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 A modern warehouse/factory in Victoria's Sunshine North is up for sale through Raine &amp; Horne with price expectations exceeding $410,000.
The 47 Maida Avenue facility is zoned Industrial 3 and has a building area of 261 sqm.
It is securely leased for a three-year term from 2015 with options for two more similiar extensions. The property returns $22,713.60 per annum net.
The facility comprises an office and kitchenette with 6 m clearspan warehouse springing height.
It is close to Bunnings and Sunshine Shopping Centre.
The listing agent is Tim Frlan.
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Affordable warehouse on the market via Raine & Horne in Victoria's Sunshine North

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Investors or first-home buyers can still find dwellings around $500,000 in Sydney if they venture a little further from the CBD area, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s residential property market report for July.
Two such areas are East Sydney and the Inner West.  
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East
After strong growth over the past 18 months, there is little property in the eastern suburbs that can be found in the $500,000 price range other than small studios within the CBD and smaller one-bedroom units around the city fringe suburbs of Potts Point, Chippendale, Elizabeth Bay and Surry Hills, according to HTW's property report.
With low vacancy rates and strong yields, they still represent good investments with rental yields on average around 5%. 
As an example, an art deco style studio unit with no car accommodation, updated kitchen and bathroom, timber flooring and combined living/ bedroom with a rental estimate of $450 per week, sold in Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay in May 2016 for $452,000. 
Property Observer found another sale in nearby Potts Point — a studio at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-potts+point-122657674" target="_blank">6/16 Macleay Street</a> for $450,000.
Inner West 
Similar to the eastern suburbs, this price point is limited to studio, one-bedroom units and very modest older style two-bedroom units with no car accommodation, according to HTW.
A semi-modern studio unit on Parramatta Road, Camperdown with car space and currently rented for $425 per week sold in May 2016 for $490,000. 
Following the railway line, Ashfield, Summer Hill and Haberfield have old style one-bedroom, one-bathroom units that are near to the $500,000 range and still providing good rental returns and low vacancy rates with the opportunity for capital appreciation if the purchaser has access to funds to fully renovate in the future.
Property Observer found a one-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-ashfield-122830018" target="_blank">2/74 Alt Street Ashfield NSW 2131</a> for $472,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
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Good yields characterise cheap units in eastern and Inner West Sydney: HTW  

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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s conference later this month in Melbourne will celebrate its 80th year. 
The Ignite Conference on 24-25 July at Crown Conference Centre will see real estate experts share their insights on sales and leasing.
Attendees will see some of the state's best auctioneers as they compete for the title of 2016 REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year.
The winner will be announced at the 80th anniversary gala dinner on the first night of the conference.
Among the eight keynote speakers at the conference are Paul Zahra (ex-CEO David Jones), Mark McCrindle (demographer and trends expert), media specialists Todd Sampson and Jane Caro. 
Details of the event can be viewed on the REIV website - www.reiv.com.au/ignite2016.
 
 
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REIV 80th year celebration to feature industry experts

