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.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Newcastle

Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital is set to fast-track development of the final stages of its $1 billion East End Village in Newcastle after securing $50 million in sales just a month into their launch.

The rich lister is aiming to start construction of stages three and four of the transformational development by the end of this year following the massive sales run that has been led by local buyers.

“The market response to our final release of apartments has been exceptional and we will begin construction as soon as final approvals have been granted,” said Arnaout.

<img alt="Render of the final East End stage in Newcastle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66cdd2cc-c38c-4a88-b318-b23cc700aaf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/EE_S3_S4_Cam09B_FINAL.jpg?VersionId=TfiV3Zq550nZ7EUsXrSkHFOBXAAQZjY_" />Render of the final East End stage in Newcastle

“We entered the Newcastle market with confidence when we took on the East End Village development in 2016, and that confidence has never waned. The infrastructure spent over recent years to transform the city have made Newcastle CBD one of the most sought-after addresses for locals as well as buyers from Sydney.”

Project marketers Urban Activation, led by Matt George, was appointed in early March to oversee marketing and sales of the East End Village with the team for the $450 million final stages.

“Our team hit the ground running with the latest release of apartments which offer buyers the last chance to be a part of the most significant urban renewal development ever undertaken in Newcastle,” George said.

“Our team has been inundated with inquiries from buyers, most of them locals, as demand for inner-city living in Newcastle continues to firm in the current market. Buyers are looking for premium residences with urban amenities right at their doorstep.

“The sales already achieved by our team support our longer-term view that Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are among the strongest residential property markets in Australia at the moment.”

<img alt="Render of the Newcastle project East End" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15f79f65-9643-4f6f-b248-fa64145bc171" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/EE_S3_S4_Cam03A_FINAL.jpg?VersionId=g1DuBHs_YcGgIPYiRYKEb8_b6s0x6q_m" />Render of the Newcastle project East End.

Iris Capital’s vision for East End Village spans twelve new buildings over four blocks in the Newcastle CBD, including the sold out first stage comprising the historic Fabric House, Washington House, and Perkins &amp; King buildings which have been transformed into a retail and multi-residential precinct that is centred on the open space of Lyrique Lane.

The final two stages are a collaboration between three architectural firms, SJB, DBJ and Curious Practice, all of which won a design competition for the best achieved design excellence amongst their peers.

One-bedroom residences in the final stages of East End Village are priced from $750,000, while two-bedroom offerings are priced from $1.15 million and three-bedrooms from $2.75 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107744]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Iris Capital secure $50m sales blitz in a month for final Newcastle East End stages

Iris Capital, headed by developer and rich lister Sam Arnaout, is gearing up to launch the third and fourth stages of their multi-award winning $1 billion East End Village project in Newcastle.

The first two stages of East End Village have sold out, with construction of the second stage approaching completion of what will become the city's biggest rejuvenation project.

Urban Activation will oversee the marketing and sales of the $450 million final stages of East End Village.

Urban Activation Director Matt George says the final two stages will include some of the most exclusive residential offerings in the entire development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107744 project_image_fid=211151]

“Stage three and four represent the final release of East End Village and will feature the most luxurious penthouses yet,” George said.

“The open floorplans unfold onto a private balcony towards one of Newcastle’s many sights including the harbour foreshore, ocean horizon, or verdant hilltop grounds of Christ Church Cathedral."

On the wider development, George says&nbsp;East End Village has been one of the most significant urban renewal developments ever undertaken in Newcastle, delivering a step change for the city and leveraging off the massive infrastructure spending program that has revitalised the inner city in recent years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107744 project_image_fid=211152]

“East End Village is among the latest catalysts to the ongoing revitalisation of Hunter Street and the Newcastle CBD, and this is having a knock-on effect to the entire region," George says, adding that he believes&nbsp;the Hunter Valley is currently one of the hottest property markets in Australia."

Once complete, East End Village will create a vibrant urban precinct across four city blocks in Newcastle’s inner-city area.

Local downsizers and upsizers who want to live in the transformed CBD have shown the most interest in East End. George expects this trend to continue in the final two stages.

The development, set across five buildings incorporating original heritage architecture, will deliver a blend of residential, retail, entertainment and dining to the city’s heart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107744 project_image_fid=211155]

The completed first stage includes the historic Fabric House, Washington House, and Perkins &amp; King buildings which have been transformed into a retail and multi-residential precinct that is centred on the open space of Lyrique Lane.

