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>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Newcastle

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The Wollongong residential market has experienced strong growth in recent years, over 20% greater than Newcastle.
Primarily because of its proximity to Sydney and the potential for the population commute to Sydney, where there is a larger variety of higher paying jobs, according to the latest report from BIS Oxford Economics.
Wollongong’s median house price is calculated to have risen by 68 per cent in the four years to June 2017, but growth has slowed down to around two per cent in 2017/18 in line with the slowdown in the Sydney market.
In contrast, median house price growth in Newcastle has lagged, having risen by an estimated 42 per cent in the four years to June 2017, although house price growth in 2017/18 has been stronger, at an estimated five per cent, the report noted.
The lower price growth in the Hunter Region reflects it being largely outside the orbit of Sydney from a commuting perspective, and weaker local employment conditions that have been impacted by falling coal investment.
The economists suggest, that the market appears to be tightening, with vacancy rates in the Hunter Region falling below two per cent since the last quarter of 2017.
"Both regions will start to show slowing price growth over the next three years, in line with the weaker Sydney market", the report forecasts.
"Starting from further behind, more upside is forecast for the Newcastle market, where the median house price is expected to rise by a total six per cent in the three years to June 2021."
In contrast, prices in Wollongong are expected to remain flat, with aggregate growth of one per cent in the three years to June 2021, the economists suggested.
Recent population estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests that despite decreasing affordability in Sydney, there hasn’t been significant growth in migration into these regions from Sydney as yet.
However, if movements were to accelerate, there could be some upside to the price forecast for both markets, concluded the report.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Newcastle and Wollongong's residential market growth to weaken in line with Sydney: BIS Oxford Economics

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East End Newcastle's developer Iris Capital has pushed through with significant changes to the sprawling development that will eventually account for multiple city blocks.

Chief among the planning manoeuvres was the lodgement of Stage Two with Newcastle City Council during May. Under its East End Stage 2 Pty Ltd subsidiary, Iris Capital intends to realise 129 apartments, retail and commercial spaces within the $50 million development application.

CKDS Architecture has conceived the most recent stage, working with fellow design practice SJB in the process.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image30_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image30_15.jpg?itok=p11pi8iZ" title="CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CKDS Architecture's intended Newcastle addition</figcaption></figure>Stage Two's built form encompasses 13,695 square metres and includes as many as nine retail tenancies spanning 1,500 square metres. Apartments and retails spaces aside, Stage Two also features a green internal courtyard and north-south laneway that divides the built form into two separate volumes.

CKDS Architecture's take on Stage Two reads as follows:

<blockquote>
The proposed Newcastle East End Stage 2 development carefully navigates the varied conditions of the site through sensitive additions above and between existing heritage buildings.

Together with the reinstatement and upgrade of the finer grain buildings that define the King Street frontage, the proposal considers the historical layering as well as the future aspiration of the East End redevelopment. Multiple design massing options were considered to arrive at the most appropriate built form.

The final proposal combines the site topography, future character as well as the retention of existing buildings. Existing buildings deemed significant are to be restored, celebrated and maintained; ensuring the heritage layering across the site is preserved.
</blockquote>

Meanwhile in unison with Stage Two's lodgement, Iris Capital has also lodged a Modification Application for the overall development which is bound by Hunter, King, Perkins and Newcomen Streets.

A modest increase in overall gross floor area would see 63,116 square metres delivered in total, whilst a reduction in commercial and corresponding increase in retail spaces are also on the agenda. The bulk of the additional floor area has been directed toward Stage Two.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image31_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image31_11.jpg?itok=cufKM8H3" title="SJB's staged concept proposal for the development" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>SJB's staged concept proposal for the overall development</figcaption></figure>Iris Capital's move on Stage Two follows on from East End Newcastle's initial apartment release which occurred in the last quarter of 2017.

Stage One of four consisted of 155 apartments on a site bound by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Perkins Streets; it is the largest of the four development parcels. The initial stage consisted of apartments only, with its construction expected to be complete by mid-2020.

