Work has begun paving the way for a two-tower development lauded as a gamechanger for NSW’s second-largest city.

Dairy Farmers Towers are set to rise in Newcastle’s West End with demolition works now under way and construction due to be completed in the last quarter of 2024.

The development by Thirdi will deliver 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across the two towers as well as a five-storey residents-only shared work hub with more than 1600sq m of commercial and retail space.

The towers will include eight specialist disability accommodation apartments.

Dairy Farmers Towers will also include cabana pool areas with a lap pool, a wine bar and cellar, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and a pilates studio, as well as multiple function rooms.

More than 70 per cent of the development has sold.

▲ Renders of Dairy Farmers Towers, which is due for completion towards the end of 2024.

“We’re thrilled to be able to begin construction during a time of challenges for the industry and want to ensure our buyers that Thirdi is pressing ahead with our construction schedule so they can be in their highly anticipated new homes as soon as possible,” Thirdi co-founder Luke Berry said.

“The West End is quickly becoming Newcastle’s beckoning lifestyle hub, complete with an eclectic mix of urban flair and character. Dairy Farmers Towers joins our stable of West End projects and has already become a legacy project for everyone to enjoy.”

The site was once home to Dairy Farmers, one of Australia’s largest dairy producers. Thirdi has reimagined the heritage-listed milk bottle and clock towers as part of the project through a pedestrianised, broader public art installation.

Thirdi is collaborating with CoPosit to allow purchasers to buy a property with just $10,000 in savings and the remainder of the deposit is paid in weekly instalments. 

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The project to bring Newcastle’s iconic Dairy Farmers Towers back to life has begun.

Demolition crews were onsite this week marking the start of what is expected to be a two-year project.

Once completed the Newcastle West address will be home to 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments spanning two towers.

A separate five-storey residents’ only shared work hub will boast 1600sqm of commercial and retail space.

All of this on the site that was once home to Dairy Farmers – one of Australia’s largest dairy producers.

In keeping with its heritage, development firm Third.i has promised the heritage-listed, iconic glass milk bottle and clock towers will feature as part of a pedestrianised, broader public art installation.

Ahead of commencement of construction, following its DA approval from council earlier this year, developers saw more than 70% of the project sold.

“We’re thrilled to be able to begin construction during a time of challenges for the industry and want to ensure our buyers that Third.i is pressing ahead with our construction schedule so they can be in their highly-anticipated new homes as soon as possible,” said co-founder at Third.i Luke Berry.

“Our incredible Third.i team are smashing out our demolition works to get this underway and we can’t wait to announce our builder partnership to bring our vision to life in the coming months.

Dairy Farmers Towers is the fourth West End apartment project for the Sydney-based developer.

The Towers are set to include a range of exclusive amenities including co-working spaces, cabana pool areas with a lap pool, a wine bar and cellar, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and a pilates studio, as well as multiple function rooms.

“Residents will have some of the best views in town, as well as access to the harbour, great dining and entertainment options, and the transport interchange at their doorstep.

“We wanted Dairy Farmers Towers to be a West End icon, a landmark reborn to create a new chapter as a great place to live, work and play.”

Third.i currently has a large-scale residential development portfolio that exceeds $3 billion.

An official sod-turning of the Dairy Farmers Towers is set to take place in December, with construction expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

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Third.i has quickly secured 80 per cent of sales at its $35.5 million Sable at the Jetty project in Coffs Harbour.

The development approved project will deliver a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments starting from $650,000 and rising to $2.35 million.

Early works expected to commence this year, with completion slated for mid 2024. 

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry said Third.i’s debut Coffs Harbour project is helping to fill a gap in the market for quality coastal homes and the demand isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

“Sable at the Jetty is our first project here at Coffs Harbour, so we’ve ensured it exceeds expectations and lives up to the legacy I know it will leave for the region. Encouragingly, sales results at our launch event last week show us we’ve done exactly that,” Berry said.

“It’s all about elevating our buyer’s lifestyle, with premium apartments and different layouts and configurations to suit each and every one of our potential buyers.