With interiors designed by SJB, the apartments have been designed to transcend the typical standards of apartment living, while also embracing coastal views.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One-bedroom residences are priced from $750,000 whilst two-bedroom offerings are priced from $1,150,000 and three-bedrooms are priced from $2,750,000.

Following a design competition, the final stages of the project will be designed in collaboration between architects SJB, DBJ and Curious Practice, with the release set to include the most luxurious penthouses yet.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107744]

Urban Activation Director Matt George says the final two stages will include some of the most exclusive residential offerings in the entire development

Iris Capital kick off final stages of $1 billion East End Village, Newcastle development

Australian property developer Third.i continues to defy the property market downturn, exchanging on a string of record-breaking apartment sales across two projects in Newcastle and one in Coffs Harbour.&nbsp;

As the first project for Third.i in Coffs Harbour, Sable at the Jetty has been met with strong interest, with the penthouse selling for $2.35 million, recording a record for the region.&nbsp;

Over 80 per cent of the apartments have been sold since launch in October last year, with Third.i's Co-Founder Luke Berry saying the strength of the sales at Sable at the Jetty demonstrate that regional cities are seeing a consistent uptake of sales activity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135621 project_image_fid=210447]

"There is still growth in the market here, with property sales in the New South Wales north coast holding steady," Berry said.&nbsp;

“There’s heaps of opportunity for growth in Coffs Harbour and this record penthouse sale tells us buyers feel the same way."

With only a handful of apartments remaining, the $35.5 million project is set to deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences, with construction due to commence in the coming months, with completion slated for mid-2024.&nbsp;

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Streets, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, and also offers numerous transport links at your doorstep. Remaining apartments are priced from $650,000 to $1.6 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187062]

Sable at the Jetty joins a growing list of Third.i’s record sales in New South Wales, following three record sales in Newcastle, with the sale of the penthouse at Dairy Farmers Towers going for $6.5 million and two back-to-back $3.5 million penthouse sales at the group's retirement living project, The Merewether Residences.&nbsp;

The extensive whole floor penthouse in Dairy Farmers Towers, located at 924 Hunter Street, Newcastle West sold to a local family who swooped in to secure their slice of the iconic project which pays homage to the site’s history as the original head office for Dairy Farmers Limited in Australia.

The buyer is a Hunter Valley legend, winemaker and businessman, who says the level of offering at Dairy Farmers was exactly what he and wife were looking for in an inner-city abode.

When asked about the status of setting a record with their purchase, the buyer said, “We love Newcastle and Novocastrians, and are excited to have an apartment there. We can’t wait to move into such an iconic property and participate in the fantastic social activities Newcastle can offer.”

The penthouse is in the project’s North Tower, which offers a combined 440 sqm ‘Sky Home’ sitting 100 metres above sea level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187069]

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, four-car property features multiple living and dining rooms, a separate chef's kitchen, bar and adjoining wine cellar, library, and study.

All rooms will have three-metre high ceilings and floor to ceiling glazing, which will deliver 360-degree views of Newcastle all the way to the Broken Back Range in the Hunter Valley, a crucial feature for the buyers who previously lived under the Broken Back Range.

The project has also been met with a swarm of interest from downsizers and owner occupiers, with more than 70 per cent of the project sold since its launch in late 2022.

Third.i secure string of record-breaking apartment sales across New South Wales

Sydney-based developers, Iris Capital, has continued to notch up awards for their East End project.

Having initially focussed on Sydney’s fast growing south-west corridor, the group has most recently taken a leap up the coast, dipping into the prospers of the Newcastle region to deliver a masterplan set to transform the suburb.

Encompassing a 1.66-hectare site, from Perkins Street to Newcomen Street, the East End precinct will be delivered across four stages, with the entire project slated for completion by 2027.

Cited as one of the country’s first large-scale urban regeneration projects, East End is focused on delivering the perfect blend of residential, retail, entertainment and dining to Newcastle.

Stage one of the billion-dollar East End development comprises four buildings, three of which are complete mixed use residential buildings and one a QT hotel.

And the accolades have continued for the project, after having been crowned the winner of the 2022 UDIA NSW award for excellence in mixed use developments, which celebrate innovation, sustainability, industry leadership and excellence in urban development across NSW and the ACT.

