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The award-winning Villa Howden in Tasmania has been listed for sale. 
Located on 4.5 acres at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-howden-124028906" target="_blank"> 77 Howden Road, Howden</a>, the estate has multiple uses, including wedding receptions, conferences and accommodation. 
The French provisional inspired 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom property expands over three levels and features a helipad, an a-la-carte restaurant with seating for 80 inside and 30 outside, a piano bar and a heated indoor swimming pool. 
The multi-purpose chateau-style estate also features Juliet balconies for most rooms and a separate two-story family villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 
The villa currently provides boutique luxury accommodation to people visiting the North West Bay area, about 20 kilometres south of Hobart. 
The property is offered by Unique Estate’s Australia agents Nicolette Van Wijngaarden and Dominic Romeo. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Tasmania's stunning  Villa Howden hits the market

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Sekisui House, the world's largest residential construction company, has revealed Gledswood Hills is the first location in Australia to feature its latest and largest home design.
It is from its SHAWOOD collection.
The four double-storey SHAWOOD ‘Type G’ home is currently under construction.
They are now available to purchase at The Hermitage, Gledswood Hills.
Craig D’Costa, General Manager for SHAWOOD at Sekisui House said more than six months of research and design development had been invested into the home.
"One of the several defining features underpinning every SHAWOOD home is Sekisui House’s proprietary metal joint and laminated post and beam construction system.
"This distinctive method of construction brings absolute precision to the Australian home building industry and delivers substantial improvements in quality and reliability," he said.
The structure allows for large uninterrupted spans that can create double height voids and generous space to optimise views, light and function.
The Type G SHAWOOD home design offers a light-filled void area upon arrival in the entry foyer and lounge area.
Minutes from Leppington in Sydney’s South West, The Hermitage, Gledswood Hills is a 307 hectare masterplanned community, boasting 35 hectares of parkland and green open spaces, 120 hectares of golf course and a future Greg Norman designed and constructed 9-hole course, scheduled to be playable by 2018.
It will also include Gledswood Village, a mixed-use precinct spanning over seven hectares that will include residential, retail, commercial, leisure and entertainment opportunities and a primary school slated for 2020.
Brand new complete SHAWOOD homes are now selling in Gledswood Hills from $879,000.
The Sales and Information Centre is located on the corner of Fairbank Drive and Camden Valley Way, Gledswood Hills in South West Sydney.
Visit <a href="https://www.shawoodaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank">www.shawoodaustralia.com.au</a>
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New SHAWOOD home design launched at the Hermitage, Gledswood Hills

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Rumours abound the Presbyterian Church Property Trust has paid more than $15 million for a 6000sqm beachfront site that includes Sydney's Primrose House at Dolls Point, Botany Bay.
The site, 190 Russell Avenue at Dolls Point is zoned R2 Low Density Residential and part RE1 Public Recreation.
The sale by Government Property NSW, was made through Savills director, Residential Site Sales, Stuart Cox, who said the vendor declined to comment on the confidential sale price.
"The sale was hotly contested by a vast array of buyers including function and wedding venue operators," he said.
"High net worth individuals looking to restore the existing home to its former glory, residential developers, child care operators, hotel operators and schools were also among the bidders.
"Rarely does a circa 6000 square metre parcel of beachfront land situated within such close proximity to the Sydney CBD and all local amenities, get offered to the market.
"This was one of those rare occasions and the market response was predictably enormous with the purchaser paying well above expectations,’’ Mr Cox said.
 
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6000 sqm Dolls Point church site on Botany Bay sold for $15 million

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Scott Juniper of Cube Developments has launched Vibe Coolum, a $33 million beach house designer home project at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.
Prices are from $645,000 to $825,000.
Vibe Coolum will comprise of 43 premium individual beach houses close to patrolled surf beaches, surf club, boardwalks, tranquil coves and a thriving café strip.
Mr Juniper said Vibe Coolum would offer seven unique styles to choose from.
<img src="/images/2016/11/28/House-B_Final-2500.jpg" alt="">
Starting from $645,000, the beach houses will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms.
They will have use of a resident’s pool and BBQ area.
Juniper said 10 of the properties will be equipped for SOHO (small office/home office) businesses offering 51 sqm of street-front access to either work from home or run a boutique coastal business.
Currently selling off the plan, Vibe Coolum is expected to be completed by end-2017.
<img src="/images/2016/11/28/Cutaway%20House%20A%20Colour%20Final%202500.jpg" alt="">
 
Visit <a href="https://www.vibecoolum.com.au/" target="_blank">www.vibecoolum.com.au</a>.
 
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Scott Juniper's Cube Developments launches $33 million beach house project Vibe at Coolum

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The period property at 266 Domain Road in South Yarra has been listed for expressions of interest. 
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence built in 1928 is located between the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River. 
Built by architect Roy Stevenson in the style of the Arts and Crafts Movement and renovated by architect David Wilkinson, the 1,100 square metre <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+yarra-123961346" target="_blank">Hollywood-style property features</a> its original Jarrah flooring, double hung Georgian windows and a butler's pantry. 
The residence also features a ground floor adjoining self-contained apartment with private access.
The property is offered through Nicole Gleeson and Michael Gibson at Kay and Burton, South Yarra. 
Expressions of interest close on December 6. 
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Period South Yarra trophy listed

