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South Australia duo Kate &amp; Harry are the bookmakers favourites to win Sunday's House Rules finale this weekend.
The team are odds on favourites, priced at $1.62 with sportsbet.com.au, to beat out Queenslanders Aaron and Danielle, who are the outsiders at $2.20.
Sportsbet.com.au's Will Byrne said Kate and Harry's perfect score in the semi-final sees them enter the final as the ones to beat.
He said he wouldn't however rule out Aaron and Danielle.
The bookmaker is paying $5 for the show to be axed next year.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

South Australia pair Kate and Harry tipped to win House Rules

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Filmmaker Jan Chapman, whose The Piano raked in three Academy Awards, has listed her Paddington headquarters of her production house.
She paid $750,000 in 1995 and has been the home to Chapman and her husband Stephen O'Rourke's Saddleback production company.
The 45 sqm shop front has been rented at $950 a week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/07/Chapman2.jpg" alt="">
Set on 260 sqm, the three storey Victoria terrace has five bedrooms, although Chapman and O'Rouke don't live in the property.
It has a <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/250-glenmore-road-paddington-nsw-2021-2013634997" target="_blank">guide of $3.9 million</a> through Blomfield Real Estate agent Andrew Blomfield.
The couple reside in Coogee where they have had a home since 1995.
Chapman is the only female filmmaker to receive the Palme d'Or.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Jan Chapman's production Paddington house for sale

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The Glebe home of the commercial financial manager at British American Tobacco Kristelle Hanquier has sold for $2.05 million before its weekend auction.
Her <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-glebe-125717530" target="_blank">three-storey home</a> has glass facades at the front and back.
Offering open-plan living spaces at entry level and two bedrooms and a bathroom on each of the upper levels, the property showcases an industrial edge with painted brick walls, timber stairs, corrugated iron ceilings and exposed steel beams.
Hanquier paid $920,500 in 2011.
Raine &amp; Horne Newtown agent Duncan Gordon was asking for offers around $1.8 million.
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Glebe home of Kristelle Hanquier sold

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Sports scientist Stephen Dank could be bankrupted after the Bendigo Bank launched ­action over an unpaid debt of ­around $100,000 related to a failed forestry scheme.
Mr Dank, who was in November banned for life from being ­involved in sport over his involvement in the Essendon doping saga, owes the Bendigo $98,500 after borrowing money to invest in a forestry scheme run by timber company Great Southern in 2006.
Great Southern collapsed in 2009. Great Southern Group was the country's largest agribusiness managed investment scheme (MIS) business.
The bank has been pursuing Mr Dank for the money since February last year, serving him with paperwork at the Sydney Opera House in March.
The Australian reported Bendigo Bank won a trigger to bankrupt Mr Dank from the Victorian County Court in October at another hearing he did not attend.
The Federal Circuit Court will hear the bank’s application to bankrupt Mr Dank on August 15.
The collapse of the Great Southern Group led to three Australian parliamentary committee inquiries into the MIS industry.
The Great Southern Group began in 1987 managing South-east Australian plantations of Pinus radiata, but in 1992 shifted to Eucalytus plantations for wood chip productio.
By 2001, the Group had 66 000 hectares of forestry plantations.
The Group diversified into viticulture, then expanded into organic olives, and acquired some beef cattle MIS businesses, including the 660,000-hectare Moola Bulla property in WA's East Kimberley region.
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Stephen Dank facing bankruptcy over forestry investment

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Ross Voci, director of property development firm PSCA, is selling his three-level, architect-designed home in Richmond.
It is close to Church Street’s shops and cafes. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-125715474" target="_blank">four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence</a> comes with spotted-gum flooring, timber feature walls, a private courtyard with a vertical garden and a double garage.
The Miele-equipped kitchen has stone benchtops and a walk-in pantry.
It looks over a combined living/dining room which extends onto a north-facing balcony. 
Allan Cove of Biggin &amp; Scott Richmond will take the property to auction on July 8 seeking $1.7 million to $1.85 million.
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Three-level Richmond trophy listed

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A popular youth hostel in Sydney’s Collaroy and a neighbouring block of units has sold to developers for $14.75 million.
It was listed with price expectations of more than $10 million.
The YHA hostel at 4 Collaroy Street and 1 Alexander Street properties were offered as a consolidated 2,570 sqm development site on behalf of a local private investor. 
The Sydney Beachouse YHA won the best budget accommodation in NSW award in 2000. The hostel has 65 rooms, a pool and is close to Collaroy Beach.
The 1 Alexander Street property is a three-level apartment block comprising five residential units, a storage unit and three retail stores including a café and physiotherapy. 
According to Domain reports, CBRE had marketed the property at $10 million plus, and received 15 offers after 31 contract requests.
Toby Silk, CBRE selling agent, said property developer HCAP purchased the site.
Steve Howell, CEO, HCAP told Domain the block was bought as a “buy, hold and develop in the future kind of purchase”.
“Any development would be in line with that village kind of atmosphere, supported by the council,” he said.
"The purchase was part of an emotional attachment to the area.
“My family lives in Collaroy and the site is as good as you get for large scale, luxury redevelopment along Sydney’s northern beaches.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world.”
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Site with youth hostel in Sydney’s Collaroy sold

