Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Castle Hill

Award-winning construction company, Alliance Project Group has been appointed to deliver KWG&rsquo;s landmark $300 million Castle Island residential project, set to land in&nbsp;Castle Hill&rsquo;s Showground precinct.

Alliance is a multi-award-winning construction company specialising in a comprehensive range of design and construct services, and complete, innovative project solutions.

KWG Group said they chose Alliance because they had an excellent reputation and a solid track record having delivered several similar large-scale, master-planned developments to an exceptional standard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191258]

Alliance Project Group Managing Director Rouad Elayoubi said&nbsp;the company was delighted to be partnering with KWG to deliver a truly exceptional residential development.

&ldquo;Our team is highly competent, efficient and well equipped for the task. We have delivered several similarly complex residential projects and have no doubt Castle Island will be crafted to an exceptional standard,&rdquo; Elayoubi said.&nbsp;

In the heart of Sydney&rsquo;s north-west, Castle Island will comprise seven towers which will be built across three stages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191259]

Construction is tipped to begin soon on stage one of the project, with 108 apartments to be built across three towers &ndash; believed to be valued at in excess of $100 million.

Local architecture practice, Giles Tribe, has teamed up with Hong Kong-based firms, DLN and ARVA to design Castle Island, with the luxury apartments to be made up of spacious proportions, many of which will offer sweeping views to the Hills District and Blue Mountains.

Canadian practice, Glyph Studio has conceived the interior designs of the project featuring a timeless design, creating a new benchmark for apartments in Castle Hill.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191246]

The project has been purpose-built on an island site, specially planned to maximise light and space.

Inspired by native flora, interiors of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as &lsquo;Sky Home&rsquo; residences, seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor zones, creating an all-seasons sanctuary on the adjoining alfresco spaces.

While the rapidly growing corridor of north-west Sydney&rsquo;s market continues to grow, Castle Island has been developed to suite a range of buyers, with Ray White Projects Managing Partner Eddie Mansour saying&nbsp;the broad range of apartments means first home buyers to the local downsizers or even rightsizers, can get in on Castle Island.

&ldquo;With construction now starting, buyers can plan to move into their immaculate new homes in Stage One by early 2024,&rdquo; Mansour said.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112005]

Construction is tipped to begin soon on stage one of the project, with 108 apartments to be built across three towers – believed to be valued at in excess of $100 million.



alisonwarters@gmail.com

KWG appoints Alliance Project Group to build $300 million Castle Island apartments

The hunt for property&nbsp;can be a long, drawn out, and&nbsp;arduous process.

But for the downsizing Hills District local Lillian, it took just a month, a testament to the quality on offer at her soon to be new home, Castle Hill's Grand Reve.

Lillian had viewed established apartments&nbsp;in the Rouse Hill, Norwest, and Parramatta areas, but felt there was something missing.

"At Grand Reve I feel as though I’m in a leafy, quiet family suburb but also incredibly close to a mega shopping centre with good retailers, entertainment and restaurants," Lillian says, adding that the metro also being close by is "win win".

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197733]

Lillian&nbsp;was pointed in the direction of Grand Reve by her family, who work in the real estate industry in Riverstone.

"I had discussed with them my thoughts of downsizing to a new apartment and they knew of Grand Reve," Lillian says.

"They had worked with Sam from Kassis Homes&nbsp;before and recommended him and his quality of work."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197724]

Buyi​ng off the p​lan wasn't initially in Lillian's thought process when looking at purchasing her&nbsp;next property, but she said she was confident given the reputation that Kassis has for delivering high quality product previously.

"It’s very crucial to have a developer with an excellent reputation.

"There is a lot of trust and calculated risk in buying of​f the plan and a large apartment is a considerable investment of money," Lillian says, adding that she&nbsp;expects exceptional craftmanship and well thought out ergonomics, with quality appliances, both of which come in spades at Grand Reve.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197726]

Kassis, who has delivered a number of record breaking homes with superior finishes across his homebuilding career, went above and beyond on the appliances. Every apartment, from the studios to the three-bedroom apartments, are kitted out with Wolf appliances. The three-bedroom apartments have further SubZero appliances.

Lillian bought a three-bedroom apartment, and said the sunshine aspect and view from the apartment was an important feature for her.

She says Grand Reve ticked so many of her "fussy boxes."

