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Construction of the $21 million residential development Lunar, 28 km south of Sydney, is slated to begin mid 2017.
If will feature 64 apartments, a basement carpark and a communal landscaped garden.
Ben Pomroy from Rothelowman says that the design for the new development was derived as a response to these natural surroundings and a desire to optimise the apartments’ long-distance views.
“Lunar sits on one of the highest points in the Sutherland Shire, with views north to the CBD and Botany Bay, our scheme had to take advantage of these opportunities, whilst developing a design that addressed and was respectful to the public domain,” he said.
“Our desire was to create a building that embraces the shire’s outdoor lifestyle with apartments that have both front and back yards..
“A place where residents could embrace the views to the north and the east, whilst also giving opportunity for interaction with the street.”
“Capitalising on the area’s temperate climate, the breezeway elevates the traditional corridor to a space where residents can socialise with their neighbours in a pleasant open-air setting.
“Liveability was a significant consideration in the evolution of Lunar’s design and the breezeway supports that.
"We have strived to create a building with the greatest possible access to daylight and fostered natural ventilation that is created with the layouts.”
 
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Unique breezeway design for Sydney's Lunar

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Andrews Government this week announced changes to long-term lease provisions, including a new long-term standard tenancy agreement for leases of more than five years.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) said these changes are being undertaken in the midst of a major review of Victoria’s rental sector.
While the REIV generally supports the new provisions for long-term leases, the entire private rental sector is on the brink of significant change which will heavily affect landlords and other stakeholders.
The industry is working with Government on major reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act at present, and looks forward to continuing to do so.
Victoria’s population is growing by 100,000 new residents each year and the private rental sector needs to meet this need.
The review and the Government’s current options paper ‘Heading for Home’ will have a significant impact on the sector, affecting both property owners and tenants.
The REIV has undertaken a survey of landlords across Victoria with four in five planning to significantly increase rents if the proposals are adopted.
A further 17 percent of landlords have said that they will exit the sector if the changes proceed.
The reforms that are being proposed include:
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<li>Changes to notice provisions around ending a lease. Tenants are only required to provide 28 days’ notice of their intention to leave a property, while landlords may lose their right to terminate a lease altogether.</li>
<li>Removal of the landlord’s right to consent to, or refuse, pets.</li>
<li>Allowing tenants to make non-structural modifications to rental properties without landlord consent or permission. This may include repainting an entire property, concreting the backyard or reconfiguring built-in robes.</li>
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The changes will have an overall negative impact on the Victorian rental market, especially on those who can least afford it.
Gil King is chief executive officer, REIV, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Proposals cloud positive moves from Andrews Government on affordable housing: REIV's Gil King

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Combined capital city auctions are predicted to fall this week after the record highs of February, according to CoreLogic.
CoreLogic report 2,558 auctions are slated for this week, down from 3,301 auctions last week.
"Auction activity is down week-on-week in Melbourne and Sydney, the two major auction markets, with 1,302 Melbourne homes set to go to auction, down from last week’s 1,635, and 858 auctions set to be held across Sydney, decreasing from last week’s 1,210," CoreLogic said.
"Across the smaller markets, volumes are set to decrease across the remaining capital cities.
"However, overall activity is set to be higher than what was seen over the corresponding week last year (2,304)."
 
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Capital city auctions this week: 
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Sydney: 858 
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Melbourne: 1,302 
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Brisbane: 141 
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Adelaide: 112 
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Perth: 35 
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 Canberra: 104 
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"South Yarra and St Kilda in Victoria are the two busiest suburbs for auctions across the nation this week, each with 21 residential homes set to go under the hammer, followed by Malvern East and Reservoir also in Vic both with 19 and Mosman in NSW with 17 auctions."
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Weekend auction levels down from February highs: CoreLogic

