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Alastair and Laurence sit down and discuss some of the larger news events this week - Suncorp signing up into a large development in Brisbane, Tullawong at the end of Sydney's new metro line going from strength to strength, Melbourne Airport's master plan release and the Victorian opposition are on a roll with public transport announcements in the lead up to the November 2018 election.

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urban.com.au

Weekly Podcast: Episode 24 - Suncorp in Brisbane, Tullawong, Baxter and Melbourne Airport

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State Government budget weeks are upon us again with QLD releasing its 2018-2019 budget this week and New South Wales delivering theirs next week.

Also - could you ever imagine a new tall residential proposal in the middle suburbs would have a whopping 43% of its units configured as 3 bedroom?

LongRiver Group's done just that in Melbourne's Box Hill at <a href="/news/longriver-groups-three-bedroom-surprise-for-their-third-box-hill-skyscraper">843 Whitehorse Road</a>.

And finally there's Australia's future top 10 tallest skyscrapers. Read more about them <a href="/news/top-10-future-tallest-buildings-in-australia">here</a>.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 18 - Queensland and NSW Budgets, LongRiver Group's Box Hill project, and Australia's future tallest skyscrapers

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This week Alastair sits down with Jo Garretty, Managing Director at Salt3 to talk traffic and waste management.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 17 - Jo Garretty from Salt3 discusses traffic and waste management

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You might have seen the proposal to build Melbourne's next tallest tower on the tiny triangle site fronting Victoria and La Trobe Street - well, Laurence sits down with Dylan Brady from deciBel Architecture to get the low-down... and he finds there's a lot more to this tower than just its height.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 16 - deciBel Architecture's Dylan Brady talks Magic Tower

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This week Laurence and Alastair discuss some of the news events of the week finishing up with the Federal Government's budget.

These include the flipping of the 55 Clarke Street site on Southbank, Probuild winning the contract for Stage 1 of Caydon's Malt District development in Cremorne, and the Woods Bagot and Hayball designed Carlton Connect project for the University of Melbourne.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 14 - Federal Budget Week 2018

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Laurence &amp; Alastair chew the fat on the Victorian Budget, released on the 1st of May 2018.

They're interested and keen to see more information on the plans for the apartment building exteriors standards. Dandenong's new stadium proposal gets a look in and they both lament the amount of road funding vis-a-vis new metropolitan public transport initiatives.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 13 - Victorian Budget 2018

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Before you can begin your first house hunt, it’s crucial to get your finances in order. This means visiting a number of different brokers and determining the best home loan structure for you. You’ll want to get a number of quotes and compare home loans. Loans vary in a number of ways. But one thing is certain; unless you’re relying on the bank of mum and dad, or you’ve inherited some serious cash, almost everyone buying their first home needs to take out a loan of some form. Here is the breakdown of the different loans on offer, and what you need to know when choosing a home loan to get into your first home sooner.

<h2>1. Principal and interest loans</h2>

Principal and interest loans are by far the most popular. This is where you make regular payments against the principal, or the amount borrowed, and also pay interest. While you end up paying a lot more than the cost of the home, you have the ability to move in sooner. The loan is paid off over an agreed upon term, which may be anywhere up to 30 years.

There are then a number of different features that you can get with your principal and interest loan, including redraw facilities or offset accounts. These additional features will bump up the price.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-02.jpg">

<h2>2. Interest-only loans</h2>

Interest-only loans involve a period of time where the borrower only has to pay off the interest on the loan, rather than the principal and the interest. Essentially, they are not paying off any of their original amount borrowed. This might seem counter intuitive, but most borrowers who opt for this choice will set up an offset account where they can choose to make extra repayments.

The problem with this strategy is that once the initial interest only period ends, after five years or so, then the borrowers have five years less to pay off the entirety of their loan, as well as continue paying interest. The repayments therefore end up being higher than if they had originally taken out a principal and interest loan.

To compare home loans across principal and interest or interest only, visit your local lender.

<h2>3. Variable interest rate loans</h2>

Lenders offer three key options when it comes to how they will accrue interest on your loan. A variable rate means that your interest rate will rise and fall as the market does. Securing a variable rate when interest rates are at a low point would be a strange choice, because they are likely to only go up.

<h2>4. Fixed interest rate loans</h2>

Fixed rate interest means that your interest rate is fixed, at a predetermined amount. Despite the market, your loan interest won’t budge. It is worth noting however, that these fixed rates are often only valid for part of the loan term, such as five years. After that, it may revert to a variable loan.