Alongside the 2022 UDIA NSW award for excellence in mixed use developments, Iris Capital has already secured seven awards and a high commendation under its belt, as well as being a finalist twice.

The group was recently awarded three awards from the 2022 Newcastle Australian Institute of Architects including the Urban Design award, Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing award and the Newcastle 2022 Medal, which is considered a prestigious top award.

The 2022 NSW Australian Institute of Architects also awarded the group with another three awards including the Urban Design award, Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing award and the Premiers Prize.

Iris Capital also secured first place for Urban Taskforce Australia’s Urban Renewal Development award and received a high commendation from Think Brick Awards for its Horbury hunt Commercial Award in 2021.

CEO of Iris Capital, Sam Arnaout, said he is proud to have received another round of nominations after winning eight awards this year alone for the Newcastle East End development, attributing the success to Iris Capital’s attention to detail and passion for delivering market-leading projects.

“I’ve been joined by so many great people around me at Iris Capital and it’s a massive team effort to achieve what we have for the East End project,” says Arnaout.

“We are delighted that our ongoing efforts to deliver an urban city sanctuary with our East End development are being recognised once again with Iris Capital being a finalist for four awards.

“Being awarded the UDIA award for excellence in mixed use development reflects our unwavering commitment to developing communities that set a benchmark for the industry and these accolades only deepen our resolve to continue creating a revitalised and flourishing community in Newcastle.

“Iris Capital is grateful for the awards and nominations we have secured so far, for our East End development, and look forward to the next stages of our master planned high quality integrated residential and mixed-use development.”

Iris Capital will now progress through to the National Architecture Awards and the National UDIA Developer Awards which will be determined later this year.

Iris Capital is one of Australia’s leading private property and hotel enterprise headed by Sam Arnaout. The company’s investment and development activities have seen it create five billion dollars in enterprise value over more than 25 years with the Iris Capital group now generating annual revenue of $500 million and employing more than 1500 people across Australia.

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Iris Capital take out UDIA award for Newcastle mixed-use development, East End

Poised to bring the next generation into the property market, heavyweight property developer Third.i has received the green light from the City of Newcastle council to bring its latest offering to reality, the Dairy Farmers Towers project in the heart of Newcastle&rsquo;s West End.

The project burst onto the market just a few months ago, drawing buyer attention before the project had even launched.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187054]

The Dairy Farmers project is set to deliver 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over two towers, topping a five-storey residents&rsquo; only shared work hub with over 1600 sqm of commercial and retail space.

Third.i is also one of the largest providers of Specialist Disability Accommodation apartments along the East Coast of Australia, partnering with numerous Specials Independent Living Advisors to provide suitable accommodation in their large scale developments, including Dairy Farmers Towers, which will deliver eight SDA apartments.

With development approval under its wing, Third.i will commence construction in the third quarter of this year with expected completion for the back end of 2024.

The project will offer an exclusive deposit scheme, a first for Newcastle, in collaboration with CoPosit, which will see a fee-free app-based service allowing buyers to purchase a property with just $10,000 in savings, with the remainder of the deposit paid over weekly instalments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187062]

Third.i Co-Founder and Director, Luke Berry, says the DA approval paves the way for Third.i to fulfil a dream to help people enter and re-enter the property market with overwhelming local support from hungry buyers.

&ldquo;We are thrilled to receive our development approval from the council for Dairy Farmers Towers, a project that is providing achievable deposit schemes for those looking to secure their slice of the real estate market,&rdquo; said Berry.

&ldquo;The West End is quickly becoming Newcastle&#39;s beckoning lifestyle hub, complete with an eclectic mix of urban flair and character. Dairy Farmers Towers joins our stable of West End projects and has already become a legacy project for everyone to enjoy. When you&rsquo;ve also got the CoPosit initiative to help Australians purchase their first homes, I couldn&rsquo;t be prouder of the calibre that will soon be brought to life with this DA approval,&rdquo; he added.

Berry also noted how using the scheme could save buyers money in the long run as well as securing a new build property now, rather than buying one after competition at a higher price, which sees a lot of buyers traditionally priced out of the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187064]

Dairy Farmers Towers is set to include a deluxe range of exclusive amenities featuring co-working spaces, cabana pool areas with a lap pool, a wine bar and cellar, a state-of-the-art gym and a Pilates studio, as well as multiple function rooms.

