<html><body><div id="description" class="stackItem">
The Hayes Prison Farm, Kilderry, has been listed for sale at $3.35 million.
The property was converted into the Hayes Prison Farm by the Tasmanian government as a minimum security facility during the 1960s.
It has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-tas-hayes-7529911" target="_blank">listed by Peter Wade at Robert Real Estate</a>.
The former Hayes Prison Farm comprises 595 hectares, of which 218 hectare will be protected under a conservation covenant.
The balance land, some 379 hectares, is considered prime agricultural farming land. 
The property has numerous buildings located on it, including barns, dairy and various others, plus the gaol 70 cell block and administrative buildings associated with the prison.
The state government-owned Derwent Valley farm, decommissioned in late 2012 after the last 40 prisoners were moved to Risdon Prison, was briefly speculated as being potentially a detention centre for asylum seekers.
The farm near New Norfolk allowed prisoners to be rehabilitated through learning agricultural skills.
Low-security inmates milked the cows in the 20-stand dairy and grew vegetables and tomatoes in a large glass hothouse.
They produced and packed frozen vegetables in a purpose-built kitchen and coldroom for Hobart nursing homes and hospitals.
The land held a 800-megalitre River Derwent water licence suitable for stone fruit, cherries, vineyards, and market garden.
"Over the years the farm has been recognised for its excellent dairy herd, extensive market gardens, grazing sheep and wool production, cattle and processing of vegetables," the marketing says.
The Hayes Prison Farm offers exciting and somewhat different opportunities," Peter Wade said. 
</div></body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

No convict relic, but former Tasmanian prison farm listed for sale

<html><body>
A home sales contract to an offshore Chinese buyer is no guarantee of yielding a settlement.
A post-Christmas $6.15 million sale to offshore Chinese buyers of a prestige Rose Bay mansion has failed to proceed.
Property Observer gathers the buyers defaulted on their intended acquisition of <a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/MDDF93" target="_blank">1 Cecil Road</a>, with the buyers attributing the changed circumstance to a failure to secure Chinese government approval in the transfer of the required funds.
The five bedroom Rose Bay mansion on a lucky 1,088 square metre block was relisted for auction this week, selling shortly after it was passed in at $5.65 million.
The LJ Hooker Doube Bay agent Alain Waitsman secured a slightly higher undisclosed price in post-auction negotiations after its auction at Cooley Auctions.
The recent sale collapse comes at a time when vendor interest is strong in certain suburbs buoyed by the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) scheme, the so-called golden ticket which gives residency to wealthy foreign nationals who invest $5 million in government bonds or eligible ­managed funds.
The Australian Financial Review noted recently the slow-starting scheme will hit $1 billion this month with a further $2.6 billion worth of applications lodged.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) issued a further 30 visas during March.
It took the total number of visas issued since late 2012 to 174, a $870 million tally. The appeal of the SIV program for Australian property vendors is that they visa recipients inevitably buy a home. 
Wealthy Chinese nationals have made up 85% of visas granted. The figures show Sydney has been trumped by Melbourne as the investment location destination of successful applicants with 47% in Victoria and 37% in NSW.
The offshore Chinese applications make up 91% of the 772 applications that have been lodged to date.
The scheme requires that a minimum of $1.5 million of the required $5 million be invested in NSW Waratah Bonds was boosted by an expansion of the ­qualifying managed fund investments late last year to include derivates, annuities, mortgages and interests in unregulated managed funds.
The Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL) recently sought an even broader program in its submission to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection review into the SIV program with the suggestion offshore investors be allowed to allocate capital to venture capital and private equity opportunities.
 