"Grand Reve has quality, good design and size, and the location is excellent.

"Functionality and design are both important and foremost in my thoughts, being middle aged, well versed in life experiences, busy and ready for refinement and minimal fuss."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197732]

The&nbsp;estimated finish time of the project was also ideal for her.

Slated for completion in late 2023, Grand Reve is being billed as&nbsp;the most prestigious development ever offered in the Hills area. It comprises two towers – one 12 storeys and the other 16 storeys - with the project's&nbsp;design attracting owner-occupiers,&nbsp;downsizers, first home buyers and even a few investors.

Sam Kassis says he wants to "create a landmark" with Grand Reve.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94147]

Lillian had viewed established apartments in the Rouse Hill, Norwest, and Parramatta areas, but felt there was something missing

Why Castle Hill's Grand Reve is attracting the downsizer

Development around Castle Hill&#39;s Showground Precinct is continuing to gather steam.

The latest plans are from the Sydney developer Landmark Group, who are plotting a $28 million, 100-apartment project across&nbsp;16-18&nbsp;Partridge Avenue and 21-23 Middleton Avenue, Castle Hill.

The apartments will be&nbsp;spread across two seven-level buildings designed by DKO. Half have been reserved for affordable housing.

The U-shaped building form will address&nbsp;both adjacent streets and embraces a northern oriented central communal open space, the planning documents note. It has been designed as an integrated and cohesive built form outcome.

&quot;The proposed distribution of built form and massing of the buildings across the site is the result of a considered analysis of the context of the site and the desire to deliver a positive urban design outcome that is consistent with the desired future character for the site and the Showground Station precinct generally,&quot; the submission by Sutherland &amp; Associates Planning noted.

<a href="/new-apartments/16-partridge-avenue-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="278" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-05-26_at_9.12.11_am.png" width="527" /></a> 
The view from Partridge Avenue. Image credit: DKO

&quot;The proposal is a high quality transit orientated development that will provide housing choice, and importantly affordable housing, in a location that enjoys exceptional access to the forthcoming Showground Train Station and employment opportunities within the Showground Precinct and wider Sydney area.&quot;

The Showground Station Priority Precinct was announced by the NSW Government in 2014 to maximise the use of the Sydney Metro Northwest which is being delivered as part of the North West Growth Area.

The Showground Station Precinct was rezoned in December 2017 and is forecast to deliver approximately 9,000 new homes and 2,300 jobs over the next 20 years, transforming the area around Showground Station into a vibrant local centre and contributing to Castle Hill as a strategic centre.

Castle Island, by KWG Property, is one of the most recent projects to launch in the Showground Precinct.

The $300 million project&nbsp;comprises 295 apartments spread across seven buildings near the new Showgrounds town centre. Inspired by nature, Castle Island is the work of local architectural firm, Giles Tribe, and two international architects, Hong Kong&rsquo;s ARVA Architects and DLN Architects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191246]

CBD Core has also <a href="/news/nsw/cbd-core-bulk-up-2022-castle-hill-apartment-pipeline-with-latest-plans">recently filed for 67 apartments in the precinct.&nbsp;</a>

The low-rise towers, dubbed Ashford and Partridge&nbsp;for their locations&nbsp;fronting&nbsp;Ashford Avenue and Partridge Avenue, will rise six levels and will be home a mix of&nbsp;two studio apartments, 11 one-bedroom apartments, 39 two-bedders, 15 three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" height="377" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cbd_core_1.jpeg" width="580" /> 
A render of the new plans by CBD Core

CBD Core saw success with their Oriel project in the area, and are soon to launch Astrid, a block of 94 apartments just behind Oriel.

Astrid will feature&nbsp;extensive work from home facilities, with a conscious effort to create 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 the a gym, swimming pool, and a rooftop with barbecues and seating spaces.

A local developer is also <a href="/news/nsw/castle-hill-set-for-94-million-apartment-development-in-the-showground-station-precinct">seeking to create 255 apartments across five buildings</a> at&nbsp;7-23 Cadman Crescent and 18-24 Hughes Avenue,&nbsp;centred around a courtyard with extensive landscaping, greenery, and a natural pool with waterfall.

<img alt="" height="373" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_mhndu_4.jpeg" width="662" /> 
The architecturally-designed building on Cadman Crescent. Image credit: MHNDU

MHNDU associate Amanda Stollery took the lead of the design of the Cadman Crescent project,&nbsp;noting in the design verification statement that the&nbsp;proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition.

