The builder-developer model has become a widely discussed strategy in the new development space in recent years, particularly in the face of rising labour costs, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shortage of high-quality builders. Many developers who built their own projects were able to mitigate these challenges and continue delivering new apartments relatively unscathed.

In Newcastle, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> stands out as the city’s only local builder-developer. While operating relatively quietly for decades, the diversified developer is now becoming a major player in a city that is traditionally deemed a “regional market”, but has grown to be anything but. Increased interest from Sydney-based buyers, driven by remote working trends and the search for affordability that often lies well outside of Greater Sydney, has only heightened GWH’s visibility.

Their strength lies in their fully integrated business model and the local reputation they’ve built. This has helped them navigate challenges like the pandemic as well as any developer in the country, and continues to guide their growing pipeline of projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Jonathan Craig, GWH’s Managing Director, has been with the business for nearly 30 years. He stepped out of school and straight onto a construction site with his father, a structural engineer.

“I was straight on site in Cardiff, where I met Hilton Grugeon (one of GWH’s founders). Within a week, I was working for him and Grahame Chevalley (the other founder),” Jonathan recalls.

GWH was founded in 1995, initially focusing on industrial units and then moving into bulky goods retail developments, particularly in Newcastle and Maitland. In the early 2000s, the company began developing Coles neighbourhood shopping centres. They soon built out a construction team capable of delivering larger-scale projects, paving the way for their entry into multi-residential development.

While the builder-developer model isn’t necessarily new, GWH could arguably boast one of the most vertically integrated businesses in the country. Under the umbrella of the Hunter Construction Group, GWH has access to an in-house supply chain that includes a ready-mixed concrete provider, and structural steel, aluminium windows and doors and precast panel manufacturing businesses.

“We very literally deliver the developments from the ground up,” Jonathan says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325758]

Jonathan reflects on GWH’s “bold move” to buy a residential development site in Newcastle West over a decade ago. “People thought we were mad. At the time, it was Newcastle’s tallest building at around 13 storeys.”

Apartment living wasn’t the norm in Newcastle back then.

“The city and surrounds were predominantly made up of single blocks with weatherboard cottages, even in the centre of the city,” he says.&nbsp;

But fast forward a decade, and the landscape has shifted dramatically.

“The market is now incredibly well-educated and much more open to what apartment living can offer.”

One of the most noticeable market shifts Jonathan has noticed in the past five to seven years has been the demand for resident facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325760]

“We started with a residential rooftop in 2018, and then added a pool and gym. Now our developments include all of the above plus cinemas, steam rooms and multiple rooftop entertaining areas.” The residential rooftop space is an amenity GWH has double-downed on in recent years. It has become one of their signature offerings, with no other developer in the area dedicating the rooftop to residents.

Another major shift over the last five years is the buyer pool. Previously, about 75 per cent of GWH’s buyers were local downsizers from within a 40-kilometre radius. Today, the buyer demographic is much more varied, with younger professionals and investors who see long-term growth in the Newcastle area becoming more prevalent.

This diversification has led GWH to design developments with a wider range of apartment configurations and sizes to meet evolving demand.

GWH has delivered over 700 apartments since entering the multi-residential sector, and will add a further 193 apartments in the coming months with the completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ONE Apartments</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>. GWH focused on larger floorplans at ONE, which are around 20 per cent larger than what is typically available in both the new development and established apartments sectors in the region. The taller of the two towers in the building, at 80m high, will become the tallest tower in Newcastle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351103]

Just 650 metres away, GWH will soon break ground on their next project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a>. Another two-tower development, ERA will comprise 281 apartments, an open-air swimming pool on the shared podium level, a gym with a dedicated fitness studio and a dry sauna, and a rooftop terrace crowning each building.

ERA will be GWH’s first development to include Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance, which protects buyers from structural and waterproofing defects for 10 years post-completion.

“The policy is a win for everyone,” Jonathan says.

“As a builder and developer, we take great pride in our work. Having third-party inspections throughout construction gives us confidence, and delivers peace of mind for the buyer.”

GWH plans to take out Latent Defects Insurance on all future projects.

One of GWH’s most ambitious upcoming projects will reshape the west end of Newcastle. The developer recently secured The Cambridge Hotel, situated on a prized 1,942 sqm site, along with an adjoining 4,096 sqm parcel. Together, they form a 6,038 sqm megasite set to become a mixed-use precinct, featuring significant retail and hospitality on the ground floor, and several residential towers above.

