Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

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The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Darling Harbour

Just a handful of two-bedroom apartments remain at the Darling Harbour NewLife apartments.

The St Leonards-based developers, TWT Property group are behind the Harris Street development, which comprises 200 apartments in total, with a range of single-storey one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-level terrace apartments and penthouses.

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The multi-layered building steps down from nine-storeys along Harris Street to six levels facing Bulwara Lane, with the ground floor retail and commercial space activating Harris Street.

Verdant garden corridors and welcoming open-air courtyards invite greenery into the heart of the buildings, with the central haven stitching together architecture and nature, to create a leafy green backdrop to the homes within.

Five of Australia’s leading architectural firms were invited to compete for the project with Architectus winning the competition for their innovative, sympathetic and eye-catching design.

Renowned international artist Hang Xia was also selected to activate a new laneway at the NewLife Darling Harbour development.&nbsp;

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Poised over the Darling Harbour precinct and nestled amongst the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, UTS and the ABC studios, NewLife Darling Harbour sits on the ridge of a peninsular that extends from Broadway north to Pyrmont Point.

The elevated position offers views to the CBD, major bridges and the harbour while inventive architecture weaves distinctive living and leisure zones into the fabric of the building.

Taking advantage of the building’s aspects, the apartments are complemented by a landscaped rooftop terrace, with barbecue facilities, and a veggie garden, all designed to capitalise on the building’s extraordinary outlooks and location.

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Stepping inside, from room to room, wide-format Oak floors ground the interiors in nature, while textured timbers and stone finishes create layers of tactile, organic luxury.

Opening themselves up to the skyline of Sydney, the apartments focus on incorporating light, air and flow into the designs, with the private outdoor spaces acting as an extension of the homes, along with inviting the outdoors in.&nbsp;

One of the remaining two-bedroom apartments comes with a price tag of $1,485,000, spanning 91 sqm with two bathrooms.&nbsp;

The two-bedders, with an asking price of&nbsp;$1.6 million, spans 88 sqm, and has two-bathrooms along with one car space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=9040]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Just two-bedroom apartments left at NewLife Darling Harbour

New Life Darling Harbour residences have a unique setting within Ultimo&rsquo;s rich and significant history. Pyrmont-Ultimo was once the most important industrial suburb in Sydney powering NSW into the 20th Century

The history of Ultimo is very much connected to the Harris family, the dominant landowners in the area for over 100 years who gave Harris Street its name. In the 1800s, they built the substantial villa &ldquo;Littlebridge&rdquo; here.

As a building boom hit in the 1870s, rows of terraced houses, worker cottages, factories, breweries, foundries and warehouses increasingly dominated the landscape. In 1938, the aroma of tea and coffee filled the air when iconic Australian tea company Bushells acquired the land for a tea warehouse, coffee grinding and roasting facility.

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In the 1960s, the Harris Street premises became the TAB&rsquo;s headquarters and nerve centre of a rapidly expanding betting business. It became one of the largest employers of women in the state, operating a complex system of telephones connecting, recording, and tallying accounts between hundreds of metropolitan and country TAB branches and racecourses.

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation&rsquo;s industrial success since the late 1800s.

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Few places enchant with such diversity and sophistication as Sydney. From hawker-style diners to hatted restaurants, it&rsquo;s a city that has it all, and New Life is in the heart of it.

While the residences deliver high-quality amenity, a focus was still placed on life outside, within the community.

NewLife Darling Harbour&rsquo;s principal architect, Brendan Randles, lead the team that drove the innovative and artful city development saying,

&ldquo;Quality of life is important to us. What is happening outside our homes is as important as what is offered inside. We want local environments to thrive alongside the people and communities who live there.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We take locations and transform them. We work with local communities, councils and stakeholders to create vibrant environments. We collaborate with the best professionals and most creative industry minds to bring new life to every project,&rdquo; he added.

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The <a href="/news/architectus-and-ingehoven-on-sydneys-latest-super-skyscraper" target="_blank">Architectus</a>&nbsp;designed residences pay homage to the site&rsquo;s semi-industrial history, delivering a collection of 200 apartments, with a range of single-storey one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-level terrace apartments and penthouses.

