One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Newcastle apartments

Developer Third.i has released the second stage of apartments at its Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle, with buyers able to buy with just a $10k deposit.

Following the $10k transaction, buyers will then pay off the remaining deposit in weekly instalments.&nbsp;

Since its launch to market in late 2021, <a href="/new-apartments/dairy-farmers-towers-newcastle-west-924-hunter-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Dairy Farmers Towers</a> has sold over 70 per cent of the entire project with demand from buyers continuing to soar amid tough market conditions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187054]

Third.i’s Co-Founder Luke Berry anticipates remaining apartments won’t last long as regional cities across the New South Wales coastline witness continued heightened sales activity despite a slowing market.&nbsp;

“Works at Dairy Farmers Towers commenced in November last year and we anticipate building works will wrap up in the first quarter of 2025. This project is the heart and soul of Newcastle’s revitalisation, and I can’t wait to see each and every buyer make their new house a home over the coming years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187062]

Early works kicked off late last year to bring Dairy Farmers Towers to life, which will comprise&nbsp;180 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, over two towers and, in a Newcastle first, an exclusive residents’ only shared work hub, alongside other blue chip amenities including yoga studio, sprawling outdoor gardens and an elevated North facing outdoor swimming pool and sundeck.

As one of the largest providers of Specialist Disability Accommodation along the east coast of Australia, the project will also offer eight SDA apartments in partnership with iNSiTU Housing.

Third.i’s revitalisation of Newcastle continues following its debut projects WEST Newcastle, Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell, with Dairy Farmers Towers adding to its growing $4 billion property portfolio across Australia and the UK.

As the group continues to expand internationally, Third.i is also set to deliver a range of residential and commercial offerings across NSW and London.

<a href="/news/nsw/how-the-sydney-apartment-developer-third-i-always-puts-the-buyer-first-five-minutes-with-luke-berry">Read more:&nbsp;How the Sydney apartment developer, Third.i, always puts the buyer first: Five minutes with Luke Berry</a>

Following the $10k transaction, buyers will then pay off the remaining deposit in weekly instalments

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Third.i release Dairy Farmers second stage with $10k deposit offer

Having initially focussed on Sydney’s fast growing south-west corridor, Iris Capital has more recently taken a leap up the coast, dipping into the prospers of the Newcastle region to deliver the masterplan set to transform the suburb.

Encompassing a 1.66-hectare site, from Perkins Street to Newcomen Street, the East End precinct has been delivered across four stages, with the entire project slated for completion by 2027.

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40b73dc8-a390-483f-a087-fe8da0a92f4e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_01_LR.jpeg?VersionId=bOkrUVJv2O_hufELwx1jA.2.jkdXP5A8" />

SJB Director, Adam Haddow said that since 2013, the group had been investigating the unique community of Newcastle, having worked on the original masterplan for East End as architect and collaborator for the stage one development.&nbsp;

“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to again collaborate with our peers – this time Sydney based Durbach Block Jaggers and Novocastrian's Curious Practice, to deliver the final stage of this once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Haddow.

In a bid to realise the City of Newcastle’s Harbour to Cathedral Park ambition, the site has been divided based on experience, expertise and scale.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd286c15-d89e-4872-ad31-d4e8bc95305d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_02_LR.jpeg?VersionId=Q4OkzsIts62U6XR9_.J8VO5Cs.h5Zrrq" />

“Our vision for the East End is rooted in a fine grain response that reimagines the retail offering and pedestrian activity of Hunter Street. The new public ‘market square’ has great potential to connect into Council land creating the link withNewcastle Christ Church Cathedral and the harbour – to become the centre of theEast End,” Haddow said.&nbsp;

“We truly hope that this new connection will enable Indigenous planting to thrive along the north-facing slope of East End, once again cradling the silhouette of the cathedral in a green skirt when seen from the harbour."

Iris Capital’s Chief Executive Officer spoke to the prominence of the site in Newcastle, saying it is a critically important and significant development for the city that will create a long desired public domain connecting the Harbour to the Cathedral.&nbsp;

“The winning SJB, DBJ, and Curious Practice design unquestionably delivered in its purpose to achieve design excellence and has maintained the Cathedral as the city’s prominent landmark structure with a family of beautiful buildings that follow the topography and mesh with the built form of the hill,” Arnaout said.&nbsp;

“The winning design also was considered as the best outcome to incorporate the numerous heritage elements and considerable level changes across the site,” he said.&nbsp;

Like stage one which has been embraced by the community, achieving a sold out status, the final stages of the project will similarly be instantly recognisable through the adaptation of designs that draw inspiration from existing Newcastle architecture and retention of key heritage buildings.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the East End development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3ba6bf9-0ee8-46bc-8902-d20ac57da4d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SJB_Newcastle%20East%20End%20S3-4_06_LR.jpeg?VersionId=SwJffMJvI1PBhsisr6BbjfG4Tz5AecPV" />

“We will continue to work closely with the winning architect's impressive design during the development application phase and refine the scheme by incorporating recommendations made by the competition jury,” Arnaout added.&nbsp;

Stage three and four of East End sees three buildings establish the marketplace, each following an archetypal form.&nbsp;

The ‘block’ of the heritage Municipal building, the ‘tower’ behind it and the ‘stoa’ forming the western edge, with the architectural gestures designed to provide companions to the Cathedral.&nbsp;

The composition forms an Uffizilike public square which allows for both pause and transition, encouraging passage through and connection to the green space beyond the Cathedral and its garden.

