Rich-lister puts prime Sydney CBD parking spots up for grabs in Kent Street
Timbertown sale
For only the second time in nearly 50 years, the Timbertown property at Wauchope on the mid-north coast of NSW has hit the market, with long-term owner David Waite putting the property up for sale as he plans to retire.
The Timbertown site at Wauchope on the mid-north coast of NSW is coming to market for the second time in 50 years.
The property at 2325 Oxley Highway is expected to fetch more than $10 million. It consists of approximately 34.56 hectares, corresponding to 345,600 square meters of land. The site features a wide range of experiential amenities, including a steam train, miniature railroad, gold fields, steam sawmill, event spaces, farmyard, winery and café.
A development application has recently been submitted for the expansion of a large caravan park; This application signals that the property is ready for transformation and aligns with the growing demand for nature-based and family-friendly accommodation options, particularly in regional tourism centres.
Savills Australia and New Zealand agents Selin İnce and Leon Alaban are handling the sale.
Old Commodore starts up
McMahons Point institution Commodore pub is opening its doors following a $10 million refurbishment by pub and hospitality specialist Glenn Piper’s Epochal Hotels group.
Piper bought the Blues Point Road pub for $29 million in May 2023 to add to the Epochal group’s growing portfolio, which also includes the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater, the Beach Hotel in Merewether, The Scarborough Hotel in the Illawarra and most recently the Tumbulgum Tavern.
The pub’s reopening under its new name, Old Commodore, is a nod to its past.
The pub’s reopening under its new name, Old Commodore, is a nod to its past. It was first built 169 years ago by ferryman, smuggler, raconteur and entrepreneur William “Billy” Blue, affectionately known as “The Old Commodore.”
In 1854, his son John opened the original Old Commodore Inn, in honor of his father’s legacy, on a site central to what is now the North Sydney CBD and the village charm of McMahons Point.
Piper said legacy is woven back into the fabric of McMahons Point and now its bar. “The redesign of the Old Commodore Hotel is a vibrant tribute to Billy Blue, who reimagined his world for today,” said Piper.
The spaces deliberately distort worlds: working-class textures of wood, steel and brick sit side by side with refined touches of travertine, linen and brass.
Following discussions with neighbors, the bar plans to offer a lineup of local music events, micro-ensembles and emerging artists “designed to bring people together and sustain energy building from day to night.”
The new look is by Paul Kelly Design, which worked on the project through three owners.
Transcontinental Coogee
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east will open in December and will be the latest addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio and a major milestone for the Coogee region.
An infinity pool overlooking the ocean in Coogee.
The 198-room resort will open in two phases, with guest accommodations and dining opening in December, followed by recreational space with pickleball courts, an ocean-facing infinity pool, spa and Club InterContinental in March 2026.
Positioned as a premium lifestyle and wellness destination, the project strengthens IHG and owners Salter Brothers’ luxury footprint across Australia and signals continued investment in high-end coastal accommodation.
This was the former Crowne Plaza hotel, which was the headquarters of the NSW State of Origin team during training sessions. Shutters Restaurant & Bar, a new restaurant where modern Australian cuisine meets seasonal produce and Mediterranean influences, will open in Coogee Beach alongside Australia’s flagship restaurant, Rick Stein.
carolynannecummins@gmail.com
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