Month: January 2025

More than seven years in the planning, the projected retirement village integrates the residential development, The Merewether Residences, and the existing 18-hole golf course in the suburb, 3km from the city of Newcastle.

The site will have 178 three, two and one-bedroom apartments overlooking the golf course, extensive amenities including a health and wellness space, cinema and pool, and a new Merewether Golf Club clubhouse to create a resort-style community for the estimated 300 residents who will make it their home.

Luke Berry, one of Third.i’s founding partners, said that after delays in the development, which was first approved by state planning authorities in 2021, the company was excited to begin construction in the first quarter of this year.

“The project has gone through a few challenges to get to this stage but now we’re able to move ahead on creating something that will never be replicated in the region, it’s such a rare opportunity,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-generation project and now we have a clear pathway to completion.

“The project has been through moments when people thought it was not going to happen and it was very stressful for the club, the community and for us. But we remained committed to the development to ensure we could find a path. So for it to become a reality is a big celebration for us. Not only is it going ahead but the builder we’ve engaged is one of Australia’s best.”

Decode Construction is also working with Third.i on its major two-tower Dairy Farmers residential development in the inner-city, harbourside suburb of Newcastle West.

Luke said since the builder was confirmed, expressions of interest has grown significantly to a value of $20 million.

“It’s a sign of the interest in the project and the strength of the project,” he said. “An amazing thing is people who maybe a year or two ago had lost confidence in the project are now coming back and resigning.

“That’s because of how special The Merewether is. It’s one of the only retirement resorts in all of the region that’s offering this level of amenity and residences this project has.”

The Merewether is a shared vision between ThirdAge Villages and the Golf Club. The project was designed by architect Eugene Marchese from Marchese Partners I Life3A, a leading expert in creating over-55s communities. The architectural oversight has since transitioned to award-winning Newcastle-based firm, EJE Architecture, which has taken the lead on the project.

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Multi-award-winning construction company Decode Group has been appointed by ThirdAge, the retirement division of Third.i Group, to build The Merewether Residences, the over-55s senior living development at The Merewether Golf Club in Newcastle.

Having successfully collaborated with Third.i on their Dairy Farmers Towers project in Newcastle, Decode Group will now bring its iCIRT-rated expertise to this landmark development.

Developed as a joint venture between ThirdAge and The Merewether Golf Club, The Merewether Residences will feature 178 thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with 16 exclusive penthouses across four 6-storey buildings. Located at an exclusive address on Newcastle’s scenic coastline, the resort-style retirement living development promises a vibrant, connected community and world-class amenities for over-55 retirees, empty nesters, downsizers, and Sydneysiders seeking a lifestyle change.

Originally designed by renowned architect Eugene Marchese of Marchese Partners, The Merewether Residences will have architectural oversight from EJE Architecture, which is taking lead on this ambitious development.

The design draws inspiration from Newcastle’s coastal charm and contemporary style, with ThirdAge envisioning The Merewether Residences as a stylish sanctuary where architectural elegance meets beachfront relaxation in a modern retreat-like environment.

The palette of textures and materials to be used in the design is inspired by the surrounding landscape to enhance the location’s natural beauty, aligning with ThirdAge’s vision of creating spaces that effortlessly blend into the environment.

Alongside the development, The Merewether Golf Club will be upgraded with a new clubhouse, a health and wellness space, and a brand new sports bar to benefit golf club and community members as well as apartment residents.

On the appointment of Decode Group as the builder, ThirdAge director Luke Berry said, “At ThirdAge, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative, high-quality projects that resonate with today’s buyers. Having previously collaborated with Decode Group, we’ve seen first-hand their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence. With Decode leading construction, we’re confident The Merewether Residences will set a new benchmark in retirement living, offering unparalleled quality, sustainability, and long-term value.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Decode Group to bring something truly unique to Newcastle – a resort-style community where over-55s can embrace the best of Newcastle’s lifestyle, with the championship Merewether Golf Course right at their doorstep,” he added.

Sam El Rihani, founder & chairman of Decode Group, commented, “We are honoured to partner with ThirdAge on The Merewether Residences. This project aligns with our vision of delivering landmark developments that enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents. Our team looks forward to bringing our expertise in high-quality, sustainable construction to this unique coastal community.”

Demand for The Merewether Residences is already strong, especially from those considering retirement living and seeking a coastal lifestyle, a like-minded community, and access to world-class amenities.

Future residents can look forward to high-end facilities such as a health club with gym, wellness programs, a luxurious spa with massage and facial treatments, serene pool, on-site cinema, communal kitchen for cooking classes, herb garden, workshop, and art and craft rooms.

While early works began on site in August 2024, construction is estimated to be completed in Q2 2027, with the new clubhouse opening in Q3 2026.

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ThirdAge, the retirement division of Third.i Group, has appointed multi-award-winning construction company Decode Group to lead the build of The Merewether Residences, the over-55s retirement living resort at The Merewether Golf Club. 

Following their successful collaboration on Third.i’s Dairy Farmers Towers project in Newcastle, Decode Group brings its iCIRT-rated expertise to this landmark development. The project paves the way for an exclusive new address on Newcastle’s scenic coastline, appealing to retirees, empty nesters, downsizers, and Sydneysiders seeking a lifestyle change. 

The Merewether Residences, a joint venture between ThirdAge and The Merewether Golf Club, will feature 178 thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with 16 exclusive penthouses, across four 6-storey buildings. 

Drawing inspiration from Newcastle’s coastal charm and contemporary style, ThirdAge envisions The Merewether Residences as a stylish sanctuary where architectural elegance meets beachfront relaxation, offering a modern retreat for over-55s. 