“The interest received prior to launch has shown demand for this type of product isn’t slowing anytime soon, and we can’t wait to kickstart construction and bring this project to life,” Berry added. 

Designed by Third.i team Design Manager Luke Mahaffey, Sable at the Jetty draws inspiration from the surrounding coastal context, incorporating colours and textures reminiscent of the nearby ocean and sand, as well as the local flora and fauna. 

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Streets, the site is within walking distance to the beach, along with a number of local schools, cafes and shops. Numerous transport links will also be on offer from the steps of Sable. 

“The Jetty is an icon for the city and has come to symbolise the next major chapter of the city’s economic growth. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to raise a family, or downsizing to simplify your life, these apartments are sure to be a great investment,” Berry said.

“With the convenience of the city centre close by, yet outside of the hustle and bustle, Sable is perfectly located for convenience and peace of mind. A range of gyms, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as transport options are all within walking distance.”

The latest offering from Third.i joins a growing list of developments across Australia’s eastern seaboard, including Dairy Farmers Towers and Merewether Residences in Newcastle, as well as Balfour Place in Lindfield.

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Leading Australian developer Third.i has left a sizzling mark on the property market following the launch of its $35.5 million Sable at the Jetty project in Coffs Harbour, racking up a 80% sell- out in just three days.                        

The DA-approved project has been met with a swarm of hungry buyers eager to secure their slice of Coffs Harbour paradise, with only a handful of apartments remaining up for grabs.                       

Sable at the Jetty is set to bring forth a collection of prestigious residences to fruition, with a mixture of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments on offer. The project comprises luxurious high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and an unrivalled lifestyle in one of the most idyllic locations along the mid north coast of New South Wales. The project will also feature communal spaces including a lush courtyard for all residents.                        

The remaining apartments are priced from $650,000 to $2.35 million.                       

Early works are expected to commence this year, with the project due to complete by the second quarter of 2024.                   

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry said Third.i’s debut Coffs Harbour project is helping to fill a gap in the market for quality coastal homes and the demand isn’t showing signs of slowing down.                        

“Sable at the Jetty is our first project here at Coffs Harbour, so we’ve ensured it exceeds expectations and lives up to the legacy I know it will leave for the region. Encouragingly, sales results at our launch event last week show us we’ve done exactly that,” said Mr Berry. 

“It’s all about elevating our buyer’s lifestyle, with premium apartments and different layouts and configurations to suit each and every one of our potential buyers. The interest received prior to launch has shown demand for this type of product isn’t slowing anytime soon, and we can’t wait to kickstart construction and bring this project to life.”

“Our marketing and sales teams have worked incredibly hard in the lead up to this project launch and I couldn’t be prouder of their work to-date.”  

Sable at the Jetty, Coffs Harbour NSW – Interior View

Designed by Third.i team design manager Luke Mahaffey, Sable at the Jetty draws inspiration from local surroundings and a modern coastal design to deliver a rare luxury lifestyle opportunity. The project reflects the colours and textures of the coastal water, sand and local flora and fauna. It has been designed to capture the natural environment, capturing views and breezes with plenty of natural ventilation and sunlight. 

The project encompasses sweeping views of the local pristine beaches and clear blue seas, as as well as views into the rainforest. Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Streets, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops. The project also offers numerous transport links at your doorstep.                      

“The Jetty is an icon for the city and has come to symbolise the next major chapter of the city’s economic growth. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to raise a family, or downsizing to simplify your life, these apartments are sure to be a great investment.

“With the convenience of the city centre close by, yet outside of the hustle and bustle, Sable is perfectly located for convenience and peace of mind. A range of gyms, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as transport options are all within walking distance,” concluded Mr Berry.

The latest offering from Third.i joins a growing list of first-class developments across Australia’s eastern seaboard, including Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle, Balfour Place in Lindfield, the highly anticipated Warada on Walker commercial precinct in the North Sydney CBD and the Merewether Residences in Newcastle, set to redefine retirement living.

