First look exclusive: Level 33 to team up with City West Housing for over 900 new Wollongong apartments
Eddy Haddad's Level 33, arguably one of the biggest developers in Wollongong, is joining forces with the community affordable housing City West Housing to bring a much-needed influx of apartments to the growing coastal city.
The joint venture means there will be an affordable housing component that will be managed by City West Housing, a registered Community Housing Provider. Of the 906 apartments that have been proposed in the State Significant development application, around 220 will be affordable.
The leaves nearly 700 apartments that will hit the traditional off the plan apartment market in the coming years, pending NSW Government approval.
The 30,130 sqm site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders Streets is currently occupied by an old Bunnings Warehouse which ceased trading at the start of 2023, as well as extensive car parking space and a small brick building.
A key corner view from Gipps Street. Image credit: DKO
The apartments, will be spread across five mixed-use buildings, ranging in height from seven to 13 levels.
The ground floor of the buildings will be dedicated to business and retail spaces, takeaway food premises, specialised retail, and a gallery. The proposal also includes two levels of basement parking, with vehicle access from Throsby Drive and Gipps Street.
The project will be constructed in stages, beginning with Buildings 4 and 5, the latter of which will house the affordable apartments.
The view of the development from Beaton Park. Image credit: DKO
The plans have been drawn up DKO Architecture with a vision that emphasises a connection to the natural surroundings, particularly Mount Kiera.
A plaza with a viewing deck to Mount Kiera has been proposed as part of the wider development. That will include fitness stations, a central lawn, public art installations, a suspending walk viewing deck, and a bushtucker native garden.
A sketch of the viewing deck. Image credit: DKO
The design that has been submitted to the NSW State Significant Register has been revised following feedback from the State Design Review Panel.
The Scoping Report by Sutherland & Associates Planning says the proposal is a "high-quality, transit-orientated development that will provide both housing choice in a location that enjoys exceptional access to the Wollongong Commercial Centre and other amenities within the City of Wollongong."
Level 33 recently revealed its latest Wollongong apartment development, Easterly Wollongong, on one of the best sites in area opposite WIN Stadium.
They're also preparing to launch their first apartment development in Kiama.
