Bellevue Hill's dress circle Victoria Road is set for a new apartment development, with the Woollahra Council signing off on a boutique block of 12 apartments near&nbsp;

Local developers Mark Alexander and Eugene Shaw are behind the $11 million plans for the 1,107 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/214-218-victoria-road-bellevue-hill">214-218 Victoria Road</a>, an amalgamation of three sites backing onto Cooper Park on the corner of Victoria and Old South Head Road.

Two semi-detached dwellings and a standalone home will make way for the&nbsp;Bureah SRH-designed, five-level building that will offer a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The sole one-bed spans 60 sqm, the two-bed apartments start from 77 sqm and the three-bedroom units from 110 sqm. They will sit above 25 parking spaces.

Architect Simon Hanson's&nbsp;Bureah SRH said in their submissions to the Woollahra Council that the project is designed to integrate into the site and the locality and reflect the style and design of character provided for in the Council's future vision for the area.

"The project has grown through a thoughtful design process which has fundamentally addressed the demand for quality outcomes for residents and the wider Eastern Suburbs community," the report noted.

"The design concept for this proposal has grown simultaneously from the consideration of the surrounding natural landforms and future urban requirements. The development strives to enhance and engage the public domain through a range of architectural devices. The articulated built form establishes a significant street presence. The site is situated on a major intersection of Victoria Road and Old South Head Road.

"Architectural devices such as fixed horizontal privacy screens, planter boxes create a distant presence busy street frontage and provide an acceptable level of privacy protection. The relationship between the apartments and the public domain is further enriched by an open landscaped private open space on ground floor and large balconies on the upper levels."

Mark Alexander and Eugene Shaw have worked in the area before. Their most recent project was on Boronia Road where they developed the luxury Tesoro building.

Mark Alexander and Eugene Shaw have worked in the area before. Their most recent project was on Boronia Road where they developed the luxury Tesoro building

Joel Robinson

First look: New apartments greenlit on Bellevue Hill's dress circle Victoria Road

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toohey-miller">Toohey Miller</a>'s descent on Elizabeth Bay is set to continue with the approval of their second development in the harbourside suburb.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toohey-miller">Toohey Miller</a>, led by local&nbsp;Nick Couloumbis, has been given the green light for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-barncleuth-square-elizabeth-bay">Barncleuth Square</a>, a collection of just 10 large owner-occupier apartments designed by SJB with views over Ruushcutters Bay.

The project, at 4-4a Barnclueth Square, will replace a mid-1960s block with over 20 apartments, a block that took about 12 months to put together.

Couloumbis says&nbsp;Elizabeth Bay is a very desirable area.

"It's a stone's throw from the best restaurants in Sydney. Some people call it the Soho of Sydney,"&nbsp;Couloumbis says.

<img alt="Barncleuth Square site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="483769aa-eb6e-4626-bc75-2868680f9377" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BarncleuthSquare%20site.jpg?VersionId=.AI3BVN65yVj6.hzbEWJMqgtYBjZlZAb" />

In their Design Statement submitted to the City of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> Council, SJB said that Elizabeth Bay is part of the densest urban area in Australia with its own population of around 5,000 people.

"With limited space, many apartment buildings are vying for high levels of amenity," the report noted.

"This proposal offers relief to the density, with only 9 apartments proposed for the site."

The design is in keeping with the Art Deco apartment-style which boomed in the 1930s. A significant number of those buildings developed nearly a century ago are now heritage-listed.

SJB says the facades of the surrounding four to seven-storey apartment buildings&nbsp;are intricately detailed in playful arrays of textures and patterns.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Toohey Miller file for Elizabeth Bay apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202023-05-22%20at%2012.27.08%20pm.png?VersionId=ubhuQzortjDY1z.evYQNZshchvZEk0Eg" />

Situated just a street back from Macleay Street, known as Sydney’s most desirable high street, Barncleuth Square’s five-storey brick design is in keeping with the evocative forms of its Art Deco neighbours.

Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with initiatives such as a green roof to reduce building energy, cross-ventilated apartments, and the use of locally sourced bricks from Australian manufacturers.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look exclusive: Toohey Miller file for Elizabeth Bay apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-05-22%20at%2012.27.15%20pm.png?VersionId=T2XSoTbivDFWh4xaUSCXDbxJt4nArfXk" />

Toohey Miller has had a long history in Elizabeth Bay. Couloumbis' grandfather founded the company in 1955 when it was an architectural business.&nbsp;

Toohey Miller is currently developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/no-1-onslow-place-elizabeth-bay">No.1 Onslow Avenue</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elizabeth-bay-nsw">Elizabeth Bay</a>. That has just six full-floor apartments, three of which sold within the first few weeks of its late 2023 launch.