The nine-storey building has a limited selection of two-bedroom&nbsp;apartments still remaining within the fully-completed residential development.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=9040]

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation’s industrial success since the late 1800s.

How NewLife Darling Harbour brings to life the site’s location 

As one of Australia&rsquo;s largest architectural practices,&nbsp;<a href="/news/architectus-and-ingehoven-on-sydneys-latest-super-skyscraper" target="_blank">Architectus</a>&nbsp;brings a wealth of international experience to their multi-award-winning projects.

Located at 495 Harris Street, the multi-layered building steps down from nine-storeys along Harris Street to six levels facing Bulwara Lane, providing 200 apartments, with a range of single-storey one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-level terrace apartments and penthouses.

A limited selection of two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments&nbsp;are still on offer in the NewLife Darling Harbour project, with 79 sqm of internal space and 13 sqm balconies, from&nbsp;$1,485,000.

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&ldquo;The building&rsquo;s eye-catching, multi-layered form creates an outstanding place to live, to experience, and to glimpse from its many surrounding environments.&nbsp;Flanked by historic Victorian terraces, we created a lively group of buildings set around the courtyard rather than one amorphous structure to better integrate with the surrounds,&rdquo; said Brendan Randles, Principal, Architectus.&nbsp;

From room to room, wide-format Oak floors ground the interiors in nature, while textured timbers and stone finishes create layers of tactile, organic luxury.

These considered apartments open themselves to Sydney, uniting under-stated modern lines with the drama of the great harbour city.

Light, air and a flow of private indoor-outdoor space add a special dimension to these residences. Open layouts work to maximise the city, harbour, and garden vistas, drawing them inside the home.

Residences enjoy versatile winter gardens, alfresco balconies or sweeping terraces, while many apartments capture northern aspects, with sliding or fixed perforated screens providing privacy and shelter when needed.

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&ldquo;Spacious, wide-fronted apartments and sprawling roof-garden penthouses create a rich residential landscape,&rdquo; Randles added.

New Life&rsquo;s materials, lighting and detailing explore a return to comfort for contemporary inner city living.

Layers of subtle tonal colour and texture reflect a refined and uncomplicated modern signature.

Kitchens are designed with form and function in mind, catering to generous or intimate entertaining to suit every occasion. Rich, full-height cabinets offer space, while clean-edged chrome tap-ware and fittings add glimmers of polish and reflection.

A portrait of repose, New Life&rsquo;s spa-like bathrooms offer a composed space in which to unwind, with frameless glass showers and seamless ambient lighting expanding the sense of space. Open shelves and vanity tops are made up of marble or Caesarstone and storage is cleverly mirrored and concealed, while still providing ample space.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9040 project_image_fid=194012]

High-end Miele appliances feature in the kitchens, complemented with spacious island benches or galley kitchens. A flowing sea of grey travertine-look tiles set clean lines and a graceful tonal palette, giving the spaces a very inviting quality.

The development also includes work by renowned international artist Hang Xia, who was selected to activate the new laneway at NewLife Darling Harbour. Titled Memory Tree, Xia transforms and becomes the heart of the laneway with an intricately designed and kinetically-lit, eight metre-high &lsquo;tree&rsquo;,inspired by Xia&#39;s childhood love of early animations like the Transformers series.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=9040]

From room to room, wide-format Oak floors ground the interiors in nature, while textured timbers and stone finishes create layers of tactile, organic luxury.



Inside the two-bedroom Darling Harbour apartments in the NewLife development

Mirvac has progressed in its plans to transform Harbourside, Darling Harbour into a new, world class destination for Sydney, following the appointment of architects Sn&oslash;hetta and Hassell Studio.

Sn&oslash;hetta and Hassell Studio submitted the winning design concept to the international Harbourside design excellence competition, which was selected by a jury of six influential urban design experts.

The proposed $2 billion redevelopment of the Harbourside precinct is a landmark project in Mirvac&rsquo;s $28 billion national development pipeline, said Mirvac chief investment officer, Brett Draffen.

