<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

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The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

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Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

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Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

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Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

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Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

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The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

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Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

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The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

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Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

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The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

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MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

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It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

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Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

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Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

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Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

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Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

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For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199355]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=207474]

"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199352]

"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.

[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.

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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.

[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.

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Castle Island stitches together architecture and landscapes to capture the natural spirit of the suburb

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