Balfour Place prepares for April launch

Anticipation is building for the next month’s launch of a luxury mixed-use development in North Sydney titled ‘Balfour Place’, a joint venture by Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors (PPI).

The $180M project will be created in partnership with Coles Group, with the development to be built on an existing Coles supermarket site in Lindfield.

The development marks the fourth joint venture between the influential companies, and will be marketed by CBRE Residential Projects following the launch.

Solidifies partnership with Coles Group

Balfour Place will join Third.i’s growing portfolio of luxury developments, comprising of several one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments featuring private courtyards and rooftop gardens.

The residences, which begin from $845,000, will sit atop a brand new large format Coles supermarket, Liquorland and heritage commercial space.

Fronting the Pacific Highway and offering views of the Blue Mountains, Balfour Place has already succeeded in catching the eye of local buyers.

Third.i Co-founder and Director of Sales and Marketing, Luke Berry said both Third.i and PPI were thrilled to work alongside Coles in the delivery of Balfour Place.

“When Third.i Group began working with Coles Group, we immediately highlighted there was an opportunity to improve the residential elements of development application, so in a partnership with award-winning architects Rothelowman, we re-imagined the apartment layouts and created a mix of larger apartments, perfect for the downsizer and young families we see as the likely purchasers of our apartments and we couldn’t be happier to finally launch this project to the market next month,” said Mr Berry.

Ahead of the project’s arrival to the market, Mr Berry also expressed pride for his team and all of Third.i’s stakeholders in helping Third.i and their joint venture partners in bringing the development to fruition.

Prime Sydney location

The 7,091 sqm site has received development approval, and will likely commence construction in the first quarter of 2022.

PPI acquired the site in 2020, bringing Third.i on board as development partners with plans to preserve a heritage listed building and an electrical substation.

Late last year, Third.i amended the initial development plans and reduced the number of apartments at Balfour Place from 70 to 62, citing an objective to reduce the impact on neighbours and the community.

CBRE Sales Director and lead agent in Balfour Place’s marketing campaign, Ben Stewart, listed proximity and convenience as some of the top selling points of the development.

“The latest offering by Third.i and PPI has it all in terms of proximity to a train station and quality schools, as well as being positioned in a highly coveted north shore suburb, where new apartment developments are scarce, particularly for downsizers.”

Ben Stewart, CBRE Sales Director

“Our market research has indicated that demand for high-end living and conveniently located new apartments in the area is solid, with almost all initial inquiries coming from local residents.”

Conveniently located amenities

In addition to excellent connectivity to the wider Sydney area, residents at Balfour Place will not have to venture far to find amenities such as a supermarket and cafe.

“With Balfour Place, you will have everything you need at your doorstep. To be just a lift ride away from fresh food and produce, a barista brewed coffee and your favourite bottle of wine is the epitome of apartment living and that’s exactly what we will be delivering with this project,” said Mr Berry.

As part of the development, Coles Group have agreed to a new 15-year lease of a brand space more than double that of the existing 4,500 sqm supermarket, and two-storey car parking for 237 cars.

The project will also include the construction of a new Balfour Lane, a Liquorland and a cafe.

“We haven’t seen anything like this on the market for a while and I anticipate the level of livability coupled with the convenience of essential goods and services at your doorstep will really resonate with our buyers and product on the market won’t last for long,” concluded Mr Stewart.

$180 million Lindfield apartment development, Balfour Place, to launch

Joint venture partners Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors are preparing to launch Balfour Place, a new residential development in North Sydney’s Lindfield.

In conjunction with Coles Group, the mixed-use development will be built on the existing Coles Lindfield supermarket.

The $180 million project, which will be marketed by CBRE Residential Projects, adds to Third.i’s growing portfolio of developments, which include the Dairy Farmers Towers in Newcastle. Their $2.5 billion pipeline also includes projects in London.

Local buyers have shown interest ahead of its launch next month, with demand increasing for larger apartments in Sydney’s lower north shore.

Balfour Place will comprise a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with private courtyards and rooftop gardens, to be built on top of a brand-new large format Coles supermarket, Liqourland, and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway and overlooking the Blue Mountains.

Luke Berry, Director of Sales and Marketing and Co-Founder of Third.i, said that his company and PPI were thrilled to be working alongside Coles Group community stakeholders to launch the project in the coming months.