A young buyer who purchased through the CoPosit scheme said that if not for the scheme offered at the project, it would&rsquo;ve taken them an additional two years to save for a normal deposit.

&ldquo;What drew me to Dairy Farmers Towers was the bespoke amenities on offer and the opportunity to purchase through CoPosit. I have never seen such a great initiative within Newcastle that assists first home buyers get into the market at such a high-quality level of development,&rdquo; said the Dairy Farmers Towers buyer.

&ldquo;The process was really simple and straightforward. I have been really impressed so far with the service and how many people there are to assist with any of my questions. I think more people should consider purchasing with CoPosit because of how easy and rewarding it has been being able to actually put my name on my dream apartment without having to wait another two-years to save my deposit.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187069]

The green-lit Newcastle West site was once home to Dairy Farmers - one of Australia&rsquo;s largest dairy producers.

In a nod to the history of the site, Third.i has reimagined the heritage-listed, iconic milk bottle and clock towers as part of the project through a pedestrianised, broader public art installation.

&ldquo;Residents will have some of the best views in town, as well as access to the harbour, great dining and entertainment options, and the transport interchange at their doorstep. We wanted Dairy Farmers Towers to be a West End icon, a landmark reborn to create a new chapter as a great place to live, work and play. With construction commencing later this year, we can&rsquo;t wait to do exactly that,&rdquo; concluded Berry.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=109979]

The Dairy Farmers project is set to deliver 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over two towers, topping a five-storey residents’ only shared work hub with over 1600 sqm of commercial and retail space.



 Council gives green light for Dairy Farmers Towers, paving the way for Newcastle’s latest apartment development 

Plus Architecture has won the design competition for a $100 million two-tower development on the site of a former big-format retailer in Newcastle.

The redevelopment of the 4726 sqm site at 711 Hunter Street will comprise 267 apartments across two towers rising to 90 metres, as well as 1,400 sqm of commercial space.

Along with the City of Newcastle, prominent Newcastle developers St&nbsp;Hilliers&nbsp;Property and Spotlight Group partnered to run the design competition, which St&nbsp;Hilliers&nbsp;Property project director Paul Smith said had unearthed the best architectural talent and ideas for the prominent West End site.

&ldquo;The quality of architectural design presented by Plus Architecture is really impressive and we look forward to further refining the design by incorporating the jury&rsquo;s recommendations before proceeding to the next phase,&rdquo; Smith said.

&ldquo;With a development of this significance, we will work closely with Plus Architecture to set sustainability targets and quality design outcomes during the more detailed development application phase, including a focus on thermal comfort, energy, waste and water.&rdquo;

<img alt="" height="897" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-17_at_9.45.00_am.png" width="1145" />

Unanimously selected, Plus Architecture&rsquo;s design included a &lsquo;meeting place&rsquo; concept, with a public domain to facilitate and encourage socialisation.

Plus Architecture Director Sumedh Kataria said that the news was a testament to Plus Architecture&#39;s vision, deep appreciation for community needs and team talent.

&ldquo;Projects that have the potential to change the face of a city, and its skyline into a new era, require an elevated element of design with beauty, form and end-use at the fore,&rdquo; Kataria said.

&ldquo;Our vision for this project is about creating a place that reflects the heart and soul of the city - past, future.

&ldquo;Plus Architecture&rsquo;s winning design concept is intended to deliver a development that celebrates its connection with place and country, adds to the richness of the urban fabric within which it sits and embraces its role as a key contributor to the city&rsquo;s future identity.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/711-hunter-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302"><img alt="" height="764" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-16_at_11.33.54_am.png" width="775" /></a>

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the architectural design competition had delivered design excellence for the redevelopment of 711 Hunter Street which will lead to positive outcomes for the city and a transformation of the city&rsquo;s skyline.

&ldquo;City of Newcastle congratulates Plus Architecture on their winning design and commends the joint venture partners, St&nbsp;Hilliers&nbsp;and The Spotlight Group, for their commitment to the ongoing revitalisation of Newcastle&#39;s West End,&rdquo;&nbsp;Nelmes&nbsp;said.