They are also working in a joint venture with Third.i in the neighbouring <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/potts-point-nsw">Potts Point</a>, where they're currently developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/muse-potts-point-30a-34-brougham-street-potts-point">Muse Potts Point</a>, just 15 apartments off Victoria Street.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140184]

Toohey Miller is currently developing No.1 Onslow Avenue in Elizabeth Bay, as well as Muse Potts Point with Third.i



Urban Editorial

Toohey Miller greenlit for Barncleuth Square, Elizabeth Bay apartments

Affordability has continued to pinch budgets in Sydney, with unit value growth outstripping houses for the second month in a row.

CoreLogic's Home Value Index showed unit values in the harbour city jumped rose 0.6 per cent, compared to the 0.3 per cent growth in houses.

The median unit value in Sydney is now $844,000, having started the year at $828,000.

CoreLogic's research showed that across the country there's been robust growth in the lower-value segment of the property market remains evident.

Sydney in particular showcased resilience in its lower quartile and middle market, both witnessing a 1.7 per cent quarterly change in dwelling values (units and houses) compared to a more subdued 0.5 per cent increase in the upper quartile of dwelling values.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Sydney's off the plan apartment market in April?</h2>

First home buyers have been steadily returning to the off the plan apartment market following a period of mass exodus triggered by the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) rapid interest rate hikes.

The surge in interest can be attributed in part to growing confidence that interest rates have likely peaked, coupled with an increase in the availability of more affordable housing options.

Over the past three months, the RBA has maintained a steady interest rate, and the expectation is, despite higher-than-expected inflation figures in Q1, that rates will start to come down a few times in 2025, if not earlier.

Dave Milton, CBRE Managing Director of Residential Projects, says they've seen first home buyer numbers increase by 11 per cent in the first four months of 2024 compared to 2023.

Most first home buyers are couples who are buying the more expensive two-beds, CBRE's data shows, happier to pay more for what they want rather than drop their requirements to fall under the government's stamp duty benefits.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-home-buyer-activity-lifts-across-sydneys-off-the-plan-apartment-market-as-interest-rates-steady">First home buyer activity lifts across Sydney's off-the-plan apartment market as interest rates steady</a>

There's also been strength at the top end of the market.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/first-quadrant-properties">First Quadrant Properties</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/qualitas">Qualitas</a>&nbsp;have all but sold out the first stage of their new Willoughby apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/willoughby-grounds-1a-27-walter-street-willoughby">Willoughby Grounds</a>.

All of the one and two-bedroom apartments have been snapped up in the first building, Fleming, which was designed to pay homage to the tanneries from the 1800s.

A big trend in the project has been the appetite from the four-bedroom stock. The team had to amalgamate apartments to keep up with the demand. Those were selling from around $3.5 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251214]

Luxury developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;smashed all the records in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coogee-nsw">Coogee</a> in April. They sold a three-bedroom penthouse in their heritage restoration project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ballamac-house-39-arcadia-street-coogee">Ballamac House</a>.&nbsp;

The 241 sqm penthouse sold for just under $83,000 per sqm internally, and close to $90,000 per sqm when incorporating the 77 sqm of external space.

<img alt="Central Element smash Coogee apartment record with $20 million Ballamac House penthouse sale" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ballamac%20House%20CGI_0.jpg?VersionId=y9oJVk2kQN42xUzbkw3AuB7gcU1LDqTP" />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/top-spring-australia">Top Spring Australia</a> also broke price records in April at their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/st-leonards-nsw">St Leonards</a> South masterplan, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-newlands-st-leonards-21-41-canberra-avenue-st-leonards">The Newlands</a>.

They amassed over $50 million in sales in April following the launch of the second stage of the parkside project. So far The Newlands has been a hit with owner-occupiers due to its positioning as offering a 'wellness utopia.'

