A competitive race is underway to secure approval for what will become Wollongong's tallest building, with multiple developers submitting ambitious plans that promise to dramatically reshape the city's skyline.
Current Tallest Building
The current record holder is the 21-storey Signature complex on Regent Street, which stands at 74 metres. However, several proposed developments are set to tower over this benchmark, with heights reaching up to 40 storeys.
Crown Square Development
One of the leading contenders is Level 33, which has taken over and renamed the former WIN Grand development as Crown Square. The developer has lodged an application under the State Significant Development process to increase the height of five apartment towers on the site. The tallest of these towers would reach 38 storeys and 130 metres, while even the second-tallest at 24 storeys and 87 metres would surpass the Signature complex.
Flinders Street Proposal
Another major proposal comes from Sydney-based Urban Property Group, which is planning a 38-storey building on the corner of Flinders and Station streets, currently home to Wollongong City Motors. This $160 million North Wollongong development would include 270 apartments, including affordable housing, 150 hotel rooms, and commercial space. Some apartments are designed for co-living, featuring private rooms and shared communal areas. The inclusion of affordable housing and hotel rooms could allow the developer to benefit from bonuses under both state government and Wollongong City Council's tourism accommodation strategy.
"The proposal seeks to deliver additional housing, including co-living apartments, in a highly accessible location close to public transport and services," the developer stated.
Online community briefings are scheduled for May 6 and May 7.
Transport Oriented Development
The State Government has included North Wollongong station in its Transport Oriented Development policy, which relaxes building height limits within a defined area. However, the Flinders-Station streets corner site falls outside this zone and cannot benefit from the height concessions.
Bunnings Site Plans
Both of these towers could be overshadowed if Level 33's plans for the old Bunnings site gain approval. The developer aims to construct 1500 apartments across six towers, with three of them reaching 40 storeys, or approximately 140 metres. This would create a three-way tie for the city's tallest building.
The race to build Wollongong's tallest tower reflects the city's growing appeal and the demand for high-density housing in prime locations near transport and services.
