“We have brought together some of the best minds of design and architecture, to deliver something truly unique to Potts Point,” Third.i’s Luke Berry said

Third.i and Toohey Miller’s Potts Point joint venture, Muse Potts Point, has kicked off its sales campaign.

The newly launched project of just 13 one, two and three-bedroom apartments on Brougham Street near Woolloomooloo has been designed by WMK Architecture to reflect the architectural and natural heritage in one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods. 

The design has been curated to evoke a sense of elegance, with a contemporary yet timeless render that will blend into the local Potts Point area. Wide flowing terraces will amplify the sweeping views on select residences, drawing from the beauty of the harbour and city landscapes.

The interiors have been in the control of architecture and interior design practice Mathieson and will encompass large living spaces, with bespoke finishes.

Phillip Mathieson said each apartment “has been designed to capture the essence of inner-city living, and beauty in simplicity.”

Each apartment will have rich artisan detailing and capacious oak veneer cabinetry that seamlessly blends into the open living areas. A floating limestone clad fireplace shapes an atmospheric place to retreat, entertain and live.

The spaces will feature a suite of high-end appliances including a Wolf induction cooktop, built- in microwave oven, and pyrolytic oven, a V-Zug fully integrated dishwasher, and a fridge and freezer by Sub Zero.

Italian lighting studio, Viabizzuno, will be providing all the lighting at Muse, marking the first development in Australia to be exclusively Viabizzuno. Known for coupling beautiful materials with the best in lighting technology, Viabizzuno lighting is the favoured lighting supplier in numerous luxury fashion houses including Chanel, Gucci and Valentino.

Third.i Co-Founder and Director Luke Berry said they are thrilled to be launching the company’s first project in Potts Point, sharing that they worked with the council and responded to the needs of the local community to create a legacy project that will complement the area, limit impact to the neighbours and support the growth of the suburb.

“We have brought together some of the best minds of design and architecture, to deliver something truly unique to Potts Point,” Berry said.

“Muse not only encapsulates the essence of the neighbourhood and suburb, but also presents stunning apartments that are skilfully designed to optimise the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

“We are thrilled to offer buyers an opportunity to secure their slice of boutique living in the heart of Potts Point. Residents will have effortless access to an array of amenities included in Potts Point’s vibrant lifestyle, ensuring they can fully embrace the offerings of this dynamic neighbourhood.”

The demand for premium, lifestyle properties in Potts Point and Sydney’s East remains strong due to prestige downsizers looking to sell their family homes.

Muse Potts Point is located on Brougham Street and is within walking distance of the Royal Botanic Garden, the recently opened Sydney Modern Art Gallery, and the vibrant local dining and café scene.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2023 and works are expected to wrap up by the end of 2025.

Read More.

Australia’s leading property developer Third.i, in collaboration with acquisition partner Toohey Miller, is thrilled to announce the launch of their boutique residential project Muse Potts Point.

Set to redefine luxury inner-city living, Muse will deliver 13 one, two and three bedroom boutique residences in one of the city’s oldest and most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Third.i has engaged leading Australian architects WMK Architecture to ensure the building’s facade will reflect the architectural and natural heritage of the site. The design has been curated to evoke a sense of elegance, with a contemporary yet timeless render that will blend seamlessly into the local Potts Point area. Wide flowing terraces will amplify the sweeping views on select residences, drawing from the beauty of the harbour and city landscapes. A communal rooftop will top the project, complete with a residents only pool and expansive scenery.

Designed by Architecture and Interior Design Practice, Mathieson, the interiors will encompass urban luxury and large living spaces, with bespoke finishes. Each residence will have rich artisan detailing and capacious oak veneer cabinetry that seamlessly blends into the open living areas. A floating limestone clad fireplace shapes an atmospheric place to retreat, entertain and live.

The spaces will feature a suite of high-end appliances including a Wolf induction cooktop, built-in microwave oven, and pyrolytic oven, a V-Zug fully integrated dishwasher, and a fridge and freezer by Sub Zero.