A one-bedroom apartment was sold in the latest release for $1.25 million, while a two-bedder exchanged for $1.93 million and a three-bedroom with city skyline views for $4.09 million.&nbsp;

Top Spring Australia Managing Director, Sydney Ma, said the embedded sustainability and wellness elements in The Newlands were proving just as important to buyers as its proximity to the harbour and the new Metro station opening later this year.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=257585]

The final apartments in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">The Grand Residences</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;by &nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/crown-group">Crown Group</a> were released in April, offering a rare opportunity for prospective purchasers to buy into the prized Eastern Suburbs market at an affordable pricepoint.

Known for spacious apartments and top-tier amenities like a 25-metre heated pool, gym, and landscaped gardens, Crown Group continues its tradition of delivering premium living experiences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7652 project_image_fid=262600]

April also saw Fig &amp; Wattle, the new Pyrmont project by&nbsp;national developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/landream">Landream</a>&nbsp;take a big step, with stage two development approval from the City of Sydney Council for the $330 million Wattle Street project.

Landream secured the 12,381 sqm site at 14-26 Wattle Street in 2021, previously known as Saunders Quarry and later as the City of Sydney Council depot.

The Pyrmont project is ready to take advantage of the $750 million of the Sydney Fish Markets at Blackwattle Bay, which following the redevelopment will create a major food and dining precinct for the area, just a stone's throw away from Wattle Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/landream-secure-stage-two-approval-for-their-330-million-pyrmont-apartment-project">Landream secures stage two approval for their $330 million Pyrmont apartment project</a>

<img alt="First look exclusive: Third.i plot luxe Rushcutters Bay apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-15%20at%207.50.24%20am.png?VersionId=NowrZKkiQQq3QA0TyqpDKdtdWqBapT6e" />

More plans were submitted near the Harbour in April as Luke Berry and Ron Dadd's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a>&nbsp;has sought to create a luxury apartment development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/rushcutters-bay-nsw">Rushcutters Bay</a>.

The $21.6 million development at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay">51-57 Bayswater Road</a>&nbsp;will comprise 12 apartments above two retail tenancies on the ground level.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> said the location presents an "outstanding opportunity to merge the development's rich Art Deco heritage with its natural surroundings, creating a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities."

Billionaire James Packer is reportedly one of the financiers of the project.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-exclusive-third-i-plot-luxe-rushcutters-bay-apartments">First look exclusive: Third.i plot luxe Rushcutters Bay apartments</a>

There's been movement in the off the plan apartment market in April from Third.i, Landream, Top Spring and Central Element

City Beat May 2024: Sydney unit growth doubles houses in April

WINIM is set to launch its Parnell House Penthouses in Newcastle this month, atop a new 46-room luxury hotel.

The penthouses, Sand and Dune, will offer something Newcastle hasn't seen before.&nbsp;

Designed by SDA Architects and MXM Design in collaboration, the twin penthouses, priced at $10 million and $14 million, occupy the entire rooftop of the boutique hotel, Parnell House.

Parnell House will reside within a celebrated heritage building at 21 Parnell Place, the former Newcastle Beach Hotel, artfully re-imagined. Alongside the luxury accommodation is a café, bar, restaurant and wellness spa.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb2ac439-e0b6-4fb8-a2bf-d6fc46038b9e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%204.34.51%20pm.png?VersionId=PNsuEwFxHWKC1LWi_rCRElr1I4yv3r85" />

The $10 million, three-bedroom penthouse will have 191 sqm of internal living space and 78 sqm of terraces, while the adjoining four-bedroom penthouse will have 245 sqm internally and 123 sqm of terraces.

The penthouses pay homage to the barefoot nostalgia of Newcastle’s past while setting a new benchmark for the future. They feature abundant light, organic curves and natural materials, with high-end finishes and hand-crafted pieces throughout.

Each penthouse has an expansive entertaining space with a covered outdoor kitchen, dining terrace and sun deck leading to a private plunge pool nestled in a private courtyard.

Residents will have access to resort-style services from Parnell House, including five-star dining without leaving home, room service, hotel concierge and cleaning services.&nbsp;

Construction on Parnell will begin in August 2024, with completion expected in Q3 2025.

<img alt="Penthouse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c2e5f6d-fcac-4a35-babd-dae48696f830" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%204.35.02%20pm.png?VersionId=OJMTiv3DbY_Eof9r3i2QZ288BHgv2uca" />

Leading hospitality and management company EVT, which&nbsp;currently manages 80 hotels and 12,000 rooms across Asia Pacific with brands such as QT, Rydges, will operate the hotel.