&quot;Situated in a revitalising precinct, this proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition and high density,&quot; the statement read.

The apartments will be spread across two seven-level buildings designed by DKO. Half have been reserved for affordable housing

Castle Hill Showground Precinct development continues with new Landmark apartment plans

Grand Reve, Castle Hill&#39;s most&nbsp;distinguishable apartment development, was some seven years in planning for the award-winning developer Kassis Homes and its founder, Sam Kassis.

His reputation locally precedes him. He&#39;s been the top home builder for over three decades in the Hills District area, with homes he&#39;s built over 20 years ago still reselling now for suburb records.

And now&nbsp;he wants to do it all over again in the apartment space. Grand Reve isn&#39;t Sam&#39;s first multi-res project, but the Castle Hill development&nbsp;will set a new benchmark even for what he&#39;s produced previously.

&quot;We want to create a landmark,&quot; Kassis says, working on the project with his business partner&nbsp;Romio Georges.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197727]

The goal for Grand Reve, which translates to &quot;dream big&quot; in French, was to bring something completely different to the apartment market, something Kassis has&nbsp;been doing with the houses he&#39;s&nbsp;been creating for years.

One of the biggest points of difference Grand Reve offers is its luxury inclusions. All of the apartments at Grand Reve feature Wolf appliances, with the large two and three-bedroom options also including Sub-Zero refrigeration systems as standard inclusions

Kassis said they sat down with a number of suppliers and they showed them the packages that they offer higher density developments, but something didn&#39;t quite sit right.

&quot;It just didn&#39;t feel right,&quot; Kassis says, adding that the whole goal of Grand Reve was to be different.

&quot;We didn&#39;t want to do the same as what everyone else was doing.&quot;

So Kassis approached&nbsp;the high-end appliance retailer&nbsp;Wolf and Sub-Zero, who he has been using for 30 years in his luxury home building career. The premium appliance selection&nbsp;is usually reserved for more boutique projects in inner-city locations - apartments that carry a hefty price tag to match the calibre of appliance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197728]

&quot;We&#39;re the only development north of the city and surrounds to be using Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances,&quot; Kassis noted, adding that the team at Wolf also said they never fit out developments of this scale, and that &quot;no one under the age of 45 has Wolf appliances.&quot;

The apartments are also fitted with Parisi tapware, brass feature fixtures, and stone kitchen bench tops.

&quot;It&#39;s a high-end finish in every apartment, for an affordable price point,&quot; Kassis adds.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197723]

It&#39;s not just the interiors that are striking a chord with buyers.

The development was cleverly designed to allow for apartment amalgamations, which McGrath Projects Associate Director Adam Sparkes says has been popular among those buyers looking for more space.

He is in discussions with a local buyer to amalgamate a number of apartments to create a super-apartment, with&nbsp;over 300 sqm of internal space. That&nbsp;could sell for just under&nbsp;$4 million, which would set the&nbsp;apartment record for the whole of the Hills District, and add another record&nbsp;to Kassis&#39;&nbsp;long line of top prices.

There was an inadvertent helping hand from the local council along the way when it came to the size and scale of the apartments on offer at Grand Reve.

Before the&nbsp;onset of COVID, the local council put a condition in the approval process&nbsp;that around a quarter of the development had to be dedicated to larger two and three-bedroom apartments, which has been a blessing given the demand for bigger space in the home since the pandemic changed the way we live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197732]

&quot;We have so much interest in the larger apartments, which offer sizes not seen in comparable developments in the area,&quot; Sparkes says.

&quot;The way the development has been designed, there&#39;s flexibility for amalgamations throughout the building, not just the penthouse level,&quot; Sparkes added.

&quot;Ultimately it will be budget that dictates whether buyers can amalgamate toward the higher levels of the building or further down. The fact we can offer that amalgamation option throughout the building, all the way to the ground level, is a major plus for all buyers.&quot;

Even without the amalgamation potential, the development offers 37 different floorplan configurations to suit as many buyer needs as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197736]

Sparkes says the locals who are visiting the onsite display are well aware of what Sam has produced in the surrounding areas in the housing space.&nbsp;

&quot;There&#39;s been a number of people who have either bought a Kassis-built home before, or are a friend of a friend,&nbsp;and have already seen&nbsp;what the Kassis team&nbsp;has&nbsp;produced previously and know they will deliver something special again.&quot;&nbsp;

Everything Kassis is putting together at Grand Reve gives&nbsp;buyers confidence they&#39;re buying in to something which is timeless, both in its design and its build quality.