</body></html>

Chinese buyer defaults on Rose Bay prestige offering amid SIV surge

<html><body>
The Liberal identity Nick Di Girolamo, the former director of the ICAC-investigated Australian Water Holdings, has sold his four bedroom Sydney home.
The Henley riverfront fetched $4.8 million on its February delayed settlement terms having been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-henley-115148907" target="_blank">listed for its marketing campaign late last year</a>.
The pricey property came up for sale shortly before the late 2013 article by Fairfax Media reporters Kate McClymont and Linton Besser that the Independent Commission Against Corruption had begun formal inquiries into the affairs of Australian Water Holdings, with the corruption watchdog seizing files concerning the company.
The house had been briefly for sale in 2011 having been bought in early 2010 for $4.5 million in the name of Nick's wife, Jodie Di Girolamo. The eventual $300,000 price gain barely covered the initial $255,000 stamp duty costs.
The waterfront property had been listed with $4.75 million plus price indications through Matthew Ward at Ward Partners.
It is an small, yet expensive riverfront, suburb with few sales, making the median price difficult to regularly determine, but in 2011 it was at $3.3 million, according to RP Data, with the highest sale on the street being $6.65 million in 2010.
Property Observer gleans the couple had previously lived nearby at Sherwin Street, Henley, in <a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/15+sherwin+street+henley+hunters+hill+nsw+2110/" target="_blank">a 1925 house that Jodie sold for $2.25 million in early 2010</a> (pictured below). It had cost $1.2 million in 2002.
<img src="/images/2014/04/16/henley-april-16-two-pic.jpg" alt="">
The couple both owned the prior home in Russell Lea, bought for $260,000 in 1994 and sold in 2002 at $750,000.
The recently sold 28 William Street riverfront property was marketed as showcasing a desirable north easterly aspect with magnificent water views. It facilities included boat shed, slipway, cradle, winch, jetty and pen. The 256 square metre two level house sits on a 986 square metre block with level lawns gently descending to the waters' edge. "It has enormous scope to renovate or rebuild your dream home," the Ward Partners' marketing suggested of the 1950s home which was renovated in 2000. 
The former head of Australian Water Holdings Nick Di Girolamo was just an “old fashioned shyster, fraudster”, counsel assisting the Independent Commission suggested at the recent hearing.
Born in 1970, Di Girolamo went to St Patrick's school Strathfield with the Obeid family boys and is best friends with Eddie Obeid Jr, who is godfather to one of his children.
The former managing partner of Sydney law firm Colin Biggers &amp; Paisley joined Australian Water, then Rouse Hill Infrastructure Consortium, in 2005.
He allegedly sold the Obeid family a 30 percent stake in Australian Water Holdings for $3 million in November 2010.
He stands accused of "milking" Sydney Water for millions of dollars in expenses under a contract to supply water infrastructure, including gifts and donations to the NSW Liberal Party.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thehomepage.com.au/property/residential/freemans-reach-2756/643587" target="_blank">Di Girolamo couple also co-owned a colonial sandstone Freemans Reach weekender</a> (pictured below) with former business associate John Rippon and his wife, Sheenah, and another co-owner, Claudio Tropea, each taking a third stake in the holding on its 2006 purchase. The eight hectare property, known as Wellow Farm, cost $1.25 million in 2006 and was sold after disputation between the couples, at $1.25 million last year.
Possibly one of its selling points was its irrigation licence for 27 megs.
<img src="/images/2014/04/16/freemans-reach-april-16.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Nick Di Girolamo, the Australian Water Holdings former director, sells Sydney riverfront for $4.8 million 