“There’s such an opportunity to deliver something really special for this part of the city. “It’s one we, as a whole business, are very much looking forward to bringing to the people of Newcastle.”

Joel Robinson

Building from the ground up: GWH takes fully-integrated development model to new heights

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">Bellevue Hill</a> has long been one of Sydney’s premier suburbs. With having the highest median house value in the nation exceeding $10 million, it’s home to some of Australia’s most prestigious schools and The Royal Sydney Golf Club. What the suburb lacks, however, is new apartments which meet the needs of local downsizers and families.

Most units in the area date back to the 1960s, with layouts that no longer suit modern lifestyles, particularly for the downsizer market that dominates Bellevue Hill. As the downsizer trend sweeps through Sydney’s eastern suburbs, many long-time residents are looking for low-maintenance living options without leaving the suburb they love.

When new developments do emerge, they’re typically full-floor residences in boutique buildings, which work for some downsizers, but don’t speak for the whole demographic who might want more amenity, generous open spaces. These types of apartments can also be out of reach for many downsizers.

That’s where developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kew">Kew</a> identified an opportunity with its fourth project in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-palm-house-bellevue-hill-84-88-birriga-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">Kew Palm House</a>. The team amalgamated three sites to create a generous 3,000 sqm block on Birriga Road, bordering the Royal Sydney Golf Club. The result is a design that feels more like a resort hotel with lush landscaped gardens and traditional harbour-view homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352223]

While downsizers and families are expected to make up the majority of buyers, Kew is offering a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom apartments among the 16 residences. The two-bedroom layouts, rare for Bellevue Hill, are ideal for lock-and-leave downsizers, while the larger residences are tailored for more permanent owner-occupiers.

Architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> was engaged to design Kew Palm House with a brief to create “a modern interpretation of a classic townhome nestled within a resort.” The project comprises two separate four- and five-level buildings, surrounded by extensive landscaping by renowned firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/dangar-barin-smith">Dangar Barin Smith</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352220]

Communal gardens weave through secluded tree-lined paths leading to a pool house and alfresco spaces, amenities designed to bring neighbours together for communal functions and family events.

To be in keeping with what the market expects in Bellevue Hill, interiors will feature high-end fixtures and finishes such as expanses of travertine, natural stone, engineered timber, and luxury appliances by V-ZUG in the kitchens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352219]

Kew Co-Founder and CEO Ali Mohammed spent two years researching the local real estate market in Bellevue Hill to understand what buyers were looking for.

“What we found is that the majority of the homes in Bellevue Hill are very grand, with generous open spaces and established gardens,” Mohammed said. “We wanted to create that grandiosity in an apartment development, not just focussing on the building but creating plenty of open space to move around.”

Ali Mohammed says he was inspired to create garden-led developments after a trip to London’s Kew Gardens in 2009. “Just as plants thrive under optimal conditions, Kew believes humans flourish in well-designed environments. The residences blend architectural innovation with sustainability, fostering a harmonious connection between people and nature.”

Kew is part of Positive Investment Enterprise, a development and investment group founded in 2011. The company has taken a particular interest in Bellevue Hill, with Kew Palm House being the first in a succession of upcoming projects in the area. They have previously completed Kew Bondi, one of the most architecturally striking buildings on Bondi Road.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133966]

Kew takes a shine to Bellevue Hill as Palm House launches

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/damgar-group">Damgar Group</a> has delivered Rosella, its boutique Murrumbeena apartment project, several months ahead of its anticipated completion.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the seven-storey building delivers 70 one, two, and three-bedroom residences, marking the first significant new apartment offering in the suburb in years.&nbsp;

With construction now complete and move-ins underway, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/rosella-murrumbeena-50-rosella-street-murrumbeena-vic-3163">Rosella</a> brings together design, practicality, and strong connectivity in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held pockets.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=353183]

Damgar partnered with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/progressio-developments">Progressio</a> and the acclaimed team at Cera Stribley to create a design that both stands out and belongs, with its curved concrete façade and warm copper detailing nodding to the nearby Hughesdale Station underpasses.&nbsp;

Inside, these soft architectural curves continue through interior walls, a feature rarely seen at this scale and price point.&nbsp;

James Gray of Progresio, Rosella’s development partner, said the project set out to create “something Murrumbeena simply hasn’t seen before,” combining design ambition with everyday livability.