The problem with some fixed rate loans is that there are limitations on how many repayments you can make. Or perhaps there may be a higher fee if you wanted to relocate. After all, if you can pay off your loan too quickly, then the lender won’t be making interest off of you.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-03.jpg">

<h2>5. Split interest rate loans</h2>

A split loan, where part of the loan is variable and part of it is fixed, allows the best of both worlds. You can often make extra repayments on the variable portion of the loan while still having the security of a fixed rate, just in case. You can compare home loans in all their pros and cons with your local broker.

<h2>6. Added features</h2>

As mentioned earlier, additional features tacked onto your loan can up some of the costs involved. But, it can be worth knowing about these features to determine if they could be the right choice for your loan.

An offset account is a savings account linked to your home loan. If there’s $20,000 in your savings account, then you only pay interest on your loan minus that $20,000. The more money is in that savings account, the more it will pay off. Alternatively, if you’re tempted to dip into your savings every now and then, this will not be a good option.

A redraw facility means that you can pay extra money into your loan, and then redraw that later if needed. This feature usually involves strict conditions or fees to redraw. Be sure to quiz your lender on the terms and conditions.

Line of credit loans are when you determine a credit limit, for example of $500,000. You can then spend up to that limit. Most often, wages go in in and living expenses come out of this account. As you repay the loan, the credit limit amount remains the same. This means that you can continually keep borrowing and paying off the loan, until the specified end date. These loans are not to be misused; they should be approached with caution and strict financial discipline.

 

Remember, going to a specialist broker to help you determine what you need to know when choosing a home loan. Amid application fees, valuation fees, monthly fees and trying to compare home loans, it takes a professional to be able to match you to a life-long financial fit.
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How To Choose The Right Home Loan

Melbourne living is desirable, to say the least. After being voted the World&rsquo;s Most Liveable City seven years in a row, it&rsquo;s a hotspot for developers, investors, and buyers alike. However,&nbsp;<a href="/news/top-20-melbourne-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">many suburbs in Melbourne have skyrocketed</a> past the budget limit for many buyers, who are left wondering how choosing the best suburb within their reach while still getting a taste of that popular Melbourne lifestyle is even possible.

The good news is that there are plenty of suburbs that haven&rsquo;t yet hit their peak. We&rsquo;ve collated the best suburbs to settle down in Melbourne, no matter whether you&rsquo;re a young professional, student, or are looking to start a family.

<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/i-m-relieved-melbourne-is-no-longer-the-world-s-most-liveable-city-20180814-p4zxfp">The Age&rsquo;s liveability report</a>&nbsp;notes a significant shift in the Melbourne market:&nbsp;the city is realigning from favouring the south to instead favouring the north. Whereas Melbourne&rsquo;s leafy, upmarket east has long been the centre of the real estate industry, more and savvier buyers are looking to the up and coming west for the new best suburbs.&nbsp;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg?itok=WzitTJys" title=" Wikimedia Commons" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Sophia Mundi Steiner School Campus at the Abbotsford Convent Site, looking towards the Melbourne Central Business District | photo by Rjob, source: Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
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Jumping over 100 spots in the past year, <a href="/news/keilor-roads-last-car-dealership-goes-to-apartments-and-goes-super-green">Keilor Park</a>&nbsp;has been one of the best growth suburbs.&nbsp;As well as the nearby botanic gardens, it has seen a boost in cafe culture. With a median property price of around $730,000, it&rsquo;s on the list of many house hunters for good reason. Another star performer was Gladstone West, leaping over 60 points following from new development in the area improving transport and amenities.

The trendy inner north is slowly spreading further and further upwards, improving the scores for suburbs like Coburg North, Brunswick, and the tiny Princes Hill. A favourite for developers, some of the northern suburbs are known for having the largest variation in housing prices, meaning that investors could snap up a bargain, redevelop, and turn a decent profit.

<a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a>&nbsp;represents an attainable spot with good investment potential.&nbsp;Here you can make the most of the cafe culture that permeates the east and north, and the suburb was ranked 33 in terms of liveability. Alternatively, moving further out towards the east is feasible due to the incredibly well-established train lines. Suburbs like Box Hill have continued to rise, favoured by families for the amenities as well as cultural diversity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg?itok=UOJ06Xw8" title=" Flickr" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Albert Park Lake | photo by Lindsay Evans, source:&nbsp;<a href="https://flic.kr/p/5my5m9" target="_blank">Flickr</a></figcaption>
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Looking south, <a href="/developments/albert-park-vic-3206">Albert Park</a> ranked in the top ten for the best suburbs throughout all of Australia in the Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2016. St Kilda West deserves a mention for topping this survey, however, the steep price tag of the laid-back beachside lifestyle is too rich for most.