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iNSiTU Housing works with leading Australian developer Third.i to provide innovative Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in key urban locations that provides access to care, facilities and lifestyle.

Finding such suitable SDA housing can be a challenge.

Wendy Bannister, a Newcastle NDIS participant, secured her apartment with iNSiTU Housing at Stella on Hannell, in the heart of Newcastle’s thriving West End, following lengthy delays accessing SDA funding.

Wheelchair bound after a series of medical crises Ms Bannister was forced to live in Supported Independent Living (SIL) accommodation for two and a half years awaiting SDA funding.

The SIL accommodation lacked adequate access to care and amenities and Ms Bannister suffered a mental breakdown as a result.

She was severely depressed when she approached iNSiTU Housing for assistance but thankfully with the help of iNSiTu, her situation quickly improved.

“I was approved immediately with iNSiTU Housing,” Ms Bannister said.

“I was shown floor plans and given a choice of which SDA apartment I’d like to secure, which is something I have never had the opportunity to do before.

“I was treated equally and it was incredible.

“iNSiTU Housing was always contactable and expressed concerns about my NDIS battle, they worked extremely hard to help me secure a home of my own that suits my needs.

“I now have independence, can spend quality time with my family again and finally have access to necessities, lifestyle amenities and transport options.

“Thanks to iNSiTU Housing and Third.i, I have my apartment and it has completely changed my life.

“I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t approached Third.i and iNSiTU.”

The sold out Stella on Hannell comprises a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with open floor plans, a rooftop garden and spacious views to the Newcastle Harbour and city, which can never be built out.

The project joins Eaton on Union, another completed Third.i development in Newcastle which features SDA accommodation. Third.i also has plans for SDA accommodation in its Dairy Farmers development, currently under way.

Caitlyn Morrissey is another who believes iNSiTU is a game-changer.

“Before iNSiTU I was living and renting with my family on our farm in rural New South Wales so I couldn’t access care facilities and lifestyle amenities. I wasn’t able to live my life properly,” Ms Morrissey said.

“From when I approached iNSiTU to where I am now, I couldn’t fault the amazing team at iNSiTU for all their hard work.

“The process for SDA funding can be a time consuming process and the iNSiTU team has made the process absolutely worth it.

“They kept me up to date, were calm and assuring and helped ease my transition from rural living to urban care. I’ve been in Newcastle in my apartment now for around ten months and I couldn’t be happier.

“The level of offering for an accessible home is just outstanding and a testament to the hard work iNSiTU does with Third.i.

“I now live right near the train station so I am finally able to access everything I need easily. I have more access to a greater lifestyle and access to more activities.”

With a focus on producing more innovative housing solutions, iNSiTU Housing is changing the future of disability housing, bringing forth a new level of inclusivity by providing more SDA residences for participants.

Read more.

London was calling to a faraway town—repeatedly and for quite some time.

On the other end of the line in Sydney were three mates, who out of collective boredom had left their jobs and got their entrepreneurial dopamine pumping by starting a property development company called Thirdi.

About 17,000km away as the crow flies, another mate nicknamed Boof was playing professional rugby in the UK.

Off the field, however, he was dialed into the trio’s ambitious enterprise.

As Thirdi’s Luke Berry tells it, the first long distance call from Boof—otherwise known as former Australian international front-rower Gareth Hardy—came not long after he had joined English Premiership side Leeds Carnegie.

“Boof had been chipping away at us for years and he goes ‘You guys, there’s opportunities in London—come and check it out’.

“And we were like ‘Mate, are you dreaming? We’ve got enough on our plate in Australia’.”

But the calls kept coming and then, some time later, fate intervened. A wedding invitation from a mutual friend of Berry and his Thirdi co- founders Ron Dadd and Robert Huxley landed them all in London at the same time.

“We met Boof and we did the maths … and we said to him ‘Ok, we like the sound of this—if you go and find a site that is 100 per cent pre-sold, has got a senior finance offer and a head contractor lined up we’ll put the equity in’.

