Construction tees off on one of Newcastle's most exciting over-55s developments
Updated 21 days ago
This is branded content for The Merewether.
Imagine waking up in a green and tranquil spot with some of Australia's most spectacular beaches just a ten minute drive away.
Add in an acclaimed 18-hole golf club just on your doorstep and you have a picture of the retirement haven, The Merewether, that's now a significant step closer to reality for its lucky future residents.
Ten years in the making, the vision is now taking shape at Newcastle's Merewether Golf Club, the site of the sophisticated over 55s coastal living community that will emerge over the coming 18 months.
In the latest significant milestone for the project, the builder Decode Construction has begun the first construction works following demolition of the original clubhouse and extensive ground stabilisation work completed.
One of the first priorities for completion is the construction of a new clubhouse that will feature world-class amenities including a restaurant, cafe and bar with an outdoor deck overlooking the 18th hole.
It will be up and running by the time the first of more than 300 residents move into the 178 luxury apartments that will also look out over the course in a resort-style community featuring a health and wellness space, cinema and pool.
Luke Berry, one of the founders of development company Third.i Group, said the start of construction has brought a huge sense of achievement, and relief, for him and his team, as well as excitement for the future residents who've already bought into the landmark project.
"After all of the challenges we've had to face and overcome, we're just feeling incredibly happy to get to this stage where construction is underway," he said. "And we feel very humble that we still have so many of the original buyers on board who put their faith in us and have stayed with us.
"We're now moving ahead on creating something that will never be replicated in the region, it's such a rare opportunity, a once-in-a-generation project we're sure will set the benchmark for retirement living in Newcastle."
Mr Berry said sales momentum had been building strongly and is expected to escalate with the start of construction.
More than half of the apartments have been sold to a value of more than $100 million. They are now selling at an average of one per week.
"With construction started and an end date in sight, we expect it will give buyers more confidence about the project - we're particularly seeing an increase in buyers and inquiries from Sydney, a sign of the strength of the project," Mr Berry said.
"The more that people find out about it, the more they see how special it is - it's got everything. There's the location - minutes to the beach, minutes to the CBD of Newcastle. It's got elevation, with some of the most beautiful views looking back towards the ocean, and towards the city and harbour, and it's surrounded by basically your own park."
The Merewether is a shared vision between Third.i's retirement living focused ThirdAge Villages and the Merewether Golf Club.
It was designed by architect Eugene Marchese from Marchese Partners, a leading expert in creating over-55s communities that deliver a rich and happy lifestyle for residents that meets their needs in this exciting next stage of their lives.
The architectural oversight has since transitioned to award-winning Newcastle-based firm, EJE Architecture, which has taken the lead on the project to deliver the style of living today's retirees are looking for.
"Today's new retiree isn't always ready to slow down," Mr Berry said. "The reality is most retirees now want to be active. They want to be out playing golf, enjoying good food and wine, and they want a home that's going to be suitable for them for the next stage of their life - their third age - but without having to compromise on anything."
Mr Berry said a great sense of community was already being established with many of the future residents who have secured apartments at The Merewether having developed friendships with the people who will be their neighbours.
Over the past few years, Third.i has held regular get togethers for the buyers to meet each other and to keep them informed every step of the way with the project. Most recently, in October, they all came together for the opening of the new The Merewether display suite at the club.
"They've gotten to know each other well, and friendships have already been created off the back of the launches and the events," said Mr Berry. "The seeds of a great community are already growing.
"Having that sense of community is important and something we've worked hard on. And with that community now already out there, talking to their friends and family, and referring friends and family, we can see a real wave building in 2026."
To find out more about The Merewether, head to the new display suite at the club or visit themerewether.com.au