Third.i announces a mixed-use masterplan for Sydney’s Gladesville Village

Leading Australian developer Third.i Group has officially announced plans for a landmark mixed-use redevelopment in the heart of Gladesville, signalling a new era for the suburb.

Located at 1–3 Flagstaff Street, 2–10 Cowell Street and 1 Massey Street, the proposed project will transform the ageing Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into a vibrant, community-focused precinct delivering more than 500 new homes.

This will be the first project of its kind for Gladesville, an integrated masterplan that not only responds to its surroundings but significantly improves upon the existing Local Planning Panel controls.

The development comprises more than 500 new apartments delivered through a combination of build-to-sell and build-to-rent housing, a circa 4,000 sqm major supermarket, a curated food and beverage precinct, a state of-the-art health and wellness centre, and over 4,500 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

Gladesville’s hospitality scene is set for a major boost. At the centre of the new precinct, a curated food and beverage offering will introduce some of Sydney’s most popular operators to the neighbourhood, activating the site day and night and creating a thriving social destination for locals and visitors alike.

Designed by award-winning architects i2C and with landscaping by Arcadia, the team behind Lane Cove’s acclaimed Canopy project, the proposal sets a new benchmark for place-making in Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

A continuous green spine stretching from Massey Street to Cowell Street forms the centrepiece of the design, offering pedestrian-friendly access and clear sightlines throughout the site. The result will be a connected town centre with a truly civic heart.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Gladesville into a lively, social and inclusive hub,” said Florian Callion, Head of Acquisitions at Third.i Group.

“We’ve worked closely with Hunters Hill Council to ensure this project aligns with their twenty-year vision for Gladesville. From day one, our focus has been on delivering a project that balances housing supply, thoughtful design and public benefit.”

The proposal directly responds to the Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement (2020), which identifies Gladesville Village as a centre “primed for place-based redevelopment.” If approved, the project will help meet Hunters Hill Council’s National Housing Accord target, delivering much-needed homes in a time of chronic undersupply across Sydney.

“Now that Council’s updated plan is due to proceed to gateway and public exhibition, we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring this vision to life,” said Florian Callion, Head of Acquisitions at Third.i. “We’re excited by the opportunity to help deliver the kind of vibrant, connected and inclusive town centre that Gladesville residents have been waiting for.”

The project will also deliver significant public benefits without placing any financial burden on Council. All infrastructure upgrades, including new pedestrian connections, landscaped public domains, and civic amenities, will be fully funded by Third.i, demonstrating the developer’s commitment to delivering legacy projects that serve the broader community well into the future.

Pending approval, construction is expected to commence in late 2026.

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Revitalizing Gladesville: Major Redevelopment Plans for Shopping Centre Unveiled

More details about the planned redevelopment of the upcoming Gladesville Shopping Centre were revealed in a rare radio moment at 2RRR on Tuesday, July 8.

Mayor of Hunters Hill, Zac Miles and developer Florian Callian, Head of Acquisitions at Third.i Group told 2RRR “Tuesday’s Morning Mix” host, Natalie de Silver, that this development was a “once in a generation opportunity to reshape Gladesville.”

“It’s going to be a really special area, and a far improvement from what’s there,” said Mr Callian.

Hunters Hill Council is proposing a redevelopment, including a new and improved shopping precinct, open space and more than 500 apartments up to 23 stories high. Mr Callion confirmed that the proposed development would include a hectare of open space, making the new centre more attractive and enjoyable.

“We are delivering close to 4000 (square metre), we are a bit over that, of public open space through that spine of the site, which is really going to let the community interact. There is obviously going to be tree canopies and potentially some small gathering areas.”

Mr Callion compared Third.i Group’s aspiring development to Lane Cove’s renowned ‘The Canopy’.

“What we are proposing to do is exactly just that, but even better,” said Mr Callion.

Mr Callion continued, “We’re wanting some really good quality food and beverage operators, there’s obviously going to be a brand-new Coles that’s going to go through… whether it’s childcare, we’ve got a 1500 to 2000 square metre health and wellness space that we want to put in there.”

Mayor Zac Miles responded, expressing that the current centre was not meeting the needs of our local community.

“The shopper experience has deteriorated significantly over the last decade or so, and what we really need is… some destination and food and beverage operators that go in there, that actually draw people into the centre.”

Mr Zac Miles furthered, “We do need a full format shopping centre. We do need better retail operators. There shouldn’t be you know, a couple of two-dollar shops and the tobacconist.”

Concerns about traffic and limited public transport options were addressed, with calls for the State Government to play its part and improve bus services and access from Victoria Road.

As a resident of our local community and host of 2RRR’s “Monday Morning Matters”, Mark Henderson (Hendo) expressed his concern about the lack of transportation in our area.

Hunters Hill Mayor Zac Miles said our concerns about traffic and transport were valid and needed to be addressed by the NSW Government.

“The main thing that I need to advocate for, from a council level, is we do need better public transport…we are not well serviced by public transport, and that is a State Government issue.”