“That’s like winning the lotto in our game and we didn’t think he’d do it.

“But to his credit he hustled … and we ended up getting our first project in London. That’s what really started our business over there.”

Five years later, Thirdi has a rapidly growing $500-million portfolio of projects in the UK where the company’s international expansion is being overseen by Dadd, who has moved to London, and Hardy (aka Boof), now its locally-based director of development.

So far, it has two projects under its belt. Finishing touches are being put to its debut UK development comprising 100 apartments at Battersea and work is under way on Graphite Square, its mixed-use project in South London’s Vauxhall with 160 apartments and 7500sq m of collaborative work space.

“We’re now looking at our third and fourth deals,” says Berry.

The company is shortlisted for two major projects that he says—if it gets one or both —“will be massive for our business over there”.

“One of them is a premium boutique offering that’s in one of the most sought-after locations of London with outstanding views of the Thames, the CBD and all the icons of London. It’s a really high-end product.

“The other one that we’re very close on is a larger affordable project that’s around 300 apartments.”

Five year plan

According to Berry, Thirdi’s overall pipeline—including 16 developments in Australia—totals “just over $3 billion” and in the UK it has ambitious growth plans to replicate the size of its Australian business in terms of end value of projects within five years.

“That’s our target … what took us 15 years to do here we want to do in five years in London.”

It is certainly an expansion road less travelled by most Australian developers, and especially one that has rarely played outside its home state of New South Wales let alone the country’s international border.

But perhaps the writing was on the wall from the beginning.

Back in 2006, Thirdi—then a fledgling start-up operating out of Dadd’s lounge room—embarked on its first development, an apartment and townhouse project called The Palms at Whyalla in South Australia’s Iron Triangle.

And guess who was wanting a piece of the action and bought one of the townhouses off-the-plan? None other than their mate Boof, who had just left the Waratahs to play for Western Force and in the not-too-distant future London would be calling him.

“Sydney developers usually go to the Gold Coast and do their arse, right? We’ve gone to London,” says Berry.

“The way we look at it, we could have expanded into another state like everyone else but there wasn’t the same upside of going to an international market like the UK.” 

Crunching the numbers the return on equity was just too compelling.

“Property development in Australia is hard,” Berry says. “You’ve got a lot of rules around funding and sales and you’ve only got four big banks and a lot of second-tier lenders are coming in.

“But over in London you’ve got 70 banks and they don’t apply the same restrictions to foreign investment as Australia does. And the government actually supports private development by buying properties off-the-plan as housing for essential workers.”

About 30 to 35 per cent of the apartments in Thirdi’s UK developments have been purchased by one of Britain’s biggest social housing providers for public sector employees, Paragon Asra.

“They’ve got a big problem in London, like Sydney, where the cost of housing is outrageous and the nurses, the teachers, the bus drivers, the people that run the city can’t afford to live in it,” Berry says.

“The government’s solution, and we think Australia really needs to consider this, is that they co-invest in a percentage of the developments …and they actually pay for the apartments at land settlement, then at milestones during the delivery and the banks treat their payments as equity.

“So, it  ends up that your returns on equity are amplified by almost 300 per cent or at least 100 per cent, depending on the deal.”      

The other major upside to its London development play, says Berry, is “all of a sudden we’ve got a spot at the big boys’ table when it comes to global investment deals”.

“Before we were in the UK it was very difficult to get people’s attention.

“Now we’re talking to these capital partners that are looking at putting hundreds of millions of dollars into projects with us, both here in Australia and in the UK. And that’s why the UK was so strategic for us.”

Integral to Thirdi’s success has been the Australian development mindset of pre-sales it has brought to the UK market, where there is traditionally more sales focus and risk at the tail end of a project.

Earlier this year, Graphite Square was named the fastest-selling development in central London’s sought-after zone one neighbourhoods, notching $64 million in sales to local and international buyers.

“All the establishment over there were like ‘Who the hell are these guys?’”  says Berry, who drives Thirdi’s sales and marketing.

