Plus Architecture take out Newcastle apartment development design competition

Plus Architecture has won the design competition for a $100 million two-tower development on the site of a former big-format retailer in Newcastle.

The redevelopment of the 4726 sqm site at 711 Hunter Street will comprise 267 apartments across two towers rising to 90 metres, as well as 1,400 sqm of commercial space.

Along with the City of Newcastle, prominent Newcastle developers St Hilliers Property and Spotlight Group partnered to run the design competition, which St Hilliers Property project director Paul Smith said had unearthed the best architectural talent and ideas for the prominent West End site.

“The quality of architectural design presented by Plus Architecture is really impressive and we look forward to further refining the design by incorporating the jury’s recommendations before proceeding to the next phase,” Smith said.

“With a development of this significance, we will work closely with Plus Architecture to set sustainability targets and quality design outcomes during the more detailed development application phase, including a focus on thermal comfort, energy, waste and water.”

Unanimously selected, Plus Architecture’s design included a ‘meeting place’ concept, with a public domain to facilitate and encourage socialisation.

Plus Architecture Director Sumedh Kataria said that the news was a testament to Plus Architecture's vision, deep appreciation for community needs and team talent.

“Projects that have the potential to change the face of a city, and its skyline into a new era, require an elevated element of design with beauty, form and end-use at the fore,” Kataria said.

“Our vision for this project is about creating a place that reflects the heart and soul of the city - past, future.

“Plus Architecture’s winning design concept is intended to deliver a development that celebrates its connection with place and country, adds to the richness of the urban fabric within which it sits and embraces its role as a key contributor to the city’s future identity."

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the architectural design competition had delivered design excellence for the redevelopment of 711 Hunter Street which will lead to positive outcomes for the city and a transformation of the city’s skyline.

“City of Newcastle congratulates Plus Architecture on their winning design and commends the joint venture partners, St Hilliers and The Spotlight Group, for their commitment to the ongoing revitalisation of Newcastle's West End,” Nelmes said.

“The construction associated with a redevelopment of this size will generate jobs and help buoy Newcastle’s economy which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of Covid and look to the future.”

Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment, Michelle Bisson said the competition will raise the benchmark of architectural design excellence in Newcastle.

“Ongoing revitalisation and development is continuing to transform Newcastle particularly in the West End, and 2022 is shaping up to be another exciting and busy year for our city," Bisson said.

“Once constructed, 711 Hunter Street will boast a hallmark building that will stand the test of time for future generations to admire."

The architectural design competition was run by an independent jury process under the governance of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government Architect's Office. Consultants Urbis administered the design competition on behalf of property developers St Hilliers and The Spotlight Group. 

The developers are expected to lodge a detailed development application for the site in the first half of this year.