Grand Reve offers something completely unique for the burgeoning Hills District suburb.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94147]

The goal for Grand Reve, which translates to "dream big" in French, was to bring something completely different to the apartment market, something Kassis has been doing with the houses he's been creating for years

Kassis Homes "dream big" plans for Castle Hill: Five minutes with Sam Kassis 

The combination of substantial forecasted population growth, an existing and expanding retail hub, and the newly established North West rail link connecting swiftly with surrounding areas and the CBD, are all major drawcards for people moving from outer suburbs to Castle Hill, the epicentre of the Hills District.

The booming Castle Hill apartment market is set to welcome several developments in the near future, with developers continuing to put faith in the area given the strong pipeline of planned infrastructure.

Urban has taken a look at the top apartment projects&nbsp;currently selling in Castle Hill.

<h2>1. Astrid&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Developer: CBD Core</h2>

Regulars to the Hill’s District, CBD Core have notched up a rather impressive portfolio over the last two decades in the area.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204929]

Taking up a prime spot behind the group’s Oriel project - the first new apartment building in the Showground Precinct - and a stone’s throw from the Hills Showground Metro, the group's latest project, Astrid is pitched to satisfy even the most discerning of buyers.

Comprising 94 apartments, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences are on offer, with completion on the project slated for February 2024.

Designed by Zhinar Architects, prices begin from $605,000 in the development, with CBD focusing on the needs of homebuyers post pandemic.&nbsp;

Not merely settling for a study nook in the apartments, Astrid will feature 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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204930]

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.

One, two and three-bedders can still be snapped up in the project, with floorplans spanning from 53 sqm.

<h2>2. Chapman Gardens&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Developer: CG Group</h2>

A landmark development set to redefine apartment living in Castle Hill, Chapman Gardens comprises three low rise buildings in a lush landscaped setting.

Featuring a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and a limited number of duplex style residences, the PTW designed homes Entertaining spaces, high ceilings, gourmet kitchens and expanses of glass filter sunlight through the residences, while features such as ducted zoned air-conditioning and down lighting provide control the internal temperature and ambience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=155217]

Designed by award-winning PTW Architects, the terrace-style apartments feature private courtyards and direct street access.

Two-bedroom plus study and three-bedroom plus study options have been crafted to offer house-like spaces within convenient apartment-living, targeting the family market.

More than half of Chapman Gardens is dedicated to landscaped grounds and alfresco entertaining spaces, which have been designed by Urbis.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=155212]

Rooftop courtyards crown each of the three buildings, with dedicated barbecue and dining areas.

One, two and three bedroom apartments can still be purchased in the final release at Chapman Gardens, with Stage One of the development expected for completion late 2022, and Stage Two in late 2023.

There's also a handful of two and three-bedroom terraces remaining.

<h2>3. Castle Island&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Developer: KWG Group Holdings</h2>

KWG Property’s $300 million Castle Island, comprises 295 apartments spread across seven buildings near the new Showgrounds town centre. Inspired by nature, Castle Island is the work of local architectural firm, Giles Tribe, and two international architects, Hong Kong’s ARVA Architects and DLN Architects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191248]

They brought a shared vision of integrating the surrounding landscape into Castle Island’s apartments.

On offer is one, two and three-bedroom apartment, featuring full-height glazed facades designed to offer extensive views so that residents feel connected to nature and their surroundings.

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.

The communal spaces have been designed by Glyph Studio and&nbsp;include a clubhouse, gym, lobby, library and co-working spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191249]

There's also private lounging nooks, yoga zones, games and play areas, space for rooftop meals and sunset drinks.

A large garden is central to the project, as well as three elevated sky gardens, which is complete with barbecues, a yoga lawn and twilight outdoor cinema.

Buildings Three and Four are currently selling in Castle Island at 4-6 Sexton Avenue.

<h2>4. Grand Reve</h2>

<h2>Developer: Kassis Homes</h2>

Billed as the most prestigious development ever offered in the Hills area, Grand Reve is a collection of 196 contemporary apartments across two towers.

