Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co Developments</a> has officially launched its $250million COMO apartment development in Varsity Lakes, while simultaneously commencing construction.&nbsp;

Building work is now underway at COMO following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a> as contractor to deliver the boutique development which will rise on a 2857 sqm site overlooking Lake Orr at 22 Lake Street.

When completed, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels located in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

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The project, which will sit alongside Bond University, will deliver a diverse array of apartment designs comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that have already attracted interest from local and interstate investors as well as an array of owner occupiers looking to gain a foothold in the precinct.

Red &amp; Co, which has largely focused on the Brisbane market in recent years where it has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects, has designed COMO to combine tranquil, lakeside living with the vibrant urban convenience of the vibrant Varsity Lakes village.

“We’re thrilled to announce a start to construction of COMO in conjunction with the official launch of the project, our first for the Gold Coast,” said Red &amp; Co Director and Co-Founder David Laverty.

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“COMO is superbly positioned to capture the essence of the Varsity Lakes village lifestyle and its thriving café and dining precinct, while delivering a much-needed diverse supply of premium residences for the local market.

“Pre-launch inquiries have been strong among both local and interstate investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and upgraders who appreciate the value proposition that COMO represents.”

Prices at COMO start from $1,000,050.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the COMO development incorporates an extensive range of amenities for residents including a 25-metre rooftop lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, as well as multiple rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts, a wellness and activity centre, gym, sauna, plunge baths and landscaped gardens.

“COMO presents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish, lifestyle-focused home in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after neighbourhoods,” added Laverty.

“The rooftop will be the epicentre of fun for residents with an array of amenities for residents that are quite unique for a boutique project such as this, all while offering spectacular vistas across the Gold Coast as far north as Southport and south to Burleigh.”

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Red &amp; Co has chosen the Varsity Lakes site for its proximity to top-tier schools, major shopping hubs, such as Robina Town Centre and its CBD offering, as well as key Gold Coast transport links, including Varsity Lakes Train Station.

COMO will be located just a short walk to shops, cafes and restaurants in Varsity Lakes and just a 10-minute drive to the Burleigh Heads beachfront.

With construction currently underway, Red &amp; Co anticipates COMO will be completed in 2028.

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Joel Robinson

Red & Co to launch debut Gold Coast development Como Varsity Lakes as construction commences

Longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has acquired a prime development site on Surf Parade for its next Broadbeach apartment project.

Progressing towards completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-sterling-broadbeach-6-8-george-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Sterling Broadbeach</a>, 90 apartments on nearby George Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a>, led by second-generation family man Evan Raptis, has picked up a block on the corner of Surf Parade and First Avenue.

The site had been earmarked for a luxury apartment project with 33 full-floor apartments across a 37-storey tower. Raptis will go back to the drawing board and create a building more appropriate for the site. The development application will be lodged later this month.

Evan Raptis told Apartments.com.au the site ticks all the boxes.

"Broadbeach is a suburb we've developed several buildings over the years. Surf Parade ticks all the boxes for the type of apartment development we want to deliver."

Raptis had several pre-lodgement meetings with council to ensure they are aligned in the development.

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Surf Parade has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular streets in Broadbeach for development.

South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group kicked it off with Marella by Mosaic. Bassar Group sold out Infinity on the street, while for its&nbsp;first Gold Coast development, Polycell grabbed a Surf Parade site for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, which is nearly sold out.

Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched its fourth Gold Coast project on the exclusive strip. The Eveleigh Broadbeach will have 100 apartments across a 31-storey building designed by Rothelowman.

GV Property Group site development specialists Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who both amalgamate sites and sell shovel-ready sites to developers up and down the Gold Coast, sold Surf Parade to Raptis.

Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development

Less than two years after breaking ground, Gardner Vaughan Group is celebrating the topping out of Bask, its second development in the exclusive coastal enclave of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.&nbsp;

Located only minutes from the beachfront, the two seven-storey luxury apartment towers, known individually as Mydas and Caretta, offer a selection of one-to-four-bedroom residences with views of Lake Kawana, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

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Gardner Vaughan Group Commercial Director Sam Gardner said the milestone marks the home stretch for construction, with first residents expected to be able to move in from Spring 2026.&nbsp;

“This is a significant milestone in bringing this development to life and represents our confidence in this region’s long-term growth and appeal,” Gardner said.&nbsp;

“With 85 per cent of apartments already sold, buyers are joining an established, coastal village that offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast – seasonally patrolled surf beaches, renowned restaurants, and links to established health and retail.&nbsp;

“The final collection of three- and four- bedroom apartments range in size from 127sqm to 300sqm, each with two or three secure car parks and storage, and with construction fast approaching completion we don’t expect the last few apartments to remain on the market for long.”&nbsp;

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Local restaurateur Luke Stringer, who co-owns and manages the award-winning Bocca Italian and Playa Mexican restaurants in Bokarina, has lived in the beachside suburb for 18 months and worked there for more than three years, and said the beachside suburb was thriving.&nbsp;

“It’s fair to say Bokarina is finally stepping into the sun and there’s a lot to love about the place,"&nbsp;Stringer said.

"It’s such a great community, where you see the same smiling faces every morning and everything’s within easy reach – it’s the perfect hub in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

“When we first opened Bocca Italian, we were the lone restaurant, but it’s been amazing to see how the area has grown. The more venues that open, the busier it gets for everyone. When Playa Mexican opened its first Saturday night, Bocca had a record night and Playa was packed too, which blew us away how everyone is thriving.&nbsp;

“There’s a great energy around the place now, and people are really embracing Bokarina as a food and lifestyle destination.”&nbsp;

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Stringer joined other buyers at Bask Bokarina and the Gardner Vaughan Group team to celebrate the topping out at a special event in February.&nbsp;

Located in Kawana Waters, midway between Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina locals enjoy scenic walking paths around Lake Kawana, playgrounds, beachfront boardwalk and parklands, alongside all the convenience of a masterplanned beachside community.&nbsp;

“You see people jogging or swimming in the morning, then grabbing coffee at the cafes, people are really embracing the area and all this growth is bringing more people to Bokarina,” Stringer added.&nbsp;

To take advantage of the vistas, each of the 135 apartments at Bask is designed with full size windows and high ceilings that provide an abundance of natural light.&nbsp;

Prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1,599,000 and four-bedroom apartments start at $3,149,000.&nbsp;

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The mixed-use development also features ground-level retail space for cafés, dining options and boutiques, including the soon-to-be-opened ‘Corner Shop’, by the team behind Noosa’s well known ‘Organika’.

Sam Gardner said Gardner Vaughan Group’s 37-year history building and developing across South East Queensland has contributed to the success of its second development in Bokarina, which follows the recently completed Zinc Apartments.&nbsp;

“We care how people live and this is reflected in the way we approach the design and delivery of every development,” he said. “Furthermore, as a builder-developer we have full control over the construction program and our 100 per cent completion rate is something people can draw confidence from.”&nbsp;

Founded by civil engineers Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, the family-owned business has evolved from a consultancy firm to an award-winning builder-developer, with projects across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

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Gardner Vaughan Group tops out Bask Bokarina apartments

Prolific Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has launched its fourth new Gold Coast development in as many years.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a>, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has unveiled The Eveleigh, on a prime 1,100 sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company’s largest Gold Coast project to date. It builds on the success of its three earlier developments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">The Hemingway in Palm Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/emerson-kirra-100-musgrave-street-coolangatta">The Emerson at Kirra</a>, both completed, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves Mermaid Beach</a>, which is nearing completion.

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The announcement of The Eveleigh affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied. It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Fa​igen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with Hemingway.

The company has enlisted its preferred architecture firm Rothelowman to design The Eveleigh, which will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

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Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, The Eveleigh has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market. Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

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“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp;a​mp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosa​ic and Abedian &amp;a​mp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

"After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, The Eveleigh is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country. We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

Urban Activation Director Matt George is handling sales for The Eveleigh, having sold out The Emerson, The Hemingway, and Yves, all before construction was completed.