Taking advantage of these suburbs without actually buying into them is something that buyers have been eager to do for a long time. Purchasing in adjacent suburbs, such as Windsor, mean that it&rsquo;s possible to enjoy the <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda West</a> lifestyle from only a few minutes&rsquo; drive away, and avoid paying the huge costs.

Regardless of which point of the compass is your cue, there are pockets of property throughout Melbourne that are continuing to perform well. The top consideration remains your financial limitations, keeping in mind that you&rsquo;ll need money to actually enjoy living in your new home, on top of simply <a href="/guides/how-to-secure-a-mortgage-free-lifestyle-sooner">paying the mortgage</a>.

Suburban living is about getting in touch with your neighbours and the community and enjoying the &lsquo;village&rsquo; feel at the heart of an area, whether that&rsquo;s a main street or a town square. The best strategy is to identify areas that are <a href="/guides/looking-for-a-home-on-a-budget-here-are-10-melbourne-apartments-under-385-000">within your budget</a>, before going out and spending some time just being there and soaking up the atmosphere.

One of the most <a href="/guides/top-7-tips-on-how-to-value-a-house">common mistakes</a> is that buyers rule out potential suburbs because they turn their nose up at the name. Melbourne is shifting so rapidly, that an area can completely turn around in a few short years. <a href="/buildings/nbh-at-lachlan-s-line-25-27-epping-road-macquarie-park">Choosing the best suburbs</a> that fit how you want to live your life is hard without actually experiencing it yourself. Keep an open mind, take notes, and take the time to figure out your priorities, separating your &#39;must-have&#39;&nbsp;from your &#39;nice to have&#39;.

Note how long it takes you to get there, what there is to see and do, and take a walk through the streets to <a href="/news/6-of-australia-s-top-sustainable-architectural-design-trends">appreciate the architecture</a>. All of these things are a part of finding the best suburbs to settle down in, whether you&rsquo;re looking for an inner fringe bustle or a lazy coastal retreat.

Where and Why? (Melbourne’s Best Lifestyle Suburbs)

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Micro houses, or tiny houses, have taken the internet and the real world by storm. These miniature dwellings take up no more land than a bedroom or two, instead utilising clever design, multiple functionality and innovative storage solutions to make them fully sustainable as long-term homes.

<h2>Eco friendly</h2>

As well as being better for the back pocket, micro houses are often carbon neutral or highly environmentally friendly, and most are transportable which means your home can be anywhere in the world that you choose. Without the space for clutter, it encourages a more ethical and considered approach to consumerism. Tiny home owners learn to reuse, recycle and repurpose, rather than waste. Added to that, there are far fewer resources which go into the construction and maintenance of this style of living. From a glance, it seems like learning to live in smaller spaces while making do with fewer things could be way of the future, and a way in to homeownership in a time of housing affordability uncertainty.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-2.jpg">

<h2>In Demand</h2>

It seems like the market is ripe for the tiny houses trend. Single person households are only set to continue growing, and people are more and more eager to move closer to the CBD. There’s obviously only a certain amount of ground space available, so it makes sense that developers should be looking to capitalise on smaller apartments and housing. The advantages of small housing are plentiful, and one of the main ones is that it allows people to live much closer to the culture, amenities, institutions and lifestyle that big cities can offer. There is a demand for small homes which incorporate good design and don’t necessarily mean that you have to compromise the way you live your life.

<h2>Doing More with Less Space</h2>

While Australia is one of the most spacious countries on the planet, there is still high competition to reside in those desirable areas: on the beach, on the river, or in the heart of the city. And we are naturally moving away from the Great Australian Dream of a large backyard and a full-sized family home. Block sizes are becoming smaller as owners choose to subdivide, backyards are being traded for courtyards, and land ownership is being traded for a floor in an apartment building.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-3.jpg">

<h2>Restrictions and Roadblocks</h2>

But the fact of the matter is that tiny houses remain off the table for so many of us because of planning regulations which exist across Australia. On top of this, some banks refuse to lend for houses of less than 50 square metres. Why is there such a push back when it seems like this could be the answer to our housing affordability problems?

Most of the hesitation seems to stem from predictions of how allowing the widespread development of tiny houses would actually play out. Developers and legislation makers alike have noted that while good design can make a tiny house a smart investment, most of the ones that will be built are like to cut corners and be cramped, predicting plummeting values when those first owners look to sell. Some have gone so far to say that allowing micro houses to be developed will create the slums of tomorrow.