According to a March report by CoreLogic, high-end home prices have been on the rise in Newcastle since the pandemic. There's been a string of multimillion-dollar sales over the past 12 months, including a city penthouse apartment for $8.5 million in The Royal Apartments building on King Street.

The rise in high-end properties accompanies broader economic and regional growth, including population, commerce, education, and infrastructure investments. The city’s population grew by nearly one per cent between 2023 and 2024, buoyed by Newcastle University’s expansion, the reopening of the Royal Newcastle Private Hospital following a $1 billion investment, and the expansion and upgrade of Newcastle Airport.

High-end buyers moving into the city are a mix of Sydneysiders, Melburnians, and Hunter Valley locals, drawn by its mix of natural beauty, community atmosphere, career opportunities, and cultural activities.

Newcastle is also well-connected locally and nationally, with a compact city that’s easy to navigate and good public transport, making it convenient for residents to commute and explore.

Parnell House will reside within a celebrated heritage building at 21 Parnell Place, the former Newcastle Beach Hotel, artfully re-imagined

First look: WINIM reveal Newcastle's most expensive penthouses atop Parnell House

Sydney’s iconic Coogee Bay Hotel is set for a transformation.

Plans have now been approved to transform the landmark watering hole and hotel on the corner of Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road, creating new hotel rooms, a refurbishment of the current building, and the addition of a shoptop housing development with 58 apartments, 11 retail premises, and an internal laneway from Coogee Bay Road.

The approval comes after more than four years of design and planning, discussions with stakeholders, community consultation and mediation between the owners of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coogee-nsw">Coogee</a> Bay Hotel and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/randwick-nsw">Randwick</a> City Council. &nbsp;

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel&nbsp;granted a Deferred Commencement Consent, consent that will become operational once there has been a resolution of a noise management plan with Randwick City Council.&nbsp;

In their determination, the Panel considered the major changes made by the applicant to their original development application lodged in July 2021. These included an improvement of bulk and scale, a reduction in height, removal of the proposed supermarket and improvement of urban form and amenity. It was also noted by the Panel that view loss was reduced by the amended plans.&nbsp;

<img alt="Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light - internal laneway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d40acb8d-20ea-42ce-919d-901766674e83" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Coogee%20Bay%20Hotel%20Redevelopment%20Internal%20Lanway%20from%20Coogee%20Bay%20Road%20to%20Arden%20Street.jpg?VersionId=_J8cZuNHA6PjB36ZsvFxzdjRoelvecMv" />

Chris Cheung, Managing Director of the Coogee Bay Hotel, said: “We are happy to be finally moving forward and excited to deliver a renewed Coogee Bay Hotel that will reinvigorate the &nbsp;Precinct. &nbsp;

“This significant 8500 sqm site is in the heart of Coogee, provides a gateway to the oceanfront, and offers excellent access to services and public transport," Cheung said."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As members of the community for the past 30 years, we understand the local environment and believe our plans will better integrate the hotel within the community and reinvigorate the entire site. The proposal will enhance the heritage elements of the hotel building, upgrade its accommodation offering, create a wider range of entertainment, dining options and public meeting spaces, and create a more family-friendly environment. &nbsp;

“Re-casting the Coogee Bay Hotel as a more family-friendly place will improve social outcomes, add value to local business, boost the local economy and complement the character of the local area."

<img alt="Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light - vicar street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bcbf36e-e823-4ca2-8ee2-4b68b855afec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Coogee%20Bay%20Hotel%20Redevelopment%20from%20Vicar%20Street.jpg?VersionId=akWABmOSGS2gAHA1JA828IwEejnLc9SI" />

The approval includes the demolition of buildings, works to the Coogee Bay Hotel including refurbishment to provide for 18 hotel rooms, a new three-storey building to the southern side of the beer garden with 13 new hotel rooms (resulting in a total of 31 hotel rooms), construction of five/six storey shop top housing comprising 58 dwellings, 11 retail premises, internal laneway from Coogee Bay Road, basement parking for 158 cars, subdivision, landscaping and associated works. &nbsp;

Discussions between the owners and Randwick City Council on the redevelopment proposal began in 2019. &nbsp;

The original development application was lodged in July 2021 and an 18-month mediation process with Randwick City Council in the Land and Environment Court has led to the grant of the Development Consent. &nbsp;

Discussions between the owners and Randwick City Council on the redevelopment proposal began in 2019

Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment gets the green light after five years of planning

Woolworths Group's proposal for a mixed-use development in Waterloo is taking a significant step forward with its recent determination approval.

