Belle Property Wollongong principal Darren Kay said the 15-storey block on the corner of Burelli and Harbour streets should be complete by early next year, ready for residents to move in around April.

Mr Kay said the controversy surrounding the development in 2015 actually increased sales rather than hindered them.

“Interestingly enough the majority of sales were made when the project was at a stalemate with the builders,” he said.

“Through that time frame we made six sales over a million dollars.”

Only four apartments remain on the market.

Two out of three of the commercial spaces were sold in the past week for a $1.5 million, a record for the square metre rating in that precinct.

The Kollco Holdings development stalled in May last year when the contract with Camarda & Cantrill was terminated because the builder could not meet its contract obligations.

The Illawarra company was placed in the hands of liquidators owing more than $4 million.

Subcontractors were left in the lurch and also out of pocket by more than $1.2 million.

Advanced Constructions were appointed the new builders to finish the job.

The high-rise will offer single level two and three-bedroom apartments with outdoor living and spacious balconies – some with coastal views.

Meanwhile, the streetscape of Wollongong’s historic Market Square precinct is set to change dramatically, with two new towers now planned or under development.

Plans to knock down four cottages between 17-23 Harbour Street and build a nine-storey, 33-apartment block have been lodged with council.

The proposed building would be next door to another nine-storey block on the eastern side of the street, which is now under construction.