Urbanity-25 brought together the biggest names in development, design, and city shaping and we walked away with insights, connections, and opportunities for Newcastle’s future projects.
Day one was all about immersive site tours, offering a close-up look at some of the Gold Coast’s newest developments. This wasn’t about glossy marketing, it was a chance to see the size, finishes, build quality, and pricing in person.
One noticeable trend was the shift in finishes due to rising construction costs. Where natural stone once dominated, engineered stone and other smart substitutions are becoming more common. Known as ‘value engineering’, these adjustments aren’t about cutting corners, they’re about ensuring projects remain viable while still delivering quality.
Days two and three were packed with presentations, panel discussions, and networking. We heard from developers, architects, town planners, environmental engineers, and consultants, each offering valuable lessons on sustainable urban design, navigating regulatory changes, and delivering large-scale projects.
The diversity of perspectives made for an incredibly rich learning environment, with takeaways relevant to projects of all sizes.
Networking was equally powerful. One highlight was meeting a major Dubai-based developer now establishing a pipeline of 5,000 units over the next five years in Sydney. Opportunities like this highlight the importance of building strong connections, not just within Newcastle, but across Australia and internationally.
Urbanity-25 proved once again why it’s a fixture in the property development calendar. It’s where big ideas meet practical solutions and where conversations can shape the projects of tomorrow.
See Urbanity’s Website: https://urbanity.theurbandeveloper.com/
