First look: Podia pitches final stage of new Kingscliff community
Sydney developer Podia has finalised what it intends to do with its prominent undeveloped parcel at the northern gateway to Kingscliff's well-known Salt precinct, where it is planning a mix of land, townhouses, and now apartments.
Podia, the developer behind Bonobo by Raes in Byron Bay and Wirra in Neutral Bay, has filed a State Significant Development Application to the NSW Government for the final 4,455 sqm of the 1.59-hectare Bells Boulevard block, at the entry to Salt Village between Cudgen Creek and South Kingscliff Beach.
Having already secured approval for a mix of 14 land lots and 12 terrace-style homes, Podia is now seeking to complete the community with a five-storey, 69-apartment building with ground-floor retail designed by SJB Architecture.
The Urban Design and Architecture Report by SJB noted in its Urban Design and Architecture Report as part of the submission that the area is dominated by low-density residential and significant natural features, however a small mixed-use area is clustered around the Salt Precinct, creating a destination for the precinct.
"The site’s location at the heart of the precinct offers the opportunity for future development to complement existing mixed-use, to form a genuine town centre that enhances the experience for local residents and visitors. At the site scale, the opportunity to create a distinct marker and entry point for the town centre becomes apparent, assisting with legibility for people arriving by car, bike or on foot."
The architecture draws inspiration from coastal Kingscliff using natural, durable materials that echo the textures and tones of local landmarks like Salt Surf Life Saving Club and Peppers Resort. The building will wrap around a central courtyard for the wider community, while residents will have access to private facilities like indoor communal areas and a rooftop swimming pool.
"For some time now, we have been looking to work with the Tweed community so we were thrilled to secure a unique site where we can make a positive contribution to the Salt Village town centre," Podia noted on the project website.
"On this last consolidated lot of undeveloped Salt Village land, we have the opportunity to deliver a mix of housing types, retail and services in a vibrant village atmosphere. [The building] will offer diverse, comfortable living choices. Thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, the project will support local businesses, enhance community connection and leave a lasting legacy for Kingscliff."
Podia is approaching completion of its luxury Neutral Bay apartment development Wirra, just 20 high-end apartments that start from over $5 million. Their Bonobo by Raes development, a joint venture with luxury hotel operator Raes, will comprise 41 hotel-apartments on Jonson Street.
Joel Robinson
Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Apartments.com.au, where he leads the editorial team and oversees the country’s most comprehensive news coverage dedicated to the off the plan property market. With more than a decade of experience in residential real estate journalism, Joel brings deep insight into Australia’s evolving development landscape.
He holds a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism from Leeds Beckett University in the UK, and has developed a particular expertise in off the plan apartment space. Joel’s editorial lens spans the full lifecycle of a project, from site acquisition and planning approvals through to new launches, construction completions, and final sell-out, delivering trusted, buyer-focused content that supports informed decision-making across the property journey