Italian lighting studio, Viabizzuno, will be providing all the lighting at Muse, marking the first development in Australia to be exclusively Viabizzuno. Known for coupling beautiful materials with the best in lighting technology, Viabizzuno lighting is the favoured lighting supplier in numerous luxury fashion houses including Chanel, Gucci and Valentino.

Luke Berry, Co-Founder & Director of Third.i said they are thrilled to be launching the company’s first project in Potts Point, sharing that they worked with the council and responded to the needs of the local community to create a legacy project that will complement the area, limit impact to the neighbours and support the growth of the suburb.

“We have brought together some of the best minds of design and architecture, to deliver something truly unique to Potts Point. Muse not only encapsulates the essence of the neighbourhood and suburb, but also presents stunning apartments that are skilfully designed to optimise the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

MUSE POTTS POINT 

THIRD.I LAUNCH COLLECTION OF BOUTIQUE ARCHITECTURAL RESIDENCES TO MARKET AT POTTS POINT

Australia’s leading property developer Third.i, in collaboration with acquisition partner Toohey Miller, is thrilled to announce the launch of their boutique residential project Muse Potts Point.

Set to redefine luxury inner-city living, Muse will deliver 13 one, two and three bedroom boutique residences in one of the city’s oldest and most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Third.i has engaged leading Australian architects WMK Architecture to ensure the building’s facade will reflect the architectural and natural heritage of the site. The design has been curated to evoke a sense of elegance, with a contemporary yet timeless render that will blend seamlessly into the local Potts Point area. Wide flowing terraces will amplify the sweeping views on select residences, drawing from the beauty of the harbour and city landscapes. A communal rooftop will top the project, complete with a residents only pool and expansive scenery.

Designed by Architecture and Interior Design Practice, Mathieson, the interiors will encompass urban luxury and large living spaces, with bespoke finishes. Each residence will have rich artisan detailing and capacious oak veneer cabinetry that seamlessly blends into the open living areas. A floating limestone clad fireplace shapes an atmospheric place to retreat, entertain and live.

The spaces will feature a suite of high-end appliances including a Wolf induction cooktop, built-in microwave oven, and pyrolytic oven, a V-Zug fully integrated dishwasher, and a fridge and freezer by Sub Zero.

Italian lighting studio, Viabizzuno, will be providing all the lighting at Muse, marking the first development in Australia to be exclusively Viabizzuno. Known for coupling beautiful materials with the best in lighting technology, Viabizzuno lighting is the favoured lighting supplier in numerous luxury fashion houses including Chanel, Gucci and Valentino.

Luke Berry, Co-Founder & Director of Third.i said they are thrilled to be launching the company’s first project in Potts Point, sharing that they worked with the council and responded to the needs of the local community to create a legacy project that will complement the area, limit impact to the neighbours and support the growth of the suburb.

“We have brought together some of the best minds of design and architecture, to deliver something truly unique to Potts Point. Muse not only encapsulates the essence of the neighbourhood and suburb, but also presents stunning apartments that are skilfully designed to optimise the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

“We are thrilled to offer buyers an opportunity to secure their slice of boutique living in the heart of Potts Point. Residents will have effortless access to an array of amenities included in Potts Point’s vibrant lifestyle, ensuring they can fully embrace the offerings of this dynamic neighbourhood,” said Mr Berry.

The demand for premium, lifestyle properties in Potts Point and Sydney’s East remains strong due to prestige downsizers looking to sell their family homes.* According to recent market analysis, boutique luxury residences are proving to be better suited to areas like Potts Point given the increasing interest from this buyer group, the growth margins and heritage of the suburb.

Phillip Mathieson, Founder and Design Director of Mathieson, said, “We are delighted to be unveiling a design for Potts Point Muse that combines the very best of luxury and lifestyle. Through our approach of committed restraint and meticulous attention to detail, each boutique apartment has been designed to capture the essence of inner-city living, and beauty in simplicity.”