“We sell out developments and get debt covered … and so, our projects are actually more de-risked than a traditional UK development.

“I think as Australian developers we punch above our weight because we’re conditioned to get so many pre-sales and we have the best marketing—the materials we produce, the way we digitally represent projects and the experiences we give buyers, in my opinion, is the best in the world.

“You combine those elements and take that to London, with a lot of hard work and a fair bit of good luck we can be very successful in that market.”

The tyranny of distance

Nonetheless, he says, it is a tough market with challenges, most notably the tyranny of distance—“working in a timezone that’s completely off and upside down”.

“Once you get established in the UK, however, the rewards are there,” Berry says.

“Right now, though, there’s a lot of uncertainty econmically and with wider world politics making it a challenging time to enter the market.

“But eventually there’s going to be some real opportunities and, because we got in five years ago, we’ve got a strong base and bit of momentum … so, we’re just trying to be in the best position possible to grab them when they pop up.”

Closer to home, Thirdi is on a journey of diversification to further strengthen its Australian business.

By covering all the development bases—residential, commercial, specialist disability accommodation and, more recently, retirement living as well as land subdivision and communities—its strategy is “when the cycle comes and goes for each of them we can ride it”.

With its joint-venture partner Toohey Miller, it is progressing its North Sydney $650-million, 22-storey commercial tower, Warada on Walker, and an $85-million Potts Point boutique apartment development.

Continuing its charge into the regions, it is also moving forward with its 184-apartment Dairy Farmers Towers urban renewal development in its familiar Newcastle stomping ground and also has recently been given the green light for a $35-million residential project at Coffs Harbour.

Under its ThirdAge banner, it is partnering with Newcastle’s Merewether Golf Club to develop its first retirement living project, the $120-million Merewether Residences.

“Mum and Dad are moving in there so I tell you what, there’s a bit of pressure to get that one right,” Berry muses.

But in a major strategic move, the company is also now making a push into residential land development with its newly-established Thirdi Communities division. 

“It’s all still in the early stages and subject to planning but across two developments we’ve set ourselves a target to create 5000 houses, villas and duplexes by 2025.

“But we believe that there is a major housing issue coming. The data is showing there’s a chronic undersuuply of good housing lots and so that’s why we’re pivoting into land.

“Also, a lot of land subdivisions have been just boxes jammed in on top of each other with no greenery, no pathways, no nature.

“So, we’re going to take a very similar view to lifestyle and amenity that we offer in apartments, and offer that into our land communities.

“Almost 50 per cent of our estates will be dedicated to green open space and they’ll be the kind of places where people are going to want to live.

“They’re not going to want to be in an estate where it’s just all, you know, brick veneer and aluminium roofs. So, we’re going to actually design beautiful parks, pathways and community facilities that we think the next generation are going to want when it comes to house and land.”

And, no doubt, while they are keeping the Australian dream alive London also will keep calling.

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Developer Thirdi is continuing its charge into the regions with a $35-million residential project approved in Coffs Harbour. 

Thirdi plans to start preliminary works imminently on Sable at the Jetty, a 35-apartment high-end development on the NSW coast that they plan to launch to market soon.

Thirdi co-founder Luke Berry said Sable at the Jetty was their debut large-scale project in the Coffs Harbour region.

“To have also received the green light from the city council, with construction starting almost immediately after, is just incredible. It’s amazing seeing what we can bring to life, and I can’t wait for Coffs Harbour to finally see this jewel we have put all our energy and focus into,” Berry said.

“We ensure only the best quality offerings are put forward to the market, and our debut development in Coffs Harbour is no exception. 

“The jetty is an icon for the city and has come to symbolise the next major chapter of the city’s economic growth. Sable at the Jetty is perfect for singles, couples and families looking to escape the city for a more relaxing and no-fuss coastal lifestyle.”

Thirdi design manager Luke Mahaffey said the development drew inspiration from the local surroundings

“It has been designed to capture the natural environment, capturing views and breezes with plenty of natural ventilation and sunlight,” he said. 