“When Third.i Group began working with Coles Group, we immediately highlighted there was an opportunity to improve the residential elements of development application, so in a partnership with and award-winning architects Rothelowman, we re-imagined the apartment layouts and created a mix of larger apartments, perfect for the down-sizer and young families we see as the likely purchasers of our apartments and we couldn’t be happier to finally launch this project to the market next month,” Berry said.

“With Balfour Place, you will have everything you need at your doorstep. To be just a lift ride away from fresh food and produce, a barista brewed coffee and your favourite bottle of wine is the epitome of apartment living and that’s exactly what we will be delivering with this project.”

The DA approved site, which spans over 7091 sqm, is set to start the second stage of construction in the first quarter of 2022.

CBRE’s Ben Stewart said that the proximity and convenience offered at the project is one of the top selling points for the project.

“The latest offering by Third.i and PPI has it all in terms of proximity to a train station and quality schools, as well as being positioned in a highly coveted north shore suburb where new apartment developments are scarce, particularly for down-sizers,” Stewart said.

“Our market research has indicated that demand for high-end living and conveniently located new apartments in the area is solid, with almost all initial inquiries coming from local residents.”

“We haven’t seen anything like this on the market for a while and I anticipate the level of liveability coupled with the convenience of essential goods and services at your doorstep will really resonate with our buyers and product on the market won’t last for long.”

https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/180-million-lindfield-apartment-development-balfour-place-to-launch

Lindfield icon ‘Balfour Place’ is set to launch next month

Joint venture partners Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors are preparing to launch one of the most anticipated projects seen in North Sydney with plans to unveil ‘Balfour Place’ in conjunction with Coles Group, a luxury mixed-use development to be built on the existing Coles supermarket site in Lindfield.

The $180 million project, which will be marketed by CBRE Residential Projects, is set to bring a new era of relaxed, contemporary sophistication to a landmark spot and adds to Third.i’s growing portfolio of luxury, quality developments the group are renowned for.

Ahead of its launch to the market next month, the project has struck a chord with potential local buyers and is set to ease increasing demand for larger apartment living in Sydney’s lower north shore.

Marking the fourth joint venture between the property heavyweights, Balfour Place will comprise a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residential apartments with private courtyards and rooftop gardens to be built on top of a brand new large format Coles supermarket, Liqourland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway and overlooking the Blue Mountains.

Luke Berry, Director of Sales and Marketing and Co-Founder of Third.i said that his company and PPI were thrilled to be working alongside Coles Group community stakeholders to launch the project in the coming months.

“When Third.i Group began working with Coles Group, we immediately highlighted there was an opportunity to improve the residential elements of development application, so in a partnership with and award-winning architects RotheLowman, we re-imagined the apartment layouts and created a mix of larger apartments, perfect for the downsizer and young families we see as the likely purchasers of our apartments and we couldn’t be happier to finally launch this project to the market next month,” said Mr Berry.

“With Balfour Place, you will have everything you need at your doorstep. To be just a lift ride away from fresh food and produce, a barista brewed coffee and your favourite bottle of wine is the epitome of apartment living and that’s exactly what we will be delivering with this project.”

“We’re proud of our team and all our stakeholders for helping us and our joint venture partners bringing this project to fruition and we are thrilled to see it rocket to market very soon.”

The DA approved site, which spans over 7091sqm, is set to start the second stage of construction in the first quarter of 2022 off the back of Third.i’s proposal to reduce the number of apartments, in a bid to deliver less impact on neighbours and the wider community. The group finalised plans in late 2021 to amend the application to reduce the proposed 70 apartments to just 62.

The site was sold to PPI in 2020 in need of a refresh following more than 50 years of trading, with Third.i coming on board as development partners planning to preserve a heritage listed building and an electrical substation.

Sales Director of CBRE Ben Stewart, the lead agent appointed to market the development, said that the proximity and convenience offered at the project is one of the top selling points for the project.

“The latest offering by Third.i and PPI has it all in terms of proximity to a train station and quality schools, as well as being positioned in a highly coveted north shore suburb, where new apartment developments are scarce, particularly for downsizers,” said Mr Stewart.

“Our market research has indicated that demand for high-end living and conveniently located new apartments in the area is solid, with almost all initial inquiries coming from local residents.”

Balfour Place will boast absolute convenience living close to supermarkets and cafes as well as a luxe rooftop garden for residents.

The project will also include a new 15-year lease with Coles Group in a new store that will be approximately double the size of the current 4,500sqm supermarket, with parking for 237 cars over two levels.

The development will see a new Balfour Lane constructed, which will provide additional access. The retail offering will also be inclusive of a Liquorland and a new café.