Muse Potts Point is ideally located on Brougham Street and is within walking distance of the Royal Botanic Garden, the recently opened Sydney Modern Art Gallery, and the vibrant local dining and café scene. Residents will also enjoy easy access to local boutique shopping outlets and the stunning Sydney harbour waterfront.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2023 and works are expected to wrap up by the end of 2025.

Read More.

WMK Architects’ masterful design of the Third.I and Toohey Miller-developed Muse Potts Point have officially hit the market, with 13 boutique residences to offer prospective buyers the opportunity to live in one of the harbour city’s oldest and most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Briefed to ensure congruence with the heritage of the suburb, the elegant design is markedly timeless and melds seamlessly into the local Potts Point area. Terraces maximise harbour and city views for select residences, while a communal rooftop with a pool will be utilised by occupant.

Interiors, handled by Mathieson, will encompass urban luxury, with bespoke finishes, high-end appliances, artisan detailing and oak veneer cabinetry integrated. Large living spaces and open areas will provide ample space to both entertain and live. 

“We are delighted to be unveiling a design for Potts Point Muse that combines the very best of luxury and lifestyle,” says Mathieson Design Director Phillip Mathieson.  

“Through our approach of committed restraint and meticulous attention to detail, each boutique apartment has been designed to capture the essence of inner-city living, and beauty in simplicity.”

Located on Brougham Street, Muse is located in close proximity to the Royal Botanic Garden, the recently opened Sydney Modern Art Gallery, and the vibrant local dining and café scene. Residents will also enjoy easy access to local boutique shopping outlets and the stunning Sydney harbour waterfront.

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry says the company is delighted to be launching the company’s maiden project in Potts Point, having worked alongside Council and the local community.

“We have brought together some of the best minds of design and architecture, to deliver something truly unique to Potts Point.,” he says.

“Muse not only encapsulates the essence of the neighbourhood and suburb, but also presents stunning apartments that are skilfully designed to optimise the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

“We are thrilled to offer buyers an opportunity to secure their slice of boutique living in the heart of Potts Point. Residents will have effortless access to an array of amenities included in Potts Point’s vibrant lifestyle, ensuring they can fully embrace the offerings of this dynamic neighbourhood,” said Mr Berry.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2023 and works are expected to wrap up by the end of 2025.

Read More.

Local Crows Nest developer Third.i Group and Phoenix Property Investors are proud to present their future-focused masterplanned precinct in Crows Nest, Hume Place.

Working with one of the world’s leading architectural practices, Woods Bagot, and renowned WSP Architecture, the team sets to transform Crows Nest into Sydney’s most connected and progressive village with the precinct, designed with a community-centric approach.

Set above the Crows Nest Metro Station, Hume Place will comprise two stages. Stage 1 will bring stunning residences, retail, dining, and co-working spaces to the precinct. Stage 2 is set to provide an enhanced focus on public spaces, with a proposed 15% of that space dedicated to key and essential worker affordable housing.

In addition to a vibrant precinct on the doorstep, residents will have reduced travel times of seven minutes to the Sydney CBD and just four minutes to Chatswood with the new Metro Station located within the community.

“Having better connected communities means people can get onto a train and get where they’re going more easily, without having to think about where to park their car, or how much they will have to pay to park it,” said Florian Caillon, Head of Acquisitions at Third.i.

Co-founder of Third.i Group Luke Berry is excited to bring the masterplanned community to Crows Nest – a legacy for the Lower North Shore.

“We’ve always believed that when you combine innovation and brilliance together, you get the perfect outcome for a project and the people that exist in it,” said Luke.

Hume Place is a result of close consultation with the community of Crows Nest – the collaboration resulting in a place that offers something for everyone.

The team will unveil more exciting details about the development in the upcoming weeks.

Read More.

With the NSW state government directly indicating that it wants more high rise residential apartments in the North Sydney LGA, two developers have responded with plans for major apartment initiatives. But there is pushback on one of them amid concerns that good planning practice is being bypassed.