“Deep balconies protect against the elements while glazing helps maintain comfort and maximises views from inside.”

Mahaffey has steered the project from acquisition through to development application approval.

Thirdi has also invested heavily in the urban renewal of Newcastle with the Dairy Farmers Towers selling almost $43 million in apartments over a three-month period.

It has also collaborated with ThirdAge for a retirement living project, The Merewether Residences, which has also attracted strong sales of more than $47 million in the same quarter in Newcastle. 

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Sable at the Jetty is penned to hit the market in the coming weeks and will comprise high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and an unrivalled lifestyle in one of the most idyllic locations along the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. 

Australian developers Third.i is gearing up to launch the next gem in the crown for Coffs Harbour, with the $35.5 million Sable at the Jetty project set to hit the rebounding real estate market next month following its official DA approval this week.

The new project has received the coveted green light from the Coffs Harbour City Council to bring 35 residences to the area, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. 

Render of the Coffs Harbour development, Sable at the Jetty

Sable at the Jetty is penned to hit the market in the coming weeks and will comprise high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and an unrivalled lifestyle in one of the most idyllic locations along the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. 

The project will also feature communal spaces including a lush courtyard for all residents.

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry said the project adds to the stable of quality homes Third.i is renowned for and is thrilled to be launching the group’s debut large-scale project in the Coffs Harbour region.

“We ensure only the best quality offerings are put forward to the market, and our debut development in Coffs Harbour is no exception. It’s all about elevating our buyers’ lifestyle, with premium apartments and different layouts and configurations to suit each and every one of our potential buyers,” said Berry.

“To have also received the green light from the city council, with construction starting almost immediately after, is just incredible. It’s amazing seeing what we can bring to life, and I can’t wait for Coffs Harbour to finally see this jewel we have put all our energy and focus into.

The Jetty is a renowned landmark for the city of Coffs Harbour, and has come to symbolise the next major chapter of the city’s economic growth. 

Render of the Coffs Harbour development, Sable at the Jetty

“With the convenience of the city centre close by, yet outside of the hustle and bustle, Sable is perfectly located for convenience and peace of mind. A range of gyms, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as transport options are all within walking distance,” Berry said. 

Designed by Third.i Design Manager, Luke Mahaffey, Sable at the Jetty draws inspiration from the local surroundings and a modern coastal design to deliver a rare luxury lifestyle opportunity.

The project reflects the colours and textures of the coastal water, sand and local flora and fauna, designed to capture the natural environment, capturing views and breezes with plenty of natural ventilation and sunlight. 

Mahaffey has personally created and managed the design of the project from the acquisition stage through to working with the local council members to secure DA approval. 

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Streets, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, with the project encompassing sweeping views of the local beaches, as well as views into the rainforest. 

The project also offers numerous transport links at the door of the site.

Render of the Coffs Harbour development, Sable at the Jetty

“Sable at the Jetty is ideal for any buyer at any stage of life. You’ve got so many amenities at only a stone’s throw away and offers the perfect lifestyle for people to live and play,” concluded Berry.

The latest offering from Third.i joins a growing list of first-class developments across Australia’s eastern seaboard, including Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle, Balfour Place in Lindfield, the highly anticipated Warada on Walker commercial precinct in the North Sydney CBD and the Merewether Residences in Newcastle, set to redefine retirement living.

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As you walk into Luke Berry’s office, the word ‘Optimism’ is written on the wall in every language possible.

“The environment we want to create for our staff is one that allows them to shine, challenge themselves in the right way and be optimistic about what they are creating with us at work. We believe there is never a bad idea and we often say ‘It’s no use having a good idea unless you’re willing to do something with it and make it a great one’, so every day it’s ‘Welcome to optimism – feel free to challenge yourself and be as innovative as you can.’”

From country boy to Co-founder and International Director of Sales & Marketing, Luke Berry’s optimism and innovative brilliance has now certainly taken flight across the globe. Third.i have transacted more than $2billion of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across the UK and Australia most of which have been sold out before construction commenced. The group currently have more than $3billion of work in the pipeline and they also have offices/operations in Singapore and are soon looking to expand into Hong Kong.

