Inside Dawn: A snapshot of where Sydney’s growth corridors are headed

As Sydney continues to densify around new infrastructure corridors, Melrose Park is fast emerging as one of the city’s most ambitious urban renewal projects. 

Melrose Park is quietly evolving into a test case for what higher-density living can look like when green space, infrastructure, and long-term planning are part of the equation from the outset.

One of the latest additions to Melrose Park is Dawn, a collection of 368 apartments developed by Sekisui House Australia and joint venture partner Hankyu Hanshin Properties. Enquiry continues to flow from both first and next home buyers, as well as a handful of investors who are interested in the long-term growth opportunities in the growing suburb.

Dawn’s location sits within walking distance of the proposed Melrose Park Town Centre, which is expected to include two supermarkets, specialty stores and new dining precincts. The future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will run through the area, complemented by a resident-only shuttle to Meadowbank Station and Wharf. Alongside the resident shuttle are new walking and cycling links through the neighbourhood and into surrounding suburbs.

With Parramatta just 10 minutes to the west and Sydney CBD about 30 minutes by car, the precinct is strategically positioned between two employment centres. A new public high school is also planned nearby.

Together, they reflect a more European model of city-making: mixed-use, highly walkable, and designed to grow over time.

“Our early marketing efforts are focused on encouraging early registrations, as we know buyers are eager to secure the best park-side apartments, particularly those at the most competitive price points," the Sekisui team noted.

"As an emerging hotspot and masterplanned community, Dawn and Melrose Park offer buyers the opportunity to be part of a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood with an exciting future.”

Designed by GroupGSA, Dawn prioritises natural light, ventilation and a strong connection to the outdoors. Every apartment includes a balcony, with many offering open views across the community’s central park - a two-hectare green space featuring walking trails, picnic areas and children’s play zones, and one of several public open spaces planned across the 30-hectare precinct.

The mix includes one, two and three-bedroom homes, as well as a limited number of penthouses with rooftop terraces.

Apartment sizes range from 51 sqm for one-bedders to 119 sqm for three-bedrooms, plus additional outdoor space. Each home includes basement parking, ducted air conditioning, Bosch appliances and integrated smart home features. Buyers also have the option to customise finishes, including upgrades to Miele appliances and timber flooring.

The broader Melrose Park masterplan spans more than 30 hectares and is among the largest urban renewal projects currently underway in New South Wales. 

Sustainability and design are central to the precinct’s planning, with Dawn achieving a 5-Star WELL rating for health and wellbeing design features. Residents will also have access to shared rooftop gardens, landscaped podium areas and private communal spaces.

Sekisui House is currently offering a five per cent deposit option - a move that aligns with broader efforts across the industry to lower barriers to entry in a high-cost market, without compromising build quality or location. For buyers weighing up their entry point, apartments at Dawn start from $649,000.

Construction on Dawn has commenced, and slated for completion in mid-2027.