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Wollongong, the economic centre of the Illawarra region, is transitioning from a manufacturing to a service-based economy, with healthcare, education and IT the core sectors at its heart, says a recent research report by Knight Frank.
According to Wollongong Insight: June 2016, population growth in the Wollongong local government area (LGA) is expected to total 23,575 people by 2031, while the Wollongong CBD is projected to experience jobs growth of 3,773 over the next 20 years. More than 70 per cent of these jobs are anticipated to be in white collar industries, equating to office demand of circa 54,280 sqm.
Knight Frank’s managing director, Illawarra, Ben Mostyn said, “Wollongong’s connectivity, resident population spillover from Sydney and a growing government tenant presence will ensure it remains the epicentre for economic activity in the Illawarra region.”
Home to 208,875 residents and 72,551 jobs, the Wollongong LGA accounts for 61 per cent of the region’s gross regional product - also supported by key infrastructure and education assets including Port Kembla and the University of Wollongong. 
“Wollongong plays a key role not only for the Illawarra region, but also for the broader southern and western regions of NSW.”  
Knight Frank’s director, Research &amp; Consulting, Paul Savitz, said Wollongong’s A-grade office vacancy rate measures 8.5 per cent, from 74,662 sqm of total A-grade stock, although vacancy will reduce by early 2017.
“While the office market has struggled in recent years from tenant relocations to newer premises and a lack of expansionary requirements from existing occupiers, there are positive signs,” he said. 
The State Emergency Services (SES) will relocate to the former ATO building in early 2017, and it will reduce the overall office vacancy rate as new supply remains constrained.
“This is expected to signify a period of modest rental growth. Elevated vacancy rates and subdued tenant demand prior to 2015 has meant that rental levels in Wollongong have remained stagnant in recent years,” said Savitz.
“Currently, A-grade gross face rents average $425 per sqm with a broad range of $390 to $460 per square metre, while gross face rents are considerably below that of major non-CBD Sydney office markets, currently discounted by up to 22 per cent.
“Looking ahead, some moderate upward pressure on rents is expected over the next 12-24 months; particularly for prime-grade assets,” said Savitz. 
Mostyn added that the local Wollongong economy was shifting from manufacturing to service-based industries; primarily healthcare, education and IT services, which is anticipated to equate to office demand of circa 54,280 square metres over the coming two decades.
“Highlighted by recent sales, investment demand for both office and industrial assets in Wollongong is strong, as investors are attracted to the high yield metrics on offer when compared to Sydney. Demand is expected to remain solid throughout 2016 and 2017,” said Mostyn.
“Investment will continue to be strong for functional assets, as the business outlook remains positive with local firms expecting trading activity to improve throughout 2016 – coupled with positive overflow demand from Sydney.” 
According to Mostyn, as competition for core assets nationally increased exponentially over the past 18 months, and as yields fell, purchasers have been increasingly moving up the risk curve. 
“This has resulted in demand spilling over into non-CBD and major metro markets, and Wollongong is beginning to benefit from this demand. Since January 2015, Wollongong office sales over $5 million have totaled $33.8 million. 
“The most recent significant sales transactions include the six-storey, fully-leased Australian Hydrographic Office Building in the Wollongong CBD. Tenanted by the Department of Defence until 2021, the property sold for $10 million plus. Another building at 8 Station Street also sold recently in April 2016 for $13.6 million at a net passing yield of 10.1 per cent.”
The sales are proof of the demand in the Wollongong market, said Mostyn.
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As Wollongong shifts to a service-based economy, 54,000 sqm of office space needed: Knight Frank

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AMP Capital’s Global Direct Property Fund (GDPF) offloaded a multifamily development land parcel in Tampa, Florida for US$11.5 million, delivering an annual return of 58.1 percent over the holding period.
The site was acquired for US$2.5 million in February 2013. The fund’s US investment strategy focuses on acquiring middle-market assets (around $25-65 million).
Located at the southern end of the Tampa CBD on Harbour Island, the multifamily development land parcel is zoned for 340 high-rise residential units.
GDPF purchased both the land parcel and the adjacent class A office building from two different vendors, hoping to unlock the maximum value from the acquisitions.
AMP Capital subsequently sold the land parcel to a US residential developer together with rights to use up to 560 excess parking spaces from the adjacent office building, to be connected via a sky-bridge to be built by the developer.
The fund has retained the office building, hoping to profit from its leasing program and a cyclical recovery in the Tampa office market.
AMP Capital Fund Manager Tim Fallet said that investors had benefited from its disciplined strategy.
“This transaction demonstrates the fund’s entrepreneurial and disciplined approach with a focus on acquiring real estate at a compelling entry price, aggressive business plan execution and strategic marketing to buyers. Over the last five years the fund’s US portfolio has delivered a return of 19.8 per cent per annum," Fallet said.
“We continue to see a strong pipeline of attractive core-plus investment opportunities in select submarkets and sectors across the US where we will look to deploy this capital.” 
The fund plans a further round of capital raising.
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AMP Capital's property fund sells Florida site for US$11.5 million, says annual return 58%

