INTOUCH MAGAZINE|Hunter Homes Special Feature Liftout 2020

HUNTER HOMES

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LIFT OUT& Keep me!

Image & Styling by Tailored HQ www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 15

Credit: Destination NSW

New!

Display Homes Coming Soon!

We’re hard at work putting the finishing touches on our new display homes!

Opening in April in the Waterford Display Village, Chisholm our two new homes feature the best of G.J. Gardner quality & design.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information!

G.J. Gardner Homes Newcastle.

4929 0100 154 Hannell St, Wickham facebook.com/ gjgardnerhomesNewcastle

16 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

The Hunter...

Good to GREAT

The Hunter’s natural resources, coupled with a dynamic and globally competitive economy, has seen billions of dollars invested in the region in recent years by a host of companies, including major national and international corporations.

This robust investment in the Hunter has attracted billions of dollars of property development; bringing new residential, commercial, industrial land and buildings into play to meet the continued demands and growth of the region. Similarly,

the revitalisation of Newcastle has fast gained momentum with a wide range of residential and commercial projects already completed, with many more underway and planned – reshaping the CBD and neighbouring suburbs into the future.

New residential development sites, both large and small, are evident throughout the region, but an example of one of the largest and perhaps most ambitious projects is Huntlee – the Hunter’s first new town in more than 50 years and which on completion will comprise four neighbourhood villages surrounding a 200 ha Town Centre. In total, it will boast 7,500 dwellings, representing a total investment of $1.5 billion.

Another more recently announced development is Hydro’s former aluminium smelter at Kurri Kurri which developers Jeff McCloy and John Stevens have recently announced plans for the development of industrial estates, a business park and a new residential suburb named Loxford Waters.

As well as being an attractive business and investment location, the Hunter offers a lifestyle that is hard to match.

With its quality art centres and museums, excellent schools, universities and medical facilities, first-rate dining and entertainment, an extensive selection of national parks, pristine beaches and natural waterways, it is little wonder that those who move to the Region seldom leave.

Not only do residents of the Hunter have the advantage of having access to superb cultural, educational, recreational and entertainment amenities, but it does so at a cost of living well below that of the major metropolitan areas across Australia.

For those of us fortunate enough to live here, the Hunter truly has it all – providing an unparalleled quality of life and a great place to live and work.

First Home Buyer Loans Reach Decade High “December 2019 saw the volume of First Home Buyer home loans surge to their highest level since late 2009 according to ABS data out last month,” Master Builders Chief Economist Shane Garrett said.

During December, the volume of home loans to First Home Buyers increased by 6.2% in seasonallyadjusted terms to record a monthly total of 9,606.

The last time a higher monthly total was recorded was exactly ten years ago back in December 2009.

“The good news is that First Home Buyer activity has stepped up even further since the start of this year. The new First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is already a big success and the official data will show more big gains for First Home Buyer once they are released,” said Garrett.

“Apart from First Home Buyers, these figures show that other areas of the housing market are also recovering well. Housing investor loans expanded for the third consecutive month and hit a 14-month high during December,” he said.

“There is a great opportunity for people to buy or build their first home at the moment. Apart from the assistance offered by the new First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, interest rates are at their lowest in many decades and house prices have stabilised after dropping back from the highs reached in recent years.”

During December 2019, the First Home Buyer share of the owner-occupier market was highest in Western Australia (43.2%) followed by Victoria (40.9%), the Northern Territory (38.4%) and the ACT (32.6%).

The FHB market share was lowest in South Australia (25.7%), followed by Tasmania (27.6%) and New South Wales (30.5%). In Queensland, First Home Buyers account for 31.4% of the market.

CREATE

Happiness in Your Home!

WORDS LARA O'DONNELL – Tailored HQ

Years ago, our houses served a simple function: a roof over our heads.

As we grew and developed as a society, our basic human needs have grown too, and as a result, we expect our homes and interior spaces to do more for us than ever before. There has been a considerable shift toward the idea of holistic interior designs. Designs that soothe our souls on a higher level So how can we design our world to encourage happiness and positivity?

Here are some tips: Colour Connections Many objects and elements inside a house can have a significant impact on one’s mood, and the biggest influencer is colour. Studies have shown that colours with warmer undertones inspire relaxation and boost creativity. Blue and green hues can evoke a sense of calm. Red as a considerable primary colour is often stated as the enemy of the home décor because although it can raise energy, it is thought to increase anxiety and hostility when used as the predominant colour of the room. Opt for darker mulberry, crimson and wine colours for a glamorous boost without the angst.

Light it Up It is well documented that natural light is intrinsically linked to happiness and mood. It resets our circadian rhythm and allows us to feel rested and rejuvenated.

We know that the number and size of the windows in the room can boost one’s happiness and lack of light can often increase sadness or enhance anxiety.

Maximise natural light with window furnishings that are custom designed to suit your windows.