The developer of the site over the coming Crows Nest Metro station, Third.i, said it will dedicate about 15 percent of its proposed residential tower at Hume Street to affordable housing for nearby hospital workers.

Third.i and its partner PPI said they are joining with one of Australia’s largest community housing providers, Evolve Housing, to designate 15% of the mixed-used development to nurses, midwives, health professional and services staff working at nearby Royal North Shore Hospital and other local health facilities in perpetuity. “This will allow health workers, who are unable to find affordable rental apartments within the Local Government Area, to live close to their workplaces,” they said.

A survey conducted by the developers found many St Leonards health workers travelled 30 to 50km to work, with the cost of local studio apartments equivalent to 58% of their pay.

Third.i and PPI have already been granted Stage 1 approval for the Metro Precinct Site A and B development, but are proposing to amend the concept for mixed-use, which includes a mix of affordable housing, private residential, retail, and commercial floor space. Although the two did not identify the number of new apartments planned, they did place a value of $130 million on the initiative.

Earlier this year, Third.i indicated full priced units in the development would cost around $800,000 for a one-bedroom and $1.8 million for a two-bedroom unit.

Meanwhile, MLC Building owner Investa has released plans to re-purpose the empty office block as a build-to-rent office tower. Having been thwarted by the state government and the courts to demolish the 1957 building, Investa now wants to refit the building to support 340 apartments and 2500sq m of retail space.

However, the plan has attracted instant opposition from North Sydney Council.

Mayor Zoe Baker told the Sydney Morning Herald that “In one fell swoop, something like this undermines that careful planning and conservatorship of that core for commercial purposes. We’ll be making a very strong submission that this not proceed.” She added that it will be the “death knell” for the North Sydney CBD.

According to Council, “the existing E2 – Commercial Core zone, expressly prohibits residential development including serviced apartments. This prohibition has been in place for many years.”

The North Sydney Local Strategic Planning Statement says “The North Sydney CBD will retain its commercial core zoning to ensure that employment capacity is provided for and residential development is restricted to its peripheral locations. This will ensure that North Sydney continues to deliver a place that is reflective of the highest order centre assigned under the regional and district plans.”

It’s worth noting that there is some residential accommodation in the North Sydney CBD already.

There is an apartment block at 93 Pacific Highway, just one block away from MLC, as well as substantial residential property north of Berry St, again just one block away.

TINK’S FORUM PLAN: Meanwhile, independent federal MP for North Sydney Kylea Tink has made the call out to local residents for their ideas on how to solve the housing issue. “What’s the one big idea we need to push Canberra to consider? What’s the idea you think will make the most impact but which politicians seem unwilling to consider?” she asked, calling for written submissions by this weekend.

Tink is also engaging in what she calls deliberative democracy to help foster discussions about solutions, via a North Sydney Community Housing Forum. “For this event, a group of around 30-40 residents will convene to spend a day together to consider potential solutions to this difficult policy problem. Participants are asked to find common ground around one idea, showing their reasoning and what questions need to be answered to know if it is viable,” Tink said.   “Participants will be selected from a random sample of voters in the North Sydney electorate,” and weighted to be representative.  “They will be representative of a cross-section of the electorate’s demographics and geography.”

Read more.

A high-profile developer wants to amend its over-station towers plan on Sydney’s North Shore to create more than 100 homes for frontline health workers.

Developer Thirdi and joint-venture partner Phoenix Property Investors had been granted Stage 1 approval for the Metro Precinct (Site A and B) development at Crows Nest, to be known as Hume Place.

The pair are now partnering with community housing providers Evolve Housing and plan to designate 15 per cent—more than 100 apartments—of the mixed-used development as affordable housing for nurses, midwives, health professional and services staff working at the nearby Royal North Shore Hospital and other nearby health facilities in perpetuity.

The homes for healthcare workers have been valued at $130 million.

A spokesperson said an amendment to the two-tower plan was being sought “due to a decreased demand for office space, the urgent need for additional residential density in the LGA, and in line with the NSW government’s commitment to increasing the low supply of affordable housing”.