Melbourne builder MAXCON has already commenced construction on The Eveleigh. They are forecasting a mid-2028 completion.

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Hirsch & Faigen unveils The Eveleigh in Broadbeach

Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

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There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

&nbsp;

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Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

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The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

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Urban Property Group to close the curtain on award-winning Thornton precinct with Mayfair on Penrith release

Castle Hill

The Castle Hill Showground is undergoing a major transformation.

The new precinct will create a $1 billion destination town centre, linking into the world class Sydney Metro, with the Showground Station, along with the various cultural offerings penned, upon completion.

Hong Kong headquartered, KWG Group are one of the first developers to take to the burgeoning area, with a $300 million residential project currently under construction.

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Castle Island will be located in the heart of the Showground precinct, designed to be a tranquil sanctuary amongst the urban revitalisation.&nbsp;

A team of international architects and designers have collaborated to deliver the project, with Sydney locals Giles Tribe Architects and Urbis collaborating with DLN from Hong Kong and Glyph Studio from Canada for the first stage of the development.&nbsp;

Crafted to be more generous than the standard Sydney apartment offering, the light filled living spaces connect seamlessly with expansive alfresco spaces, merging indoor and outdoor living.&nbsp;

"One of an unique features at Castle Island is the privacy it offers to our residences. Most of the apartments only have two neighbours in one floor, with two lifts servicing three units per floor," KWG say.&nbsp;

The corner units are oversized, offering three-aspects of views which bring in an abundance of natural light.

Pitched toward both the downsizer and family market, these apartments create a sense of house-like living, with ample space for every type of lifestyle.&nbsp;

Apartments are fitted out with engineered timber floors, grounding each of the homes in nature, while the adjoining spaces invite the lush verdant landscaping of Castle Island.&nbsp;

“The warm, natural styling creates a feeling of wellbeing and offers the perfect canvas for owners to create their own individual worlds. Something that reflects their personal tastes and lifestyle.”

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Inspired by native flora surrounding Castle Island, layered shades of grey, bronze, and charcoal feature in the living spaces, enlivened by the day’s changing light.&nbsp;

Each of the apartments can be coloured in a choice between two palettes, Woodland and Forest Floor.&nbsp;

Woodland features pale oak-inspired timbers, paired with stone grey Caesarstone benchtops and brushed bronze accents, while Forest Floor incorporates a contrasting mood, with creamy marble-look Caesarstone, black wenge cabinetry and on-trend matt black tapware.

“The interior design aims to evoke a sense of natural luxury with the materials and finishes carefully curated to produce a feeling of warmth, comfort and elegance in the residences.”

“Throughout the homes, there’s a feeling of tranquility with the use of natural materials and textures bringing a relaxed and uncomplicated feel to the free-flowing spaces.”

The well-appointed kitchens are designed for entertaining, boasting stone benchtops that feature a unique, fluted panel design that wraps around the central island, while black ceramic Miele appliances and a pull-out pantry deliver form and function.

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Spacious built-in wardrobes feature within the bedrooms, further complemented by plush carpet in either Alpine or Grey Dew.&nbsp;

Alongside the bedrooms, the bathrooms and ensuites deliver stylish havens in which to unwind.&nbsp;

Contemporary large-format tiles wrap across the walls and floors, adding to the sense of luxury with select master suites featuring a free-standing bath as a centrepiece.

Completing the bathrooms, with a hotel-inspired design, is Kohler tapware along with dual showerheads. &nbsp;

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alisonwarters@gmail.com

Inside the nature-inspired Castle Island residences

KWG Group are making it even easier to buy into their latest residential development, Castle Island.&nbsp;

The limited time offer is only available until the 31st of March in the Castle Hill project, with the scheme suited to downsizers who are still planning ahead for their next chapter in life.&nbsp;

The incentive will also cater to first home buyers who are looking to get a foot in the market, with the scheme allowing buyers to pay reasonable instalments while construction progresses, rather than handing over one lump sum.&nbsp;

Buyers will be able to secure an apartment with just $10,000 upon exchanging a contract, with the balance of a 10 per cent deposit to be paid across the next 18 months in monthly instalments until near completion of the project.&nbsp;

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The initial deposit of $10,000 can be exchanged on any Castle Island apartment, with the remaining sum indicative of the apartments price point.&nbsp;

For example, Unit 103 is priced at $688,000, which means the remaining balance required across the 18 month period will only be $68,800, which equals to approximately $3,222 in monthly payments across the period or by settlement,&nbsp;giving buyers more time to save.