<html><body>
The developer Villawood Properties, in partnership with builder, Henley auctioned off a newly completed house and land package with all proceeds going to The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. It fetched $717,000.
Marking Villawood’s fifth and Henley’s 21st year of involvement in the Good Friday Appeal, the Children’s Charity House program had previously contributed over $11.3 million to The Royal Children’s Hospital since its inception 1993.
Located at Villawood’s Aspire community in Plumpton, the four-bedroom Henley home is located in Melbourne’s thriving north western growth corridor.
The Children’s Charity House is close to parkland and from established shopping centres and schools.
It is located at 83 Aspire Boulevard or can be inspected at the <a href="https://www.gfacharityhouse.com.au" target="_blank">website</a>.
The house sold at a televised no-reserve auction on Good Friday, April 18 with the <a href="https://www.cbauctions.com" target="_blank">auctioneer Christian Bartley</a>.
The Children’s Hospital House, one of the most anticipated events on The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal’s busy calendar, is a 50 square home from Henley’s Clendonvale range.
The ‘Emperor Nouveau Q1’ is one of Henley’s most popular home designs and features four bedrooms, five living areas, an entertainer’s kitchen, grand balcony, with landscaped front and back yards set on a generous 594sqm corner block.
Countless businesses and individuals have donated their time and products towards the house construction including Austral Bricks, Oliver Hume, Reece, Caroma, Buildsafe Australia, The Good Guys and Dulux.
Prior house sales have yielded as high as $635,000 in funds for the Good Friday Appeal Children’s Hospital with the the 2010 charity home at Alamanda Point Cook. It was $605,000 in 2012. Last year's sale at Clyde was $500,000. <a href="/news">RP Data puts Plumpton's house median as a near record $465,000</a>.
The auction was billed as forming a key component of Channel 7’s Good Friday telecast when the home goes under the hammer on Friday April 18 at 2pm. Channel 7 celebrities will be at Aspire’s free family fun day from 1pm to 3pm on Good Friday.
The home will be the 35th home to be auctioned with all proceeds going to The Good Friday Appeal.
The Royal Children's Hospital has been providing care for Victorian children and their families for over 140 years.
This year, The Good Friday Appeal will celebrate its 83rd year of contributing to The Royal Children’s Hospital. The Good Friday Appeal has contributed more than $245 million to The Royal Children’s Hospital since its inception in 1931 by some Sporting Globe journalists. It has been televised since 1957. The appeal funds raised has only ever gone down eight times through the decades.
</body></html>

Henley and Villawood team up again for Good Friday Appeal Children’s Charity House auction offering

<html><body>
The Newport home of legendary jazz musician James Morrison has been finally sold, some months after being relisted with reduced $3 million plus price expectations.
The Eyrie, an unusual sandstone five-bedroom house with tower on a 1,665 square metre block at Bungan Head, last traded for $790,000 in 1994 when bought by James and Judi.
Coming with views of both Newport and Bungan beaches, it was marketed also as a potential development site.
Its listing agent Geoff Grist was initially seeking $3.75 million-plus for rendered sandstone house, The Eyrie last year.
The sale price is undisclosed on Grist's <a href="https://whychoosegeoff.com.au" target="_blank">website</a>.
<a href="/news/nsw/trumpeter-james-morrison-lists-the-eyrie-on-bungan-head">It was listed in March 2013</a>.
It has has sweeping lawns, a 20-metre lap pool, a Balinese cabana, pizza oven and a guest cabin overlooking the pool.
When it was bought in 1994 from Ross Barwick, Sir Garfield Barwick's son, it was being advertised as an "unfixable dump".
Title Tattle recalls when the then neglected estate was auctioned in 1994 it was hotly contested by the tenants of 14 years, Rodney Booth and Sue Cummings, but a determined Morrison paid $90,000 more than the reserve.
Morrison sold his other Newport home for $935,000 shortly after.
RP Data list around 116 properties on the road, with 18 sales above $2 million over the years. Of these there were five sales above $2 million last year. There have been three sales above $4 million, topped off at $4.65 million in August 2006 some 11 months after being listed with $5 million hopes. There are six properties with 1,500 square metres or more on dress circle strip.
The name Bungan is first recorded in a survey in 1814 as Bongin Bongin, referring to the 700 acres which included present day Mona Vale and Bungan granted to Robert Campbell junior.
Bungan Beach is bordered by Mona Vale to the south and Newport to the west and north.
The land rises to the summit of Bushrangers Hill at 103 metres, a natural lookout point - which despite the name has no known connection with bushrangers.
In 1890s Alfred Yewen built a cottage, Bungania, at the north end of the beach headland.
Before the 1920s few people lived at Bungan.
Mona Vale library records reveal in 1908 that the Napier Thomson family of Whitecourt, Cremorne built the Eyrie, presumably then a one bedrrom cottage on a much bigger land holding.
In 1919 Adolph Albers built Bungan Castle atop Bungan headland.
Transport in those days was by horse and cart or on foot, the library archives noted. Families kept a few cows to supply milk. Apparently time was spent walking, fishing, boating, or bathing. And presumably entertaining themselves with musical instruments.
</body></html>