They said Thirdi and PPI were proposing to amend the concept state significant development [SSD] for Site A for mixed-use, which includes a mix of affordable housing, private residential, retail and commercial floor space.

In February, the joint venture acquired the site via private treatywith Sydney Metro and the NSW government for an undisclosed figure but the end value of the projects is expected to be $1 billion. 

A study commissioned by Thirdi and PPI found that health workers and services staff working in the suburb were having to travel 30-50km to get to work.

Workers from Royal North Shore Hospital living alone are paying up to 58 per cent of their salary for a studio in the area.

If approved by all stakeholders, Thirdi and PPI will deliver a turnkey-ready asset to Evolve, who will then work with the state’s two major health unions, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and the Health Services Union, to offer their members a range of apartments and associated amenities, including a wellness centre.

Thirdi director Robert Huxley said Hume Place would not only address the growing residential needs of the community but create economic activity for local businesses.

Thirdi was founded more than two decades ago by Huxley, Ron Dadd and Luke Berry. It has a portfolio of developments in Australia and has explanded overseas with projects under way in the UK.

Huxley said the “in kind and in perpetuity” agreement with Evolve was “a unique offering” in the property industry and provided a foundation for the creation of up to 500 more affordable homes in the Sydney metropolitan area.

“Should our amendment concept proposal be approved, we’ll hand over title of the affordable tower to Evolve, who can use that unencumbered asset to finance a new pipeline of affordable housing right across their sites in NSW, so there will be a significant flow-on effect from this project in terms of addressing to the crisis in supply that the market is experiencing,” he said.

Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes said Australia’s housing crisis was becoming a health crisis.

“Essential health workers are already making the tough decision to leave the sector in search of work closer to home,” he said.

“A hospital cleaner, a physiotherapist, a wardsperson—these workers shouldn’t have to travel for hours each day, coming to work already exhausted. We need solutions that mean these workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.”

The proposed affordable rental apartments will also help with recruiting staff to hospitals and other health facilities—there are more than 114 job vacancies at RNS alone.

“With the crippling cost-of-living pressures, the reality is that most healthcare workers cannot find, let alone afford, to live near RNS, The Mater or other health facilities on the Lower North Shore,” Evolve chief executive Lyall Gorman said.

“The fact is the demand for affordable housing far out-strips the current supply on to the market.”

Read More.

A high-profile developer wants to amend its over-station towers plan on Sydney’s North Shore to create more than 100 homes for frontline health workers.

Developer Thirdi and joint-venture partner Phoenix Property Investors had been granted Stage 1 approval for the Metro Precinct (Site A and B) development at Crows Nest, to be known as Hume Place.

The pair are now partnering with community housing providers Evolve Housing and plan to designate 15 per cent—more than 100 apartments—of the mixed-used development as affordable housing for nurses, midwives, health professional and services staff working at the nearby Royal North Shore Hospital and other nearby health facilities in perpetuity.

The homes for healthcare workers have been valued at $130 million.

A spokesperson said an amendment to the two-tower plan was being sought “due to a decreased demand for office space, the urgent need for additional residential density in the LGA, and in line with the NSW government’s commitment to increasing the low supply of affordable housing”.

They said Thirdi and PPI were proposing to amend the concept state significant development [SSD] for Site A for mixed-use, which includes a mix of affordable housing, private residential, retail and commercial floor space.

In February, the joint venture acquired the site via private treatywith Sydney Metro and the NSW government for an undisclosed figure but the end value of the projects is expected to be $1 billion. 

A study commissioned by Thirdi and PPI found that health workers and services staff working in the suburb were having to travel 30-50km to get to work.

Workers from Royal North Shore Hospital living alone are paying up to 58 per cent of their salary for a studio in the area.

If approved by all stakeholders, Thirdi and PPI will deliver a turnkey-ready asset to Evolve, who will then work with the state’s two major health unions, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and the Health Services Union, to offer their members a range of apartments and associated amenities, including a wellness centre.