&ldquo;The construction associated with a redevelopment of this size will generate jobs and help buoy Newcastle&rsquo;s economy which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;and look to the future.&rdquo;

Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment, Michelle Bisson said the competition will raise the benchmark of architectural design excellence in Newcastle.

&ldquo;Ongoing revitalisation and development is continuing to transform Newcastle particularly in the West End, and 2022 is shaping up to be another exciting and busy year for our city,&quot;&nbsp;Bisson&nbsp;said.

<img alt="" height="923" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-17_at_9.44.54_am.png" width="1442" />

&ldquo;Once constructed, 711 Hunter Street will boast a hallmark building that will stand the test of time for future generations to admire.&quot;

The architectural design competition was run by an independent jury process under the governance of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government Architect&#39;s Office. Consultants&nbsp;Urbis&nbsp;administered the design competition on behalf of property developers St&nbsp;Hilliers&nbsp;and The Spotlight Group.&nbsp;

The developers are expected to lodge a detailed development application for the site in the first half of this year.

The redevelopment of the 4726 sqm site at 711 Hunter Street will comprise 267 apartments across two towers rising to 90 metres, as well as 1,400 sqm of commercial space.

Plus Architecture take out Newcastle apartment development design competition 

Newcastle is set for its joint-tallest residential apartment tower, as Sydney developer Third.i. Group lodge plans for two towers on the landmark Dairy Farmers Corner site in Newcastle West.

The two towers, on the corner of Tudor and Hunter Streets, will home 184 apartments across the two buildings. One will rise nearly 100 metres, and 30-storeys, which will be the same number of levels as Pinnacle Apartments. There will be an adjoining five-storey building for retail and commercial.

Local architecture firm CKDS has designed the project. They are behind a number of&nbsp;the city&rsquo;s new residential and commercial buildings including the multi-award winning Verve Residences, Horizon Lee 5 and East End Stage 2.

A mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments&nbsp;will be on offer, which Third.i Director, Luke Berry, says will have some of the best views in town, as well as the harbour, great dining and entertainment options, and the transport interchange at their doorstep.

To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here

&quot;To create a true sense of community for residents we&rsquo;ve focussed on incorporating communal and green spaces and facilities such as a gym, a cabana pool area with lap pool, wine bar and cellar, and function rooms,&rdquo; Berry says.

<img alt="" height="525" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/dairy_farmers_newcastle_3.jpg" width="1200" />

Third.i positions Newcastle as an exciting market to work in with great potential which presents a sea change for Sydneysiders, empty nesters and downsizes, given its close proximity to Sydney, and a relaxed return to the office, post pandemic.

&ldquo;In what we believe is a first for the city, we want to use some of the commercial space as a residents&rsquo; shared work hub, so they can work from home without being in their apartment,&rdquo; Berry added.

To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here

The Newcastle West site was once home to Dairy Farmers - one of Australia&rsquo;s largest dairy producers. In a nod to the history of the site, Third.i will re-imagine the heritage-listed, iconic glass milk bottle and clock towers as part of a pedestrianised, broader public art installation.

<img alt="" height="632" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/dairy_farmers_newcastle_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Dairy Farmers Towers is the fourth West End apartment project for the Sydney-based developer. It has already completed the West, Eaton on Union, and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham, creating 381 inner city homes.

Third.i&rsquo;s retirement living division ThirdAge is partnering with Merewether Golf Club on the recently approved luxury resort retirement living project &ndash; The Merewether.

To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here

&ldquo;We feel like the West End is our second home and we are excited to be part of its revitalisation. We want Dairy Farmers Towers to be a West End icon, a landmark that will be reborn to create a new chapter in the West End&rsquo;s growth as a great place in which to live, work and play.&quot;

The project has been designed by leading local architectural firm CKDS. The firm is behind the designs of a number of the city&rsquo;s new residential and commercial buildings including the multi-award winning Verve Residences, Horizon Lee 5, East End Stage 2, and the Gateway l and ll buildings.

Third.i Director, Luke Berry, says the apartments will have some of the best views in town

Third.i to create Newcastle joint-tallest apartment development at the Dairy Farmers site

Although summer has passed by, Sydney&rsquo;s latest lockdown has reminded many Australians of the benefits that come with investing in a coastal holiday home.

SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher claimed that its likely regional occupancy has already reached its highpoint.