“We love the city and people of Newcastle. With the support of Sam Arnout and Iris Capital, and in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, we’re confident that as a design team will be able to renew this part of the East End for the entire community to be proud of,” Haddow concluded.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29044]

Cited as one of the country’s first large-scale urban regeneration projects, East End is focused on delivering a blend of residential, retail, entertainment and dining to Newcastle, in a collaboration between three practices, SJB, Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ) and Curious Practice, following the group’s design competition win. 



Iris Capital launch final stages in Newcastle East End apartment project

Hutchinson’s Builders have finalised works on the Doma Group development, The Crossing.&nbsp;

Set to settle in the coming weeks, the project will deliver 48 boutique apartments to the heart of the Civic precinct in Newcastle.

Built around an open breezeway and extensive landscaping, The Crossing comprises a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments; the residence benefit from views over the harbour and city.&nbsp;

The project was sold by Colliers Newcastle across 2020 and 2021, remaining true to the planned build schedule, with pre-settlement inspections occurring over the past weeks.&nbsp;

Colliers' Senior Executive Sales Agent, Christian Booth said the area has a huge demand for this project, with extensive buyer regret for those who didn’t act quickly, with significant growth for those who did.&nbsp;

“Colliers are thrilled to be meeting buyers in the coming weeks to handover keys and we know the buyers are keenly awaiting this,” Booth said.&nbsp;

The Crossing is the fourth residential development for DOMA in Newcastle, preceded by Edition and Lume on Honeysuckle Drive and Bishopsgate in Wickham.

Settlement of their fifth development, Huntington, is expected throughout October and November of this year.&nbsp;

Positive sales results continue for Doma with the Store in Newcastle West having launched earlier this year, achieving close to 50 per cent sold to date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89731]

Doma finalise building works on Newcastle apartment project, The Crossing 

Australian developer Third.i is playing their part in the charge to revitalise the Newcastle region, with a swarm of buyers snapping up almost $90 million in sales in the last quarter of the financial year.

The group has an array of projects currently transforming Newcastle, with the most recent addition landing in the heart of West End, with the development approved Dairy Farmers Towers development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187062]

The project accrued more than $42.5 million in sales between March and the end of June this year, defying a growing property downturn in Newcastle, while Third.i’s latest collaboration with ThirdAge for retirement living, The Merewether Residences, secured over $47 million in the last quarter.

The developments join a stable of completed projects in Newcastle including Third.i’s three sold-out and completed residential buildings in the West End - Stella on Hannell, Eaton on Union and The West End Apartments.&nbsp;

The latest data from PropTrack’s Home Price Index saw national home prices fall substantially from what it calls the sharpest slowdown in more than 30 years across major cities including Sydney and Melbourne, while in comparison, more affordable lifestyle regions including Newcastle have continued to grow.&nbsp;

Third.i Co-Founder, Luke Berry said that while there had been a downturn in the real estate market over the last few months, due to increasing construction costs and rising interest rates, they hadn’t seen a decline in activity throughout the region.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187059]

“Newcastle is definitely defying this downturn as we’ve recorded almost $90 million in sales in just three months alone from March to June across our latest residential and retirement living projects," Berry said.

"Demand is still high from eager buyers from the larger cities seeking out the more relaxed and affordable lifestyle Newcastle has to offer.&nbsp;

“Newcastle really is an underrated gem as it has everything you could ever want in a city without the continuous hustle lifestyle in major cities like Sydney. From bars and dining to restaurants and other lifestyle amenities including the large shopping centres to cater for everyone’s needs, the region is the perfect escape for those who still want a city life paired with peace and a more relaxed lifestyle,” concluded Berry.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187069]

The recently green-lit Dairy Farmers Towers, which launched to market earlier this year, is set to comprise 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over two towers and will deliver eight SDA apartments.&nbsp;

With construction slated to commence in late September 2022, the project will also bring to life a five-storey residents’-only shared work hub with over 1600 sqm of commercial and retail space.&nbsp;

The group's Merewether Residences will also provide 140 one, two and three-bedroom apartments to the area, in a bid to raise the bar in retirement living.