Utilising ambient light rather than harsh direct spotlights can soften the mood. The colour of the globe can change the way you feel about a space too. Too cool a white creates a blue hue to be cast and can feel sterile and hospital-like. Be careful with warm whites also as they can sometimes be too yellow.

You Do You! Trends will always come and go, but items that truly communicate parts of your personality will always be in style. As I like to say to clients ‘Go hard or go home’ and create spaces that are truly authentic to you and your family.

Create a theme and let us help you run with it!

After all, your home is an inherent part of you; a physical manifestation of your identity and finding the most beautiful and the best way to represent it is what makes our job so rewarding.

Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories At Tailored HQ we work to make spaces as unique as you are. Our dedicated team has everything you need to customise your home to achieve your dream look.

Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330

www.tailoredhq.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 17

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Home

Find Yourself at The idea of building a new home always seems a little daunting, but when you do your homework and choose the right partner to make your dream come true, the journey suddenly becomes a whole lot less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. And it won’t take long before you realise how living in a home you have invested energy and emotion into is truly transformational, responding to your family's needs and enhancing the way you live.

From humble beginnings more than 32 years ago in the Hunter, McDonald Jones is now the region's and state's favourite home builder, offering inspired home design that’s perfectly suited to our region’s rich landscapes – on the coast and in the country, and everywhere in between.

Growing up in the Hunter has allowed McDonald Jones to create and build architecturally designed homes that align perfectly to the region's diverse landscape and climate.

Styles and trends may come and go, but functionality is always the cornerstone of any well-loved home, and it’s this philosophy every McDonald Jones home embodies.

Just as our region has evolved, so have our home designs.

Conservative and formal spaces sectioning off homes have transitioned to free-flowing, airy floor plans with children's activities rooms, home theatres, study nooks and great

rooms delivering unsurpassed open-plan living, awash with natural light and framed by the backdrop to our daily lives – a stylishly appointed kitchen.

Thanks to clever architectural design, the freedom to move throughout a home has never been as easy or as enjoyable. Our hallmark Alfresco Cabana captures the spirit of our homes – enabling our love of the great outdoors by delivering the ability to effortlessly entertain indoors and out all year round.

Our homes celebrate life at whatever stage your family is at. From Hamptons-inspired seaside retreats to European lifestyles by the lakeside and open, rural living in the country, our collection of home designs are aligned perfectly to today's lifestyles – giving you space to grow and the freedom to move wherever the mood takes you.

And when it comes to pinning down the perfect new home design for you, our expert team of Building and Design Consultants are professionally trained to guide and support you in selecting the best home for your requirements. They can also help personalise your design to meet your individual needs.

While your new home will be your main focus, we are committed to ensuring that you enjoy the entire home build journey. From the first conversation you have with McDonald Jones, our team is here to provide you with comfort and peace of mind. We’ll help find and source land for your preferred home and assist in finding the right home loan for you. Our Interior Design Consultants are also on hand to help you capture the interior aesthetic, feel and personality you want your home to exude. And when it comes to staying up to date with your build, we’ll keep you well informed through your own customer portal, which tracks the progress of your new home, giving you updates and images to enjoy.

Nothing in the world beats a beautiful new home that’s alive with incredible spaces ready to be filled with cherished memories you’ll treasure forever. We’d love you to experience our display homes and to discover our affordable architectural homes offering a flow, freedom and spirit which defines them and sets them apart from the rest.

If you are ready to transform the way you live, we invite you to visit one of McDonald Jones 22 Display homes in the Hunter Region and find yourself at home. Visit www.mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au for more information or phone 1300 555 382.

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18 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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Love heading home.

Lakeside

22 Display Homes NOW OPEN

Transform the way you live, visit a display home today.

DISPLAY HOMES OPEN 10AM – 5PM EVERY DAY Hunter: NEW Housing World Watagan Park | Billy’s Lookout | The Bower Waterford Living | Wallis Creek | Huntlee | Lochinvar | HomeWorld Thornton Central Coast: HomeWorld Warnervale

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | 1300 555 382 Image is for illustrative purposes only and may contain optional upgrades and variations not included in our standard specification or supplied by McDonald Jones Homes. For detailed information on home pricing, visit our website or talk to one of our consultants.

NSW: Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, NSW BLN: 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes. MJHD0139FPITR

Carrington Spacious Living Area

Delivering Your Vision at Perry Homes WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

Building a home is a big undertaking. Whether it’s a first house, a retirement downsize or the family home you’ve always dreamed of, the process can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. When you bring a builder like Perry Homes into the picture, you’ll be guided every step of the way – from initial design through to the moment you walk through your new front door.

Perry Homes was established in 1993. Over the ensuing years, it’s become a trusted name in the industry, building quality homes throughout New South Wales and Queensland.