Their development arm Fabcot <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/woolworths-venture-into-apartment-projects-starting-in-sydneys-waterloo">moved into the residential development sector</a> around three years ago, signalling their intent first in Waterloo, before revealing more projects in Neutral Bay and Rose Bay.

The planning proposal for their site at 923-935 Bourke Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/waterloo-nsw">Waterloo</a>, which garnered unanimous support from the Central <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> Planning Committee (CSPC) and the City of Sydney Council in late 2023, was officially gazetted in March 2024.

Concept plans have been put together by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart" target="">Bates Smart</a> for the development, which will see apartments sit above a new Woolworths Metro, with some dedicated to affordable housing for key workers. At this stage, all images are concept plans.

<img alt="Woolworths Group receive determination approval for Waterloo mixed-use" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e44d1932-f8e0-4395-adad-d65f1f6f6795" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/woolworths-waterloo-design-features.jpg?VersionId=E.VxfkxoBcjztrMcRxIO1gx2sEnmnYqG" />

Waterloo and its neighbouring suburbs have witnessed substantial population growth in recent years, with projections indicating an influx of approximately 40,000 new residents by 2036.

Despite this growth, the area remains underserved by full-line supermarkets, making Woolworths' mixed-use development a significant addition to address a 9000-sqm undersupply of supermarket floor space in the area.

Once completed, the development is expected to become a vibrant local hub offering not only a full-line Woolworths supermarket but a range of amenities, including 2000 sqm of commercial space, 1500 sqm of specialty retail, dining options, landscaped open areas, and 120 architecturally designed apartments.&nbsp;

A Design Excellence Competition was conducted to select the project's architect, with the winner to be announced in June 2024.

<img alt="Waterloo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35748dce-8d01-4020-b6bb-b665347a3a90" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-08%20at%2010.25.36%20am.png?VersionId=FxYZGw2Gh8YkjACuDTitcPt8Eklbydsv" />

The project also encompasses pedestrianised through-site links, retention of over 80 per cent of existing street trees and provision of 10 per cent affordable housing.

In addition to meeting the housing and retail needs of the community, the development will exceed BASIX requirements and support the City of Sydney’s Net Zero 2026 initiatives.&nbsp;

The strategic location of the mixed-use development, being a 10-minute walk to public transport including Green Square Train Station and Waterloo Metro Station, along with its proximity to parks, cafes, and other local attractions, makes it an increasingly desirable and accessible area to residents and visitors alike.

The development is expected to become a vibrant local hub offering a full-line Woolworths, 2000 sqm of commercial space, 1500 sqm of specialty retail, dining options and 120 apartments. 

Woolworths receive determination approval for mixed-use Waterloo development

Sydney's skyline is set to transform with the approval of new dual-tower development plans overlooking Hyde Park in the heart of the city.&nbsp;

The project, which is linked to Chinese developer Shimao Group Holdings, will comprise 259 apartments across two 28 and 30-level towers, set above commercial and street-level&nbsp;retail at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/175-liverpool-street-sydney">175 Liverpool Street</a>.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Sicard Pty Ltd green lit for dual-tower apartment overlooking Hyde Park " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f690a00-e5c3-43b3-8af3-2c22fb918670" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Hyde%20Park%20Liverpool%20st.png?VersionId=EiLiXUnLjhXpspp0yp8rcqO.WXxvxJQr" />

The design, selected through a competitive process that highlighted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> as the winning scheme, was praised for its thoughtful integration with the surrounding environment, including a respectful approach to the adjacent ANZAC War Memorial and Hyde Park.

"To respect the primacy of the Memorial we designed a ‘quiet’ building free from visual distractions and unnecessary formal manipulation, that would not distract from the visual prominence of the memorial," the statement read.

<img alt="Sicard Pty Ltd dual-tower apartment overlooking Hyde Park " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf55f44-9e38-4558-87a1-1a1604cf083f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Hyde%20Park%20podium.png?VersionId=dcw7NAN89zYwUHfXCxonWBVMeIxLSolf" />

The project's suitability for the site and its context, with careful consideration given to neighbouring developments, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall urban setting was one of the crucial aspects contributing to the approval of the proposal.