With construction also starting later this year, the $120 million project will be topped by 16 penthouses each with a rooftop spa terrace and expansive views overlooking the golf course.&nbsp;

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Third.i Co-Founder, Luke Berry said that while there had been a downturn in the real estate market over the last few months, they hadn’t seen a decline in activity throughout the region.

Third.i secures $90 million in Newcastle sales in just three months

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

Newcastle-based developers Stronach Property has received approval on their 166 apartment and townhome development, Sovereign Park.

According to the City of Newcastle, the project at 11-17 Mosbri Crescent, The Hill, will support the growing Newcastle population, which is set to grow from 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041, stimulating demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

Sovereign Park will offer a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with four-bedroom townhomes, designed by award winning Marchese Architects.

<img alt="" height="740" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mosbri_05d2_interior_garden_r2b_1.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Render inside one of the proposed apartments at Soverign Park. Credit: Marchese Architects.

Ranging from 55 sqm to 208 sqm, the spacious and light-filled residences are appointed with elegant and contemporary finishes and fixtures.

Crowning Sovereign Park will be a resident&rsquo;s recreation area, complete with a pool, lounges, and dining space.

Basking in expansive views over the Newcastle city skyline, the area will also home a garden pavilion, with outdoor dining space, an outdoor gym and private landscaped gardens by award winning landscape architects, Arcadia.

Sitting just a short walk to Darby Street and the East End of Newcastle, which is lined with boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping, residents will be well connected to all the best Newcastle has to offer.

Newcastle&rsquo;s beaches and harbour foreshore are also an easy walk from Sovereign Park, located less than a kilometre away.

Stronach owner, Keith Stronach said interest in Sovereign Park has been very strong given the ideal location of the project.

&ldquo;The site is surrounded by some of Newcastle&rsquo;s most iconic landmarks including Darby Street, King Edward Park, the Bogey Hole, Memorial Walk and the much loved Obelisk. We are very excited with the development approval as we can start the revitalisation of the site and breathe fresh life into one of Newcastle&rsquo;s most sought after suburbs&rdquo;

The project is exclusively listed with Ed Crawford of Colliers, with the agent saying major urban renewal and regeneration driven by investment, from both the Government and private sector, has transformed inner Newcastle into one of the most attractive and desirable locations in Australia

&ldquo;The Newcastle inner city and CBD fringe market remains firm in the current market, with demand supported by strong relative affordability, a highly desirable lifestyle offering, and an attractive range of residential projects.&rdquo; Crawford said.

&ldquo;As the capital of the biggest regional economy in Australia, and only 90 minutes from Hornsby, Newcastle is the favoured destination for people exiting congested metropolitan locations or seeking work-from-home and work life balance,&rdquo; he added.

Sovereign Park will be the latest in the list of developments by Stronach Property, which was founded in 1923, adding to the completed Merewether Surf House, Arena Apartments on Newcastle Beach and the Herald Apartments in Newcastle East.

Sovereign Park will provide 166 new homes amidst housing supply crisis

Sovereign Park residential development given green light to support Newcastle’s growing community

Developer GWH has successfully completed stage two of its sold out Newcastle apartment project, SKY Residences.

The nine-level tower, which sits alongside the 19-level stage one tower which was completed in late 2021, comprises 73 apartments.&nbsp;All 189 apartments in the project havec all sold out.

GWH Managing Director Jonathan Craig says the project represents a significant milestone for the local developers.

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&ldquo;It has been incredible to watch our plans for this site come to life over the last few years&rdquo;, Craig said.

&ldquo;SKY Residences is our largest residential project undertaken to date. To successfully deliver such an iconic new development to the Newcastle skyline truly is a phenomenal achievement and one we are all immensely proud of&rdquo;.

Construction of Sky Residences began in October 2019.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=201697]

SKY includes an array of resident-only facilities including a pool, gym and the rooftop SKY Lounge, which is an indoor and outdoor entertaining space, providing panoramic views over the CBD and beyond.

&ldquo;As Newcastle locals, we have a deep understanding of the lifestyle aspects Novocastrians desire to amplify the incredible living experience this city provides,&quot; Craig added.

&quot;The feedback from our stage one purchasers has been fantastic and I can&rsquo;t wait for stage two purchasers to experience all that this iconic, new destination has to offer.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=201695]

GWH has been a steadfast presence across the Hunter region for over 25 years, backed by a strong track record of delivering commercial, industrial and residential projects within the area, including current works such as Newcastle&rsquo;s, ONE Apartments and Charlestown&rsquo;s Macquarie Tower, both set to start&nbsp;construction&nbsp;by the end of the year.

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Consisting of 73 apartments, Sky Residences Stage Two sores nine-stories into the air, alongside the 19-storey, 66-metre Stage One tower, which was completed in late 2021.



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