Property developer Third.i Group’s delayed project at Merewether Golf Club is one step closer to construction after securing approval for an additional level.
In May, Third.i applied to add 38 more apartments to its The Merewether Residences seniors living complex to make the project viable amid rising construction costs.
The over-55s retirement complex includes 178 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments across four six-storey buildings.
Adding an extra level remains within the height limits initially approved by the DA.
“The modification allows the project to proceed,” Third.i co-founder Luke Berry said.
“The council agreed that if we could keep the redesign within the bulk, scale, and height, they would support our modifications, allowing us to increase the number of apartments for sale to sell then and cover rising construction costs.
“It’s not that it is more profitable; the money we generate off these new apartments goes into the development and allows us to still deliver the same prices our clients bought off-the-plan, some two years ago.”
The approved breakdown of apartments includes 12 one-bedroom, 121 two-bedroom and 29 three-bedroom apartments.
It also has eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom penthouses.
“With our architectural partner EJE, we identified through the process that if we were to go to the height limit, we could push level five up and create a new sub-penthouse level,” he said.
“The penthouses have the same layouts; however, the buildings included rooftop gardens, which aren’t permissible with these new plans.
“The rooftop gardens were removed to make way for level six.”
Mr Berry, whose company is building the Dairy Farmers Towers residential development in Newcastle West, said around 70 apartments had sold.
He anticipates an increase in enquiry after the latest approval.
“We have a lot of support and we have noticed an enormous increase in registrations off the back of the builder [Decode Group] getting announced last year,” he said.
“We are still seeing a big chunk of interest from locals, but the net is getting wider with interest from Sydney, the Mid-North coast and regional areas, so a real diverse mix is coming through.
“Now that we have absolute clarity on the project, we expect an influx of interest between now and the middle of the year as the project starts construction and a clear settlement date takes shape.”
Early site works have commenced, with the demolition of the existing greenkeeper shed marking the start of construction.
The clubhouse will be demolished in March/April.
The new clubhouse is expected to open in early 2027, followed by the completion of The Merewether Residences in mid-2027.
“There will be minimal changes to the course to allow for these works to start, and those works will begin in the next few weeks,” he said.
“The temporary facilities will be built alongside the demolition of the club.
“There will be a display suite, a pro shop and facilities for members to continue playing golf during the construction period.”
The project supports investment in The Merewether Golf Club and the club’s infrastructure.
Merewether Golf Club members gave the green light for the 148 apartments to go ahead six years ago, and state planning authorities approved a development application in 2021.
Thirdage had hoped to start work on the project in 2022.
The development is designed by architect Eugene Marchese and overseen by EJE Architecture.
Resort-style amenities include a health and wellness space, a sports bar and the new clubhouse for Merewether Golf Club members and apartment residents.
“This landmark development will set a new benchmark in retirement living, offering over-55s a resort-style community where they can embrace Newcastle’s best lifestyle, with the championship Merewether Golf Course right at their doorstep,” Mr Berry said.
“Residents will have access to high-end amenities, including a health club with gym and wellness programs, a luxurious spa with massage and facial treatments, and a pool.
“Additional features include an on-site cinema, communal kitchen for cooking classes, herb garden, workshop, and art and craft rooms, all designed to foster a vibrant, connected community.”
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