GWH has completed and handed over Macquarie Tower in Charlestown, delivering the Hunter region’s first fully integrated mixed-use development of its kind. After two years of construction, the building is now fully occupied, with commercial and residential tenants already operating and living within the development.
Designed by local firm O’Connell Architecture & Design, the 15-storey building is located at 4 Dudley Road, Charlestown, marking the southern gateway to the Pacific Highway. Its scale and location reflect Charlestown’s growing role as a centre for employment, services and higher-density living within Lake Macquarie.
Macquarie Tower includes 5,800 square metres of A-grade commercial office space, a childcare centre and 53 residential apartments located from level eight upwards. Commercial tenants include Allianz, Pulse and Hive Childcare, with the Allianz workplace fit-out delivered by SHAPE in close collaboration with GWH during construction.
Beyond the mix itself, the significance of Macquarie Tower lies in how those uses function together. By co-locating employment, housing and everyday services, the development reduces the separation that has traditionally shaped regional growth.
For local employers, the building adds a new option to the commercial market in Lake Macquarie. High-quality office space supported by amenities such as childcare and end-of-trip facilities allows businesses to attract and retain key talent by offering modern workplaces with premium .
The residential component contributes to a more diverse housing mix in Charlestown, providing centrally located apartments close to transport, services and employment. This type of housing supports Lake Macquarie’s Housing Strategy by offering an alternative to traditional suburban patterns.
Adding to the development’s significance and residential mix, Macquarie Tower also includes specialist disability accommodation consisting of six dedicated SDA apartments, underscoring GWH’s commitment to inclusive, accessible living.
Peter Harvey, Director of Hunter Care Living, expressed his enthusiasm: “We couldn’t be happier with the finish of these apartments. To see our tenants moving into their new accessible homes in a location that offers exceptional connectivity to essential services, it provides them with comfort, choice, and control, in a truly supportive environment.”
Designed to target a 4.5-star NABERS rating, the building incorporates a comprehensive building management system focused on energy efficiency and long-term performance.
With construction complete and tenants already in place, Macquarie Tower demonstrates how mixed-use development can be delivered effectively in a regional context, responding to both current needs and long-term growth across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.