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australian housing finance approvals to owner occupiers edged up 0.4 percent in Dec, slightly softer than the 1 percent gain expected but with the detail mostly positive.
Nov’s 0.9 percent gain was tweaked up to 1.3 percent and the number of loans ex refi (“new loans”) posted a solid 2.4 percent gain to be up 0.9 percent/yr.
Construction-related loans were flat but loans for the purchase of newly built dwellings rose 3.2 percent to be up 11.9 percent/yr – the gain reflecting settlements on ‘off the plan’ purchases of apartments now being completed.
The value of housing finance approvals to investors dipped 1 percent in the month – a bit softer than might have been expected given the wider market’s strong finish to 2016 (centred on Sydney and Melbourne).
Despite the dip the value of loans to this segment is still up 20 percent on the lows in late 2015.
Overall, the numbers suggest more of the pick-up in momentum late in 2016 was from owner occupiers although the resurgence in investor activity still looks to be the prime mover.
 Details 
Owner–occupiers (no.)   0.4%mth, –4.4%yr
– ex-financing (no.)        2.4%mth, 0.9%yr
Construction of dwellings (no.)               –0.3%mth, –5.8%yr Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)   3.2%mth, 11.9%yr     
Value of loans:
Owner-occupiers ($bn)   1.3%mth, –3.4%yr Investors ($bn)                 –1%mth, 19.9%yr Total ($bn)                         0.4%mth, 4.6%yr Total ex refi ($bn)             0.8%mth, 10.2%yr
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/">Westpac</a>.
 
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Owner occupier housing finance approvals up: Westpac's Matthew Hassan

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GUEST OBSERVER
The latest ABS housing approval data for NSW indicates a big drop over five months giving the new Housing Minister a big challenge.
The ABS trend data indicates that between July 2016 and December 2016 home approvals in NSW dropped by 24% and apartment approvals by 35 percent.
These figures will give the new Housing Minister, Anthony Roberts, a big challenge as he acquaints himself with his new portfolio.
The home approvals by trend for December 2016 were 4,950 compared to the July 2016 figure of 6,545. This is a drop of 1,595 or 24 percent over 5 months. 
Most of the drop was with apartment approvals which dropped from 4,133 in July 2016 to 2,668 in December 2016. This is a drop of 1,465 or 35%.
The trend graphs illustrate a steady drop over the last 5 months. It will be important that the new NSW Housing and Planning Minister brings in some new policies and improvements to the planning system to reverse the current trend.
It would appear that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) which began in February 2016 has not been able to influence housing approvals and that the confusion with local council amalgamations may have contributed to the slow down.
A number of Urban Taskforce members have reported difficulties in getting approvals from local councils and from the GSC’s planning panels even in areas where the state government has encouraged development.
The recent release of the District Plans by the GSC has added to uncertainty as they seem to restrict housing in a number of areas. The August rezoning review issued by the Government has also made it more difficult to submit planning proposals.
The big drop in housing approvals comes just as the new Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has stated that housing supply is the key to housing affordability and appointed Anthony Roberts as Housing Minister to tackle the supply issue.
Minister Roberts is in an ideal position as both Housing and Planning Minister to take some strong action to ramp up housing supply in the state. He needs to look at the restrictive zoning in the District Plans that stops new housing in district and strategic centres and in out of date industrial areas in inner Sydney.
The Minister should also use the Greater Sydney Commission to fast track housing approvals for large projects over the value of $20 million. He should also look at setting up planning centres of excellence in each of the six Sydney districts to drive housing supply.
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In the current boom economic times, Sydney should be completing 40,000 new homes a year but the highest number to date has only been 31,000.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Minister Roberts to develop fast track processes to lift housing supply. We are also keen to outline a plan to complete 4,000 new affordable homes a year for Sydney.
See below New monthly private sector home approvals NSW graph based on ABS figures: 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%208.41.36%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-03%20at%208.41.36%20AM.png" alt="">
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Housing Minister must act as approvals dropping fast: Chris Johnson

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GUEST OBSERVER
Premier Berejiklian’s new ministry must drive housing supply and ensure NSW retains its position as Australia’s leading state. 
The new ministry announced by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian is an very talented and competent team, capable of ensuring the continued success of the high-performing NSW economy.
In particular, the appointment of the Hon. Anthony Roberts as Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing is an excellent choice. His past achievements and experience, including overhauling the ageing NSW strata system, make him very well placed to improve the lack- lustre performance of the NSW planning system.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with Minister Roberts on ways to drive more housing completions throughout NSW and in particular in the Sydney metropolitan area. We believe there are many aspects of the NSW planning system and the Draft District Plans for Sydney which prevent greatly hinder the supply of new housing. Given the current housing affordability crisis, changes must be made to address this problem.
Minister Roberts should look at restrictive land use zones and development controls that prevent adequate housing supply and onerous conditions of consent which lead to only 58 per cent of housing approvals become real houses or apartments. 
Other key issues include lengthy bureaucratic approval processes which create delays and blockages in the planning system and excessive levies and fees which drive up the cost of housing.
The Urban Taskforce and the property industry is keen to work collaboratively with the new Minister for Planning and Housing to help alleviate the housing affordability crisis and deliver positive outcomes for the people of NSW.
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Minister Roberts must drive housing supply