Featuring studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as split-level townhouse-style dwellings, Grand Reve has been designed by Turner Studio with a particular focus on outdoor spaces. Dwellings feature open-plan layouts, accented with 2.7m high ceilings, allowing natural light to filter through.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152849]

Double-glass sliding doors extend the dining area to private balconies or terrace courtyards, with Wolf appliances featuring in&nbsp;the kitchens.

The two towers of Grand Reve connect at the podium level and offer views across the Hills District and out to the CBD. The landscaped podium gardens include extensive&nbsp;seating pods and resident dining areas.

Altogether, the project will deliver residents three communal garden areas, totalling over 2,000 sqm of open space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152846]

Grand Reve is conveniently located within a three-minute walk to Castle Hill Metro Station. Construction has commenced on the project with completion expected mid-to-end of 2023.

<h2>5. Chateau Showground </h2>

<h2>Developer: Bridgestone Projects</h2>

Designed by an award-winning team of Bridgestone Projects, PTW Architects, DKO Interiors, RPS Landscape Architects and Westbourne Construction, Chateau is a collection of 296 apartments over nine levels.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13888 project_image_fid=159889]

The building will comprise a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with townhouse and penthouse options.

Crowning Chateau is the rooftop terrace, which features an infinity pool, barbecue area, gym, private cabanas, outdoor cinema and garden spaces.

Residents can choose between two colour schemes, Champagne or Bordeaux, with each of the colour choices defining the ambience and character of the apartment.&nbsp;

The building is secure with an on-site building manager, as well as basement level parking and storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13888 project_image_fid=159883]

It takes on an energy efficient design featuring solar panels and generous landscaped area, achieving 60 per cent canopy cover, providing shade, reducing ambient temperatures and mitigating the heat island effect Chateau is conveniently located within a 200-metre walk to the Hills Showground Metro Station and a four-minute drive to Castle Hill’s shopping centre.

Building A, B and D are part of the Stage One release, which will feature 181 apartments.

Stage Two will release building C, comprising 115 apartments. Construction on the project commenced in early 2021 with completion expected mid 2023.

The booming Castle Hill apartment market is set to welcome several developments in the near future, with developers continuing to put faith in the area.

Castle Hill's top apartment developments on the market

Following the success of the first release, McGrath Projects has launched the second stage of Grand Reve, the sought-after, design-focused apartment development in Castle Hill.

They&#39;re now marketing Building B, the tallest of the two towers, which are interconnected by an L-shaped, level three podium.

The second stage will feature the remaining 110 apartments of the 196-apartment development, with the first stage now around 65&nbsp;per cent sold.

As part of the final release a penthouse of scale and significance will be offered &ndash; designed to include the ultimate sense of luxury, not yet seen in the Hills area.

McGrath Projects Associate Director Adam Sparkes says he&#39;s seen an increased demand from&nbsp;investors, who are wanting to park their money in a safe asset class and are looking at both the forecasted population growth for Castle Hill and&nbsp;the historically low vacancy rates across Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=196709]

There&#39;s also been&nbsp;significant movement from local owner-occupiers and downsizers recently.

In the last few weeks, McGrath Projects sold four of Grand Reve&#39;s large three-bedroom apartments for between $1.65 million and $1.775 million, all to owner-occupiers, indicating the desirability of both the project and the neighbourhood.

&quot;Some are local downsizers who are wanting to sell their big family home, and recognise our three-bedroom apartments are unusually large when compared to other developments in the area,&quot; Sparkes says.

The highest price McGrath Projects has seen over the campaign was from a downsizer couple who paid $2 million for Grand Reve&#39;s largest three-bedroom, which offers&nbsp;138sqm of internal living area and a further 148 sqm external terrace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=196710]

Grand Reve is one of Castle Hill&#39;s most impressive developments that has been launched in recent times.

It&#39;s being developed by the&nbsp;award-winning Kassis Homes, led by Sam Kassis who has been in the building industry for over three decades.

One of the buyers of a three-bedroom apartment was an investor who previously had his own home built over a decade ago by Kassis Homes.