“We brought in the renowned team from Cera Stribley Architects who created something instantly recognisable,” said Gray.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=352270]

Each apartment balances function and aesthetics, with interiors curated around natural light, warmth and material quality. Kitchens are appointed with Miele appliances, stone benchtops and gunmetal tapware, complemented by Cera Stribley’s signature joinery and bespoke detailing. Open-plan living zones open onto generous terraces designed for entertaining.

Residents also enjoy access to a landscaped rooftop terrace and residents’ lounge with panoramic views over Melbourne’s skyline, a rare amenity in Murrumbeena’s low-rise neighbourhood context.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142221 project_image_fid=352267]

Rosella sits directly opposite Hughesdale Station and Hughesdale Village, placing cafés, wine bars and everyday retail within walking distance. Chadstone Shopping Centre - Australia’s largest retail destination - is just minutes away, while the CBD is a short 15-minute train ride. It’s a level of connectivity that continues to drive buyer interest from professionals and downsizers seeking long-term value in established suburbs.

Final residences at Rosella start from $680,000, offering one of the few opportunities to buy brand-new in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/murrumbeena-vic-3163">Murrumbeena</a>. Damgar Group is also offering generous stamp duty contributions toward purchases for a limited time.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142221]

Staff Writer

"Something Murrumbeena simply hasn’t seen before": Rosella redefines apartment living in Melbourne’s south-east suburb

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> and Metrics Credit Partners are teaming up once again, this time in Concord, where they're taking Concord Central,&nbsp; an eight-building, 1400-dwelling precinct, to the NSW Government.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the 3.14-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-king-street-concord-1-king-street-concord-west-nsw-2137">1 King Street</a>, adjacent to Concord West train station, also includes plans for a new civic plaza featuring retail and commercial spaces.

Concord Central marks another major collaboration between Billbergia and Metrics, following their joint venture in the Sydney CBD, a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/billbergia-metrics-propose-two-80-level-towers-in-sydneys-cbd">two-tower development</a> that will see both towers rise 80 storeys, ranking among the tallest buildings in the city.

<img alt="Bilbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="03ecc392-ba98-437a-bf3b-a944c42e1812" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%204.53.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VaW78cYWuwRjWfU0GdgNQrRWTxU7u5xY" />

At Concord, the initial proposal in 2024 was for 700 apartments across 10 towers.&nbsp;The tower heights now range from six to 37 storeys.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the Scoping Report prepared by Ethos Urban, the project aims to “incorporate a mixed-use approach and use urban design principles to integrate commercial, retail and residential land uses” while improving connectivity and public access to transport infrastructure.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> has led the urban design and masterplanning, alongside architectural input from Fitzpatrick Partners, Lachlan Seegers, and Carter Williamson. The indicative masterplan shows a layout that prioritises open space, view corridors, and pedestrian permeability, with over 5000 sqm of public realm, including a central park and active street frontages.

The project’s proximity to Concord West Station and future Sydney Metro connections at North Strathfield supports the broader vision for a transport-oriented development. The Scoping Design Report notes that the masterplan “seeks to re-integrate the site into the suburb, providing residential activation with public through-site links, civic spaces and play areas”.

<img alt="Billbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e724b4a-5eac-4725-b8a6-e8f217fd753e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%204.53.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=Mpa8ojMn.XDFd73mOzXCA2EI1WarS4tE" />

Retail space has been reduced slightly in the latest version to 5,100 sqm, but with a sharper focus on local activation and daily needs. A childcare centre and community facilities are also included, alongside infrastructure upgrades valued at over $100 million.

The project has been declared State Significant and is undergoing assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. According to the submitted documents, construction could begin as early as late 2026, with completion anticipated by 2029.

This project continues Billbergia’s focus on large-scale urban renewal precincts, with similar activity underway in Rhodes and Chatswood in partnership with Metrics.

Billbergia and Metrics unveils Concord Central scheme with 1400 homes near Concord West Station

Three years after submitting its initial development application for a new apartment building in Bilinga, local developer Lacey Group has decided now is the right time to start progressing with the project.

Lacey Group, which has been behind the likes of Del Ray in Kirra and The Monroe in Palm Beach, has filed fresh plans for an 11-level building with 27 apartments. The 1,009 sqm block at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/66-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">66 Pacific Parade</a>, on the corner of Archer Avenue facing Joe Doniger Park and the beach, is currently home to a walk-up block of original flats known as Serene.

Plus Studio has tweaked its own plans. The density mix isn't much different to the&nbsp;10-level, 28-unit <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-lacey-group-set-for-next-gold-coast-apartment-development">application they made in 2022</a>.