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The median dwelling price in Melbourne is $566,000, up from $475,000 five years ago, according the December 2016 Housing Affordability Report from CoreLogic.
The median dwelling value across Melbourne now costs 7.1 times the median annual household income, according to CoreLogic. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-23%20at%201.45.41%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-23%20at%201.45.41%20PM.png" alt="">
Property Observer went searching around the median price in Melbourne and found this one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-120627881" target="_blank">168 Victoria Street, Melbourne</a> on the market with prices starting from $542,000.
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Median Melbourne dwelling price around $566,000: CoreLogic

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The median dwelling price in regional Victoria is $300,000, up from $273,001 five years ago, according the December 2016 Housing Affordability Report from CoreLogic.
The median dwelling value across regional NSW now costs 6.6 times the median annual household income, according to CoreLogic. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-23%20at%201.54.41%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-23%20at%201.54.41%20PM.png" alt="">
Property Observer found this single level two bedroom family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-vic-enfield-7875154" target="_blank">80 Inglewood Drive Enfield</a> on the market for between $275,000 - $300,000. 
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Regional Victoria's median dwelling price hits $300,000: CoreLogic

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GUEST OBSERVER
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a massive shift in the way we work.
Thousands of Australians have abandoned the traditional 40-hour work week to work fewer hours or take on ad-hoc work, such as driving for Uber or doing odd jobs on Airtasker. 
But the way we measure the labour market has not kept up. We still rely on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ labour force survey, a survey from the 1960s conducted according to international conventions that is no longer appropriate for today’s labour market.
Today’s economy – one of independent contractors, ad-hoc work, irregular and flexible hours – needs a new form of measurement. 
<h2>How the government measures the workforce</h2>
Every month the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) surveys about 0.32% of the civilian population aged over 15 years about their employment status.
In short, you’re counted as employed if you completed at least one hour of paid work in the week before the survey.
But this doesn’t sound quite right. Clearly, one hour of paid work per week doesn’t fit most people’s idea of employment.
In fact, over one million workers are counted as “underemployed”, meaning they would work more hours if they could. This raises the question of whether these people should really be considered “employed”. The answer depends on what policy question you are trying to address.
<h2>Is our unemployment rate right?</h2>
Let’s get right into how our unemployment rate is calculated.
If respondents haven’t done any paid work in the last week, they are asked two further questions – first, have they actively sought work in the last four weeks, and second, are they currently available to start work? They are only considered unemployed if they answer yes to both of these questions. Otherwise, they’re not counted as part of the labour force. 
This means full-time homemakers, carers, the ill and non-working retirees aren’t considered unemployed.
The labour force is the sum of the employed and the unemployed. The unemployment rate is the percentage of the labour force who are unemployed. 
Lastly, the participation rate is the percentage of the population aged 15 and older who are in the labour force. According to the latest ABS trend estimates, the participation rate stood at 64.5% in November, no change from October.
The participation rate has been consistently trending upwards over time for women and falling for men. This does not mean women are increasingly doing more work but that over time they have switched from unpaid to paid work. One of the main reasons for falling participation among men is that unskilled manual jobs for older men have been declining over several decades and many men have been reclassified as unemployed, disabled or retired. 
<h2>More issues with the survey</h2>
The Labour Force Survey only provides a measure of employment and not the number of jobs. For example, a person might work 20 hours per week at a supermarket and 10 hours per week as an Uber driver. Employment is always classified according to the “main job”, so the ABS deems them as one person employed part-time (working fewer than 35 hours) in the retail industry. 
If that person worked five more hours as an Uber driver the next week, they would be classified as full-time (35 hours) but the supermarket job would still determine the industry in which they are employed.
The crucial problem here is that there are two jobs being done, but the ABS employment estimate only counts one. So be wary of commentators and politicians making statements like “the economy gained/lost 10,000 jobs last month”! What jobs are they measuring?
The labour force survey also fails to make distinctions between different types of workers. About two million Australians work as independent contractors like construction workers or other business operators such as hairdressers working from home. However, in the figures they are not distinguished from regular employees.
Whereas it might be relatively easy for an employee to know if they did any paid work in the week before the survey, it might not be so obvious for a non-employee. For instance, an author might work 50 hours on their book one week and three hours the next. Most of their work is basic research rather than writing. They receive a royalty payment twice a year. How would they answer the question of whether they did any paid work in the last week?
For non-employees the question of whether they are prepared to start work and have been actively looking for work can also be complex. Someone doing consultancy work might not actively look for work because clients seek them out instead.
<h2>We need something new</h2>
The ABS has tried tackling some of these issues by conducting some different surveys, including the Characteristics of Employment Surveywhich presents information on all employed persons according to their status of employment. However, the framework classifies jobholders by their main job. That is, only the job in which they usually worked the most hours. This doesn’t capture many of the issues of concern in, say, the “sharing” or “gig” economy 
The ABS has also attempted to compare the number of filled jobs to the amount of employed people, using estimates in the labour force survey. This can reveal interesting information about the labour market. For instance, in February 2013 there were 11,628,300 employed people in Australia, but an estimated 12,287,200 filled jobs. That is, there were 658,900 more filled jobs than there were employed people. 
But even then, the estimates still use the conventional definition of a job. 
The ABS is still working on an Australian Labour Market Account, based on International Labor Organisation (ILO) methodology, which may address some of the issues discussed here. But this will still be based on traditional definitions of jobs, employment, and unemployment.
Our conventional employment measures are no longer equipped to inform us about important aspects of our labour force and a reliance on them could lead to inappropriate policy. We need labour force numbers than can capture the nuances of a modern economy.
Phil Lewis is professor of economics, University of Canberra and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/phil-lewis-8714" target="_blank">here</a>.
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We need to find new ways to measure the Australian labour force