&ldquo;With the costs of renting a holiday home soaring thanks to huge local demand, combined with record-low interest rates, we&rsquo;re experiencing a unique situation where it may actually be more cost-effective to buy rather than regularly rent a holiday home&rdquo;, said David Hancock, senior financial planner at Montara Wealth.

To assist in your search, Urban takes a look at five stunning coastal properties to consider in regional NSW.

1. Horizon, Gosford 
Developer: JMGM 
Two-bedroom apartment prices available upon request

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101204 project_image_fid=162047]

Delivered by JMGM, Horizon comprises 184 architecturally-designed in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

Set across 24 stories, the mixed-use development boasts spacious interiors and 2,500 sqm of retail space that forms a vibrant precinct in the heart of Gosford.

In the beautiful Gosford region of the NSW Central Coast, residents can enjoy magnificent national parks, sparkling waterways and golden sandy beaches.

2. Ridgewaters, Kiama 
Developer: St Trinity Property Group 
Three-bedroom apartments from $945,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27858 project_image_fid=162070]

Positioned amongst Kiama&rsquo;s serene landscape and only a short walk to pristine beaches, Ridgewaters is a selection of three-bedroom apartments.

This collection of luxury apartments presents an ideal home for a range of purchasers, from retirees and young families to investors and holidaymakers searching for a laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Located just 90 minutes south of Sydney and 30 minutes from Wollongong CBD, the boutique two-storey development promises convenience and local amenity.

3. Sky Residences, Newcastle 
Developer: GWH 
Two-bedroom apartments from $675,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=28045]

Sky Residences is Newcastle&rsquo;s newest skyline tower in the heart of the CBD&rsquo;s Civic Cultural Precinct, connecting residents to everything they love.

Offering a choice of 180 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, Sky boasts light-filled living spaces, security swipe access and energy-efficient fittings.

&ldquo;We reserved the prime rooftop space, making it possible for every SKY resident to enjoy unprecedented 360-degree views and contemporary lifestyle amenities that enrich the way they live&rdquo;, GWH managing director Jonathan Craig said. 
 
4. Midtown, Wollongong 
Developer: Level 33 
Two-bedroom apartments from $575,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=34275 project_image_fid=153610]

Midtown encompasses a collection of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments that capture the impressive views of the Illawarra Escarpment.

Delivered by Level 33, the home includes a ground-level retail podium that activates the building, a number of apartments that boast ocean views and a communal rooftop entertaining terrace.

The development is perfectly located for those who desire convenience and connection, and will benefit from the Wollongong Council&rsquo;s $800 million infrastructure investment 2018-2022.

5. Highpoint, Charlestown 
Developer: GWH 
Two-bedroom apartments from $640,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8980 project_image_fid=28277]

Developed and built by Hunter locals, GWH, Highpoint boasts premium finishes and fittings that are purposefully designed to reflect the needs of today&rsquo;s living.

The development is located in Charlestown, the shopping, dining and entertainment precinct of Lake Macquarie, ideal for young families and downsizers.

Exclusive to Highpoint residents is the terrace garden, entertainment and barbeque area on the level three podium, as well as a rooftop entertaining space.

Although summer has passed by, Sydney’s latest lockdown has reminded many Australians of the benefits that come with investing in a coastal holiday home

max.kwok_55688

Five coastal apartments to consider in NSW

The Newcastle developer GWH has seen a spike in sales of their Newcastle CBD development Sky Residences since the start of 2021.

GWH sales and marketing manager&nbsp;Matthew Waddell puts it down to an increase in investor activity in the region, which posted 3.6 per cent dwelling price growth&nbsp;in March, second only to Sydney in price growth of major regions across the country.

"For this current quarter (January to March), we have seen more sales than any period during the marketing of the project", Waddell says.

There's been a dramatic increase in enquiry from investors, more specifically from investors outside Newcastle, Waddell notes.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/sky-residences-509-hunter-street-newcastle"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="896" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sky_residence_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Investors have accounted for 36 per cent of sales since the turn of the year at Sky Residences, just behind owner-occupiers who accounted for 38 per cent. And now over a third of those buying are coming from outside of Newcastle.