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Western Australia suburbs Collie, Withers and Manjimup are the region's most affordable suburbs according to REIWA's latest 10 most affordable suburbs list.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said there is an abundance of options available to buyers "down south".
"Most notable, is the exceptional lifestyle opportunities on offer, which are not readily available at these prices in the metro area," he said.
“For instance, the median house prices of the 10 suburbs on the list range between $205,000 to $335,000, which is well below the Perth metro median house price of $525,000."
REIWA Councillor Joe White, based in Dunsborough said many of the 10 suburbs on the list were ‘hidden gems’ he expected to grow in popularity over the coming years.
“Withers and Usher for example, ranked two and six on the list respectively, are both located on the coast," he said.
“West Australians love to live on the coast, to be able to buy a property that close to the beach for $300,000 or less is simply unheard of in the city.
“I suspect in the coming years Withers and Usher will grow in popularity as buyers begin to discover the full extent of their superb geographic locations.
“With their proximity to the Bunbury CBD and sporting facilities, infill re-development will change the perception of these locations as the benefits of this re- development radiate out from the town centre.
“That being said, the South West’s non-coastal regional areas are fantastic places to live too.
“And if you are living on limited means, there is probably no better place to make your dollars stretch than in towns in the South West of WA,” Mr White said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.23.37%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.23.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
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Collie, Withers top REIWA's 10 most affordable suburbs

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A decommissioned pub with a second dwelling on title failed to garner interest when auctioned last weekend.
Nelson Alexander sales director Arch Staver told the crowd of 15 that the seven-bedroom property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-carlton-124990870" target="_blank">70 Kay Street</a>, Carlton (above) would “lease out in a flash”.
It was last sold in 1979 for $44,000.
But there were no takers and the property was passed in on a $2.5 million vendor bid.
It has since been listed for $2.8 million.
The property is in a corner position and comprises of a Victorian building and contemporary architect-designed town house.
Featuring a sunny courtyard with off street parking the main residence has a living room with cellar below as well as a dining room opening to a 60s style kitchen and large informal area.
There are also five large bedrooms as well as a bathroom/laundry.
At the rear is a two-bedroom house with a living/dining space, kitchen and bathroom as well as opening to the Charles Street precinct.
The property is 20 minutes walk through the Exhibition Gardens to the CBD.
The property is offered through Nelson Alexander agents Arch Staver and David Sanguinedo. 
Meanwhile two parties lodged more than 60 bids for a nearby three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-carlton-125667546">113 Station Street</a> (below) — one of six in the boutique Station Mews development, which was built within the walls of a former Victorian-era joinery factory in the 1980s.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/06/113%20Station%20Street.jpg" alt="">
The marathon took the sale price $160,000 past reserve.
It was last sold in 2013 for $1.275 million and before that in 2012 for $1.05 million.
From the enclosed courtyard/al fresco area the property features a living/dining room with gas log fire as well as kitchen with soft-close cabinetry and quality appliances.
Three double bedrooms each have their own custom storage while the main has its own ensuite and courtyard.
Other features include garage with loft garage and second parking space.
Nelson Alexander sold it to an investor in front of a 40-strong crowd.
The property was sold through Nelson Alexander agents Tom Breen and Luke Sacco.
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Decommissioned Carlton pub fails to sell

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The busiest suburbs for auction this weekend are all in Victoria, with 16 properties scheduled to go to auction in Reservoir, followed closely by St Albans and Mill Park with 14 and 13 auctions respectively, and Craigieburn and Glen Waverley both host to 12 auctions.
Auction activity across the combined capital cities will be slightly subdued this week, with 1,588 auctions currently being tracked by CoreLogic, down from last week’s final result of 2,001 auctions held.
However, activity is expected to be higher than what was seen over the corresponding week last year (1,399).
Looking at each of the individual capital cities, activity is varied week-on-week with Sydney expected to see the most significant fall in volumes over the week, down 29 per cent, while in Canberra volumes are expect to rise by 67 per cent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-06%20at%2011.53.00%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-06%20at%2011.53.00%20am.jpg" alt="">
Sydney is scheduled to host 600 auctions this week, down from 724 last week, while in Melbourne 728 properties are set to go under the hammer, decreasing from the 801 auctions held last week.
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth will also see a fall in volumes over the week, with Canberra being the only capital city where volumes will rise, while in Tasmania auction activity will remain steady.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-reservoir-117355019" target="_blank">23 Acheron Avenue</a>, Reservoir (above) will be auctioned this weekend for between $800,000 to $880,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-125723358" target="_blank">286 Waterview Boulevard</a>, Craigieburn (below) will be auctioned this weekend.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/06/286%20Waterview%20Boulevard.jpg" alt="">
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Reservoir to be the busiest suburb this auction weekend: CoreLogic