Apartments priced at $1.49 million will only need to install $149,000 across the 18 month period, which equals to around $7,722 in monthly instalments.

Located near the new Castle Hill Showgrounds town centre, The $300 million Castle Island will comprise 295 apartments across seven buildings upon completion, which is slated for mid 2024.

Built around a nature zone, landscaping is a focal point across the development, with a large garden in the centre of the buildings, as well as three elevated sky gardens, complete with barbecues, a yoga lawn and twilight outdoor cinema.

Designed in a joint venture between Giles Tribe,&nbsp;ARVA Architects, DLN Architects, the apartments will feature full-height glazing, offering extensive views to the surrounding landscape and open spaces.&nbsp;

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The communal spaces have been designed by Glyph Studios, which will feature&nbsp;a clubhouse, gym, lobby, library, co-working spaces,&nbsp;private lounging nooks, yoga zones, games and play areas, as well as rooftop open spaces.&nbsp;

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are still available in the development, with prices starting at $619,000 for a one-bedder, through to $1.4 million for a three-bedroom apartment.&nbsp;

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$10K deposit incentive at Castle Hill's Castle Island apartments 

Deicorp has created an entire village at Castle Hill’s Showground precinct.&nbsp;

Located next to the Hills Showground Metro and above a vibrant retail precinct, the development offers the best of urban convenience and lifestyle.&nbsp;

Award-winning architects, Turner Studio have designed the stylish and generous one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with Deicorp's construction team expecting to complete construction in 2025.&nbsp;

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First home buyers are set to make up a crop of the purchasers in the Hills Showground Village, with new incentives introduced by the New South Wales Government which allow FHB's to pay no stamp duty.

All of the apartments at Hills Showground Village qualify under the First Home Buyer Choice program, with savings of more than $30,000 available when buying an $800,000 apartment.

Offering lush views across the Cattai Creek Corridor and the Castle Hill district, each of the homes at Hills Showground Village provide connection with their surroundings.

Apartment designs promote a sense of wellbeing and space, complete with highly functional living spaces spilling out onto generous outdoor areas, while floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the outside in, complemented with the warmth of the engineered European Oak timber floors that run throughout the living and dining spaces.

All kitchens come fully equipped with a SMEG oven and gas cooktops. Storage abounds with an integrated pull-out pantry, with some floorplans even including a handy study space.&nbsp;

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Generous communal podium amenities will serve each building, including barbecue, dining and entertainment facilities, a playground, and lushly landscaped gardens and green spaces.&nbsp;

The retail precinct will include a range of cafes and restaurants, along with over 30 speciality retail outlets and a major supermarket.&nbsp;

While leaving the Hills Showground Village is practically unnecessary, with everything on the doorstep of the site, the Hills Showground Metro is located next door, connecting residents to major employment centres, universities, Macquarie Park, Norwest, Chatswood, North Sydney, Barangaroo, and the CBD.&nbsp;

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A look at Deicorp's Castle Hill development, Hills Showground Village

Chapman Gardens, one of the most popular off the plan projects in the $1 billion redevelopment of the Hills Showground Precinct in Castle Hill, is offering a handful of rare terraces as part of its release.

Shant Van Kolck, Head of Sales and Marketing at developer CG, has already sold 70 per cent of the terraces in the stage one release, with the majority of buyers coming from the local area.

Downsizers and upgraders have shown the most interest in the terraces so far as stage two follows suit, with strong interest shown in the two and three-bedroom apartments and terraces.&nbsp;

"The terraces offer something completely different to what's available in the local area," Van Kolck says.