Grand Reve&#39;s twin towers have been designed by Turner Studio, who were inspired by the greenery of Castle Hill, as well as the historic&nbsp;Garthowen House, adjacent to the project, which was surrounded by orchards when built.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=196711]

&quot;We&#39;re really urbanising the concept of the backyard and integrating that in to an urban housing scheme that sits in a suburban context and therefore I think we&#39;re going to end up with a unique project and a unique product,&quot; Turner design&nbsp;director, Nick Turner, said.

Turner worked in collaboration with Arcadia to&nbsp;deliver three curated communal spaces as well as smaller, intimate spaces, which are nestled amongst tree groves and terraced landscaped areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=196703]

Inside the apartments, interiors feature&nbsp;engineered oak timber flooring, stone bench tops and crafted curved timber joinery throughout.

The open plan living, kitchen and dining area are designed to maximise space, both with the 2.7-metre heigh ceilings and the large&nbsp;double sliding doors that extend the space on to a courtyard or balcony.

Grand Reve residents are set to benefit from the location of the project, in the quiet&nbsp;cul-de-sac&nbsp;Garthowen Crescent.

One of the biggest drawcards of Grand Reve is its location, in the heart of Castle Hill.

Sparkes says there&#39;s considerable interest given the location, close enough to benefit&nbsp;from the infrastructure of the $1 billion redevelopment of the Showground Precinct, but far enough away from where dozens of apartment projects are under construction and in the pipeline.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94147]

The second stage will feature the remaining 110 apartments of the 196-apartment development, with the first stage now around 65 per cent sold

Kassis Homes releases final stage of Grand Reve, Castle Hill

Will 2022 be the year of apartments, the year of investors, or both?

Now that international borders are open, the forecasts of immigration are strong, and rolling lockdowns keeping workers out of offices are a thing of the past, industry commentators and experts believe&nbsp;apartments will be back in fashion, given the affordability constraints due to runaway house prices.

Investors, who have been quiet in the property market for the best part of two years due to the&nbsp;COVID-induced downturn on migration and rental returns, are now starting to creep back in to the market.

Now more than ever, the highest priorities for investors are to buy in an area which has planned local infrastructure, solid&nbsp;population growth forecasts, and strong transport links.

One of Sydney&#39;s fastest growing suburbs is Castle Hill&nbsp;in Sydney&#39;s Hills District,&nbsp;north-west of the city. The area&nbsp;is undergoing a huge transformation, with the redevelopment of the Castle Towers Shopping Centre, and the new&nbsp;Metro Station connecting residents to the CBD in just&nbsp;40 minutes by train.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152850]

Population forecasts are also solid, with experts forecasting a 20 per cent rise in population in the next 15 years.

McGrath Projects Associate Director&nbsp;Adam Sparkes says he&#39;s seeing investors start to get back in to the market, with a number of investors interested in the potential returns&nbsp;at&nbsp;Grand Reve, the Castle Hill apartment development from builder developer Kassis Homes.

&quot;Many are seeing long-term growth in the area, with the Castle Towers redevelopment the obvious drawcard,&quot; Sparkes says, also suggesting that there are more shrewd&nbsp;buyers in the market than ever before.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152854]

&quot;First home buyers are getting savvier, and are intending to live in the new apartment on completion, with a view of making it an investment in the years after when they&#39;ve moved on,&quot; Sparkes notes.

&quot;Local downsizers are also buying with a view that, upon completion in Q4 2023, they will likely lease the apartment while they put the wheels in motion to sell their family home, and downsize in to the apartment eventually.&quot;

One of the biggest drawcards of Grand Reve is its location, in the heart of Castle Hill. Sparkes says there&#39;s considerable interest given the location, close enough to benefit&nbsp;from the infrastructure of the $1 billion redevelopment of the Showground Precinct, but far enough away from where dozens of apartment projects are under construction and in the pipeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152852]

Sparkes advises some of the larger, more owner-occupier friendly apartments in Grand Reve will likely yield around 3.5 per cent on completion,&nbsp;but the more investor friendly one and two-bedroom product should reach a yield of around 4.5 per cent, well above The Hills District average of 3.4 per cent that SQM Research calculate.

The savviest of investors have been buying through their self-managed super funds, with one purchaser, a local couple, spending over $850,000 on a two-bedroom apartment in their SMSF.