James Morrison sells The Eyrie at Bungan Head - but price nothing to trumpet about

<html><body>
The Reserve Bank of Australia board has noted the most prudent course ahead was likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.
Members observed housing market conditions remained strong, with housing prices rising in March to be 10.5% higher over the year on a nationwide basis. 
They also noted that dwelling investment had increased moderately in the December quarter, with a pick-up in renovation activity and that the high level of dwelling approvals in recent months foreshadowed a strong expansion in dwelling investment.
The April meeting minutes also noted financial markets and money market rates in Australia continued to imply that the cash rate was expected to remain unchanged over the remainder of the year.
Members began their discussion of the domestic economy acknowledging a range of indicators of labour demand suggested a modest improvement in prospects for employment, although the unemployment rate was still expected to edge higher for a time.
</body></html>

RBA says period of stability in interest rates lies ahead: April minutes

<html><body>
Last week there was an ordinary 53% auction success rate when 34 homes were offered in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
But last night it worsened to a 42% clearance rate on the official list of 35 offerings.
Most of the sales - some nine in total - were locked in prior, so on the night there were just six sales.
The six declared sales on the night sales ranged from $450,000 in Ruschutters Bay to $2.06 million in Clovelly.
There were undisclosed negotiations after a $5.65 million Rose Bay property was passed in by LJ Hooker agent Alain Waitsman which resulted in an undisclosed higher priced sale.
There were some bright spots with five registered parties on a Randwick offering through Goodyer Real Estate.
The initial shock 53% auction clearance rate came when 34 eastern suburbs listings were put under the hammer on 7 April through Cooley Auctions.
"It had to happen," one agent told Property Observer after the clearance rate dipped to just 42%.
"Up to $2 million is still okay," another agent advised.
Last night had six properties passed in with prices between $900,000 in Redfern and $5.3 million in Woollahra. Significantly five of them were on a vendor bid, suggesting acute buyer hesitation or even absence.
There was also 14 official withdrawals or postponements.
That's 40% of the offerings that were pulled from auction given the unsustainable pre-Easter swelling in supply. But another factor was Jewish passover.
The 42% clearance rate was well below the 75% plus that has become the norm in the latter stages of the 11 auction weekends so far this year.
As indicated over the past few weeks, Property Observer has sensed the slight turn in market sentiment with the results suggesting some vendors have got too greedy, some buyers are getting understandably cautious at not overpaying, and some estate agents have got a bit slack at doing their job of knocking heads together.
<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="180">
<col width="75">
<col width="55">
<col width="190">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<thead><tr>
<th>
Property
</th>
<th>
Result
</th>
<th>
Price
</th>
<th>
Agency
</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>7 Brisbane Street Bondi Junction</td>
<td>Passed In (VB)</td>
<td>$1,100,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.raywhitebj.com.au/" target="_blank">Ray White Bondi Junction/Coogee</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3/240 Bondi Road Bondi</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$812,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.rhbondibeach.com.au/" target="_blank">Raine &amp; Horne Bondi Beach</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>38 Pauling Street Coogee</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/bondijunction" target="_blank">Belle Property Bondi Junction</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/1 Caledonian Road Rose Bay</td>
<td>Passed In (VB)</td>
<td>$1,280,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.cooleyauctions.com.au/www.ppdre.com.au" target="_blank">Phillips Pantzer Donnelley</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/208 Gardeners Road Kingsford</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mint360property.com.au/" target="_blank">Mint360property</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>71 wentworth Street Vaucluse</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.alisoncoopes.com/" target="_blank">Agency by Alison Coopes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G619/780 Bourke Street Redfern</td>
<td>Passed In (VB)</td>
<td>$900,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mortonandmorton.com.au/" target="_blank">Morton &amp; Morton</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>296 Clovelly Road Clovelly</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$1,987,500</td>
<td><a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/bondijunction" target="_blank">Belle Property Bondi Junction</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10/2A Darling Point Road Darling Point</td>