There will still be nine two-bedroom apartments and 16 three-bedroom apartments. The three two-level penthouses have been scrapped, in favour of a large three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartment on the ninth level. There will be just three apartments per floor throughout the building.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Lacey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="170901f8-c4e9-481d-8d2a-5c7d20b1d785" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%206.01.24%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=lGJGCx9qskwB8qu6Xlur4i0K0boXR5Do" />

Plus Studio, led locally by Danny Juric, says 66 Pacific Parade will be&nbsp;a "timeless addition to Bilinga, facilitating a lifestyle defined by relaxed sophistication — barefoot luxury at its finest."

"Located just moments from the beach, 66 Pacific Parade is designed to embrace the Bilinga lifestyle and enhance the neighbourhood’s character," the submission to the Gold Coast City Council noted.

They called the apartments "beach homes", which will be "enveloped by sweeping curves that create a seamless integration between the architecture and its coastal context."

"These soft forms enhance panoramic view experiences for residents, while layered landscaping along the Pacific Parade and Archer Street frontages blends the ocean into the residents’ private recreation deck, pool, and lounges."

<img alt="Lacey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18aebcd9-4d68-47d2-86b9-92eda1779103" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-21%20at%206.01.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=xtOSgbusBKaWiXhyhjO_0ctVkllaPg_0" />

&nbsp;

According to the Town Planning Report by Urban Planning Services, the new application “demonstrates a more refined architectural expression, with particular emphasis on coastal character, visual interest, and improved amenity outcomes”.

The design adopts lighter tones and tiered landscaping, with articulated balconies and screening elements to soften the façade and improve privacy.

Bilinga has become a popular spot for developers in recent years. SIERA recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">PIPIS</a>, just 19 luxury apartments on Golden Four Drive, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a>, a more dense, more price-pointed development, recently launched.

First look: Lacey Group advances Bilinga apartment plans

Guansheng Australia Pty Ltd

<html><body>
City of Sydney will assess in earnest 311-317 Sussex Street which is a freshly lodged application that intends to bring a substantial slab of boarding house accommodation to Sydney's CBD.

Guansheng Australia Pty Ltd is backing the student housing hub for the site in light of Sydney's pressing requirement for additional student accommodation. 83 boarding house rooms within the part 15 storey and part 16 storey tower will sit below 9 private apartments, including a 4 bedroom dwelling.

Costed at $48 million, the building at the western edge of the Sydney CBD also aims to meet standards for the design and construction of new generation boarding houses. FJMT conceived the tower which is incorporated behind the existing non-heritage listed warehouse facade.

<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/image23_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level view. Planning image: FJMT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="875" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_12.jpg?itok=4WhVAv6d" title="Street level view. Planning image: FJMT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level view. Planning image: FJMT</figcaption></figure>Externally the tower expresses "a simple palette of materials has been selected which reflects the robust character of Sussex Street. Each element of the proposal is expressed with a specific materiality to provide a variation in scale and a diversity in character.

The fine grain of the brick warehouses is reflected in the new masonry screen to Sussex Street - blades are angled to provide privacy to the Apartments whilst providing access to local views of the streetscape."

According to FJMT 107 beds spread over 5 separate apartment types are included, ranging from studios to shared apartments with a common living area. The design is also flush with communal facilities such as lounges, a study/work hub, games zone, breakout spaces and a common laundry facility.

Boarding room internal living spaces begin from 12 square metres and increase to 22 square metres, with common living areas on each level. Typical apartments follow, with a limited number spanning two levels.

<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/image5_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A selection of current Sydney student accommodation projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="487" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_18.jpg?itok=EWMOLyXG" title="A selection of current Sydney student accommodation projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A selection of current Sydney student accommodation projects</figcaption></figure>Sydney, like Brisbane and Melbourne is enjoying a boom in student accommodation projects.

Most recently Singapore's Wee Hur linked with Intergen Property Group to expand their portfolio across Australia which, including a recent Redfern site acquisition that is expected to see more than 500 beds included. Wee Hur's Australian footprint also covers Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane and Perth.

Seen above is a quartet of current student accommodation projects representative of the surge of the type across Sydney. The University’s Regiment Redevelopment Project is seeing a new building rise on the corner of City Road and Darlington Road, whilst the Wee Hur Redfern development will also target the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney.

Further afield Rothelowman has designed a new student accommodation project in Macquarie Park for the purposes of serving the nearby Macquarie University.
</body></html>

Guansheng Australia Pty Ltd

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Guansheng Australia Pty Ltd

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.