There&#39;s also the depreciation benefit&nbsp;of a brand new asset&nbsp;for investors, who can claim yearly depreciation of the investment, an option not available to those investors seeking an already built apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=152848]

Castle Hill&nbsp;has a median apartment price of $969,000, up 7.4&nbsp;per cent in the last 12 months, according to CoreLogic data.&nbsp;The gap between the median house and median&nbsp;apartment price in Castle Hill is&nbsp;$1.32 million, with the&nbsp;Castle Hill median house value at $2.292 million in February.

In August last year, McGrath Founder John McGrath noted the growing shift of those seeking out apartments over houses due to affordability, and that gap has only grown since then.

&quot;We&rsquo;re now meeting young people at opens who tell us they&rsquo;ve given up on a house and have switched their search to townhouses and apartments,&quot; McGrath said.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94147]

Now more than ever, the highest priorities for investors are to buy in an area which has planned local infrastructure, solid population growth forecasts, and strong transport links.

Will investors and outpriced prospective house buyers drive the apartment market in 2022?

The booming Castle Hill apartment market is set to welcome yet another development near the $1 billion Showgrounds precinct.

The latest is from&nbsp;KWG Property, who has launched their&nbsp;$300m Castle Island, some 295 spread across seven buildings near the new Showgrounds town centre, well connected to the rest of Sydney by the&nbsp;new Sydney Metro Station.

Inspired by nature, Castle Island was the worked of the&nbsp;local architectural firm, Giles Tribe, and two international architects, Hong Kong&rsquo;s ARVA Architects and DLN Architects. They brought&nbsp;a shared vision of integrating the surrounding landscape into Castle Island&rsquo;s apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191253]

On offer is one, two and three-bedroom apartment, featuring&nbsp;full-height glazed facades designed to offer extensive views so that residents feel connected to nature and their surroundings.

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.

Residents can choose from two colour palettes in the apartments. There&#39;s&nbsp;WOODLAND&rsquo;s pale oak-inspired timbers,&nbsp;stone grey benchtops and brushed bronze accents, or create a more classic&nbsp;FOREST FLOOR&rsquo;s creamy marble-look benches, black wenge cabinetry matte black tapware.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191258]

The communal spaces have been designed&nbsp;by Glyph Studio include a clubhouse, gym, lobby, library and co-working space. There&#39;s also&nbsp;private lounging nooks, yoga zones, games and play areas, space for rooftop meals and sunset drinks.

There&#39;s a large garden central to the project, as well as three elevated sky gardens, complete&nbsp;with barbecues, a yoga lawn and twilight outdoor cinema.

Construction commencement is proposed for Q4 2022, with Stage 1 completion expected in Q2 2024.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191251]

Developers are continuing to put faith in the growing Castle Hill area. Experts are expecting a 20 per cent rise in population in Castle Hill in the next 15 years, due to infrastructure and amenity upgrades.

Commuters have been spared the motorway with the new Sydney Metro Station,&nbsp;now just a 40-minute commute to Town Hall Station.

The popular Castle Towers shopping precinct has been redeveloped, and the Showgrounds precinct continues to grow in to a destination with a range of shopping and amenity.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112005]

&nbsp;

The $300m Castle Island, some 295 spread across seven buildings near the new Showgrounds town centre, is connected to the rest of Sydney by a new Sydney Metro Station.



Castle Hill's new $300 million apartment development, Castle Island, launches

Further development is anticipated in Castle Hill&#39;s growing Showground Station Precinct, in the Hills District west of Sydney.

The local developer will be clearing the site at&nbsp;7-23 Cadman Crescent and 18-24 Hughes Avenue and&nbsp;constructing five buildings with 255 apartments, centred around a courtyard with extensive landscaping, greenery, and a natural pool with waterfall.

MHNDU associate Amanda Stollery took the lead of the design of the Cadman Crescent project,&nbsp;noting in the design verification statement that the&nbsp;proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition.

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill">To track the application through to sales, click here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="932" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_mhndu.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The proposed development with red-toned brick. Image credit: MHNDU

&quot;Situated in a revitalising precinct, this proposal seeks to provide a seamlessly integrated residential community facilitating population growth in areas of transition and high density,&quot; the statement read.

Stollery said the vision was to create a place that resonates with the history of the site and reinforce the character the neighbourhood.

&quot;The concept to extend Cattai Creek into the site, along with a heavily vegetated Australian landscape, strongly influence the design.