The overall project value is slated at $750 million and upon completion will include substantial retail offerings plus multiple publicly accessible spaces throughout the precinct.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="328" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/r0_1162_5000_3987_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg?itok=W_i-ai8S" title="Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Iris Capital's released first stage of East End Newcastle</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Iris Land pushes on with Stage Two of East End Newcastle

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While Newcastle’s sporting fortunes are dwindling, the same can’t be said for the local property market.
With Sydney’s market in decline, many expected Newcastle to shortly follow, a prediction that has not yet occurred, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
A major rejuvenation of the CBD, a mining sector recovery and a strong tourism push are just some of the factors contributing to Newcastle’s growing economy.
Generally, with a strong local economy, the property market is strong and this is certainly the case at the moment with Newcastle.
"Even though the Sydney market is cooling off, it is still the most expensive in the country meaning investors are still attracted to Newcastle because of its size, cheaper prices and proximity to Sydney."
"These investors are still the strongest players in the local market with their demand for property still high" suggests the HTW valuers. 
There are a number of apartment blocks being built across the CBD and most of these apartments are sold off the plan as soon as they become available, with one local agency reporting that they sold an "entire block within a week", noted the report.
A recent auction in Bar Beach saw a home advertised with a price range of between $2.8 million and $3 million.
The property sold for $3.5 million at auction with eight bids amongst four registered bidders.
While this property is in Newcastle’s prestige market, agents are reporting that average homes are still not lasting long on the market and vacant land in the outer developing suburbs is still selling fast.
There is no doubt the market is still strong but there is certainly caution in the air, suggests the report.
Agents are seeing fewer numbers at open homes and the number of apartments being built in the city has some experts believing we could end up with an oversupply situation similar to that seen in some of the major metropolitan areas around the country.
Others still believe Newcastle is too directly connected to Sydney’s market for its decline not to eventually be passed on.
"It seems however at this stage that the Newcastle market does not rely as strongly on Sydney as the Knights do on Mitchell Pearce."
The valuers suggest that, "although the Knights may have crashed due to his loss, the Newcastle’s property market seems to be weathering the storm."
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Newcastle’s sporting fortunes are dwindling, but not the local property market: HTW 

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Newcastle's development momentum continues to roll along as evidenced by the latest tower to reach planning.

Core Project Group is looking to capitalise on the city's development surge by backing the new office building at 723-733 Hunter Street. It forms the last piece of developable land across the former 'Newcastle City Holden' site which has seen childcare, hotel (Holiday Inn Express) and retirement (RSL LifeCare) uses added.

EJE Architecture's latest design iteration for the 14-storey office building hit planning in the last week of May, with the public now able to provide their input over the coming weeks.

Another development falling within Newcastle's West End Precinct, the $44 million proposal is sited across 3,909 square metres of land.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image19_19.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="261" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_19.jpg?itok=cf_2ouHw" title="EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>EJE Architecture's take on 723-733 Hunter Street</figcaption></figure>Included within the tower is 10,790 square metres of  net-lettable floor area, with the bulk located within the upper seven levels. Retails at ground level accounts for 329 square metres, with subsequent podium levels accommodating 233 vehicles and 68 bicycles.

Atop the tower is an expansive rooftop terrace and activation area.

The office levels features a double-glazed facade which according to EJE Architecture "will incorporate other features such as lux sensored lighting, water harvesting and re-use, photovoltaic power generation for house power, naturally lit foyers and at level a/c systems to minimise pipe runs."

723-733 Hunter Street is but the latest development earmarked for the already burgeoning Newcastle city centre which is seeking an increasing amount of development activity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image23_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="344" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image23_10.jpg?itok=aVNjHbaR" title="Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Thirdi Group's West End Newcastle</figcaption></figure>Apartments have proven popular in the seaside city, with strong consumer uptake over a swag of recent and current apartment developments.

North Sydney-based Thirdi Group has a vested interest in the area, recently launching West End Newcastle. It consists of dual residential towers dubbed Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell, and will ultimately see a $100 million complex built.

Canberra-based Doma Group is also heavily vested in Newcastle with a string of projects in play. Works recently commenced on the developer's 154 apartment Lume project on Honeysuckle Drive, whilst a trio of additional projects incorporating hundreds of new apartments are at various stages of development.

