Arada secures approval for $650 million Castle Hill apartment development, Wattle Green

Dubai-based developer Arada has secured planning approval for its second major Sydney apartment development in a matter of weeks, with the NSW Government giving the green light to its $650 million Wattle Green project in Castle Hill.

The approval will see 445 apartments delivered across three buildings in the Hills Showground Precinct, including a 25-storey tower that will become the tallest approved building in the precinct.

The development, designed by Turner with landscaping by Arcadia, will occupy a site spanning more than 14,000 sqm diagonally opposite Hills Showground Metro Station.

The apartment mix will comprise 54 one-bedroom, 272 two-bedroom, 83 three-bedroom and 36 four-bedroom residences, including 25 affordable homes.

The approval follows Arada's recent planning consent for London Place in Campsie, continuing the UAE developer's rapid expansion into the Australian apartment market since entering the country in 2024.

Wattle Green will be anchored by the 25-storey tower, alongside two lower-rise buildings. Each building will have its own rooftop amenities, while shared facilities across the development will include an outdoor swimming pool, landscaped podium gardens, a gym, wellness spaces, coworking facilities, private dining rooms and communal lounges.

Arada is targeting a broad owner-occupier market, with larger apartment configurations designed to appeal to families and downsizers looking to remain in the Hills District.

The location, directly across from the Metro, will provide connections to Norwest, Macquarie Park, North Sydney and the Sydney CBD. Castle Towers shopping centre is one stop away.

Arada Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said the project would bring the developer's community-focused approach to one of Sydney's most established residential markets.

"Castle Hill is one of Sydney's most established and desirable residential communities, and Wattle Green presents an exciting opportunity to bring our approach to community-focused development to a location that combines exceptional connectivity with an established lifestyle offering."

"Our vision is to create homes that go beyond the traditional apartment experience. By combining generously proportioned residences with an extensive range of wellness, leisure and social amenities, we are creating a community that gives residents the space, comfort and convenience they value most."

Registrations of interest are expected to open later in November, with construction targeted to commence in the first quarter of 2027. Completion is anticipated towards the end of 2029.

The Castle Hill approval adds to Arada's growing Australian development pipeline, which now comprises more than 6,000 homes.

Globally, the group has a development pipeline valued at more than $73 billion, encompassing over 70,000 homes across the UAE, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Arada has also been expanding its presence elsewhere in Sydney. Its recently approved 33-storey The London development in Campsie will deliver 156 apartments, while the developer is progressing a separate proposal for 346 apartments across three towers at One Campsie. They also have plans for nearly 1,000 apartments in Broadbeach.

Last year Arada acquired Australian construction company Roberts Co as it builds out its local development and delivery operations.