Thirdi director Robert Huxley said Hume Place would not only address the growing residential needs of the community but create economic activity for local businesses.

Thirdi was founded more than two decades ago by Huxley, Ron Dadd and Luke Berry. It has a portfolio of developments in Australia and has explanded overseas with projects under way in the UK.

Huxley said the “in kind and in perpetuity” agreement with Evolve was “a unique offering” in the property industry and provided a foundation for the creation of up to 500 more affordable homes in the Sydney metropolitan area.

“Should our amendment concept proposal be approved, we’ll hand over title of the affordable tower to Evolve, who can use that unencumbered asset to finance a new pipeline of affordable housing right across their sites in NSW, so there will be a significant flow-on effect from this project in terms of addressing to the crisis in supply that the market is experiencing,” he said.

Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes said Australia’s housing crisis was becoming a health crisis.

“Essential health workers are already making the tough decision to leave the sector in search of work closer to home,” he said.

“A hospital cleaner, a physiotherapist, a wardsperson—these workers shouldn’t have to travel for hours each day, coming to work already exhausted. We need solutions that mean these workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.”

The proposed affordable rental apartments will also help with recruiting staff to hospitals and other health facilities—there are more than 114 job vacancies at RNS alone.

“With the crippling cost-of-living pressures, the reality is that most healthcare workers cannot find, let alone afford, to live near RNS, The Mater or other health facilities on the Lower North Shore,” Evolve chief executive Lyall Gorman said.

“The fact is the demand for affordable housing far out-strips the current supply on to the market.”

Read More.

Sydney property developer Third.i has teamed up with Hong Kong-based Phoenix Property Investors to develop a multibillion-dollar transport-oriented mixed-use project at Crows Nest, with plans to allocate a significant proportion of apartments to low-cost housing for health workers including those at the nearby Royal North Shore Hospital.

The Hume Place development, proposed to rise above the planned Crows Nest Metro station, will comprise two towers with one previously planned for commercial and retail tenancies and the second for apartments with ground-floor retail.

However, due to softening demand for office space and through a partnership with community housing provider Evolve Housing, the developers have moved to convert the first-stage commercial tower into a mixed-use residential project that will earmark 15 per cent of apartments in perpetuity for nurses, midwives, health professional and services staff working at the hospital.

The move, described by the developers as an industry first, has been welcomed by health employee groups after a survey commissioned by the partners revealed that local health workers and services staff were forced to travel 30 to 50km to work. The survey also found that Royal North Shore Hospital workers living alone are paying up to 58 per cent of their pay for a studio apartment in the local area.

While the end value of Hume Place is not yet known, the project is planned to deliver 400 apartments across both stages with more than 130 of them, worth about $130 million, set aside for health workers in perpetuity.

The project has received the backing of the Health Services Union and the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association who have voiced their concerns about the lack of inner-city housing for essential workers in the health industry.

“We have a housing crisis that is becoming a health crisis,” says Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes.

“Essential health workers are already making the tough decision to leave the sector in search of work closer to home. A hospital cleaner, a physiotherapist, a wardsperson, these workers shouldn’t have to travel for hours each day, coming to work already exhausted.

“We need solutions that mean these workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.”

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association general secretary Shaye Candish has welcomed the Third.i and Evolve partnership that she hopes will alleviate the stress that lack of affordable housing is causing many healthcare workers in the area.

Candish says a recent survey showed that a lack of affordable housing was a key concern for 76 of the association’s members and that over half indicated they were insecure in their current accommodation or didn’t have a steady place to live.

“Proximity to work is particularly relevant because of nurses and midwives’ work patterns, including shift work,” she says.

Third.i director and co-founder Robert Huxley says Hume Place is aiming to help address a ‘chronic shortage’ of quality, affordable housing on Sydney’s lower north shore.