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill">To track the application through to sales, click here.</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="913" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_mhndu_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The central natural pool with waterfall. Image credit: MHNDU

&nbsp;

&quot;The buildings step along the inclined typography and are further setback at the upper levels, mitigating perceived bulk when viewed from street level.&quot;

&quot;The solidity of sandstone and red-toned brick take cues from the natural Australian landscape inherent to this site and surrounds, to embed the base layers of the building to its context.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="913" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_mhndu_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The central landscaped courtyard. Image credit: MHNDU

&nbsp;

There will be a mix of 64 one-bedroom apartments, 138 two-bedders and 53 three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

The 12,000 sqm site is around 650 metres south of the Showground Metro Station. Part of the plans are for retail at the foot of building D.

<a href="/new-apartments/7-23-cadman-crescent-castle-hill">To track the application through to sales, click here.</a>

The 12,000 sqm site is around 650 metres south of the Showground Metro Station. Part of the plans are for retail at the foot of building D.

Castle Hill set for $94 million apartment development in the Showground Station Precinct

The Sydney developer, CBD Core, is continuing its&nbsp;residential development&nbsp;in the popular Hills District suburb of Castle Hill, in the booming North West Sydney growth corridor.

Having recently completed Oriel Castle Hill, one of the most impressive developments in the area, the long standing developer&nbsp;is&nbsp;set to create another two residential apartments buildings at 19 Ashford Avenue.

The low-rise towers, dubbed Ashford and Partridge&nbsp;for their locations&nbsp;fronting&nbsp;Ashford Avenue and Partridge Avenue, will rise six levels and home&nbsp;67 apartments within the new Showground Station precinct at Castle Hill, which&nbsp;is currently experiencing substantial urban change from the existing single-family dwellings of suburban character.

The project will be a mix of&nbsp;two studio apartments, 11 one-bedroom apartments, 39 two-bedders, 15 three-bedroom apartments.

LFA Pacific, who are the architecture team behind the design, noted in their design statement that the proposed development will create dwelling choice and opportunities for families in the surrounding suburbs, as family needs change. The studios and one-bedroom apartments will provide an affordable entry in to the housing market.

<a href="/new-apartments/argo-castle-hill-19-ashford-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154"><img alt="" height="780" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_hill_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

LFA suggested&nbsp;the development will contribute to the desired future character of the precinct which is defined as &#39;to become an attractive and well-connected neighbourhood that achieves housing targets, creates vibrant, safe and desirable places, reinforces the garden shire character and lifestyle and is supported by necessary infrastructure&#39;.

The communal&nbsp;open space in the central courtyard will provide passive and active recreational opportunities, with a swimming pool, fitness and play areas, and outdoor barbecue space.

CBD Core design and build for their demographic, which is predominantly locals who live within a five kilometre radius.

&quot;We have everyone from retirees, downsizers, young families and singles interested in our projects,&quot; a spokesperson for the CBD Core team told Urban.

&quot;We keep projects small in size in comparison to some of the towers that are popping up around the area, and we listen to the community and buyer feedback when creating our developments.&quot;

CBD Core&#39;s most recent project, Oriel Castle Hill, a $75 million collection of 78&nbsp;apartments, completed last year.&nbsp;CBD Core describe Oriel as more of a hotel than a residential apartment block.

<a href="/new-apartments/oriel-33-dawes-avenue-castle-hill"><img alt="" height="814" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/oriel_1.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&quot;It&#39;s a hotel without the concierge,&quot; CBD Core say. &quot;When we pop in, we see the residents walking around in their robes.&quot;

A testament to the quality of the build of Oriel and the reputation of CBD Core, Oriel only has one apartment remaining, with the majority of sales&nbsp;secured during a COVID-hit stop-start year in the property industry.

Their next project, set to launch in April, will be Astrid, a block of 94 apartments just behind Oriel.

Astrid will feature&nbsp;extensive work from home facilities, with a conscious effort to create 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 the a gym, swimming pool, and a rooftop with barbecues and seating spaces.

&quot;Oriel was&nbsp;the&nbsp;first apartment building complex in the Showground Station Precinct to be approved, so we need to continue to improve on that high bar we&#39;ve already set ourselves,&quot; CBD Core said.

Having recently completed Oriel Castle Hill, the long standing developer is set to create another two residential apartments buildings at 19 Ashford Avenue.

Castle Hill

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Castle Hill

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News