Tall & Urban News

Sydney-based developer St Hilliers has gained approval from the Independent Planning Commission for a AUD$150 million (US$110 million), triple-tower development in Gosford.

The mixed-use Central Coast Quarter project comprises 295 residential apartments across two towers, a 183 room hotel as well as commercial and retail space on the lower levels.

The three DKO Architecture-designed towers, between 16 and 17-stories (65-85 meters) in height, will be developed in three stages with completion expected in 2025.

St Hilliers has already constructed a AUD$50 million (US$36.6 million) commercial building on the site in 2019, anchored by NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation.

Issues on the latest proposal were raised by council and the community about the design, height, scale and density of three towers, as well as the social and environmental impacts of the project.

Commissioners Chris Wilson (also the panel chair) and Wendy Lewin were appointed to consider the state-significant development application to make a determination.

The commissioners said that after careful consideration and a site tour with council and the local interest group they had decided to approve the concept plan.

“[S]ubject to a condition requiring a reduction in the amount of permissible gross floor area in the northern and southern part of the building envelope,” the commissioners said.

St Hilliers has a history of working with government, particularly on defence projects nationally as well as TAFE precincts, emergency service training facilities and schools.

The group has also developed as part of a joint venture the Thornton properties in North Penrith, the AUD$400 million (US$293 million) Living Carlton urban renewal project in Victoria as well as design and construction of the $72 million (US$52.7 million) Mon Komo development in Redcliffe.

Earlier this year another project was approved on Mann Street, Gosford, an AUD$133 million (US$97 million) mixed-use residential tower for developer JMGM.

For more on this story, go to The Urban Developer.