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There are four configurations on offer in the terrace release; two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus study, three-bedroom and three-bedroom plus study, featuring multiple designs, with majority being on-off opening out to private courtyards.

"The differing floorplans and style designs make the terraces stand out," Van Kolck adds.

"Not only is Chapman Gardens one of the only terrace or townhome offering in the area, even if more are to be developed in the future, every buyer at Chapman Gardens will be at home with their own unique residence."

Space and size is a major focal point in Chapman Gardens, with floor-to-ceiling windows invite ample natural sunlight into every terrace. More cupboard space in the kitchens has also been allocated, creating a more substantial and practical living arrangement. The bathrooms also include a separate shower and bathtub, which Van Kolck says is quite a rare offering within new developments these days.&nbsp;

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"A majority of apartments and terraces include the stock standard shower/bath combo. Without compromising on space, Chapman Gardens features both in the main-bathrooms, which we've seen really appeals to the downsizer market," Van Kolck says.

"Another major benefit buyers will see at Chapman Gardens is the fact we've appointed an on-site builder who will be around for two years after construction wraps up. So if there's any maintenance, or general building questions residents have, they'll be able to go straight to his door and organise a plan of action straight away."&nbsp;

Similar benefits have already been seen throughout the construction process, Van Kolck says, with the head builder on-site everyday able to execute and action design and building changes straight away.

A trio of award-winning professionals have come together for the Showground Precinct project.

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CG Group engaged PTW for the designs, with the development taking up a unique park fronting site overlooking what will be the 6,000 sqm Chapman Reserve.

"Currently the park sits at 2,000 sqm, but it will further developed to be more expansive and spacious," Van Kolck says.

"50 per cent of the development is allocated toward gardens and with no shadow diagram required, every residence in Chapman Gardens will receive double the sunlight compared to others."

Stage one of Chapman Gardens is tipped to settle early next year, with stage two following on in early 2024.&nbsp;

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The rare terrace offering drawing local downsizers to Chapman Gardens in Castle Hill

KWG are rolling into the new year offering buyers end of year incentives in their Castle Hill development, Castle Island.&nbsp;

The one-off end-of-year offers will see the group contribute to the first year of a buyer’s mortgage, giving up to three per cent of the contract price as a settlement adjustment.&nbsp;

Buyers will only need a $10,000 deposit, with an additional five per cent installed by the end of 2022, with a balance of another 10 per cent deposit needed by the end of March next year.&nbsp;

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The $300 million project will comprise 295 apartments across seven buildings upon completion, near the new Hills Showgrounds town centre.&nbsp;

Within a few paces of Castle Island, the $1 billion destination town centre will be linked into the world-class Sydney Metro station, along with the variety of cultural offerings within the Showground.

Led by the NSW government and anchored by a new civic plaza heart, the lively and walkable public realm will be active day, night, weekdays and weekends, with an abundance of green spaces incorporated as well, from a new park, to a green playground, all within a frisbee throw of the residences.&nbsp;

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Green at the heart, the nature-driven development stitches together architecture and landscapes to capture the natural spirit of the suburb, with local architectural firm Giles Tribe, collaborating with Hong Kong architects, ARVA and DLN in the design.

Fronted by three directors, Giles Tribe have been at the heart of some of Sydney’s largest and most successful master planned communities, including Breakfast Point, with Director Danny Yeung tipping Castle Hill Showground to become one of Sydney’s most vibrant and well connected neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

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Delivering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Castle Island is expected to attract interest from a range of buyers, including owner-occupiers, investors and downsizers, with floorplans spanning from 50 sqm to 135 sqm.&nbsp;

Featuring full-height glazed facades, each of the residences connect to extensive views of landscaped open space, immersing residents in the surrounding nature.&nbsp;

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The one-off end-of-year offers will see the group contribute to the first year of a buyer’s mortgage, giving up to three per cent of the contract price as a settlement adjustment

KWG to contribute to first year of mortgage at Castle Island, Castle Hill apartment development

Chapman Gardens is set to be one of the earliest completed projects in the new $1 billion Showground Precinct in Sydney's Castle Hill.