The expansive team of sales professionals covers territory ranging from southeast Queensland out to Armidale and down to Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast, with a range of display homes throughout the region showcasing award-winning home designs.

So what’s it like to build with Perry Homes? “Our flexibility is what makes us stand out,” says Lisa Simmonds-Webb, New Home Consultant with Perry Homes’ Newcastle/Hunter branch. “Even though we have a large range of off-the-shelf plans in our portfolio, the best thing about us is that we will change it to what suits you.”

There’s a real sense of partnership involved, with the Perry Homes team working closely with clients to deliver their vision. If you don’t already have land, the team can help you find it; if you do have a block, they’ll help you design the best house to suit. Acreages, sloping blocks, knockdown-rebuilds, dual-key properties – you name it, Perry Homes can work with you to make it happen. Whether they’re starting with one 20 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Carlton Alfresco Area

of the 50+ home designs in their portfolio or working from your existing plans, it’s all about customisation. “We take more of a consultative approach,” Lisa says. “Once we’ve got an idea of what you’re after, we do our best to tailor the house to what you want, also ensuring consideration of your budget.”

The team also understands the confusion and overwhelm that can come with building a new home. Their aim is to remove the smoke-and-mirrors approach that comes with many home-building packages, replacing it with honesty, transparency and choice. There are no nasty surprises or unexpected extra costs; you know what you’re getting, and you know it’s going to be high-quality.

“Another amazing thing about Perry Homes is what we offer in our base house price,” Lisa adds. This includes a choice of 90 (yes, 90!) brick types, thousands of floor and wall tile options, a Dulux three-coat paint system, LED downlights, high-quality fittings and fixtures, and appliances from trusted brands – and that’s just for starters. “The most important thing is that there is no blowout when it comes to your colour selection appointment with our in-house interior designer,” says Lisa. “There are just so many choices and options included in our base price.”

If all this is getting you inspired to kickstart the homebuilding process, a great place to begin is at one of Perry Homes’ display homes. The company has recently added two new display homes to its portfolio at Waterford Estate, Chisholm. With large lots, open parklands and an established local community, Waterford is a popular place to build, and the new display homes can help give you an idea of what you can create there. “What we’ve got on display at Waterford really are two ends of the spectrum: the Carrington 31, which is a fantastic home, and the Carlton 24, which is an ideal first home,” Lisa explains.

The Carrington 31 design is made for modern living. Its standout feature is the inclusion of a fully self-contained abode at the front of the house, complete with bedroom, ensuite, living area, outdoor area and separate entrance.

The rest of the house incorporates three bedrooms; two bathrooms; family, dining and lounge areas; a contemporary kitchen; and an activity zone perfect for a kids’ play area or study.

“The Carrington is next-level,” Lisa says. “The floorplan is phenomenal – it means everyone can have their own private part of the house. If you’ve got older kids, they can sit up the front and play their Xbox all night, and it won’t bother anyone else in the house. Or if you’ve got an elderly parent or you want guest accommodation, it’s perfect for that as well.”

The Carlton 24 design is also geared towards contemporary family living. Combining modern styling with functionality and versatility, its floorplan includes four bedrooms; two bathrooms; a spacious kitchen, dining and family area; a separate media room; and an undercover terrace perfect for outdoor entertaining. “The Carlton is perfect for first home-buyers and great for downsizers,” Lisa says.

The Carrington and Carlton display homes are open seven days a week between 10am and 4pm. There are also display homes at Thornton (open seven days, 10am–5pm) and Cameron Park (open Thursday–Monday 10am to 5pm), showcasing more of the latest design styles and trends on offer. No matter which site you visit, there’ll always be a Perry Homes sales professional on hand to walk and talk you through the home, and even give you a tender on the spot.

Ready to build your ideal home in Newcastle or the Hunter?

For more information, visit www.perryhomes.com.au, contact the Chisholm office on 4021 1680 or check out the Carrington and Carlton display homes in person at 3 Silverwisp Road, Chisholm.

Bespoke Items Lovingly Created at Cosy Iron WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

When you order a handmade wrought-iron product from Cosy Iron Design, you’re not just getting a piece of metal. You’re getting a physical manifestation of an age-old artisanal craft, and the culmination of 50+ years of experience from artistic blacksmith René Rasmussen.

René and his wife Judith emigrated to Australia from Denmark 25 years ago. Back in their home country, René was carrying on the tradition of blacksmithing and iron artistry that had been passed through generations in his family since 1784. Following his grandfather and uncles into the craft in 1969, he served his apprenticeship repairing horse carts and shoeing draft horses for Carlsberg Breweries, then trained in orthopaedic horseshoeing and became a certified farrier.

From there, it was on to the highest of heights: as well as taking over his old master’s contract with Carlsberg, René was appointed to the Danish Royal Stables, becoming the blacksmith and farrier to the Queen of Denmark! This involved shoeing the royal horses and carrying out artistic

Since 1784

blacksmithing at some of the Queen’s castles – a high-profile role indeed.