“We haven’t seen anything like this on the market for a while and I anticipate the level of livability coupled with the convenience of essential goods and services at your doorstep will really resonate with our buyers and the product on the market won’t last for long,” concluded Mr Stewart.

Prices will start at $845,000.

https://scene.com.au/property-news/616-lindfield-icon-balfour-place-is-set-to-launch-next-month

Third.i unveils $2.5B project pipeline and London expansion plans

Property development group Third.i have a busy year ahead, revealing more than $2.5 billion in development projects are in the pipeline alongside an overseas expansion.

The group has already wrapped on several large-scale residential projects on Australia’s east coast, now turning their sights to the international market.

After delivering their debut project in the United Kingdom, a residential development in the South London district of Battersea, Third.i now have plans to commence their second London-based project.

London branch growing amid 2nd project

Third.i have announced their acquisition of a mixed-use development site in South London, unveiling plans to create ‘Graphite Square’.

The residential development will comprise of 160 residences, in addition to 80,000 square feet of collaborative work spaces for use by residents and local businesses.

The group has engaged London-based architectural firm, Ben Adams Architecture, to design Graphite Square.

The development’s design features a strong industrial flare and will be connected by a central public space, with a vision to create a shared area where locals can ‘live, work and play’.

Luke Berry, Third.i’s Director of Sales and Marketing said, “not too many people would be aware, that we have been operating in London now for almost three years and are only weeks away from completing our first major project of close to 100 apartments in Battersea.”

In an effort to support Third.i’s international expansion, Ron Dadd, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Third.i Group UK has relocated his family to London to oversee the advancement of the company’s London branch.

“We learnt a lot about the London market off the back of this project and used it as a springboard into London and we couldn’t be more excited about Graphite Square as this site is the perfect embodiment of our growth as a company.”

Ron Dadd, Third.i

“It’s a project we are very proud of and I look forward to representing the company in UK and continuing our enviable track record abroad in 2022 and creating legacy projects,” Mr Dadd said.

Sydney market set to several new developments

Closer to home, Third.i’s latest endeavour is a luxury mixed-use development in Lindfield, Sydney.

In partnership with Phoenix Property investors, Third.i plan to begin construction on the residential and commercial hub ‘Balfour Place’ later this year.

The DA approved site is currently home to a Coles supermarket, and will soon be transformed into 62 apartments with a brand new Coles supermarket and specialty store located on the bottom levels.

In 2021, amendments were made to the project’s development applications in an effort to reduce the development’s impact on the wider community, with the second phase of construction pushed back to begin this year.

Balfour Place marks the fourth project in the pipeline for the partnership, with the previous project ‘Blue & William’ in North Sydney reaching success in late 2021, selling in excess of $300 million.

Among the group’s other projects in the pipeline are two residential schemes in Newcastle, New South Wales including Third.i’s first venture into retirement residences.

‘The Merewether’ is a joint venture with the Merewether Golf Club and introduces a unique blend of retirement and resort living, set to deliver a new golf club, wellness centre and 148 luxury apartments.

The $200 million project has already proved popular, with close to half of the apartments secured off-the-plan.

The group’s second Newcastle project, ‘Dairy Farmers Towers’, is set to commence construction late this year and features 190 apartments spanning two architecturally designed towers.

A vision for greater disability housing

Also ranking highly as a priority for the property development group is further investment in its iNSiTU Housing division, with an additional 30 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) residences in the works.

The group has already completed several SDA Housing properties along the east coast, and is seeking to create the largest network of SDA Housing along the eastern seaboard with the delivery of numerous projects in the near future.

Mr Berry said Third.i aims to change the future of disability housing, by shifting their focus to targeting superior locations close to transport, shops and amenities.

“Not only do we want to create the largest network of SDA Housing along the east coast of Australia, but we also want to ensure we have best properties possible for our iNSiTU clients and we are thrilled to continue this journey into the new year.”

Luke Berry, Third.i

“Even with the challenges the world is facing with a COVID recovery, there has never been a better time to buy and invest in the type of properties we are creating. We are monitoring a number of exciting investment opportunities both in Australia and the UK and we can’t wait to share the details of them shortly.

“Watch this space as we have the best team in the industry, and we can’t wait to make our projects a reality,” concluded Mr Berry.

Third.i to develop apartments in Newcastle and Lindfield as part of $2.5 billion pipeline

The group currently has a development pipeline worth more than $2.5 billion, including their latest project, Balfour Place, which is a mixed-use development in Sydney’s Lindfield.