“Internationally people find us Australians quite unique. We work hard down here and although we have one of the best property systems in the world, we also have one of the hardest to navigate from a property development point of view. In the UK, they have a very similar market and are also experiencing similar housing shortage issues to Australia, however the key difference is that both the UK government and financial systems are more willing to engage with the private sector and co-invest with businesses like ours to create housing. The roadblocks that we have in Australia such as pre-sales and foreign ownership are simply not present in the UK. Australian Developers are conditioned to navigate these challenges on their own, but in the UK, the Government will buy off the plan at launch and banks will allow more property to be sold to foreign investors”.

As you can imagine this is a game changer for us and we are building our UK business based on the Australian way of doing things. With less restrictions we are amplifying our growth and ‘so far, so good’. It seems the ‘establishment’ are getting blown away by our approach and capability and hopefully this continues into the future, and we can continue to be successful over there”.                                              

Graphite Square – Vauxhall Walk, London UK

“The design, the architecture, the way our buyers experience buying off the plan, everything we do at Third.i has that flair of innovative brilliance. ‘Creating legacies, we are proud of through innovative brilliance” has been our tagline since we started the business so it’s very important to us and I believe it is a one of our greatest keys to success.”

Luke’s passion for property, building and attention to detail started at his family roots in Gunnedah, Country NSW. His father was a carpenter, and his grandfather and great grandfather operated a large-scale home builder and hardware in Gosford NSW, so property and construction are in Luke’s DNA. 

As such he always enjoyed building and wanted to venture into real estate eventually, but loved marketing, so when he was 24, he started his first business importing innovative marketing products with his now business partner Bob Huxley. 

“Bob was working in real estate at the time, and we always had the intention to carry through that same innovative brilliance into our property business.” 

And that they certainly have with Third.i now an industry recognised and award-winning developer both in Australia and throughout Asia.

“As we launched Third.i Group, Ron was working as a financial planner and as soon as we secured our first project, he joined us to focus on finance and ops. He has since led the business and helped establish many of the joint ventures and funding structures that Third.i now employs with business partners both here in Australia and overseas.”

In typical Third.i fashion, this company has grown, transformed, and diversified into many different sectors and they have done it with flair and carefully considered risk. Starting out in Australian residential, their journey has led them into the commercial sector, retirement homes, NDIS housing and more, across both Australia and the UK. To name a few, Graphite Square London was crowned the fastest selling project in the United Kingdom, Mereweather Golf Club is being re-developed into a boutique collection of over 55’s residences, and the Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle will soon become a new iconic residential landmark across the city skyline.

Dairy Farmers Towers Residential Development – Newcastle

Luke spoke about each of these projects with equal enthusiasm however the following were some that stood out from the rest.

Warada on Walker is a particularly brilliant and innovative project in North Sydney where Third.i identified great possibility amongst adversity. Being conceived during the bushfires and designed during the pandemic, the Waratah flower was used in their marketing to symbolize the beauty of the building and the resilience of not only the workplace after the pandemic but also of society. A Waratah flower blooming shows how we too have been revived, being more aligned with the needs of humanity and the world we live in today. This commercial project is designed to be a part of that new world.

Warada on Walker is “a resilient and resounding workplace for the future…re-inventing flexibility and sustainability with unrivalled workplace amenity” 

“It has been a challenge getting people back to the workplace however I think we’ve cracked the code on creating an office that is going to inspire people. We’ve created a brand, and a compelling story together with genuine incentives to return to the office. We’re creating a 1500sqm fitness playground which is free 2 days a week to the employees of the tenants. We’ve addressed health and wellness, ESG, food & beverage, collaborative workspaces, and business flex on their leases. We’ve created this to get staff excited and change the way people think about how offices should work.” 