But after a while, René decided he was ready for a new challenge. And so, in 1995, he and Judith packed a shipping container full of René’s heirloom blacksmith tools and set off for Australia, bringing all that experience and expertise to our shores. Those same heirloom tools still serve René today, as he and Judith create new works and artistic restorations from their Cosy Iron Design workshop in Medowie.

René is the embodiment of the old-fashioned artisan.

Follow the sounds of hammer and anvil, and you’ll find him ensconced in his forge, working with a combination of traditional and modern tools to create bespoke items for all manner of clients. Judith, affectionately dubbed ‘The Master’s Apprentice’ by her husband, adds her creative talents to the mix as well; a diploma-certified welder with a good knowledge of fabrication and steel manufacturing, she sculpts her own original designs for smaller products such as wine racks and candelabras.

Cosy Iron products are a combination of age-old artistry and uncompromising quality. René and Judith work together in collaboration with architects, designers, builders, fabricators and individual clients to create a mix of classic and modern wrought-iron designs. They specialise in restoration as well as new work, so whether you’ve got a functional or decorative piece that needs some attention or you’re in search of something new, Cosy Iron is the place to call.

Attention to detail and a keen eye for classic design elements shine through in every custom-made piece. The husband-and-wife team’s repertoire includes various indoor and outdoor furniture items; Juliet balconies and staircases; gates, fences and security grilles; fire screens and tools; hinges, brackets and hand-forged nails; candelabras and mirrors; beds and bedheads; flower boxes and garden items; wine racks and hat and coat stands; unique sculptures; wedding accessories; and much more. If you have a unique one-off piece in mind, be it large or small, all you need to do is talk to the Cosy Iron team.

In an age of mass production where the art of handcrafting sometimes seems all but lost, master craftspeople like René are a rare find. So if you do commission a product from Cosy Iron Design, be sure to treasure it. Not only will it become a unique focal point in your home or garden, it can also be passed down as an heirloom for years to come.

The Cosy Iron Design workshop is located at 619A Medowie Road, Medowie. For more info on the products and services available, or to obtain a quote for your next special project, visit www.cosyiron.com.au or call 4981 7174.

HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON • EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born René Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms.

Former blacksmith and farrier for the Queen of Denmark Former blacksmith and farrier for Carlsberg breweries Traditional Danish Family Blacksmiths since 1784 619A Medowie Road, Medowie Ph 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au www.cosyiron.com.au

22 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Sweet Dreams

On a Custom Mattress Australia’s largest independent mattress manufacturer, Makin Mattresses, has been creating the most comfortable and highest quality mattresses for more than 40 years. And because they are manufacturers selling direct to the public, customers can try the product before they buy, guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

The way they design, construct the mattresses and the in-store experience is truly a point of difference Attention to detail, quality control, and focus on comfort has made this Aussie company the country’s most well-loved provider of the perfect night’s sleep.

Offering a wide range of mattresses to suit individual needs, the company regularly conducts satisfaction surveys

which show that 1 in 2 of their customers has either bought from them before or been recommended by a friend.

If you have a boat or caravan that requires a customsized mattress, the team at Makin Mattresses can alter any of their mattresses to suit the sleep space, right here in Newcastle. The large factory and retail showroom has an expansive carpark enabling customers to drive in with their caravan for a custom fitting.

The team at the Sandgate store work closely with the production team on-site and are experts at matching you with the right mattress to suit your comfort needs and budget.

Whether you have a last-minute guest coming, a teenager growing out of their bed or perhaps it’s time to upgrade to something special – there’s no doubt that Makin Mattresses will have a mattress to suit.

Additionally, to complete your new mattress, they offer bed bases and bed heads in 3 fashionable colours, bed frames and linen. You’ll find the Makin’ Mattresses showroom on the corner of Friesian Close and Jersey Avenue in Sandgate.

Quality Blinds, Shutters, Curtains & Awnings to meet every budget.

We are specialists in our field and pride ourselves on our professional and friendly service, ensuring all dealings from first point of contact to final installation is a memorable experience.

Winning Blinds is a proud family owned and operated business that has been operating more than 35 years. We are very passionate about not only providing quality products but quality installation and an after sales service that’s second to none.

Check out our gallery online or call us today for a consultation!

Ph 02 49565777 E sales@winningblinds.com.au www.winningblinds.com.au

QUALITY BUILDER & RENOVATION SPECIALIST We are a local builder with an abundance of local knowledge. We have over 20 years experience in delivering home renovations, where our focus is always on quality, execution and beautiful finishes.

We enjoy working with our clients to ensure their vision, budget and plans become reality.

Your Dream. Our team.

Contact us today!