<td>Postponed</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>106/12 Macleay Street Potts Point</td>
<td>Passed In (VB)</td>
<td>$1,350,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/pottspoint" target="_blank">Belle Property Potts Point</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6/118 Curlewis Street Bondi Beach</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$590,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/bondijunction" target="_blank">Belle Property Bondi Junction</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>693A Old South Head Road Vaucluse</td>
<td>Postponed</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3/45 Birriga Road Bellevue Hill</td>
<td>Passed In</td>
<td>$950,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6/257-261 Carrington Road Coogee</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mybhr.com/" target="_blank">BHR Estate Agents</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1 Judge Street Randwick</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>$1,375,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.goodyer.com.au/" target="_blank">Goodyer Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19 Olphert Avenue Vaucluse</td>
<td>Postponed</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.rhdb.com.au/" target="_blank">Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4/42 Bayswater Road Rushcutters Bay</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>$445,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.enr.com.au/" target="_blank">Eastern Network Realty</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/51 Wolseley Road Point Piper</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ballardproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Ballard Property</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>50 Shackel Avenue Clovelly</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>$2,060,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19 Broughton Street Paddington</td>
<td>Postponed</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.1stcity.com.au/" target="_blank">1st City Hasemer + Caldwell-Eyles</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>301/1 Hollywood Avenue Bondi Junction</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>$1,150,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/pottspoint" target="_blank">Belle Property Potts Point</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8/28 Oxford Street Woollahra</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>42 Hopetoun Street Paddington</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.bradfieldcleary.com.au/" target="_blank">BradfieldCleary</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12/130-138 Avoca Street Randwick</td>
<td>Postponed</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mint360property.com.au/" target="_blank">Mint360property</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>303/281 Elizabeth Street Sydney</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$975,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.wilsonproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Wilson Property Agents</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1/1 Ocean Street Woollahra</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.cooleyauctions.com.au/www.ppdre.com.au" target="_blank">Phillips Pantzer Donnelley</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2 Forbes Street Paddington</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>$1,250,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.charlesstuart.com.au/" target="_blank">Charles &amp; Stuart</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13/366 Edgecliff Road Woollahra</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$1,225,500</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/doublebay" target="_blank">LJ Hooker Double Bay</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>271A Old South Head Road Bondi Beach</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2 Wallaroy Crescent Woollahra</td>
<td>Passed In (VB)</td>
<td>$5,300,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.alisoncoopes.com/" target="_blank">Agency by Alison Coopes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8/20 Abbott Street Coogee</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>$750,000</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mybhr.com/" target="_blank">BHR Estate Agents</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3/56 Wilberforce Avenue Rose Bay</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1 Cecil Road Rose Bay</td>
<td>Sold</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/doublebay" target="_blank">LJ Hooker Double Bay</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3/6 Pine Street Randwick</td>
<td>Sold Prior</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td><a href="https://www.mybhr.com/" target="_blank">BHR Estate Agents</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7/33 Kimberley Street Vaucluse</td>
<td>Withdrawn</td>
<td>-</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ljlevi.com.au/" target="_blank">LJ Levi Real Estate</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Sydney's eastern suburb auction overload sees 42% clearance rate after 14 withdrawals