The Sydney headquartered Thirdi Group has a full pipeline for 2022, continuing their growth with a raft of new plans both in Australia and in the UK.

The group currently has a development pipeline worth more than $2.5 billion, including their latest project, Balfour Place, which is a mixed-use development in Sydney’s Lindfield.

In partnership with Phoenix Property Investors, Balfour Place is set to be built on the existing Coles supermarket site later this year, comprising 62 apartments, as well as space for specialty stores on the bottom levels.

The project is set to start its second stage of construction this year following development application amendments in 2021, which will deliver less impact on the wider community.

Another hot project for Thirdi is the Dairy Farmers Towers, part of the master-planned West End Precinct project that will see two architecturally designed buildings from renowned architectural firm CKMS created. Consisting of 190 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the Dairy Farmers Towers, one of which will be Newcastle’s tallest residential tower, will begin construction toward the end of the year. Already over 50% of the apartments are already sold.

The group is also launching two large residential schemes in Newcastle, including its first Retirement Resort, The Merewether, a joint venture project with the Merewether Golf Club, which is set to comprise a new golf club, wellness centre and 148 luxury one, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The $200 million project, with construction slated to begin later this year, will be topped by 16 penthouses, each with a rooftop spa terrace and expansive views overlooking the golf course and towards Newcastle’s CBD and beaches.

Since launching, close to 50% of the apartments have been secured off the plan, making it one of the most successful retirement living launches ever seen in the Newcastle region.

The group is also working hard on investing in its iNSiTU Housing division and are on track to bring to fruition another 30 SDA properties which will make it one of Australia’s largest networks of SDA Housing along the eastern seaboard. Third.i currently has a number of properties established, under construction and in the pipeline with projects in Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, and Gosford in NSW as well as Townsville in QLD, with plans to expand their network along the east coast in 2022.

“We are aiming to change the future of disability housing by targeting the best towns/cities along the East Coast of Australia, making sure our SDA Housing is strategically located in the best part of the towns, close to transport, shops and amenity. Not only do we want to create the largest network of SDA Housing along the east coast of Australia, but we also want to ensure we have best properties possible for our iNSiTU clients and we are thrilled to continue this journey into the new year,” said Berry.

The international developers acquired their second major mixed-use development site in South London following their UK debut in Battersea in 2019, unveiling plans for ‘Graphite Square’, which is set to comprise 160 new homes with 7,432 sqm of collaborative work spaces for residents and local businesses.

“Not too many people would be aware, that we have been operating in London now for almost three years and are only weeks away from completing our first major project of close to 100 apartments in Battersea,” said Luke Berry, Director of Sales and Marketing at Third.i.

Designed by an international architectural firm, Ben Adams Architecture, with an industrial flare, Graphite Square will be connected by a central public realm that will enrich the area and provide communal space for locals.

https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/thirdi-to-develop-apartments-in-newcastle-and-lindfield-as-part-of-25-billion-pipeline

Housing DA submitted on iconic Dairy Farmers Corner

Residential apartment developer Third.i has submitted a DA to City of Newcastle to transform the iconic Dairy Farmers Corner site while paying tribute to its history.

The proposed Dairy Farmers Towers project will boast 184 apartments spaced in two towers – one 30 storeys (99m) and the other 27 storeys (90m).

A separate five-storey building will house 1,500 sq m of commercial and retail space.

The 30-storey tower will be Newcastle’s equal tallest residential building.

Director Luke Berry said the apartments would range from one to four bedrooms to increase the diversity of housing options for local people.

“The project will offer residents a spectacular view across the city and beaches,” he explained.

“To create a true sense of community for locals, we’ve focussed on incorporating communal and green spaces and facilities such as a gym, a cabana pool area with lap pool, wine bar and cellar, and function rooms.

“In what we believe is a first for the city, we want to use some of the commercial space as a residents’ shared work hub, so they can work from home without being in their apartment.”  

The site, on the corner of Tudor and Hunter streets in Newcastle West, was once home to Dairy Farmers – one of Australia’s largest dairy producers.

In a nod to the history of the site, Third.i will re-imagine the heritage-listed, iconic glass milk bottle and clock towers as part of a pedestrianised, broader public art installation.

“Locals affectionately know the site as Dairy Farmers Corner,” Mr Berry said.

“And, that history will live on.”

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

It has already completed the West, Eaton on Union, and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham, creating 381 inner city homes for people.

Third.i’s retirement living division, ThirdAge, is also partnering with Merewether Golf Club on the recently-approved luxury resort retirement living project, The Merewether.