“We want to give frontline healthcare workers, like nurses, midwives, paramedics, and health professional and services staff, the chance to finally find quality, affordable housing options, close to Royal North Shore Hospital, The Mater Hospital and other local health facilities,” says Huxley.

“The strategic location of the development, right above the Crows Nest Metro, will allow health care workers to easily access Royal North Shore Hospital, RPA, Sydney and St Vincent’s Hospitals, within just a few minutes.

“Our proposed amended design aligns with the Minns Government’s drive to get more housing in connected, urban areas around stations and transport hubs, allowing key workers to live close to their work.”

Hume Place is the fifth project that Third.i has undertaken in partnership with Phoenix Property Investors with a key focus on Sydney’s north shore. The partners are currently close to completing their latest development, Balfour Place, a luxury mixed-used project at Lindfield.

The revised Hume Place project is still subject to state government approval but Huxley says the ‘in kind and in perpetuity’ agreement with Evolve is a new step for the property industry that could unlock up to 500 additional affordable residences in the Sydney metropolitan area.

“Should our amendment concept proposal be approved, we’ll hand-over title of the affordable tower to Evolve, who can use that unencumbered asset to finance a new pipeline of affordable housing right across their sites in NSW, so there will be a significant flow-on effect from this project in terms of addressing to the crisis in supply that the market is experiencing,” Huxley says.

The proposed development will be officially launched to the market on 15 October.

Read More.

In a housing crisis that’s becoming a health crisis, Third.i. & PPI are proposing new affordable housing for Key & essential workers in Crows Nest.

In an industry first, Australian property developer Third.i and joint venture partner, Phoenix Property Investors (PPI) are planning to provide frontline Sydney healthcare workers with a range of new affordable housing valued at over $130 million, as part of an amended plan for ‘Hume Place’ development above the Crows Nest Metro.

Partnering with one of Australia’s largest community housing providers, Evolve Housing, they are proposing to designate 15 percent of the mixed-used development to nurses, midwives, health professionals and services staff working at nearby Royal North Shore (RNS) Hospital and other local health facilities – in perpetuity.

This will allow health workers, who are unable to find affordable rental apartments within the Local Government Area, to live close to their workplaces.

A demographic study 1 commissioned by Third.i and PPI, show that local health workers and services staff are being forced to travel between 30 to 50 kilometres to get to work every day or night. Workers from Royal North Shore Hospital living alone are paying up to 58 percent of their salary for a studio in the local area.

Health Services Union Secretary, Gerard Hayes, said: “We have a housing crisis that is becoming a health crisis. Essential health workers are already making the tough decision to leave the sector in search of work closer to home.”

“A hospital cleaner, a physiotherapist, a wards person, these workers shouldn’t have to travel for hours each day, coming to work already exhausted. We need solutions that mean these workers can afford to live in the communities they serve,” Mr Hayes said.

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association General Secretary, Shaye Candish, welcomed the Third.i and Evolve partnership, pointing to a new member survey, which showed the lack of affordable housing was causing stress and anxiety for many healthcare workers.

“Many nurses and midwives in NSW struggle to secure affordable housing. 76 percent of respondents to our member survey said a lack of affordable housing was a problem, and over half indicated they were insecure in their current accommodation or didn’t have a steady place to live.”

“Proximity to work is particularly relevant because of nurses and midwives’ work patterns, including shift work. 90 percent want to live near their workplace and access to affordable housing influences their employment decisions. 69 percent of respondents said they were experiencing rental stress,” Ms Candish said.

1 GYDE demographic study, 2023

The proposed new stream of affordable rental apartments in the area will assist in retaining and recruiting staff to local hospitals and other health facilities, which is currently an issue faced by local health facilities with over 114 job vacancies at RNS alone.

“With the crippling cost-of-living pressures, the harsh reality is that the overwhelming majority of healthcare workers simply cannot find, let alone afford, to live near RNS, The Mater or other health facilities on the lower north shore.

The fact is, the demand for affordable housing far outstrips the current supply on to the market,” Evolve CEO, Lyall Gorman, said.