Call 0439 304 645 | E newcastle@smith-sons.com.au | www.smithandsons.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 23

Fire-Proof, and Long Lasting

Solutions WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

For local home renovators and landscapers seeking retaining wall solutions, there’s only one name you need to remember: RetainEase.

We are local manufacturers of Concrete Retaining wall sleepers and Concrete Post and Rail fencing.

• Our RetainEase Concrete Sleeper Retaining wall system is fully Engineered to suit almost any retaining wall height.

• Our concrete sleepers are steel reinforced and come in a range of colours and styles.

• Our sleepers are guaranteed never to warp, twist, rot or be eaten by termites.

Contact Gavin or Rachael at RetainEase to discuss your retaining wall needs!

Visit our Showroom at Unit 1/58 Mitchell Road, Cardiff Ph (02) 4956 5269 • E info@retainease.com.au

For more information visit

WWW.RETAINEASE.COM.AU 24 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Owned and operated by Gavin Kitching, RetainEase provides concrete products for landscaping projects including retaining walls, fencing and more.

Concrete sleepers from RetainEase are an attractive, durable and cost-effective alternative to timber and the team prides itself on five-star customer service and a consistently high-quality product. This month, we chatted with Gavin to learn a little more about RetainEase and its solutions.

How did you come to establish RetainEase? I’m a builder by trade with over 25 years’ experience in the building and construction industry, having worked on residential, commercial and industrial sites. I discovered the concrete sleeper wall system in our own backyard renovations and realised there was no one around locally supplying this type of product. We shipped ours down from Queensland at the time, which was a costly expense.

After a few years of thought and research, I decided to take the leap and set up a manufacturing plant here in Cardiff to provide builders, landscapers and homeowners with a local supplier of the concrete sleeper system.

How is RetainEase different from other retaining wall solutions? The RetainEase retaining wall system is as the slogan suggests: the easy way to retain. It’s a set-and-forget product that is super quick to install and is going to last for decades to come. The benefits of using a concrete sleeper retaining wall are endless, but to name a few – they won’t warp, twist or rot over time with the impact of moisture or water; termites won’t eat them; they have quicker installation time than a traditional block wall, which saves on both time on-site

and the cost of labour; there’s no rendering or painting required, and a variety of colours and styles available; and it’s a fully engineered product that has been used in projects up to eight metres in height (with tailored engineering).

Talk us through what the RetainEase process looks like. We can arrange for a free measure and quote for supply, and a quote from one of our fantastic installers if you need someone to put the wall in for you. We come out and measure up the site, do up a proposed wall layout to get a visual of what it will all look like, and then send through the quote. If you proceed, then in most cases materials are ready for dispatch within a couple of days, subject to payment.

What are some industry trends you’ve seen lately? We are definitely seeing a rise in the popularity of the concrete sleeper retaining wall. With a lot of areas for development falling into Flame Zone areas, the timber retaining wall is not an option for a lot of owners. We also hear from some building suppliers that the price of hardwood is increasing, and it’s no longer as hard and durable as it was years ago. So walls constructed from the current timber sleepers potentially won’t last as long as they once did.

We are seeing more people staying in homes longer and looking for a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. Our concrete sleeper systems provide a more time and cost-effective solution to a traditional block retaining wall, and they’re a low maintenance option, which is what everyone is looking for these days as well.

Any exciting future plans coming up for the business? We are in the process of launching our new Rustic Concrete post and rail fencing system, which is now available in two or three-rail systems. It’s a fabulous new product that can be used in any property but will be most suited to rural properties, around homesteads, or just anywhere you want to make a feature.

There are two ways to make a mattress

1.Cheap

2. Superior

one piece

— inherently defective — no airflow

single sided

— half the support — half the comfort — half the life

attached foam pillow top

— hot & sweaty — flattens & collapses

✓ two piece

— can be flipped, turned & rotated — maximum air circulation & breathability

✓ double sided

— twice the support — twice the comfort — twice the life

✓ removable pillow top

— cooler, more hygienic sleep

✓ 5 year comfort promise

— free reconstruction, reconfigure for 5 years

Yes Mr Harvey.

They should be 50% off!

Sorry Mr Harvey.

We make them, you don’t!

Adelaide Croydon Park SA 08 8340 4888

Albury Lavington NSW 02 6040 1193

Brisbane North Nundah QLD 07 3266 7666

Brisbane South Parkinson QLD 07 3800 1822

Canberra Fyshwick ACT 02 6280 5445

Gold Coast Nerang QLD 07 5502 0022

Newcastle Sandgate NSW 02 4960 0999

Melbourne Sandringham VIC 03 9533 1113

Perth Victoria Park WA 08 9355 5111

makinmattresses.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25

Shane Boslem, McCloy Group Senior Project Director; John Stevens, Stevens Group Founder & Managing Director; Jeff McCloy, McCloy Group Chairman; Richard Brown, Hydro Aluminium Managing Director meeting onsite at Kurri in Feb.