Another noteworthy development is IRIS Capital's mixed use East End precinct on Hunter Street. It involves a four-stage development that is expected to add hundreds of new apartments in buildings ranging from 10 to 11 storeys.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image28_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="466" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_13.jpg?itok=cuiOeBvp" title="Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Some of Doma Group's current Newcastle residential pipeline</figcaption></figure>In and among the <a href="https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5158240/more-high-rise-apartments-for-newcastle-west/">many other residential projects</a> planned, the University of Newcastle is close to lodging plans for a seven-building development on a major vacant land plot adjacent to the Hunter River.
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Newcastle's skyline flourishes with multiple towers in the works

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Newcastle has seen property boom over the past three years and valuers Herron Todd White (HTW) noted the figures show it has been the fastest growing regional city for the past two years.
Once perceived as a gritty and undesirable industrial town dominated by BHP and coal, Newcastle has transformed into a desirable coastal regional city, thanks in part to some major urban renewal projects, the valuation firm suggest.
Traditionally, the Newcastle property market has been dictated by the Sydney market due to its close proximity.
Newcastle’s average house prices are still under half that of Sydney, attracting a large number of investors looking for an affordable alternative close by.
However, there are a few factors at play to suggest that while the Sydney market obviously has a strong influence, it is not the only measure influencing the local market.
Newcastle still has its industrial roots and with the Hunter Valley coal mines on the doorstep, the city is the largest coal exporting port in the world.
During the global financial crisis of 2008, while the major cities saw property values suffer negative movement, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley property prices were experiencing the effects of one of the biggest mining booms in history, avoiding any negative movement.
Perhaps the biggest influencer in the current Newcastle market is the amount of urban development occurring in the city. With a $90 million refurbishment of the city’s largest shopping centre along with the largest infrastructure development the city has undertaken in decades, Newcastle is fast losing its industrial stigma and becoming a desirable and affordable sea change destination.
A Newcastle inner city one bedroom apartment has been recently sold for $548,000 (pictured below).
Situated within the Tattersalls building,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-newcastle-127767894" target="_blank"> the 603/9 Watt Street apartment</a> comes with main bedroom with walk-in robe, balcony with views of Newcastle's working harbour, and secure car space.
It is within close proximity of Hunter Street mall, the harbour foreshore as well as Newcastle's pristine beaches.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/11/watt%20st%20.jpg" alt="">
Another new offering is a King Street five bedroom house with the price guide of $1.5 million (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-newcastle-127900482" target="_blank">The 81 King Street house</a> is proportioned over three levels with a generally north facing aspect.
It comprises a self contained (top two levels) three bedroom, with a large living room, older kitchen and bathroom and harbour "snippets".
Ground floor features a self contained two bedroom and sunroom flat with an older kitchen and bathroom and large open plan living room.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/11/king%20st.jpg" alt="">
 
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Newcastle houses going for half Sydney prices: HTW

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The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie district has been ranked as having the strongest capital gains of any regional property market across Australia in 2017, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
It had 11.7 percent annual growth, which easily outperformed Sydney's 3.1 percent annual price growth during 2017.
The regional locations - north of Sydney - were followed by the NSW Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven (up 10.3%) and then Geelong, outside Melbourne, (up 9.7%).
In April last year Property Observer columnist Terry Ryder advised that "those who find Sydney a tad rich don’t have to go too far to find major markets" with greater affordability and good growth prospects.
Ryder suggested Newcastle "has a rising economy, a strong property market and appears to be settling into a sustained period of growth."
Ryder also twice identified Geelong as a a locality with potential including mid-year when he wrote that the Geelong economy was performing strongly and its property market thrived as a cheaper alternative to Melbourne.
In 2014 he wrote "I’m wondering why so many have declared Geelong a dead duck."
The weakest regional markets continue to be in Australia’s outback regions and areas dependent on the mining sector, according to the latest CoreLogic update.
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The largest fall in dwelling values over 2017 was recorded in Outback Queensland, a region which encompasses a vast but sparsely populated area of western Queensland, where dwelling values were down 14.3% in 2017.
Rounding out the top five for largest value falls across the regional areas of Australia were Darling Downs–Maranoa in Queensland (-8.2%), Outback South and Outback North in Western Australia (-7.6% and -7.3%) and Townsville in Queensland (-5.6%).
Across Australia, Tim Lawless at CoreLogic confirmed that the 2017 shift to falling national dwelling values was being driven by the capital cities, with the combined capitals tracking half a percent lower over the December quarter, while across the combined regional areas of Australia, values were half a percent higher over the quarter.
Amongst the capitals, the weakest end of year conditions are concentrated in Sydney and Darwin.
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Tim Lawless said that “Sydney’s housing market has become the most significant drag on the headline growth figures.”
Sydney dwelling values were down 0.9 percent over the month to be 2.1% lower over the December quarter and 2.2% lower relative to their August 2017 peak.
The city’s annual rate of growth is now tracking at just 3.1 percent; which CoreLogic's Tim Lawless noted was a stark difference to the recent cyclical peak when values were rising at the annual rate of 17.1 percent only seven months ago.
Despite the reversal in growth rates since August 2017, Sydney dwelling values remain 70.8 percent higher than their cyclical low point in February 2012.
The best performing capital city over the 2017 calendar year was Hobart, where dwelling values rose by 12.3 percent: almost five times higher than Hobart’s decade average annual rate of capital gain (2.5 percent).
Despite the strong capital gains, housing prices remain extremely low in Hobart relative to the larger mainland capital cities, with the median house value tracking at $424,251; 54 percent ($634,000) lower than Sydney values and 49 percent ($408,000) lower than Melbourne.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven property capital gains outperforming Sydney: CoreLogic 