Mr Berry said Newcastle was an exciting market to work in with great potential.

“We feel like the West End is our second home and we are excited to be part of its revitalisation,” he stated.

“A landmark will be reborn to create a new chapter in the West End’s growth as a great place in which to live, work and play.

“We want Dairy Farmers Towers to be a West End icon.” 

The project has been designed by leading local architectural firm CKDS.

https://newcastleweekly.com.au/housing-da-submitted-on-iconic-dairy-farmers-corner/

CONSTRUCTION TO START ON MEREWETHER GOLF CLUB RETIREMENT LIVING PROJECT

The joint venture between ThirdAge and the club will be known as The Merewether. It will be home to 148 luxury one, two, and three bedroom apartments in four, six-storey complexes, and includes 16 penthouses with rooftop spa terraces overlooking the golf course.

ThirdAge director, Luke Berry welcomed the decision which will benefit the club and community, and explained that the project will bring a new style of much needed retirement living to inner Newcastle. The resort style community will feature a lap pool, cinema, gym, workshop, communal kitchen, and craft rooms. The golf club and community members will benefit from a new clubhouse, restaurant facilities, sports bar, and a wellness centre for its members and apartment residents.

“The project will create more than 1,000 construction jobs and close to 100 ongoing jobs, which is great news for the local economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Merewether is all about enjoying the best of Newcastle’s great lifestyle and community, with a concierge, resident events such as gala dinners, and classes in cooking, yoga and pilates, and, of course, the beautiful championship Merewether Golf Club is on residents’ doorsteps,” Berry said.

ThirdAge will soon call for construction tenders and hopes to have residents in their new homes by mid-2024. Merewether Golf Club is providing a 99-year lease of the development land, with President, Phil Merrigan explaining that the project will help secure the club’s long-term financial future, and allows Merewether Golf Club to remain accessible for members, community golfers, and visitors to the region to enjoy.

“This project delivers funding to support significant investment in the golf course and the Club’s infrastructure and facilities. We have been able to realise our vision of a world class golfing facility and retirement living precinct without having to reduce the size of the course,” Merrigan said.

The panel approved concept plans and issued a site compatibility certificate for the project in May, 2020. This allowed ThirdAge to submit a development application (DA) to the City of Newcastle, where council reviewed the DA and recommended the project be approved by the panel. Club members endorsed the project back in 2018.

On October 20 this year, ThirdAge hosted a ‘Future of Retirement in the Hunter’ webinar. Targeted to over 55s, the webinar was a first of its kind and was attended by 600 participants. The session covered topical themes such as the costs involved in moving into an over-55s development, DMF, pension, investment, the comparison of upgrading an existing home, non-invasive technology and how it’s evolved, everything you need to know regarding the process of buying and selling, how to harness brand trust in community, and the connection to community.

“The perception of the over-55s category is no longer a nursing home environment. People expect more, they want more and they’re searching for better lifestyle options, resort-style living, non-invasive technology, and a sense of community,” explains Berry.

Whilst local downsizers, particularly members of Merewether Golf Club are leading the charge on enquiries, ThirdAge is also receiving a large number of enquiries from Sydneysiders looking to retire in a picturesque setting away from the city. With so much choice on offer for over-55s, ThirdAge recognises that property located in premium locations – particularly those that are still accessible to Sydney should a visit be required – yet seem truly a world away in terms of proximity to nature and to the coast, will drive demand.

ThirdAge, a division of Sydney-based developer Third.i, will manage the apartments. Third.i has successfully delivered large-scale residential projects in Sydney and Newcastle. The latter includes projects in the West, Eaton on Union, and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham. The group currently has a development pipeline worth more than $2.5 billion.

https://www.golfaustralia.com.au/news/construction-to-start-on-merewether-golf-club-retirement-living-project-571827

Lindfield Supermarket Set to Smash Records

A MIXED use Coles supermarket project in Sydney has entered the market and is expected to bring in more than $50 million, or one of the largest supermarket transactions recorded.

The mixed-use Coles Linfield redevelopment by Thirdi Group and Pheonix Property Investors, located on the corner of the Pacific Highway and 1 Balfour Street, will see the supermarket demolished updated and 60 residential units built.

Carl Molony and Justin Dowers, directors at Stonebridge Property Group have been appointed to manage the sale of the property, on behalf of the developers.

“As far as supermarket investments go, this is one of the most outstanding assets in Sydney, and indeed, Australia,” said Molony.