“That’s why we’re delighted that Evolve’s partnership with Third.i will potentially deliver a pipeline of new affordable housing for healthcare workers, who otherwise would be travelling between one to two hours to get to work every day.”

Director and Co-Founder, Robert Huxley, said Third.i was excited that the ‘Hume Place’ development could help address the chronic shortage of quality, affordable housing on Sydney’s lower north shore.

“We want to give frontline healthcare workers, like nurses, midwives, paramedics, and health professional and services staff, the chance to finally find quality, affordable housing options, close to Royal North Shore Hospital,

The Mater Hospital and other local health facilities,” Mr Huxley said.

“The strategic location of the development, right above the Crows Nest Metro, will allow health care workers to easily access Royal North Shore Hospital, RPA, Sydney and St Vincent’s Hospitals, within just a few minutes.

“Our proposed amended design aligns with the Minns Government’s drive to get more housing in connected, urban areas around stations and transport hubs, allowing key workers to live close to their work.”

Third.i and PPI have already been granted Stage 1 approval for the Metro Precinct (Site A and B) development, but due to a decreased demand for office space, the urgent need for additional residential density in the LGA and in line with the Minns Government’s commitment to increasing the low supply of affordable housing, Third.i and PPI are proposing to amend the concept SSD for Site A for mixed-use, which includes a mix of affordable housing, private residential, retail, and commercial floor space.

If approved by all stakeholders, Third.i and PPI will deliver a turnkey-ready asset to Evolve, who will then work with the State’s two major health unions, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSW NMA) and the Health Services Union (HSU), to offer their members a range of apartments and associated amenities, including a wellness centre.

Mr Huxley said Hume Place will not only address the growing residential needs of the community, but create much-needed economic activity for local businesses.

“Should the project be approved, it will offer frontline workers a new benchmark of affordable and convenient inner city living; close to transport hubs, amenities and major hospitals in the Northern Sydney Local Health District. Frontline health workers, cleaning and catering staff working at local hospitals will all benefit from the affordable housing options, greatly reduced travel times and improved work-life balance.”

“These new residents will shop and spend locally which will be an added bonus for the local business community.”

Mr Huxley, said the ‘in kind and in perpetuity’ agreement with Evolve is a unique offering in the property industry and provides a foundation for the creation of up to 500 additional affordable dwellings in the Sydney Metropolitan area.

“Should our amendment concept proposal be approved, we’ll hand over title of the affordable tower to Evolve, who can use that unencumbered asset to finance a new pipeline of affordable housing right across their sites in NSW, so there will be a significant flow-on effect from this Project in terms of addressing to the crisis in supply that the market is experiencing.”

The proposed precinct is set to launch to market on October 15, 2023 at the local community event, Crows Nest Fest . Third.i has partnered with over 40 local businesses to offer attendees the chance to win one of three $10,000 voucher packs, to be used throughout Crows Nest.

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A Townsville fashion retailer fitting mums and daughters is finding a new customer base after upgrading to a new store which wouldn’t look out of place on Brisbane’s James St.

After studying fashion in Toronto, Canada, Candace Gardner settled in Townsville and opened Hazel Mai in May 2015, offering a selection of wardrobe staples coupled with on-trend pieces to cater to the fashion-loving community.

Since moving into Precinct 21 on Stokes St, she said giving the flick to Flinders St’s “unmaintained buildings” and “unmotivated landlords” has been a big boon for her business.

“The place in which we provide that service has really levelled up and feels high end”, she said. “I think our customers enjoy having a local boutique that looks like it belongs somewhere on James St and that has been reflected in our trade.”

Calling the new era, “Hazel Mai 2.0”, Ms Gardner said her loyal customers of 7 years have followed her down the road. “We are finding lots of new customers that are just discovering us for the first time”.

Focused on 25-44 yearold women, Ms Gardner said she loved when mothers and daughters came in together.

Luke Berry, Third.i. Cofounder, which runs Precinct 21, said securing Hazel Mai as a tenant was a great outcome.