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<div>Hotel Delany, one of Newcastle’s trophy hotels, has been listed for sale amid a surge of interest in pub investment opportunities.</div>
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<div>The hotel at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/134-darby-street-newcastle-nsw-2300-2014003489" target="_blank">134 Darby Street</a> is positioned between the redeveloping Newcastle City Centre and the $750 million East End project.</div>
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<div>It sits on a 1,684 sqm retail site with future redevelopment potential and also includes a valuable late trading hotel licence and 22 PME’s.</div>
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<div>The hotel is being marketed by CBRE Hotels’ Ben McDonald and Daniel Dragicevich along with Deane Moore of Moore &amp; Moore Real Estate.</div>
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<div>“The Hotel Delany has long been one of the most asked about pubs in Newcastle and we have no doubt there will be significant interest from hoteliers around the state – particularly from Novocastrian operators but also from mixed use developers and commercial property investors,” CBRE's McDonald said.</div>
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Hotelier Gary Hird and his son, Anthony, are selling the iconic pub. It marks the end of an era for the Hird family, who have spent nearly two decades at the helm of the Cooks Hill operation, the Newcastle Herald added. The Hird family bankrolled the renovation of the pub in 2009, at an estimated cost of up to $6 million.
 The pub gets its name from Newcastle businessman Victor R. Delany, who commissioned the design of the original building in 1924. 
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<div>“The venue holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all locals and even though the Hirds have steered it well during their tenure I look forward to what new lease of life the next operator can breathe into the operation,” added Moore &amp; Moore Real Estate’s Deane Moore. </div>
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<div>There has been a surge of interest in larger scale hotels in Newcastle in recent times with the Prince of Wales at Merewether, Duke of Wellington at New Lambton, The Exchange Hotel in Hamilton and Nags Heads at Adamstown all transacting over the past 12 months at sale yields normally reserved for Sydney metro hotels, said McDonald.</div>
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<div>McDonald said this exemplified the interest, not just in the local pub sector, but in Newcastle’s commercial property market in general.</div>
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Newcastle pub Hotel Delany listed by hotelier Hird family 

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For the first time in seven years, the Elermore Shopping Centre in Elermore Vale, nine kilometres west of Newcastle has sold.
A private syndicate has snapped up the neighbourhood centre for around $18 million on a 6.8 per cent passing net yield.
Located at 133 - 137 Croudace Road, the single level, enclosed and strong performing centre comprises a large Ritchies SUPA IGA supermarket supported by 17 non-discretionary specialty tenants.
There's 4,048 sqm of gross lettable area on a 23,882 sqm site including additional land ready for development, car parking for 235 vehicles and an estimated fully leased net income of around $1.44million.
Steven Lerche, national director of retail investments at Savills Australia, sold the asset with Andrew Palmer and Ben Nastasi on behalf of Bamm Group
The Elermore Shopping Centre purchase six years was timely according to Ben Nastasi, with Bamm Group more than doubling their capital after their $8.3 million purchase.
Steven said said investment activity is strong in Newcastle. 
“Newcastle is seeing a surge in investment activity, largely stimulated by the $6.55 billion State Government investment mandate which has brought to light the new light rail system on Hunter Street, the new transport interchange at Wickham, construction of the Newcastle City University Campus and much more," he said.
“We are seeing a lot of investor interest come from the Sydney investment market and interstate markets such as Melbourne and Brisbane due to the significant growth prospects of Newcastle. 
“Retail assets have been in particular favour with developers due to their strategic locations, large site area, existing income stream and potential to re-develop under the existing planning controls.
Newcastle is the largest regional economy in Australia and is the second most populated area in NSW.
Elermore Vale is a popular and established residential suburb surrounded by schools, childcare centres and community facilities, with a key primary population of 5,759* residents and an estimated population of 20,459* within the main trade area.
Andrew Palmer said Elermore Vale and its surrounding suburbs are set to reap the benefits of this surge in investor demand.
 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Private Investor snaps up Elermore Shopping Centre