Salamander Haven Apartments

Significant Site Purchased by McCloy & Stevens Joint Venture

- IT’S A LIFESTYLE CHOICE FABULOUS LOCATION FANTASTIC AMENITIES GREAT VALUE

56 APARTMENTS

The brand new Salamander Haven Apartments are the perfect Retirement Village option for an active retirement or if you would just like to relax, take it easy and enjoy the facilities and location.

The choice is yours.

COMPLEX FEATURES

PRICES START FROM

• 2 bedroom, 2 bedroom + study • Open plan living areas, generous size bedrooms and easy access bathrooms • All feature balcony or courtyard space

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

• Wellness hub, recreation hall with indoor pool and spa, generous barbecue and communal areas • Secure garage parking • Easy access to Salamander Shopping Village and local facilities • Transport at your doorstep

515,000 - INSPECT TODAY!

$

No waiting list. Nothing to do but move in!

OPEN HOUSE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY 10AM TO 12PM

Contact Graeme: 0413 001 009

GSchmarr@harboursidehaven.com.au • www.harboursidehaven.com.au 26 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

VIDA6549

Saturdays by appointment only

A joint venture between Stevens Group and McCloy Group has finalised an agreement with Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri for the sale of their 2000 hectare smelter site and buffer land, signalling a boost to the local economy partnered with significant environmental outcomes.

Stevens Group is one of NSW’s leading private property development companies, with significant experience in the development of industrial land, along with residential and commercial offerings.

McCloy Group is likewise a Hunter-based, award-winning residential land developer currently delivering more than 5000 residential homesites across 15 masterplanned communities within NSW, along with commercial office developments.

The two companies have experience working together as partners on several projects including Radcliffe at Wyee and Principle Living which provides premium lifestyle offerings for seniors in locations across the Hunter.

Hydro Aluminium Managing Director, Richard Brown, is delighted with the outcome.“We have been concentrating on demolition and remediation for a long time now, so are pleased to be able to progress to this stage, where parcels of land can be developed, and Kurri Kurri can start to see economic benefits again,” he said.

“The Maitland and Kurri Kurri areas have a lot of potential for further growth given this area’s strategic location close to the Hunter Expressway and the Maitland, Cessnock growth corridor. Significant residential development has already occurred along this corridor, and our plans for housing there will complement and enhance this growth,” adds Shane Boslem, Project Director and

spokesperson for the Stevens/McCloy joint venture.

“The site’s southern area is ideal for employment lands due to its proximity to the Hunter Expressway, access to significant existing infrastructure and the existence of a rail line through the site, and of course a skilled workforce. The economic benefits associated with the redevelopment of the site has the potential to include significant jobs boost,” he said.

Hydro has been continuing with the demolition and remediation of the site, with the large stacks demolished in May 2019, the demolition of the site which has been undertaken by CMA Contracting since April 2017 is currently around 80% complete, and contractor Daracon was awarded the remediation contract last month.

Rezoning applications have received endorsements from both Cessnock and Maitland councils, and both councils will exhibit the rezoning plans and seek feedback from the community. This includes rezoning for business and industrial development on and around the smelter site, and rezoning for residential development along Cessnock road near Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights.

A Community Reference Group, set up in 2014 and consisting of 12 local representatives from Maitland and Cessnock Councils, community groups and residents, has been a great sounding board for the project and a conduit between the community and Hydro team. The group held their 37th meeting late last month, with Hydro expressing gratitude for the voluntary contribution made by the members.

The first steps towards residential development are expected to get underway within six months of rezoning being completed, which is anticipated to be late this year.

The McCloy Group was founded in Belmont in 1961 and today creates outstanding master-planned residential communities; owns, redevelops and manages commercial office complexes; and state-of-the-art retirement living villages.

The group currently has fifteen residential projects underway with ten others completed and a healthy project pipeline for future communities.

McCloy’s joint venture partner, The Stevens Group, is one of NSW’s leading private property development companies.

They have delivered over 250 quality landmark developments across the property spectrum from land subdivision, residential properties, industrial, retail, commercial and resort living, have received various development awards for developments such as The Vintage and Grand Mercure at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley and are now setting new standards with the Foreshore Development on Lake Macquarie, which has recently commenced.

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MAITLAND

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1950’s Cottage Revival in Lorn Award Winning Specialists in Custom Design New Builds, Renovations and Extensions of unrivalled quality and workmanship AFTER

Hunter Valley based, we offer a comprehensive service – from concept design, securing building approvals and completion of construction work.

We also undertake smaller renovation projects such as internal and external remodelling, bathroom renovations, and decks.

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BEFORE Proctor Building Solutions 102 McFarlanes Road, Morpeth NSW 2321 PH 02 4934 1808 | MOB 0409 341 808 E enquiries@proctorbuilding.com.au | www.proctorbuilding.com.au

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Proctor Building Solutions

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All Systems Go at

HUNTLEE Huntlee is the first new town to be built in the Hunter Valley in over 50 years and, as it enters its sixth year of development, things show no signs of slowing down for the rapidly growing town in the heart of wine country.