The DA approved site was sold by Coles Group to the developers in 2020, after over 50 years of trading on the site. With by Thirdi Group and Pheonix Property Investors looking to cash in on the current demand for convenience assets, with supermarket yields compressing over 100 basis points in the past 12 months.

Supermarket yields have been underpinned by strong retail transaction volumes, with data showing a  230% year-on-year increase and $854.2 million in shopping centre deals recorded over the three months the end of July.

Selling subject to completion, the property will include a new 15-year lease with Coles in a new store that will be roughly twice the size of the current 4,500sqm supermarket, with parking for 237 cars over two and high exposure to the Pacific Highway.

“The demand for quality convenience assets is at unprecedented levels and rarely do assets of this scale and quality become available,” said Dowers.

The development will also see a new Balfour Lane constructed, for added access, with a heritage building and electrical substation preserved. While the retail offering will also include a Liquorland and a new café.

“Coles Lindfield is a fortress investment – it occupies a dominant trading position, has strong income growth and depreciation potential,” added Dowers.

The expressions of interest campaign for Coles Lindfield is scheduled to close on November 9, 2021.

http://www.australianpropertyjournal.com.au/2021/10/10/lindfield-supermarket-set-to-smash-records/

Merewether Golf Club Gets Green Light for $120m Apartment Complex

Planning authorities have approved a 148-unit residential development at Merewether golf course.

Developer ThirdAge says it plans to start work in mid-2022 after the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel gave the green light to the seniors living project late last week.

The redevelopment includes demolishing and rebuilding the Merewether clubhouse and erecting a six-storey residential complex across four buildings.

The project, to be known as The Merewether, will include changes to the course to accommodate the new buildings.

Merewether Golf Club members voted to approve the development three years ago.

An artist's impression of the Merewether Golf Club redevelopment, including a new clubhouse, left, and seniors village.

The club will enter into a 99-year lease with ThirdAge, which is a collaboration between Sydney-based Thirdi Group and former Lendlease and Stockland retirement living executive Michael Eggington.

The “luxury” one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will include 16 penthouses with roof-top spa terraces.

The complex will include a lap pool, cinema, gym, workshop, communal kitchen, craft rooms and a “wellness centre”. 

Thirdi hopes to complete construction by mid-2024.

Golf club president Phil Merrigan said the project would help secure the club’s long-term financial future and fund “significant investment” in the course.

The course would “remain for members, community golfers and visitors to the region to enjoy”, he said.

“We have been able to realise our vision of a world-class golfing facility and retirement living precinct without having to reduce the size of the course,” he said.

Merewether is one of many Hunter golf clubs to contemplate joint ventures with residential property developers to help their bottom line.

The club has started preparing temporary changes to the course layout to allow demolition and building work to start.

It will operate from a temporary clubhouse until the new building is finished.

Mr Merrigan said Merewether would remain as an 18-hole course during the construction.

Thirdi is the company behind the West, Eaton on Union and Stella on Hannell apartments in Wickham.

The planning panel said the redevelopment was of appropriate scale and character for the site and would add to housing diversity and choice in the area.

It said community concerns about parking, traffic and noise had been adequately addressed in assessment reports on the project’s development application.

http://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7484276/green-light-for-golf-course-redevelopment/?

Merewether Golf Club’s $120 million redevelopment sparks massive interest from retirees with more expressions of interest than proposed units – and it hasn’t been approved yet

A proposal for a $120 million retirement resort at the Merewether Golf Club, in Newcastle, NSW, is drawing heavy interest despite not being approved for development yet. 

The $120 million retirement resort, from developer Thirdi, would be attached to the golf club which would enter into a 99-year partnership, with the club retaining ownership of the land.

Upon completion the resort would house 100 senior living units, with more than 200 people already registering their interest.

The resort was designed Marchese Partners and the proposal is being supported by former LendLease CEO and current ThirdAge Villages partner Michael Egginton.

ThirdAge Villages is a collaboration with Thirdi that aims to introduce developments, products and services yet to be seen in Australia.

The DA is still with the City of Newcastle Council and if approved is expected to be completed by late 2023 or early 2024.

Director and Co-Founder of Thirdi Group Luke Berry told The Daily Telegraph they expect the DA to be approved within six months.

http://www.theweeklysource.com.au/merewether-golf-clubs-120-million-redevelopment-sparks-massive-interest-from-retirees-with-more-expressions-of-interest-than-proposed-units-and-it-hasnt-been-approved-yet/