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Thirdi Lifts Covers on 500-Home Precinct at Gladesville

High-profile developer Thirdi Group has revealed plans to turn an ageing retail centre into a mixed-use development of more than 500 homes at Gladesville in Sydney’s north-west.

Planned for a site at 1-3 Flagstaff, 2-10 Cowell and 1 Massey streets, the proposal would transform the Gladesville Village Shopping Centre into a “vibrant, community-focused precinct” delivering more than 500 new homes, the developer said.

“This will be the first project of its kind for Gladesville, an integrated masterplan that not only responds to its surroundings but significantly improves upon the existing Local Planning Panel controls,” Thirdi said in a statement.

A combination of build-to-sell and build-to-rent homes are planned, along with a 4000sq m major supermarket, food and beverage precinct, health and wellness centre, and more than 4500sq m of publicly accessible open space.

“At the centre of the new precinct, a curated food and beverage offering will introduce some of Sydney’s most popular operators to the neighbourhood, activating the site day and night and creating a thriving social destination for locals and visitors alike,” Thirdi said.

Designed by architects i2C and with landscaping by Arcadia, the team behind Lane Cove’s acclaimed Canopy project, the proposal includes a continuous green spine stretching from Massey Street to Cowell Street, offering pedestrian-friendly access and clear sightlines throughout the site.

Thirdi head of acquisitions Florian Callion said the group had “worked closely with Hunters Hill Council to ensure this project aligns with their 20-year vision for Gladesville”.

“Our focus has been on delivering a project that balances housing supply, thoughtful design and public benefit,” he said.

The proposal responds to the council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement (2020), which identifies Gladesville Village as a centre “primed for place-based redevelopment”.

If approved, the project would help meet Hunters Hill Council’s National Housing Accord target, according to the developer.

“Now that the council’s updated plan is due to proceed to gateway and public exhibition, we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring this vision to life,” Callion said.

The project would also deliver significant public benefits without placing any financial burden on the council, Thirdi said, as all infrastructure upgrades, including new pedestrian connections, landscaped public domains, and civic amenities, would be funded by the developer.

If approved, it is slated to begin in late 2026.

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Investing $1.6B for dynamic new community at Charmhaven

Developer Third.i Group has proposed a masterplanned community on 200ha of bushland at Charmhaven between the Pacific Hwy and Arizona Rd.

The $1.6B project would deliver up to 2,000 homes with 120ha of protected environmental green space, a new low-fee K-12 school for 1,500 students, public spaces, playing fields and a business park supporting more than 600 new jobs.

Third.i says the aim is to create a “dynamic new community with a focus on liveability, affordability and long-term growth”.

First step is a development application for 56 homes which is now on public exhibition and open for submissions until June 30.

Third.i Group promises no infrastructure costs for the NSW Government under measures introduced in the NSW Budget this week allowing developers to build their own public infrastructure under certain circumstances.

Group Acquisitions Head Florian Caillon said that if approved, rezoning (of the Charmhaven site) would allow them to provide critical, enabling infrastructure.

“This would include roads, water and electricity, which will benefit the wider region – all at no cost to the NSW Government,” he said.

The State Government Budget will also make permanent a 50% land tax discount for build-to-rent developments.

To be eligible, buildings must include at least 50 rental homes, remain under single ownership and management, and offer lease terms of at least three years.

More than 10% of the Charmhaven project will be committed to affordable housing, including rental and shared equity options aimed at supporting essential workers and first-home buyers.

Evolve Housing will handle the 200 affordable homes with workers able to rent them at below-market rates. 

Health Services Union NSW Assistant Secretary Lauren Hutchens said members were encouraged by developments that made affordable housing a priority.

“We keep our hospitals running day and night, but we’re being pushed further and further away from our workplaces by skyrocketing housing costs on the Central Coast,” she said.

The Charmhaven project would be the largest housing project on the Central Coast and could deliver almost a quarter of the NSW Government’s target of 9,400 new homes in the region by 2029. 

Central Coast’s population is expected to surge to 404,250 by 2041, putting increased pressure on housing supply.

Third.i Group is hopeful that the first new homes for the masterplan could be delivered within 36 months pending planning approvals.

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Thirdi Plans $1.6bn Central Coast Housing Community

Developer Thirdi has proposed a masterplanned community that promises no infrastructure costs for the NSW Government on the Central Coast. 

The 200ha Charmhaven Project site at Charmhaven on the Central Coast is located between the Pacific Highway and Arizona Road and is expected to cost $1.6 billion.

It would deliver up to 2000 homes with 120ha of protected environmental green space, a new school and a business park. 

More than 10 per cent of the project will be allocated to affordable housing for essential workers with the NSW Government not required to pay for any infrastructure costs

“If approved, the rezoning will allow us to provide critical, enabling infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, which will benefit the wider region—all at no cost to the NSW Government,” Thirdi acquisitions head Florian Caillon said. 

Evolve Housing will handle the 200 affordable homes with workers able to rent the homes at below-market rates. 