With a brand new shopping centre due to open mid-year and other facilities such as the Huntlee Tavern now under construction, Huntlee’s current population of over 1000 will have all the contemporary facilities a growing town needs, right on their doorstep.

Comprising of four residential villages surrounding a 200 hectare Town Centre precinct, Huntlee will eventually include approximately 7,500 homes, with a population of around 20,000 people. To date, over 400 homes have been completed in Huntlee’s first village, Katherine’s Landing.

Named for Katherine Busby, a member of the Hunter’s first wine-growing family, the look and feel of Katherine’s Landing is tied strongly to the themes of viticulture and celebrates the history of the local area.

Land within Katherine’s Landing is affordably priced with sizes up to half an acre and starting at just $165,000.

“The diversity of product on offer in Katherine’s Landing means there is something on offer for just about everyone at every stage of life,” says Huntlee Sales Director, Robert Crane.

“There’s opportunities for first home buyers to purchase a turnkey, house and land package for under $450,000, which is a great entry point into the market.”

Located just off the Hunter Expressway, Huntlee is roughly 20 minutes from the regional centres of Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton, and only 45 mins from Newcastle.

Freeway connections make commuting a breeze for Huntlee residents, with strong employment prospects in the resources, health, education and training, retail and hospitality sectors, to name a few. The new Coles owned shopping centre, due to open mid-year, is itself set to create over 100 retail jobs. A small number of tenancy opportunities are also currently available in the complex, for people interested in opening their own business.

“There are a wealth of opportunities currently available for both commercial developers and commercial tenants to come together in the Huntlee Town Centre and take advantage of a rapidly growing customer base not only in Huntlee but also in surrounding suburbs,” says Mr Crane.

Those seeking inspiration for their new home may also find a trip to Huntlee worthwhile, with 18 brand new display homes set to open in Huntlee’s Display Village 2.0 by June.

Featuring a number of nationally awarded and emerging local builders, the new display village will take a one-stopshop approach to home building and draw inspiration from current trends and technology to ensure every visitor takes something away from the experience. The Mantra 28 by Metricon Homes will be the first to open in the new display village, set to open its doors in March.

For more information on how you can build your dream home or business in the Hunter’s brand new town, visit www.huntlee.com.au or contact the Land Sales Centre on 4938 3910.

Land from $165k + FREE Fencing & Landscaping

huntlee.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29

Newcastle’s Leading Home Audio Visual And Lifestyle Experts • Custom Home Theatre Systems • TV, Music, Lighting, Blinds, Air Conditioning, Alarm System, Security Cameras, Intercom, Pool/Spa, Lawn Watering Control All From A Single Point of Control Or Voice Control- Home Automation • Complete Supply & Installation Of Security, TV’s, Lighting Control, Mulit-Room Music & Videom Intercom, PA Systems & Security Cameras • Fibre Optics & Data Cabling & Wi-Fi - Data Networking • TV & Projector Calibration • And Much Much More

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GET THE LOOK

Love

THINGS WE

Coastal Style Give your home a coastal style this season with OZ Design Furniture. Sit back and relax in the luxurious Bodhi oversized armchair and enjoy the trendy boho look it offers. Give your space a cosy look by adding throws and cushions, keeping within your neutral colour palette. The Martini 2 seater in rattan whitewash is also a stunning hero piece that epitomises a relaxed coastal style.

Decorate your space with elements that are full of texture to help create your desired look, such as vases, dried florals and small trinkets. Layering your pieces will make a world of difference in your coastal space. View the OZ Design collections and create a home that you love at OZ Design furniture Kotara and OZ Design Furniture Rutherford. For inspiration visit www.ozdesign.com.au

Newcastle Community Helps Form Picture of City’s Future How do we maintain green spaces, buildings with character, access to transport and shops and a sense of community over the next 20 years with an additional 35,000 residents?

This is the question dealt with through the City of Newcastle’s draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), a legislated plan outlining the vision for land use along with the character and values of our growing city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft LSPS had been developed on the back of a comprehensive community engagement program and is now on public exhibition for feedback.

“City of Newcastle’s Local Strategic Planning Statement will shape our land-use planning priorities to meet community needs and will set out how we should manage greenfield sites, community land and potential development areas over the next two decades,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The opinions and wishes of our residents are essential to the City’s planning process.

“Surveys, face-to-face drop-in sessions and a young person’s drawing activity were just some of the ways we gathered feedback on how to best shape the way our City will look and feel in 2040.

“Over 500 people participated in a survey which canvassed our community’s vision for land-use and neighbourhood character with questions relating to transport, environment, housing and jobs.