The first stage of the three-building, 258-apartment development is slated for completion early next year, with the whole project expected to be completed by early 2024.

The completion date has been an attractive proposition for buyers, Shant Van Kolck, head of sales and marketing at developer CG says.

"The precinct is coming alive and we'll be one of the earliest completed projects," Van Kolck recently told Urban.

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CG are a builder developer, which Van Kolck says has been another major drawcard for buyers.

"Because we're also building the project, buyers know our building timelines aren't going to blow out as much, and we have building teams on site all day to answer construction details about the project."

Chapman Gardens, on a massive 12,000 sqm site on Dawes Crescent, comprises three buildings, The Chapman, Greenview, and Parkfront, all focused on being surrounded in lush landscaping.

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Van Kolck says the team have tried to create something that sets it apart from the rest.

"There's a number of projects slated for the Showground Precinct, so it's important to develop something that brings buyers to your project and not anyone else's, and that's what we've done."

Chapman Gardens is unique in that it gave 50 per cent of the site back to gardens and landscaping, which meant the space between the three buildings is larger than anything else on the market.

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"No shadow diagram was requested as part of the development application," Van Kolck notes.

What the separation means for buyers is that not only is the project surrounded in walkways and outdoor meeting spaces, the apartments get double the amount of sunlight in winter than any other development in the immediate area.

Another drawcard for buyers Van Kolck says is that they've created the project in a way that will bring in a variety of different buyers.

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"There are a number of different configurations throughout, with the majority being one-off designs" Van Kolck says.

"We have a real mix of configurations across our three buildings, which means there's something for everyone. Some of the apartments have two bedrooms and two study rooms. No one offers that anywhere."

Van Kolck says it can be an attractive proposition for an investor who might be looking at an apartment's resale value and rental yield.

The majority of interest however has come from downsizers and upsizers, from the immediate area.

"Castle Hill and Hills District locals have shown the most interest, while we've got buyers coming from Macquarie Park and Hornsby who want to move into the area."

There's small touches that CG have made to their apartments, such as going with a five burner gas cooktop instead of four, and including butler's pantries as standard. Showers and baths have been separated in the bathrooms. Van Kolck says the modern day buyer is moving away from the traditional, and now quite outdated, shower and bath combo.

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The first stage of the three-building, 258-apartment development is slated for completion early next year, with the whole project expected to be completed by early 2024.

How Chapman Gardens created a point of difference in Castle Hill

Rolling lockdowns are a thing of the past, but what isn't is working from home.

At the census, albeit conducted in or around lockdown, 31 per cent of workers living in New South Wales were working from home, up from just five per cent at the 2016 census.

In Sydney, it was a jump from four per cent to 39 per cent.

And despite everything from cafes to borders reopened, the working from home trend is still continuing, which is making apartment developers rethink some of the amenity they are offering.

At Astrid, the latest Castle Hill apartment development to hit the market, the local developers went full throttle on the working from home spaces, in a more refined way that others.

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Their focus was to build a working from home space which actually took you away from the home, however without actually leaving.

Not content with just creating study nooks (which they also have done in most the apartments), the developer went out of their way to offer extensive opportunities to work from a different space through the project.

One of the most unique spots to work from is the outdoor cabana (main image). The innovative space is fully solar powered and has its own wifi. It will use&nbsp;only sustainable materials and the power of the sun.

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There's further work from home facilities in the&nbsp;Astrid Lounge, which provides a hub of work desks and lounges that are wifi-enabled and imbued in lush greenery.

"The idea for Astrid was that employees are working from home, but are often camped out on a dining room table or kitchen island," Turner Wolfe Director Matt Wolfe says.

"The developer went out of their way to create extensive, unique work from home facilities, which will give those buyers an option to get out of their apartments and work in an environment that's connected to nature, all without the commute."

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Of course not all employees require an office settings. The rooftop terrace surrounded in landscaping and with extensive skyline views is another option for remote workers.

And when working from home, lunchtimes look a little different.

There's a resort-style swimming pool in the project, as well as a fully-equipped gym.