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Newcastle is becoming a hot spot for property investments, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property data firm says that 50 percent of residential sales in the Lower Hunter region of Newcastle were to investors.
“Owning your own home is the great Australian dream, but what about owning two homes, three homes or even more?
“Investing in real estate has always been a popular way of earning an extra income in Australia and with over 50% of residential sales in the Lower Hunter in the past financial year being to investors, this region is certainly a hot spot for property investment.
“The number of investment home loans has dropped nationally over the past year and this trend is predicted to continue due to the regulatory clampdowns that have been imposed.
“These regulations and the government’s efforts to cool the housing market especially in major cities would suggest that investment should slow down nationwide.
“This may not be the case in the Lower Hunter however; in fact it will probably buck the trend,” the report stated.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-hamilton+south-126012362">8 Thomas Street</a>, Hamilton South (above) was sold for $996,000.
Built in 1930 it last sold in 2005 for $485,000.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-waratah-125916530">22 Ada Street</a>, Waratah (below) was sold for $730,000.
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Newcastle has an excellent rental market with a vacancy rate of 2.3% Herron Todd White advises.
“Newcastle is still an enticing prospect for investors due its close proximity to Sydney, its affordability compared to the capital cities and an excellent rental market with a current vacancy rate of just 2.3%.
“With Newcastle being a university city there is a high investor involvement in good rental yield suburbs close to the university such as Jesmond and Wallsend.
“However investors are also looking at inner city and coastal suburbs such as Cooks Hill, Wickham and Adamstown for higher capital gains.
“The Newcastle CBD is undergoing a makeover and with the construction of not only a new university campus but also numerous apartments, the area is sure to see an influx of investment in the near future.
“Strong rental returns, larger blocks, competitive capital gains and the ability to find low maintenance 2- to 3-bedroom properties for under $500,000 means the region offers plenty of good investment opportunities for those who can’t afford the larger capital cities, especially Sydney.
“There is something for every type of investor: more expensive coastal properties, inner city properties, student accommodation, fixer uppers and larger family homes in the outer estates and suburbs.
“Savvy investors continue to see good returns in Newcastle and the investment market shows no signs of slowing down,” the report advised.
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Newcastle becoming a hot spot for property investors: HTW

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The Gateway Hotel, a Newcastle icon, has been placed on the market for the first time in more than 20 years. 
The hotel at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/139-maitland-rd-islington-nsw-2296" target="_blank">139 Maitland Rd, Islington</a> boasts a rare 5 am licence, 15 underperforming gaming machines, and a large footprint on a 778 sqm corner site. 
It has long been a popular watering hole in Newcastle. But for more than a year, demands have grown that the venue be struck off a list of safe venues for the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. 
In January, a senior transgender staff member alleged that she was assaulted by a male patron outside the hotel but the hotel didn’t call the police, the Newcastle Herald had reported.
The hotel has been generally used as a ‘weekender’ by the current owners and would benefit from a keen and motivated operator, according to listing agents are John Manenti of Manenti Quinlan and Associates and  Deane Moore of Moore and Moore Real Estate.
It last changed hands for $650,000 in 1999, according to Corelogic RP Data.
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Gateway Hotel comprises a public bar, indoor and outdoor gaming rooms, bistro, beer garden, nightclub, eight first floor guest rooms, a function room and other amenities. 
Deane Moore said “with the impending redevelopment of the Cambridge Hotel site, the Gateway Hotel is potentially the last true late night and live music venue in Newcastle”. 
John Manenti added that high performing gaming venues nearby was a bonus for the new operator.
The sale is by expressions of interest which close on September 7.
The corner location, the hotel offers a range of features which make it the ultimate Newcastle sleeping giant. 
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