<html><body>
The Chase, the historic trophy property at Sutton Forest, has been bought for $5.8 million by the Malaysian horse racing tycoon Teo Ah Khing.
The five-bedroom 1880s house with a reception hall, formal sitting room and dining room, billiard room and living room is on 40 hectares in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Surrounded by sweeping lawns, hedged and walled gardens and exotic trees, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-sutton+forest-7594107" target="_blank">The Chase</a> homestead comes with a cottage, stables, barn and cattle yards as well as a pool and tennis court.
The restored and extended house comes with 3.35-metre-high Wunderlich ceilings.
It has 600 square metres of internal living space after extensions in the early 1980s. 
Teo Ah Khing, who linked up with Coolmore to spend $2 million-plus on yearlings by Fastnet Rock for the China Horse Club, was the big new comer at the 2013 Easter Inglis yearling sales..
It was sold by John Starr, a real estate franchise tsar of Sydney's western suburbs, through Bill Carpenter from W. Mcl. Carpenter and Associates earlier this year with the buyer details recently revealed on settlement. John Starr had bought it for $5.25 million from the retired Compaq executive Ian Penman, turned listed property website chief executive, and his wife, Ayesha.
The Penman's had bought it from insurance industry operative Rob Porter in 1996 for $2.6 million.
It had sold at $2.55 million in 1991.
John Starr, who has downsized to a smaller property in the area, sold it to a company associated with the Teo family, who have plans to use the estate’s stables, yards and barn to raise broodmares on the farm.
Teo heads <a href="https://www.desertstarholdings.com" target="_blank">Desert Star</a>, the parent company of the China Horse Club whose horse, Zululand became the first group winner for The China Horse Club in Australia in its second year of racing in the region with the win in the G2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes (1400 metres) at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne in March.
Teo Ah Khing has a design consultancy TAK Design Consultants which fulfilled the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, by designing and completing the iconic Meydan Racecourse for the 2010 Dubai World Cup. 
It has made its presence felt in the global equine affairs with another landmark project – Tianjin Equine Culture City (TECC) – in China. The CHC Clubhouse won the 5-star award in the International Property Awards for Asia Pacific Region in May last year.
Teo has also brought together the global leaders of horse racing in France and Ireland, as partners to re-introduce the sport of horseracing in China. 
Another significant Southern Highlands equine property Belle Cheval, previously known as Longview at Wildes Meadow, remains listed for sale. 
Dellarose Swanson-Baevski has a $4.5 million asking price on <a href="https://www.andrewhearn.com.au/listings/residential-129854-lifestyle/" target="_blank">the 30-hectare Wildes Meadow holding</a>. It's one of the best-equipped equestrian properties in the Highlands, with an eight-bay stable, heated feed room and a floodlit outdoor dressage arena. It was initially listed with $5 million hopes. It was bought in 2007 for $4.45 million by Dellarose Swanson-Baevski who has since secured the property fully from Michael Baevski, with its now-demolished 800 square metre house built by Ayesha Penman.
It was then known as Longview, the flagship development for the Penman's development company Vistatop, designed as the sister property for The Chase in Sutton Forest, by Ayesha Penman and husband Ian, who had established Compaq in Australia and New Zealand.
The five-bedroom house with a separate billiard pavilion is on a 30-hectare property had been bought from green thumb Don Burke in 2003.
Its being marketed by Andrew Hearn as "arguably the most panoramic uninterrupted views in the Southern Highlands extend from this incredible horse property in Wildes Meadow."
"The horse facilities are fabulous with irrigated and floodlit 70 metres x 30 metres dressage arena with soil-tex fabric and sand surface.
"There are 23 Day yards all post and rail with auto waterers, and divided by laneway system. 
"There is a eight bay stable complex with adjustable walls to suit the size and needs of the horse, a magnificent tack and wash house with ruba-roc surface throughout heated rug and tack rooms as well as another kitchen and laundry area for those colder highlands mornings," Andrew Hearn's marketing says.
There is also a fully equipped level jump area.
</body></html>

Malaysian tycoon Teo Ah Khing - from China Horse Club - snaps up historic The Chase at Sutton Forest

<html><body>
Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury is selling his Albert Park abode.
Pendlebury purchased the double-fronted Victorian house at 23 Boyd Street in late 2011 for $1.3 million, as he moved from <a href="/news/vic/scott-pendlebury-secures-newport-cottage-offer">Newport</a>.
With his fiancee Alex Davis, he is now looking to buy something larger, possibly in much the same neighbourhood.
Pendlebury attended the recent no-bid auction of 164-166 Nelson Road, South Melbourne (pictured below), a double-fronted five bedroom, three level Edwardian that was renovated a couple of years ago by architect Dean Lewis with interiors designed by Kerry Phelan. It has been listed with as yet unrealised $4.5 million hopes.
<img src="/images/2014/04/15/south%20melbourne%20april%2015.jpg" alt="">
Pendlebury's current three bedroom home has another bedroom in a self-contained studio at the rear.
John Holdsworth, of Greg Hocking Holdsworth, is quoting $1.5 million plus for the 26 April auction.
</body></html>

Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury lists Albert Park abode

<html><body>
The cheapest Sydney property sold on the mega pre-Easter super Saturday was a 15 square metre studio in the Belgenny, Surry Hills apartment block which fetched $220,000.
That's $14,600 a square metre in the 1937 art deco block.
It was on the third floor at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/studio/nsw/darlinghurst/?adid=2011063994" target="_blank">305/389 Bourke Street</a> on the Campbell Street corner, overlooking Taylor Square, selling through through Bill Lazaris Real Estate in conjunction with Raine &amp; Horne Commercial agent Jayne Edwards.
It last sold at $124,500 in 2006, reflecting seven percent price growth, and before that at $68,000 in 1995, $53,5000 in 1993 and $53,000 in 1992.
The studio, which overlooks the lively Taylor Square, was offered vacant possession but with a current annual rental income of $14,300 - around $275 a week since tenanted in mid-2011 - reflecting a 6.5% yield.
The light filled 15 square metre studio was offered in original condition with kitchenette and bathroom.
It was marketed by the local agent Bill Lazaris as a "great investment opportunity for your SMSF, inner city pad or first home buyers.
Bill Lazaris told Property Observer the investor buyer had already asked the tenant to vacant when convenient so a renovation can get underway.
"It offers a pretty good return as is," he added.
There were eight registered buyers who attended the 15 square metre studio auction which was held concurrent with the auction of a same floor 34 square metre studio unit that fetched $320,000, up from its $245,000 sale in 2008. It had a $20,800 annual income, again reflecting a 6.5% rental yield and 4.3% annual price growth during the past six years.
Mr Lazaris told Property Observer he has secured a $200,000 sale late last year in the nine storey apartment block that reflected $16,600 a square metre sale price.
Strong seven percent price growth isn't guaranteed highlighting the importance of not overpaying.
A recent seventh floor one bedroom sale at $352,500 was only marginally higher than the $320,000 sale secured in boom time 2003 when offloaded by the Cameron Oates Property group. Its price growth during the decade was not even one percent per year. It has since become available at $400 a week rental, reflecting 5.9% rental yield.
The most expensive property sold on Sydney’s mega super Saturday was a Northwood waterfront with the lower north shore offering selling for $4.95 million with three registered parties.
With views over Woodford Bay<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-northwood-nsw-2066/217756/?searchID=38320798" target="_blank"> from its 845 square metre holding</a>, 111B Northwood Road, Northwood, attracted a $4.6 million opening bid.
It was passed in at $4.75 million selling shortly afterwards, reflecting $5,850 a square metre.
McGrath agent Brent Courtney told Fairfax Media that the vendor's selling reserve was “adjusted” during the negotiations.
Canterbury Bankstown reported the highest regional clearance rate in Sydney at the weekend with a strong 89.1% result.
The next best district was Sydney's northern beaches at 85.5% followed by the south with 83.3%, the lower north with 82%, and the north west with 81.8%.
The inner west's 81% represented the district being in the unusual position of being at the weaker end of the auction market.
"Sydney’s record-breaking early autumn auction market takes a well-earned breather over the next two weekends with the distractions of the Easter and ANZAC Day holiday breaks," APM's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said.
"The market will pick-up over the weeks following the break but lower buyer and seller activity can be expected moving into the typically quieter winter period.
"Not surprising perhaps given record listing numbers, Saturday’s clearance rate failed to reach 80% for the first time this year.
"After recording 10 consecutive weekends with a clearance rate at or above 80% since 1 February, the market stepped back just a fraction for a nonetheless strong 78.1% result.
"Although record listing numbers were a factor in a reduced clearance rate this weekend, the result nevertheless adds to the recent downward trend that indicates a moderating of buyer activity as affordability constraints start to bite in the market," he added.
</body></html>

Art deco Surry Hills studio sells for $220,000 reflecting 7% annual growth

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News