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There are 94 apartments in the Zhinar Architects-designed Astrid, starting from $625,000 and ranging in price to $1.96 million.

Astrid sit in the booming Showground Precinct in Castle Hill, which is attracting significant investment including&nbsp;more restaurants and cafes, encouraging the dine-out lifestyle much closer to home.

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At Astrid in Castle Hill, the local developers went full throttle on the working from home spaces, in a more refined way that others

How the work from home movement inspired Astrid's amenity in Castle Hill

Castle Hill is set to see two huge new apartment developments that will bring well over 600 apartments to the burgeoning suburb.

Sydney developer Bathla Group are behind one of the two projects submitted to the local council in the last week.

The prominent Greater Sydney developer is planning a near $80 million, 350-apartment development&nbsp;across a 1.77 hectare site incorporating Dawes, Hughes, and Middleton Avenue's, will see the 350 apartments built across four buildings on the huge 1.77 hectare site.

The site, in the continually transforming Showground Station Precinct, is an amalgamation of 19 sites with 19 separate dwellings. It's just 300 metres from the Hills Showground Railway Station.

Bathla's plans are for 60 one-bed apartments, 205 two-beds, and 85 three-bed units. There will be 487 parking spaces, 407 for residents and 80 for visitors, as well as 10 motorcycle spaces and 151 bicycle parking spaces.

<img alt="Bathla Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54fa0f03-3b9a-44fc-894e-7a2ebd3bd47e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-20%20at%204.29.31%20pm.png?VersionId=.c6Ftav_1DVvbRIRQNJbcu8vw7W9yusD" /> 
The propose Bathla development. Image credit: Plus Architecture

The apartments will be spread across four buildings. Building A will have&nbsp;103 apartments, Building B 106, Building C 95, and Building D just 46. Each will rise six levels.

Plus Architecture noted in their architectural design statement that the development seeks to maintain a green and walkable setting, in keeping with the residential areas in Castle Hill which have lush landscaping with established street trees following the undulating topography.

"The proposal provides extensive green spaces through multiple open spaces, tree lined streets and garden areas within the street setbacks," Plus stated.

"The ground plane provides connectivity between the public domains and communal open spaces for the residents and general public."

"The proposal generally has four-storey articulated base podium to respond to the pedestrian movement and human scale. The four-storey podium is further broken down with various facade materiality and articulations to be expressed as either single or double storey expression from the ground to be sympathetic to the existing pedestrian network."

Just a 200 metre walk around the corner is another massive 1.6 hectare site which has plans for 315 apartments lodged this week.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86a7c67a-5e19-4ffc-9512-61f232aa37c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-18%20at%2010.51.06%20am.png?VersionId=7fyot877QUgMTojhQLi6hHA.HBn0vjba" /> 
The proposed Place Studios development. Image credit: Place Studios

There will be eight buildings in the $80 million development which fronts Dawes and Hughes Avenue and Cadman Crescent, with the plans submitted by town planners BMA Urban on behalf of architects Place Studio. 515 residential car spaces have been planned, a further 62 visitors spaces, 205 bicycle spaces, and 31 motorbike spaces.

It was noted in the submission that Place wanted to "deliver&nbsp;an architecturally unique and contemporary development that strives to set a new standard for high amenity residential developments."

They are seeking to deliver a modulated skyline with a variety of building heights, with taller elements creating visual interest.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3e06084-edad-41a6-a22b-75a15a6c65bb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-18%20at%2010.51.12%20am.png?VersionId=sP2J5SDBJEej9C3r7ujy6KgUQw.XJQ0w" />

Zenith Landscape Design are across the landscaping. The strategy from them "seeks to provide residents with a diversity of spaces and activities for their leisure that are both attractive and functional.

"The design aims to deliver opportunities for community gathering and private retreats across both the ground floor and rooftops. Large open lawns, seating pods and passive retreats have been integrated into the ground floor communal open space and is connected by a number of pedestrian paths through the development."