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The acceptance of digital signatures on contracts is the final barrier in offering a streamlined online service for property buyers and sellers according to lawlab.
Lawlab partners with real estate groups, finance aggregators and brokers to deliver their highly-rated conveyancing services through the secure online collaboration platform Rundl.
In February this year Rundl and Docusign announced a partnership to bring the contract signing and exchange process completely online.
The result is that deals can be signed and exchanged online within minutes, no paperwork, no driving contracts between solicitors.
This forms an integral part of lawlab’s user friendly, digitally-driven experience that steps all parties through the time consuming and stressful conveyancing process.
Ian Perkins, managing director of lawlab said more than 25,000 transactions have been delivered over the past four years.
"But what is preventing us from fully streamlining the service was the acceptance of digital signatures," he said.
"We have been waiting for the industry to catch up.
"Now we are starting to see more industry players accept this technology.”
Digital signatures are legally valid and have been used for many years to sign documents in all types of industries.
It is relatively new for real estate contracts to be signed electronically and by introducing this as standard practice lawlab are leading the way in making the contract exchange process easier and more convenient for buyers and sellers.
Tifanie Milton, a recent home seller from Queensland said, signing the contract was so much easier using lawlab.
"I was waiting in the lounge to board a flight when I got a message from lawlab that my sale contract terms had been agreed and the contract was ready to sign," she said.
"Within minutes, I received a link to the contract by email and was able to sign it digitally using DocuSign on my laptop.
"The contract was automatically forwarded to the buyer for them to countersign digitally and on getting off the plane I was informed the contract had been exchanged.
New player to the Australian market Purplebricks chose lawlab as their preferred conveyancing partner.
How it works
1. The seller or real estate agent submits an electronic request to lawlab to contact the seller through the Rundl platform.
2. A lawlab legal adviser contacts the seller within 2 business hours and starts the contract preparation and conveyancing process.
3. The contract of sale and any associated documents are issued within 48 hours (can vary depending on local council) and are uploaded to Rundl which notifies the real estate agent and seller.
4. Once a buyer is ready to sign lawlab will set up the signing sequence and issue a link to the documents for signing by all parties.
5. By following the prompts, the seller is first to sign the contract documents digitally.
6. Signing is easy and secure and can be done using the default stylised font of the signer’s name. Other ways to sign are by using a mouse/stylus pen or by uploading a digital signature.
7. No witnessing is required and lawlab contracts include a special condition acknowledging this.
8. The signed contract documents are then automatically forwarded to the buyer. The buyer’s lawyer also receives a copy of the contract documents so the buyer can contact their lawyer if they have any questions.
9. Once the buyer has countersigned the contract documents, the contract is exchanged and all the parties receive a full copy of the exchanged contract.
DocuSign produces a report for every contract showing who, where and when the contract was signed.
This report can be used as evidence if there is any question about who has signed the contract.
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Property 101: Acceptance of digital signatures – the final piece of the digital conveyancing puzzle

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Pointcorp, have signed a management agreement for a new build Hotel Indigo, to be located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
The 140-room hotel on 458 Brunswick Street is the first Hotel Indigo signing for Australia and New Zealand.
It is due to open in 2020.
Hotel Indigo is IHG’s lifestyle boutique hotel offering. 
Karin Sheppard, Chief Operating Officer Australasia &amp; Japan, IHG said the search has been underway since late 2014.
It will be developing it in partnership with Pointcorp whose developments include Brisbane The Highgate and luxuriously appointed riverfront Vida.
IHG currently has 26 hotels operating under four brands in Australia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
Launched in 2004, there are 72 Hotel Indigo properties (8,500 rooms) globally with 68 hotels (9,700 rooms) in the pipeline.
In 2017, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach will open.
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IHG signs first Hotel Indigo in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley

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Rural land at Federal, in the Byron Bay hinterland, is for sale at $1.85 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential%20land-nsw-federal-201570158">330 Federal Drive</a>, the 35 ha of prime agricultural land has a picturesque rural outlook.
It features two large sheds and a large dam with frontage to the creek.
The property is offered by Byron Bay LJ Hooker agent Tony Farrell.
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35 ha agricultural land at Federal for sale

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A rural Victorian Methodist manse has been listed for sale. 
Located on two hctares acres at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-batesford-124189410" target="_blank">39 Blackall Road</a> in Victoria’s Batesford, the restored property offers a 21st century feel inside a piece of Geelong history. 
The five bedroom, four bathroom house features marble fireplaces, hydronic heating, and an updated kitchen complete with Falcon stove, Miele dishwasher and a butler’s pantry. 
Belonging to the Lutheran church, the manse had served the Geelong community for years before being restored and converted into a residence.
The property is offered by Marcus Falconer and Michael Majczyna at Hodges in Geelong.
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Methodist manse in Batesford, Victoria listed

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A three bedroom home at North Manly is for auction with its $1.6 million hopes now adjusted to $1.5 million.
Located at <a href="https://stonerealestate.agentboxcrm.com.au/100P4695" target="_blank">2 Ankali Place</a> the Opdetjerp, with its name etched onto a sign, has an open plan central living/dining that is handsomely divided by an atomic-style fireplace.
It also has a lock up garage with internal access, plus gated off-street parking for two cars.
It has separate lounge plus a rumpus/retreat downstairs and two glass enclosed sunrooms.
The kitchen is spacious and highly functional with walk-in pantry and breakfast bar.
The master bedroom is generously spacious with a walk-in robe, ensuite and north facing balcony.
The leafy terraced gardens has a covered BBQ area along with fruit trees and fish pond.
The auction is December 10 through Stone Real Estate agents James Hawley and John Hall.
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North Manly home, the Opdetjerp, for auction

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]

Joel Robinson

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.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

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