&nbsp;

A local Australian has spent a Lower North Shore record $15.1 million at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the new TOD above the recently opened Crows Nest Metro Station.

The buyer amalgamated a penthouse and sub-penthouse to create the triplex apartment that will have five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private rooftop pool, expansive terrace, and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and skyline. The building is being created by burgeoning developer Third.i, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors.

The buyer was drawn to Elevate’s unrivalled connectivity, situated directly above the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro Station, and the vibrant lifestyle precinct that surrounds it. The Metro connects to the CBD in just seven minutes, and Chatswood in four.

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Designed by internationally acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, Elevate draws inspiration from the ancient blue gum forests native to the area. The building is a Net Zero development, created in consultation with Indigenous communities and exceeding sustainability benchmarks. Interiors feature chevron-engineered timber flooring, natural stone benchtops, and premium Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, delivering timeless elegance and next-level comfort.

The exchange of the $15.1 million apartment, follows a recent $5 million sale, and over $30 million currently in expressions of interests. Interest in Elevate’s penthouse stock has surged, reflecting a strong appetite for ultra-luxury residences that combine design excellence with unmatched connectivity.

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“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group.&nbsp;

“These recent sales are a testament to the vision behind Elevate. It’s not just about luxury finishes or panoramic views, it’s about creating homes that are deeply connected to the city and the community. Buyers are responding to that. They want to live somewhere that offers more than just a postcode, they want culture, convenience, and long-term value. Elevate delivers all of that, and more.”

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As part of the Hume Place precinct, Elevate is transforming Crows Nest into Sydney’s most dynamic urban village. Elevate’s unique position directly above the metro, combined with its curated amenity offering, has made it a magnet for buyers seeking a future-proof investment and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

The next release at Elevate is expected later this year.

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“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group


Joel Robinson

Third.i & PPI set Lower North Shore apartment record with $15.1m sale at Elevate Hume Place penthouse amalgamation

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

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Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

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The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

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The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

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Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

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BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

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BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29359]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204929]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204939]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=22748]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204929]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204938]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204930]

"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191246]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191254]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191259]

“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.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112005]

Castle Island stitches together architecture and landscapes to capture the natural spirit of the suburb

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