“Our members keep our hospitals running day and night, but they are being pushed further and further away from their workplaces by skyrocketing housing costs on the Central Coast,” Health Services Union NSW assistant secretary Lauren Hutchens said.

“That’s why we’re encouraged by developments that make affordable housing a priority.” 

The school, if approved, will be a low-fee independent Christian school for 1500 students.

The Charmhaven Project would be the largest housing project on the Central Coast and could deliver almost a quarter of the NSW Government’s target of 9400 new homes in the region by 2029. 

Thirdi is hopeful that the first new homes for the masterplan could be delivered within 36 months pending planning approvals.

The Central Coast’s population is expected to surge to 404,250 people by 2041, putting increased pressure on housing supply.

Thirdi’s current development pipeline exceeds $4 billion with completed projects across Sydney and Newcastle. 

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Merewether Residences Expands

The Merewether Residences, a luxury over-55s retirement living development at The Merewether Golf Club, has received approval for a Section 4.55 modification, allowing for an additional level while staying within the original height limits. This expansion reinforces the project’s appeal to retirees, downsizers, and Sydney residents seeking a coastal lifestyle.

A joint venture between ThirdAge and The Merewether Golf Club, the development will now feature 178 architecturally designed apartments across four six-storey buildings. The approved breakdown includes 12 one-bedroom, 121 two-bedroom, and 29 three-bedroom apartments, along with 16 penthouses—eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom options.

Construction will be led by Decode Group, known for its work on Third.i’s Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle. The development is designed by architect Eugene Marchese and overseen by EJE Architecture, incorporating materials that blend seamlessly with Newcastle’s coastal surroundings.
The project will enhance The Merewether Golf Club, providing new amenities such as a health and wellness space, a sports bar, and a new clubhouse for residents and club members.

Luke Berry, Director of ThirdAge, described the approval as a major milestone, reinforcing the project’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that foster community connections.
Site works have begun, with the demolition of the existing greenkeepers shed marking the start of construction. The new clubhouse is expected to open in 2027, with The Merewether Residences slated for completion in late 2027.

Designed to offer a premium lifestyle, the development will feature amenities such as a health club, spa, swimming pool, on-site cinema, communal kitchen, herb garden, and workshop spaces.
Third.i continues to expand its footprint in Sydney and Newcastle, with a development pipeline exceeding $4 billion.

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Project Milestone: The Merewether Residences secures approval for an additional level

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Merewether Golf Club development gains approval for additional level

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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Coastal resort dedicated for over 55s, secures approval for additional level

The Merewether Residences, an over-55s retirement living resort at The Merewether Golf Club is an exclusive new address on Newcastle’s scenic coastline for retirees, empty nesters, downsizers, and Sydneysiders seeking a sea change. ThirdAge Group has just secured approval for a Section 4.55 modification, allowing for the addition of an extra level while remaining within the height limits originally approved by the DA .

Following approval of the Section 4.55, the joint venture between ThirdAge and The Merewether Golf Club will now feature 178 thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, across four 6-storey buildings, including 16 exclusive penthouses.

The approved breakdown of apartments includes 12 one-bedroom, 121 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments, and eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom penthouses. Decode Group has been announced as the builder for The Merewether Residences, bringing proven expertise from projects such as Third.i’s Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle.Their focus on high-quality residential developments underscores the commitment to excellence that defines this project.

Designed by renowned architect Eugene Marchese and now overseen by EJE Architecture, the development will feature a design that incorporates a palette of textures and materials, blending seamlessly with the coastal surroundings.

Drawing inspiration from Newcastle’s coastal charm and contemporary style, The Merewether Residences will deliver 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.

“Securing approval of our Section 4.55 for an additional level at The Merewether Residences is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. 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,” said Luke Berry, director of ThirdAge. 

“This approval not only expands the scope of this exceptional project but also reinforces our commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed homes that prioritise quality, sustainability, and connection. 

“The Merewether Residences exemplify our vision of creating vibrant, community-focused environments that elevate retirement living and leave a lasting legacy for Newcastle’s coastal community.”

Early site works have commenced on The Merewether Residences, with the demolition of the existing greenkeepers shed marking the start of construction. The new clubhouse is expected to open in 2027, with construction of The Merewether Residences anticipated in late 2027.

“The strong demand for The Merewether Residences reflects the project’s appeal to both locals and those seeking a coastal lifestyle upgrade. With its unique design, expansive views, and premium finishes, this development offers more than just a home – it’s a lifestyle. 

“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 serene 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.”

ThirdAge is an exciting collaboration between Thirdi Group, an award-winning Property Development firm. Third.i has a proven track record of delivering large-scale residential projects in Sydney and Newcastle, including the completed WEST Apartments, Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell in Newcastle. Their landmark Newcastle project, Dairy Farmers Towers, in Newcastle West, is currently under construction. With a development pipeline exceeding $4 billion, Third.i continues to shape the future of urban living.

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Third.i announce Decode Construction as builder of The Merewether retirement village in Newcastle, NSW

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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