Warada on Walker – North Sydney

The Kurraba residences would also have to be one of Australia’s most ideally positioned and perfectly curated residential projects, with front row views of the Sydney Harbour. The project was a collaboration of star talents SJB, Matheison Architects and Danger Barin Smith who, together with Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors created a world-class lifestyle opportunity in Kurraba Point. Excitingly, the master residence, a 640sqm apartment is listed for sale at $50million that will soon set a likely set a record for this part of Sydney.

Architects SJB articulated it perfectly, “…it’s that confident, well-dressed building that sits on the headland and engages with the landscape….”  

In addition to creating high-end masterpieces, cutting edge marketing campaigns, and working towards combatting climate change, Luke Berry is also committed to creating one of Australia’s largest networks of Specialist Disability Accommodation along the East Coast.  

“As a developer you have opportunity but with that comes responsibility. When you build what we build it’s there for generations so if you don’t think the way we think and leave the world a better place, then we’re not doing right by our children and their children. That legacy we want to create and leading by example is something we’re very passionate about.”

Luke tells the story about a 19-year-old boy who broke his back in an accident and was living in a nursing home due to there being no alternative suitable accommodation available to him. One of Third.i’s SDA apartments gave him back his independence in an environment that someone of his age could enjoy living in. So profound was that experience, that it led Third.i into committing to creating 150 SDA properties by 2025 and so far, they are 50% of the way through…

Driven, diverse, on-purpose, passionate and creative. Many things come to mind when you think of Third.i. They are a developer that are making a difference not only to their own pockets but to lives around them, taking ‘innovative brilliance’ to another level with each project they embark on; each time, seeking to discover and create something new that distinguishes them from the rest whilst creating a positive legacy.

“I’m always looking for different angles, and to challenge ourselves to do better.” Luke states. “I’ve always thought on my feet and like to think that Ron, Bob and myself are good at thinking outside the square we live in, because one of our pet hates is hearing the words ‘we can’t do that as that’s just not how it’s done’. We love bringing in different types and levels of thinking and remaining competitive and challenging ourselves to be innovative. It’s just the way we are built.”

Kurraba Residences – Kurraba Point

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Third.I and iNSiTU Housing have teamed up to deliver accessible homes and amenities for NDIS participants along Australia’s east coast.

The partnership expansion between the two entities will see an increase in accessible housing created by Third.I. All of the developer’s projects in Newcastle feature SDA apartment offerings, and hopes to bring U-Homes to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads.

iNSiTU have been assisting NDIS participants with accessible housing since 2014. Caitlyn Morrissey, an NDIS participant who is wheelchair bound, came across the company after struggling to secure an accessible residence.

“Before iNSiTU I was living and renting with my family on our farm in rural New South Wales so I couldn’t access care facilities and lifestyle amenities. I wasn’t able to live my life properly,” she says.

“From when I approached Insitu to where I am now, I couldn’t fault the amazing team at iNSiTU for all their hard work. The process for SDA funding can be a time consuming process and the Insitu team has made the process absolutely worth it. They kept me up to date, were calm and ensuring and helped ease my transition from rural living to urban care.

“I’ve been in Newcastle in my apartment now for around eight months and I couldn’t be happier. The level of offering for an accessible home is just outstanding and a testament to Third.i. I now live right near the train station so I am finally able to access everything I need easily. I have more access to a greater lifestyle and access to more activities.”

Third.I’s Eaton on Union, where Morrissey resides, comprises 10 purpose-built SDA apartments that are NDIS compliant. Ashleigh Button, iNSiTU’s General Manager, says the company has been built on a desire to ensure people with disabilities are provided with the tools needed to live free of stresses caused by inaccessible housing.

“At iNSiTU Housing, we believe we have the opportunity and responsibility to enable people with disabilities the right to equality within our communities and that includes the availability of suitable accommodation,” she says.

“We help thousands of people access the perfect homes for their needs and it’s incredible seeing cases like Ms Morrissey’s and the way we’ve been able to play a part in changing her life, it’s in incredible feeling and I couldn’t be happier to work with Third.i to deliver change in our communities.”

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