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When Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall in North Queensland early in 2017, it led to nearly A$1 billion in insured losses.
Fortunately, there were no deaths or serious injuries where people sheltered in buildings.
We conducted a detailed study into what sort of damage took place during Cyclone Debbie.
This involved taking direct measurements of winds within communities as the storm came ashore.
We then returned after the storm to assess the damage to buildings caused by wind, wind-driven water entry into buildings (water ingress), and storm tide inundation.
We found that buildings designed and constructed using appropriate codes and standards provided safe refuge from Cyclone Debbie’s winds.
However, these regulations did not stop significant volumes of water entering these buildings and causing major financial loss and community disruption.
Unless the amount of water entering buildings is reduced, the cost of severe storms will continue to rise.
The Bureau of Meteorology operates a network of fixed weather stations around the country.
To supplement these fixed sites, we deployed a network of portable weather stations throughout Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill and Ayr to measure the wind speeds that hit these areas as Cyclone Debbie made landfall.
After adjusting these measurements for their local site conditions, we then related them to the design wind speed prescribed in the Australian wind loading standard, <a href="https://infostore.saiglobal.com/en-au/Standards/AS-NZS-1170-2-2011-R2016--1458609/" target="_blank">AS/NZS1170.2</a>.
For new residential and commercial buildings in North Queensland this is 250km per hour.
Our analysis found that wind gusts at Hamilton Island approached design strength (that is, 90-100% of 250km per hour, as shown in the figure below), Airlie Beach and Proserpine experienced winds at 80-85% of design strength, Bowen around 70%, and Ayr/Home Hill and Mackay less than 50%.
We do not believe that any community experienced wind speeds greater than the 250km per hour a new home should be designed to withstand.
Communities are made up of a mix of buildings. Newer ones are built to current codes and standards, while older ones are not.
Structural details for wind resistance of housing were introduced to building codes in the mid 1980s in response to damage caused by several severe tropical cyclones in the 1970s.
Echoing similar investigations following <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station/publications/technical-reports3" target="_blank">these and more recent tropical cyclones</a>, our survey showed that the majority of wind-related failures occurred in older houses.
It again highlighted known issues with inadequate tie-down between battens, rafters and trusses, or between the roof structure and wall, as well as deterioration of structural elements.
Such damage to older buildings remains a problem that will continue to present a risk to life and property unless coordinated structural upgrading or retrofit programs are implemented.
Few contemporary buildings had significant damage where the measured wind speeds were less than 80% of the design wind speed.
Where damage was observed, this was primarily due to the use of incorrect or poorly installed details.
Overall, however, the low level of structural damage to newly constructed buildings was in line with that expected given measured wind speeds.
This shows that where appropriate codes and standards are applied, structural damage can be controlled.
But cyclones can cause plenty of other damage that can still be a problem for people.
We found that internal linings, ceilings and contents (furniture, clothes, and other items) in many hundreds of contemporary buildings were damaged due to wind-driven water ingress.
This occurred irrespective of wind speeds.
Wind-driven water ingress occurs when differential pressure between the inside and outside of a building forces rainwater through windows, doors, louvres, weepholes, vents and even under flashings nominally designed to keep water out.
This ingress occurs in the absence of any structural or building envelope damage and even occurs when doors or windows are closed.
Many people reported mopping up water in front of windows and glass doors during the cyclone.
This practice puts people at risk of serious injury if the windows or doors are broken by debris or wind pressure.
But no definitive codes, standards or guidelines currently exist to help prevent water ingress during severe tropical cyclones.
It is anticipated that damage due to wind driven water ingress will make up a significant percentage of the total damage cost of this event.
It has led to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-31/cyclone-debbie-airlie-beach-proserpine-locals-pull-together/8403684" target="_blank">significant community disruption</a> during repair and recovery, and is clearly a community resilience issue that must be addressed.
As in previous wind events, from the damage we observed it was clear that wind-driven rainwater ingress was a major cause of loss to modern buildings.
Anecdotally, its contribution to the costs of community recovery is increasing.
But, rightly or wrongly, since water ingress is not generally viewed as a life safety issue, codes and standards do not currently control it.
Manufacturer standards, improved design and installation practice and even insurance pricing are possible alternatives.
But we believe further research is urgently required to determine the most appropriate method to address this problem.
For the most part, newer buildings - with correctly designed and installed structural details - resist severe winds better than older ones.
The structural details of all buildings, regardless of age, should be checked following major wind events.
You service your car to protect your family – why not your home?
Matthew Mason is a lecturer in Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-mason-220221" target="_blank">here</a>.
Daniel Smith is a research fellow at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-smith-384423" target="_blank">here</a>.
David Henderson is the Director at CycloneTesting Station at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-henderson-384425" target="_blank">here</a>.
Debbie Falck is a assistant researcher at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/debbie-falck-385708" target="_blank">here</a>.
Geoffrey Boughton is an adjunct Associate Professor at the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geoffrey-boughton-384429" target="_blank">here</a>.
All of them are authors for The Conversation.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/79565/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
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Building codes not enough to protect homes against water damage in severe storms

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.

Staff reporter

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