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Confectioner Doughnut Time has paid a 36 per cent premium on the asking rental to move into the Swan Street retail strip in Melbourne’s Richmond.
The 174 Swan Street shop was let at $75,000 per annum net on a five-year term with options. The asking rental had been $55,000 per annum.
The shop has a space of 175 square metre.
“There is no doubt the Swan Street strip is fast becoming a hot strip for national food retailers,” said Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans, who brokered the deal.
“We had the property on the market for just two weeks and were inundated with requests for inspections,’’ Evans said.
Doughnut Time has expanded its business to 23 stores since the opening of its first hole-in-the-wallstore in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley in February 2015. 
The lessor is a Melbourne-based private investor. 
 
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Doughnut Time leases on Melbourne’s Swan St at 36% rental premium

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A property in Melbourne’s renowned Lygon Street restaurant precinct recently sold to a local buyer for $2.58 million at auction.
Currently leased to Lygon Charcoal Grill &amp; Steakhouse, the <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/120-lygon-street-carlton-vic-3053-2012604703" target="_blank">120 Lygon Street</a>, Carlton property is on a new 10-year lease plus three five-year extensions. 
It returns an annual rental of $95,000 per annum plus outgoings. At the sale price, the yield works out at 3.68%. 
The property is nearly 307 sqm and comprises a main dining area, function room, fully equipped kitchen, undercover alfresco seating on Lygon Street, a one-bedroom apartment on the third level and rear car park. 
The selling agents were Charles Cini and Anthony Carbone of CVA Property Consultants.
 
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Restaurant in Melbourne's Carlton cooks up $2.58 million at auction 

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An industrial property in Melbourne's inner-eastern suburb of Richmond has sold for $1.615 million at auction, more than $100,000 over the reserve price.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-richmond-501922542" target="_blank">5 Albert Street</a> property comprises a single-level brick warehouse on a 247 square metre site, zoned Commercial 2.
The property was sold subject to a lease expiring June 2017 at a current rental of $37,435 per annum net, implying a yield of 2.2 percent.
A Melbourne-based private investor bought the property, said a media release. 
It was marketed by Teska Carson’s Matthew Feld and Larry Takis.
 
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Warehouse in Melbourne's Richmond sells on 2.2% yield 

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A development site at Baulkham Hills in Sydney’s north-western corridor, currently undergoing gentrification in line with the infrastructure spending push by the NSW government, is up for sale.
The nearly 10,702 sqm site at 67 Windsor Road is being marketed via expressions of interest closing July 29 by Ray White Commercial's Scott Timbrell and Nic George.
Timbrell said there was strong demand for land subdivision sites in the Hills District, with many developers looking past unit sites because of apprehensions of saturation. He also brokered a recent sale at 91 Windsor Road.
The 67 Windsor Road site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential and SP2 Infrastructure.
“The M7 and M2 motorways are easily accessible via Windsor Road which provides direct access to the Sydney CBD and western suburbs. The M7 motorway also gives access on the M5 Motorway,” said Timbrell.
The $8.3 billion North West Rail Link will also provide eight new railway stations for the region, added George. 
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Development site in Sydney's Baulkham Hills up for sale

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An East Melbourne property scored more than 20 percent over its reserve at a Savills auction recently, selling for $9.53 million to an investor.
The 96 Wellington Parade property, located opposite the MCG and Jolimont Station, drew 128 enquiries.
Selling agents, Savills’ Nick Peden, Clinton Baxter and Jesse Radisich, said the result represented a strong building rate of $8456 a square metre of net lettable area, and $18,613 a square metre of land.
The property is a five-level, 1,127 square metre (NLA) office building on a 512 square metre, and is zoned Commercial 1. Savills represented the Catholic Church for the deal.
The building covers around 65 percent of the site, while the zoning allows for a building height of 24 metres or eight levels subject to council approval.
It offers uninterrupted views across parkland to the MCG, said Baxter.
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Church reaps $9.53 million from East Melbourne asset at Savills auction

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

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Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

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“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

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Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
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The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
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The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
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Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
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“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

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Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction 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/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Prateek Chatterjee

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