“In 20 years the picture of our city will look much different, with 19,500 new dwellings and 35,000 additional residents projected for Newcastle.

“It’s fantastic that the largest demographic to engage with us on this draft plan was the 16–19-year age group, ensuring the desires of our future ratepayers are reflected in our vision and plans for the future.

“The ‘Big Picture’ Newcastle 2040 drawing activity provided primary school-aged young people an opportunity to offer ideas on what they love about their City, how improvements can be made and what needs to be maintained to ensure the City of Newcastle remains an incredible place to live.

“Our residents value a sense of community and opportunities for people to connect and engage in their streets and neighbourhoods, as well as special places centred on our natural environment and open space.

“It’s now time for the broader community to have their say on how Newcastle should look in 2040 by reviewing the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement before it’s finalised and put to Council for endorsement.”

The Local Strategic Planning Statement is on public exhibition until Monday, 9 March. To view or make a submission, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-YourSay/Projects/Planning-Newcastle-2040

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SINGLE | DOUBLE | ACREAGE | SPLIT-LEVEL DISCOVER HOW MOJO HOMES GIVES YOU MORE. MORE INCLUSIONS. MORE VALUE. MORE CERTAINTY. VISIT A DISPLAY HOME TODAY – OPEN 7 DAYS, 10am–5pm Watagan Park – NEW | Cameron Grove | Billy’s Lookout | Wallis Creek | HomeWorld Thornton | HomeWorld Warnervale

32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Live Passionately with

MOJO Homes WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW

Venturing into the home-building market can be a daunting prospect. There are countless companies to choose from, and you’ve no doubt heard all manner of horror stories about confusing agreements and blownout budgets. But that’s where companies like MOJO Homes come in to shake up the status quo. Taking an honest and transparent approach to the home-building process, MOJO aims to create a new industry standard, where doubt and fear are removed, and customers can be 100% confident in their choice of builder.

MOJO Homes entered the residential building market in 2014. Backed by the MJH Group and its 30 years of home-building experience, the company quickly developed a reputation as a breath of fresh air in the industry. MOJO services the Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Illawarra regions, offering innovative designs, edgy interiors and purposeful solutions to discerning customers who want a little more from their home design.

MOJO’s signature home designs are vibrant and original, with a focus on creating an environment where people can “live passionately”. Whether you’re working with a single- or double-storey home, a duplex or dual living situation, a sprawling acreage or a narrow block, you’ll find inspired architectural floor plans and features across all MOJO designs. And with MOJO MORE, the company’s impressive inclusion offering, many features regarded by most builders as extras are incorporated as standard.

“We know that our customers are seeking ultimate value while also focussing on costs, to balance out the ever-growing costs for land,” says Mark Vassallo, CEO of MOJO Homes. “We have aligned ourselves with this requirement and believe that our customers not only deserve more inclusions,

but contrary to industry-standard practice, they should be presented with total, fixedprice costs from the get-go.”

This means all MOJO homes come with a premium value and honesty policy – one that involves no hidden surprises. MOJO invests in detailed site inspections and reports with the aim of providing its customers with thorough, accurate (and free!) upfront quotes that encompass all known costs, from inclusions to optional extras. There’s no threat of additional costs popping up unexpectedly throughout the pre-construction process.

And with the MOJO team on hand to offer guidance throughout the whole journey, customers can easily manage their budget, expectations and styling decisions, confident that they’ll end up with a home that’s as unique as they are.

To see MOJO Homes’ points of difference for yourself, there’s no better option than to take a stroll through one of their display centres. Newcastle and Hunter region customers can head to HomeWorld (Thornton), Wallis Creek (Gillieston Heights), Billy’s Lookout (Teralba), Cameron Grove (Cameron Park) and Watagan Park (Cooranbong) to check out the range of innovative designs on offer.

All in all, for customers seeking a fresh take on home design and a transparent, trustworthy partnership with their builder, MOJO is the place to go. The key factors of good value, design sophistication, superior inclusions, and honest, clear communication throughout the building process make for a winning combination – no matter what kind of home you’re creating.

“We believe that building a home is one of the most exciting and equally daunting journeys anyone can decide to embark on, which is why we put so much focus on providing our potential customers with all the facts and figures, upfront,” Mark sums up. “There is no doubt our goal is to rewrite the building rule book and to deliver to our customers a better way to build.”

For more information about MOJO Homes, their home design range and their display home locations, visit www.mojohomes.com.au, call 1300 006 656 or email enquiries@mojohomes.com.au.

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www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 33

THE ONLY PLACE TO LIVE

30 mins to Newcastle Suburbs

The Vintage is an established residential estate, set amongst an 18-hole, Greg Norman designed golf course.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Hunter Valley, you are surrounded by over 250 vineyards and all that Wine Country has to offer.

Enquire about our land and established houses for sale by calling The Vintage Real Estate - Open 7 Days.

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