The mix of land uses, including residential, commercial, and retail, is also expected to invigorate the area's vitality without compromising environmental or amenity standards.&nbsp;

Moreover, amendments made to the initial proposal address community concerns, underscoring a commitment to responsible urban development.

This approval adds to the interest in development around Hyde Park, reflecting a broader trend of urban revitalisation in Sydney.&nbsp;

With projects like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/111-castlereagh-111-castlereagh-street-sydney">111 Castlereagh Street</a>&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/cbus-property">Cbus</a>, the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/city-tattersalls-club-194-204-pitt-street-sydney">City Tattersall Club</a> redevelopment by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD</a>,&nbsp;and Deicorp's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney">Hyde Metropolitan</a> down the road, the approval of the dual tower highlights Sydney's ongoing commitment to balanced urban growth.

The approval adds to the interest in development around Hyde Park, reflecting a broader trend of urban revitalisation in Sydney. 

Two-tower apartment development greenlit on Sydney's Hyde Park

The billionaire Neilson family has revealed plans to revitalize an old commercial strip in the heart of Redfern.

The plans, which will transform a row of industrial-style commercial spaces across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/2-30-vine-street-redfern-redfern">2-30 Vine Street and 32-34 Eveleigh Street</a>, have been filed by a company tied to Paris Neilson, the daughter of billionaire arts patron Judith Neilson and investment banker Kerr Neilson, and her husband Todd Barcombe

They're proposing a new mixed-use building on the three-lot amalgamation, creating a 2,406 sqm, L-shaped site.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Neilson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a30c862c-f79c-4a3e-b22d-203fbea50eeb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-06%20at%2012.27.46%20pm.png?VersionId=X3wmIxL5VYekUUaozqOwqWIbSYMssYN9" />

The $30 million sketch plans have been submitted as a State Significant Development to the NSW Government, given the estimated cost exceeds the $10 million requirement to be categorised as State Significant Development under Schedule 2 of the Planning Systems SEPP.

Because the proposed&nbsp;building does not exceed more than six levels from ground level, it did not require a competitive design process. Koichi Takada Architects won a limited architectural competition for the site in November 2023.

<img alt="Takada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60f7a54d-d877-432f-839b-08afd60b42f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-05-06%20at%2012.20.55%20pm.png?VersionId=9PILSqZK0dviFu1MKT67X7cGfQ7krtT2" />

Their plans envision a part three-level, part six-level building with&nbsp;retail, commercial, and residential spaces above basement parking. Proposed are&nbsp;a total of 20 commercial spaces and two street-level retail tenancies.

A through-site pedestrian link will be created at the heart of the development, connecting Vine Street to Hudson Street. Partially open communal spaces will be created fronting Eveleigh Street to the east.

There are 23 apartments planned, 12 one-beds, nine two-beds, and two three-bedroom units.

The site is around 500 metres from Judith Neilson's famous White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale.

&nbsp;

There are 23 apartments planned, 12 one-beds, nine two-beds, and two three-bedroom units.​​​​​​

First look exclusive: Billionaire Neilson family to develop new Redfern mixed-use building

Batemans Bay has retained its coastal charm as one of the hidden gems of the South Coast.

While the likes of Hyams Beach and Huskisson are generally the first towns that come to mind when talking about the South Coast given their proximity to the iconic white sand, Batemans Bay has quietly sat on the periphery. That's however set to change, with new investment slated for the area as well as its first high-end apartment development in one of the best spots.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/kela-building-group">KELA Building Group</a> recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/kailani-batemans-bay">Kailani</a>, a five-level apartment development at a level of quality that the township hasn't seen before. Only five apartments remain for sale in the luxury block of just 16 well-know architect Nathan Judd from Judd Studio in Canberra.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/rare-luxury-water-view-living-opportunity-in-batemans-bay-as-final-apartments-at-kailani-hit-the-market">Rare luxury water-view living opportunity in Batemans Bay as final apartments at Kailani hit the market</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135129 project_image_fid=258271]

KELA Director James Lawson said when it came to selecting a location for their next project, the team focussed on places where they themselves liked to travel.

"As a family, we've been holidaying on the South Coast for several years, and we know how special <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/batemans-bay-nsw">Batemans Bay</a> is," Lawson says.

Lawson's view is that&nbsp;Batemans Bay is incredibly undervalued compared to some of the other locations dotted around the South Coast region.