"Buyers are making their purchasing decision quicker as well, with a previous ratio of appointments to sales of 7:1 now shortening to 3:1", Waddell says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430]

Set in the heart of the CBD's Civic precinct, Sky Residences,&nbsp;designed by DBI, homes 180 apartments, made up of one, two, three and four bedroom units.

There are 1,100 sqm of premium hotel-style amenities for residents, including a heated outdoor lap pool, gym and fitness centre and a rooftop sky lounge with 360-degree views across Newcastle. On the roof there's indoor and outdoor facilities, a landscaped lawn terrace, barbecues and dining spaces.

<a href="/new-apartments/sky-residences-509-hunter-street-newcastle"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="894" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sky_residence_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Inside there's a lounge area with a fireplace and a cinema screen and bar.

Remaining one bedroom apartments start from $485,000, with the highest remaining three bedders on level 16 for sale at $1.6 million. The north-east facing penthouse sold for $3.3 million.

<h2>About the developer</h2>

GWH have been developing property in the Newcastle region&nbsp;for over 25 years, with over $1 billion of completed projects&nbsp;delivered.

Led by Jonathan Craig, GWH are behind Aero in Newcastle, which won the Master Builders Association award for&nbsp;Apartment Development of the Year in 2018, Highpoint in Charlestown and 121Elder in Lambton.

There's been a dramatic increase in enquiry from investors, more specifically from investors outside Newcastle.



Sales spike hits Newcastle's Sky Residences as investors return

Buyers have moved in to the first stage of East End, Newcastle&#39;s newest apartment development, with stage two sales well underway.

The recently completed stage one of the Sam Arnaout-led Iris Capital&nbsp;development in the heart of Newcastle on Hunter Street comprises three buildings, Fabric House, Perkins &amp; King and Washington House.

Each building has been created by a different architect.

The most striking is Washington House,&nbsp;where architecture firm TZG had to incorporate the historic Washington House in to their design which retained the front facade.

<a href="/new-apartments/east-end-stage-2-newcastle-147-hunter-street-newcastle"><img alt="" height="837" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/washington_house_1.jpg" width="1600" /></a> 
Washington House, built in the early 1900&#39;s.

Washington House was once the Charleston Studios, operated by the photographer Harry &#39;Henry&#39; Charleston in the 1930s, before being completely remodelled&nbsp;by Washington Handley Soul, of the investment firm now known as Washington H Soul Pattinson.

Washington House features an outdoor landscaped terrace on level three, complete with a private garden, barbecues and outdoor dining.

Durbach Block Jaggers created Fabric House with curved glass and the arched windows, while SJB designed Perkins &amp; King.

Interior design firm Turners handled the interiors.

Around 90 per cent of stage one has sold, with just the nine apartments remaining. Around 50 per cent have sold to owner-occupiers.

Stage two, which comprises Soul and Lyrique, both designed by&nbsp;CKDS Architecture, is around 50 per cent sold.

<a href="/new-apartments/east-end-stage-2-newcastle-147-hunter-street-newcastle"><img alt="" height="1044" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/east_end_newcastle_2.jpg" width="1400" /></a> 
The rear of Lyrique

PRDnationwide agent Ryan Houston says they are seeing a lot of local downsizers and young professionals who no longer want to mow the lawns.

&quot;They want to live the inner city lifestyle,&quot; Houston says, adding that there are out of town buyers&nbsp;from&nbsp;Sydney, as well as areas around Mudgee, Armidale and Dubbo looking for a weekend or even a sea change.

&quot;We are seeing a lot of interest recently in apartments as the market are seeing apartments as the futures of real estate and betting on the fact the market will continue to rise.

&quot;Best thing is that they can lock in a price today at todays prices for only a 10% deposit.&quot;

About the developer

Arnaout&#39;s Iris Capital are behind the likes of the residential developments Omnia in Potts Point, Grand Bondi Junction and Wattle Hill at Hurlstone Park.

Iris Capital also owns a number of hospital venues&nbsp;including the Manly&#39;s Hotel Steyne and Ivanhoe Hotel. Iris has&nbsp;prominent around the Kings Cross area for a number of years where they own&nbsp;the Bourbon.

On the East End project, Arnaout says &quot;This is something that we won&rsquo;t be able to replicate anywhere else and it&rsquo;s something we&rsquo;re proud to be delivering for the people of Newcastle.&quot;

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29679]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21618]

&nbsp;

Each building has been created by a different architect

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