Sydney developer Bathla Group headlines the two projects submitted to the local council in the last week

First look: Castle Hill set for two huge new apartment developments

CBD Core has been building some of the Hills District's best apartment projects over the last two decades.

Their most recently completed project, Oriel, was in fact the first apartment building in the new Showground Station Precinct to be approved. The developer sold out during the COVID-hit, stop-start year back in 2020.

Now the developer and their team have launched their latest project, Astrid, located just behind Oriel.

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Astrid will comprise 94 one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed by Zhinar Architects, with prices ranging from $605,000 to $1.96 million.&nbsp;

Reacting to the needs of apartment dwellers post COVID, the developer went out of their way to create extensive work from home facilities known as the Astrid Lounge.

Not merely settling for a study nook in the apartments, Astrid will feature&nbsp;both indoor and outdoor communal spaces, outside of the apartments so those working from home have the option to still be away from where they reside.

Residents will also have access to a state-of-the-art gym, a resort-style heated swimming pool, and a rooftop with barbecues and seating spaces and a solar-powered cabana.

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Turner Wolfe Director Matt Wolfe says most of the buyer interest has come from locals who are aware of what CBD Core have produced in the past around the area.

"There's a de-risk there," Wolfe states. "Those buyers know the high level of product they are going to be getting at the finish line."

Wolfe states there are a lot of young professionals in the Hills District, and he expects more to populate the growing Castle Hill area.

"The Hills District is now in the process of creating that nighttime culture that is more common in suburbs on the fringe of the Sydney CBD," Wolfe states.

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"The one hectare Showground precinct will bring more restaurants and cafes, encouraging the dine-out lifestyle much closer to home."

There's also the extensive $300 million refurbishment of the Castle Towers Shopping Centre, which is just over one kilometre from Astrid. That's likely to attract the young family demographic to Astrid, Wolfe adds.

Astrid occupies a prime location, almost a literal stone's throw from the new Hills Showground Metro stop.

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Astrid will comprise 94 one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed by Zhinar Architects

Astrid, Castle Hill apartment development launches

Nature and gardens are the focal point at Castle Island, the new Castle Hill apartment development by KWG Property.

Set in the developing Showground Precinct, Castle Island will bring seven buildings to the burgeoning area, with 295 apartments designed by&nbsp;local architectural firm, Giles Tribe, along with two international architects, Hong Kong’s ARVA Architects and DLN Architects.&nbsp;

The communal spaces within Castle Island have been designed&nbsp;by Glyph Studio, with a large garden central to the project, along with&nbsp;three elevated sky gardens.

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Castle Island residents will also benefit from further amenity ,with a&nbsp;clubhouse, gym, lobby, library, co-working space, private lounging nooks, yoga zones, games and play areas, and a rooftop dining area all proposed for the $300 million development.&nbsp;

“The fine details in its architecture, landscaping and incredible onsite amenities reinforce the sense of place and the identity of ‘Castle Island’ as prized residential community,” said Giles Tribe Architects Director,&nbsp;Danny Yeung.&nbsp;

Castle Island stitches together architecture and landscapes to capture the natural spirit of the suburb.

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The north-facing central garden acts as an extension of the living spaces, drawing in natural light whilst also providing cool respite in the summer.

The three elevated sky gardens have all been designed with their own personality, sitting above the ground-plane, furnished with barbecues, intimate seating nooks, a yoga lawn and twilight outdoor cinema.

Well connected to the rest of Sydney by the&nbsp;new Sydney Metro Station, Castle Island delivers one, two and three-bedroom apartments to the Hills Shire, with&nbsp;full-height glazed facades designed to offer extensive views and connection to the surrounding nature.

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“Castle Hill Showground will become a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood with the opening of the Sydney Metro,” Yeung commented.

The one and two-bedroom apartments are being pitched at owner-occupiers and investors, while the premium 135 sqm, three-bedroom apartments are expected to generate interest from families, downsizers, and rightsizers.

Construction commencement is proposed for the end of the year, with stage one set to be complete by the second quarter of 2024.

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Castle Island stitches together architecture and landscapes to capture the natural spirit of the suburb

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