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GUEST OBSERVER
As expected the Reserve Bank Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50 percent.
With tomorrow’s prospect of a negative print for GDP growth in the September quarter, we were interested in whether that issue would be addressed in the Governor’s statement. To his credit he has done that by referring to “some slowing in the year ended growth rate is likely” but notes that growth is expected to pick up again in 2017.
In November the Bank released its forecasts that the economy would grow at close to potential in 2017 (forecast growth midpoint of 3 percent). It does not appear to have revised that view in this statement.
Indeed whereas in November the Governor’s statement recognised that commodity prices had risen, in December that increase is now assessed to “provide a boost to national income”.
The key policy sensitive areas of the labour market and housing are given the usual relatively extensive attention.
Overall, the assessment of the labour market appears to be a little less comfortable – the fall in the unemployment rate since December is qualified by “some measures of labour underutilisation are little changed.” Labour market indicators are still described as mixed with employment growth slowing but forward-looking indicators pointing to expansion in employment.
On the other hand, the commentary around housing is more upbeat. Conditions in the housing market are assessed to have strengthened with prices rising briskly in some markets. However, the statement does note that conditions vary considerably with prices falling in other markets.
Internationally, there is a hint of more confidence with “the outlook for inflation is more balanced than it has been for some time.” Most importantly, whereas the near term performance of China is better than expected a few months ago (our assessment), “medium-term risks to growth remain.”
Not surprisingly, the closing paragraph signals the ongoing neutral bias with: “the Board judged that holding the stance of policy unchanged at this meeting would be consistent with sustainable growth in the economy and achieving the inflation target over time.”
Conclusion
Following the rate cut in May this year Westpac forecast that there would be a follow up cut in August and then rates would remain on hold throughout the remainder of 2016 and all of 2017. That was despite market pricing favouring more than one follow up cut in 2017.
Today’s statement further supports our long held view and given ongoing difficulties in the labour market the prospect of rate hikes in 2017, despite some developments in market pricing, seems remote.
BILL EVANS is chief economist of <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>
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Uncertainty remains around the labour, housing markets: Westpac's Bill Evans

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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Michael Crawford

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