen short, we will take appropriate enforcement action.".
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) also announced it has written to all authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) to set out plans for a heightened level of supervisory oversight on mortgage lending in the period ahead. 
Under interest-only loans, a borrower’s repayment amount will only cover the interest on the loan.
The principal amount borrowed will not reduce unless the borrower chooses to make extra repayments.
Paying interest-only means that a borrower will pay more interest over the term of the loan.
Some borrowers choose interest-only loans to maximise the amount they can borrow, especially if it is for investment purposes.
Loans are usually only interest-only for a set period of time, after which the borrower will either need to increase their repayments to start reducing the principal, or repay the loan in full.
Although interest-only loans can be appropriate in the right circumstances, interest-only loans can raise a number of risks, such as:
<ul>
<li>Whether the borrower can only afford a loan because it is interest-only</li>
<li>Whether the borrower can afford principal and interest repayments at the end of the interest-only period, and</li>
<li>Whether the borrower understands the impact of not making principal and interest repayments.</li>
</ul>
In August 2014, the Federal Court handed down its first decision on the responsible lending obligations: ASIC v The Cash Store (in liquidation).
 The Federal Court’s decision made it clear credit licensees must, at a minimum, inquire about the consumer’s current income and living expenses to comply with the responsible lending obligations. 
In response, in November 2014 ASIC updated Regulatory Guide 209Credit licensing: Responsible lending conduct to incorporate the general findings of the Federal Court on the responsible lending obligations for credit licensees.
ASIC also updated its advisory to make it clear that credit licensees cannot rely solely on benchmark living expense figures rather than taking separate steps to inquire into borrowers’ actual living expenses.
</body></html>

ASIC and APRA sets sights on risky mortgage lending practices

<html><body>
The House Magazine apartment of the year for 2012 has been listed for sale in South Yarra.
It is among the eight in the boutique development.
 Hockingstuart expect <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/7-20-airlie-bank-lane-south-yarra/Property-Details-buy-residential-7867946" target="_blank">7/20 Airlie Brick Lane</a> to fetch around $2.8 million.
The three bedroom apartment has a city-view terrace.
It initially sold in early 2013 at $2.75 million.
</body></html>

House Magazine's 2012 apartment of the year in South Yarra for sale

<html><body>
A Chinese group has reportedly bought the former Bidura, Glebe juvenile detention centre.
The NSW state government sold 357 Glebe Point Road site for $33 million. 
NSW Minister for Finance and Services Dominic Perrottet said the new undisclosed owners had the potential for new ­residential development. 
“Early analysis indicates the property could house up to 100 units if developed," he said.
Savills agents Stuart Cox and Simon Fenn secured the sale of the 5,556 square metre holding.
“By divesting surplus or underutilised property assets the NSW government is taking a responsible approach to property management, rather than being encumbered with costly maintenance and other expenses," the minister said.
Funds from the sale of 357 Glebe Point Road will go towards sourcing new accommodation for family and community services and Department of Justice. 
The preservation of Bidura House is legislated as part of the City of Sydney’s local environment plan. 
No formal buyer indication has been given, with the Australian Financial Review nominating it as a Chinese property developer. The AFR mistakenly identified it as the Yi Yang group.
 
</body></html>

Former detention centre Bidura, Glebe sells to Chinese property developer

<html><body>
There was a $1.2 million sale of the 7/1 Printers Lane, Darlinghurst offering, which was listed with $1.1 million plus hopes.
The one-bedroom loft apartment had 102 square metres space at the late 1990s conversion of The Printery.
The block of nine apartments retains its interior and exterior industrial feel.
Scott Aggett of <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/44P1084" target="_blank">Belle Property Surry Hills</a>, marketed the apartment with a secure parking space.
It last traded at $750,000 in 2011 and for $605,000 in 2002.
It first sold in 1998 for $410,000.
The prices when first offered in 1997 was ranged between $220,000 and $390,000 as empty shells - or apartments without walls - in the Shepherd &amp; Newman warehouse.
All floors were hardwood. All walls were painted brickwork. Windows were steel-framed timber.
The warehouse shells were offered through agent Sam Elbanna of City Project Marketing.
Built early in the last century, the Shepherd &amp; Newman warehouse served as a printing works for many years situated in a quiet lane off Yurong Street.
The Shepherd &amp; Newman warehouse was developed by MWI Property with its configuration designed by Peter Gerhard and Brian Tetu of Sunspot Design. 
</body></html>

Printers Lane, Darlinghurst warehouse apartment sale

<html><body>
Queensland House Rules renovation couple Maddi and Lloyd Wright sold their Townsville home at weekend auction for $520,000.
The property at Pallarenda had three bedrooms.
It was sold through Keyes &amp; Co Property Townsville after its renovation on the Channel 7 television show hosted by Johanna Griggs.
The 1950s home, within walking distance of the beach, sits on a 701 square metre block.
It sold to an interstate buyer who will rent it until their relocation.
They were the only registered buyer at the auction, according to News Ltd's local paper.
<a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/qld/37677-house-rules-maddi-and-lloyd-list-renovated-house" target="_blank">The couple who are moving north paid $372,000</a> for the four bedroom house in 2013 when it came with significant issues including rot, mould and uneven floors.
The marketing of the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-pallarenda-118408027" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">59 Wackett Street, Pallarenda</a> featured the couple prominently.
RP Data put the <a href="/news">median house price</a> at $450,000.
 
</body></html>

House Rules' Maddi and Lloyd sell their Townsville reno

<html><body>
<div id="main">
<div id="content-holder">
<div class="content">
<div class="content-inner">
<div id="inner">
The McGrath Estate Agents network has had a record November on the back of rising volumes and prices.
"November 2014 has gone down in our 25-year company history as our biggest sales month on record with $1.27 billion worth of real estate sold across our 62-office network," its chief John McGrath has blogged. "November was an incredible month for many markets but particularly Sydney," he said.  But noting the weight of "skyrocketing" volumes, McGrath says the weakening clearance rate to around 70% was still a remarkable level of clearance with more than 1,000 properties going to auction on some recent Saturdays.  "Forget the bubble talk," McGrath said.
"Forget the doomsayers.
"What’s going on here is a glowing testament to real estate being one of the safest and most effective forms of wealth creation around.
"Look what’s happened to property prices in the past two years – they’re up more than 25%, according to RP Data.
"That’s really amazing stuff, although we do want this to slow down a bit, as a period of consolidation is vital after a significant burst of growth."
His market predictions for 2015: "things are inevitably going to slow down next year, especially in Sydney, which has experienced such phenomenal growth in 2013 and 2014."  McGrath is not sure whether the traditionally strong autumn season in 2015 will occur before a cooling in conditions over winter, or whether 2015 will "start on the back foot a bit", given the huge volume of sales going on right now.
"Time will tell," he told <a href="https://www.switzer.com.au/the-experts/john-mcgrath-property-expert/forget-the-bubble-talk-what-a-year/" target="_blank">his Switzer blog readers</a>. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="at4-follow-outer addthis-smartlayers addthis-smartlayers-desktop">
<div id="at4-follow" class="at4-follow at4-follow-24 ats-light animated slideInRight at4-show">
<div class="at4-follow-inner"> </div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Inevitable 2015 Sydney slowdown after remarkable record 2014: John McGrath

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