"The likes of Kiama and Jervis Bay saw price growth as strong as anywhere in the country during the pandemic and that has outpriced a significant portion of the market.

"Batemans hasn't had that huge surge in price. It remains as one of the few places left on the South Coast, Eurobodalla Shire area with &nbsp;sheltered north-facing beaches and classic coastal amenities, but without the exorbitant prices many other towns now command.

"You can still get an apartment here with uninterrupted water views, only 100m from the bays edge, for less than the cost of an average inner-city apartment or in those beachside weekender pockets closer to Sydney."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135129 project_image_fid=258269]

KELA picked up one of the best sites in Batemans Bay when they secured two adjoining blocks at 50-52 Beach Road, giving them over 1,100 sqm across the road from the bay and the local marina.

They demolished the 1970s home on one of the sites and kicked off construction of Kalaini, which they're forecasting to complete in early 2025.

The location underpins the whole project.

"The immediate surrounds of Kailani suits any kind of buyer, from families and holidaymakers who can be on the water in moments to retirees and downsizers who have cafes, all essential amenities and a 27-hole golf course 200m away from their front door."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135129 project_image_fid=258271]

The golf club is one of the biggest drawcards in the whole of Batemans Bay. The championship Catalina Club Golf Course is accompanied by the Catalina Country Club, arguably one of the most popular spots in Batemans Bay and the wider Eurobodalla Shire.

Kailani residents will be a level walk to the Batemans Bay township where there are two shopping centres, Village Centre and Bridge Plaza. The marina across the road is a boaties paradise with all required amenities. It is also home to seafood restaurants Southern Catch and JJ's at The Marina

There are numerous beaches within five to 10 minutes of Kailani, from Corrigan’s Beach, Denham Beach, Surf Beach and Lilli Pilli Beach to name just a few. Batemans Bay is surrounded by a large number of attractions including the Mogo Wildlife Park, Eurobodalla Regional Botanical Garden, Bay Pavilions, Arts and Aquatic Centre, Mogo Mountain Bike Trails and the Batemans Bay Historical Museum.

Families considering Kailani will find it conveniently situated near Batemans Bay Public School, which is a six-minute drive away, and Batemans Bay High School, just a three-minute drive.

The remaining apartments at Kailani have three bedrooms, apart from the penthouse which has four. All have two secure undercover parking spaces and separate secure storage.

Each of the apartments offered feature a prime northerly aspect with spacious living areas that extend to large balconies, providing direct views of Batemans Bay, the foreshore, and the marina.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135129]

KELA Director James Lawson said when it came to selecting their next project, the team looked for a place where they liked to travel

The best of Batemans Bay: Why Kailani's location will be hard to repeat

Danny Avidan's&nbsp;Dare Property Group has simultaneously topped out their Vaucluse and Point Piper apartment projects.

Their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/vaucluse-nsw">Vaucluse</a> project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/fontaine-vaucluse-63-new-south-head-road-vaucluse">Fontaine</a>, brings together the expertise of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHNDU</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a>, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay</a> for a boutique collection of six luxury apartments with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6126 project_image_fid=191994]

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/dare-property-group">Dare's</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/point-piper-nsw">Point Piper</a> development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/piper-2a-wunulla-road-point-piper">Piper</a>, is developed jointly with renowned developer Fortis, offering a collection of 15 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms across its four levels.

They have also collaborated with Miriam Fanning-led Mim Design for interiors and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/dangar-barin-smith">Dangar Barin Smith</a> for landscaping.

When speaking to CBRE's Ben Stewart nearly two years ago when the project hit 50 per cent sold, he said he was&nbsp;seeing buyer enquiry coming in from everywhere from the inner west and lower north shore, with locals from Vaucluse and Dover Heights also showing keen interest.

“It’s really evident how well the apartments match up to what downsizers are looking for, both in size and their finish," Stewart said.

There was even a sale to a soon-to-be downsizing owner-occupier from Point Piper's exclusive Wolseley Road, who were looking for something brand new.

"The apartments on offer&nbsp;a great size, anywhere from&nbsp;200 sqm to 250 sqm internal, while also still incorporating a few special features, such as some feature a swimming pool, or big gardens."

Piper and Fontaine are slated for completion later this year.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6126]

Both Fontaine and Vaucluse are expected to complete later this year


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