The project also supports investment in The Merewether Golf Club and the club’s infrastructure. The golf club and community members will benefit from a range of extensive amenities including a health and wellness space, a sports bar as well as a new clubhouse for its members and apartment residents. 

ThirdAge Director Luke Berry shared his enthusiasm for appointing Decode Group as the builder: “At ThirdAge, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative, high-quality projects that resonate with today’s buyers.

Having previously collaborated with Decode Group, we’ve seen firsthand their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence. With Decode leading construction, we’re confident The Merewether Residences will set a new benchmark in retirement living, offering unparalleled quality, sustainability, and long-term value.” 

Sam El Rihani, Founder & Chairman of Decode Group, also shared his excitement about the project: “We are honoured to partner with ThirdAge on the Merewether Residences.

This project aligns with our vision of delivering landmark developments that enhance the lifestyle and well-being of residents. Our team looks forward to bringing our expertise in high-quality, sustainable construction to this unique coastal community.” 

Demand for The Merewether Residences has already been strong, drawing both local and out-of-town interest. The development appeals to those considering retirement living and seeking a coastal lifestyle, a like-minded community, and access to world-class amenities.

Residents will enjoy high-end facilities that elevate their lifestyle, including a health club with gym, wellness programs, and a luxurious spa with massage and facial treatments. A serene pool, on-site cinema, communal kitchen for cooking classes, herb garden, workshop, and art and craft rooms will promise a vibrant, connected community. 

The Merewether Residences was beautifully designed by renowned architect Eugene Marchese of Marchese Partners. However, architectural oversight has since been transitioned to EJE Architecture, who are now taking lead on this ambitious development. 

The design will incorporate a palette of textures and materials inspired by the surrounding landscape to enhance the location’s natural beauty. This approach aligns with ThirdAge’s vision of creating spaces that effortlessly blend into the environment. 

Early works began on site in August 2024, with the construction of the existing greenkeepers shed marking the start of this iconic project.

The project’s design reflects years of planning and collaboration with local councils to ensure a development that enhances Newcastle’s coastal aesthetic, without disrupting residents. Construction is estimated to be completed in Q2 2027, with the new clubhouse opening in Q3 2026. 

Mr Berry highlighted the significance of this next phase for The Merewether Residences, highlighting its impact for residents and the local community:

“We’re thrilled to be working with Decode Group to bring something truly unique to Newcastle – a resort-style community where over-55s can embrace the best of Newcastle’s lifestyle, with the championship Merewether Golf Course right at their doorstep.” 

The approved breakdown of apartments includes 12 one-bedroom, 121 two-bedroom, and 29 three-bedroom apartments, along with 8 two-bedroom and 8 three-bedroom penthouses. 

Third.i has successfully delivered large-scale residential projects in Sydney and Newcastle. The latter includes Dairy Farmers Towers and WEST Apartments in Newcastle, and Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham. The group currently has a development pipeline worth more than $4 billion. 

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GOLD star-rated Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT) construction company Decode Group has been appointed by Third.i Group to deliver The Merewether Residences at The Merewether Golf Club.

The development a joint venture between ThirdAge, retirement living division of Third.i and The Merewether Golf Club. The resort-style project will comprise 178 apartments and 16 luxury penthouses, across four six-storey buildings, for over 55s retirees and downsizers.

The project will also upgrade The Merewether Golf Club with a new clubhouse, health and wellness space and brand-new sports bar.

The appointment of Decode follows their successful collaboration on Third.i’s Dairy Farmers Towers project in Newcastle.

“Having previously collaborated with Decode Group, we’ve seen firsthand their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence. With Decode leading construction, we’re confident The Merewether Residences will set a new benchmark in retirement living, offering unparalleled quality, sustainability, and long-term value.” ThirdAge director Luke Berry said.

“Our team looks forward to bringing our expertise in high-quality, sustainable construction to this unique coastal community,” said Sam El Rihani, founder & chairman of Decode Group.

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Years of planning are set to come to fruition at The Merewether Residences following the appointment of a construction company.

Decode Group will lead the build on the eagerly-awaited over-55s retirement living resort at the neighbouring golf club, partnering with ThirdAge, a division of Third.i Group, on the landmark development.

The Merewether Residences, featuring 178 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments along with 16 exclusive penthouses across four six-storey buildings, is slated for completion in 2027.

Residents can enjoy high-end facilities, including a health club with gym, wellness programs, and a luxurious spa with massage and facial treatments.

A serene pool, on-site cinema, communal kitchen for cooking classes, herb garden, workshop, and art and craft rooms promise a vibrant, connected community, too.

The project will also support investment in the Merewether Golf Club and its infrastructure.

Members and locals are expected to benefit from a range of extensive amenities including a health and wellness space, a sports bar and a new clubhouse, to open in 2026.

“At ThirdAge, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative, high-quality projects that resonate with today’s buyers,” director Luke Berry said.

“Having previously collaborated with Decode Group, we’ve seen first-hand their exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence.

“So, with them leading construction, we’re confident The Merewether Residences will set a new benchmark in retirement living, offering unparalleled quality, sustainability and long-term value.

“Demand has already been strong, drawing both local and out-of-town interest.

“But, the development will appeal to those seeking a coastal way of life, like-minded community and access to world-class amenities.

“We’re confident we are bringing something truly unique to Newcastle – a resort-style facility where over-55s can embrace the best of the city’s lifestyle, with the championship Merewether Golf Course right at their doorstep.”

Early works began on site in August, with the construction of the existing greenkeepers’ shed marking the start of the venture.

The approved breakdown of apartments includes 12 one-bedroom, 121 two-bedroom, and 29 three-bedroom units, along with eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom penthouses.

Third.i has previously delivered large-scale residential projects in Newcastle, including Dairy Farmers Towers and WEST Apartments, Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham.

Read More.