But designers disagree, and retaliate that this thinking is stunting our creativity, our ability to move forward, and our ability to come up with a viable solution for the housing affordability crisis. When viewing some of the floor plans and rendered model of micro houses, it becomes apparent that there is endless opportunity to think creatively, and design well, when you’ve only got a small space to work with. From fold out tables, to mezzanine beds and multipurpose furniture, the sky’s the limit. While these features might initially appeal to students, graduates and alternative thinkers, there is certainly a place for tiny houses in the mainstream.

Others have argued that placing restrictions on apartment and house sizes means that a desirable lifestyle is only attainable for the already wealthy. Just as we have the freedom to choose a hatchback or an SUV, we should too have the option to buy housing on the smaller end of the scale if we choose.

But those fears do serve as a warning, that new homeowners, whether building or buying, should always think carefully about their investment for long-term profitability. While there are plenty of advantages of small housing, good design for these dwellings is even more important.
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Why Micro Houses? Why Not?

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With house prices on a constant hike, and the number of homeowners steadily falling over the past three decades, some suggest that today’s young home renters will become permanent renters. In 1986, the number of young people aged 25-34 who owned their own home was almost 60%, whereas recent census data has seen that figure dip to around 45%, with a particularly noticeable fall over the past 10 years.

And while the struggle for young people entering the housing market has been well documented, the decline has also been felt among older age brackets, leading experts to believe that not only will it be later in life that today’s Gen Ys and millennials will be able to buy, but that they may never be able to buy at all. For single-income households, buying is almost entirely out of the question.

<h2>Supply and Demand</h2>

The demand for homes is sky-high. As our metropolitan populations across the country grow, the rate of construction simply can’t keep up. And while new developments are popping up on city fringes, inner suburban lots are becoming more valuable than ever. Added to this are the increasingly low interest rates and tiny minimum deposits, meaning people who are able to buy are taking out astronomical mortgages. Equity is increasingly becoming a necessity to be able to buy, further favouring those already in the market.

<h2>A Shifting Demographic Spread</h2>

What does all this mean for where you might be living? As the cities and desirable inner suburbs become exclusively baby boomer populated, young families and professional couples are being pushed further and further out. No longer is renting akin to student housing, spending a few years in a share house until completion of studies; it’s becoming the only option for a larger share of younger generations. We’re seeing a polarisation of demographic spread. Today’s children are more likely to experience their childhood in a townhouse or apartment rather than a traditional Australian backyard.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/young-home-renters-as-permanent-1.jpg">

<h2>Increasing Rental Stress</h2>

But even renting is no walk in the park. As if it wasn’t enough that home ownership is soaring out of reach, many young renters are under extreme rental stress, paying between a third and half of their household income on rent alone. Affordability of rent for young home renters is in sharp decline for a number of reasons. In a society where we’ve been brought up thinking that with hard work and a good education, the world is our oyster, young people are having to work longer hours while studying, just to put a roof over their heads. Priorities are turning towards income at an earlier age, rather than careers.

<h2>A Financially Responsible Generation</h2>

And with this increased portion of income being directed toward rent, or saving for the elusive first home, experts have applauded today’s young home renters for being the most financially responsible. Compared to their parents, who spent more money on food and non-essential items like cars, household goods and clothes, today’s young people spend their money on housing and education first.

<h2>The Way Forward</h2>

While the market for first home buyers is tough, it is by no means entirely inaccessible. As more and more young buyers are looking further out of our city centres, the ‘outer suburbs’ are losing much of their stigma. Young couples and singles are turning towards off the plan apartments and homes in these areas for the notable advantage of a smaller upfront cost.

Once first home buyers have secured that first purchase, there is considerable opportunity to take advantage of this growth—what was once a barrier, can in fact be a positive. Indeed, there is a growing number of first home buyers who are choosing to avoid the traditional owner–occupier pathway, and instead opt to secure their first home as an investment while they continue to rent themselves.

After all, renting is becoming a more favourable option in many aspects. In October 2017, reforms to tenancy laws in Victoria gave renters more rights, including being allowed to keep pets, accessing smaller bonds to improve the affordability of rent for young renters, and negotiating longer term leases.

Regardless of the pathway taken, first home buyers must focus on research, getting to know their own financial limits, and taking a fresh approach to entering the market. While the trend may be growing in regards to permanent renting, it is certainly not to say that securing a home is off the table.
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Young Home Renters as ‘Permanent Renters’?

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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

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