&ldquo;We are delighted to reach this important milestone and progress the formal design excellence process for the revitalisation of Harbourside, working alongside Place Management NSW&rdquo;, he said.

The winning design was selected by the jury because it &ldquo;emphatically embraced&rdquo; Mirvac&rsquo;s vision for Harbourside.

Subject to the necessary approvals from the NSW Government, Harbourside is expected to deliver approximately 24,000sqm of office space, 7,000sqm of retail and 350 luxury apartments.

As part of the project, Mirvac will also deliver 10,000 square metres of public domain, including the proposed 3,500sqm Guardian Square, as well as a widened waterfront promenade for the community to visit and enjoy.

The concept for Harbourside characterised by this network of welcoming public open spaces featuring natural materials and vegetation.

&ldquo;At its heart, Guardian Square will become Pyrmont&rsquo;s new neighbourhood park and community meeting place, with landscaping and moments of art and activation planned to deliver an enlivened precinct that provides locals and visitors alike with a powerful sense of belonging, community and ownership&rdquo;, said Draffen.

The development pays respect to the Indigenous history of its Sydney site.

&ldquo;For thousands of years, Aboriginal people lived in and around this area which to them was an important gathering place known as Tumbalong, named after the harbour&rsquo;s abundance of seafood&rdquo;, Draffen said.

Hassell principal, Liz Westgarth said: &ldquo;The landmark Sydney site of Darling Harbour, previously known as Tumbalong, has a long, rich, and layered history, which provides a unique context for world-class architecture and place-making to inspire future story creation.&rdquo;

Kaare Krokene, managing director of Sn&oslash;hetta Australasia said: &ldquo;We are extremely proud of a design that acknowledges the historic sandstone escarpment landscape of Tumbalong, now known as Darling Harbour.&rdquo;

This continues the tradition of shared public space, honouring the first nations Gadigal and Wangal people who saw this as &quot;shared country.&rdquo;

Luxury apartments will be designed to meet the high standards of sustainability and liveability, featuring smart technology and an exciting array of shops, eateries and other attractions.

Harbourside is expected to commence construction in 2023 once approvals are secured.

Snøhetta and Hassell Studio submitted the winning design concept to the international Harbourside design excellence competition, which was selected by a jury of six influential urban design experts

max.kwok_55688

Architects appointed to Mirvac’s $2 billion Darling Harbour redevelopment to transform Harbourside 

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Greaton has announced its appointment of a new construction contractor at The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Probuild, will take over construction on the 25-storey project from its previous contractors Grocon.

Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

The building will include a five-star W Hotel, including 450 guestrooms and 143 suites, and will reintroduce an IMAX Theatre.

<img alt="" height="666" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/darling_harbour_ribbon_hotel_2.jpg" width="1200">

With $2 billion worth of development projects in the pipeline, Greaton’s portfolio includes property landmarks spanning hotel, residential and commercial developments. 

The company’s flagship project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, The Ribbon, will incorporate a 25-storey hotel development and new premises for Sydney’s IMAX theatre. 

Greaton’s projects elsewhere in Sydney include Oxford Central in the new Epping Town Centre, with the 251-apartment development, designed by Marchese Partners.

It is expected to be completed and fully settled in Q1 2020. 

Probuild’s national pipeline of projects worth $5 billion and an annual turnover of more than $2 billion is currently delivering Greenland Australia’s Greenland Centre in Sydney.
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Greaton advised it ensured “continuity of the build” towards its Q2 2022 completion date.

jchancellor

Probuild take over construction of The Ribbon hotel project in Sydney’s Darling Harbour from Grocon

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Multiplex has completed M&amp;L Hospitality’s redevelopment of 161 Sussex Street in Sydney's Darling Harbour.
The former Four Points by Sheraton Sydney was rebranded earlier this year to Hyatt Regency Sydney, marking the Hyatt Regency’s return to Sydney.
The redevelopment included refurbishment of the existing hotel; the construction of a new 3,667 square metre convention centre; and a 25-level tower including 13 new hotel levels and 10 levels of A-grade high rise commercial office space.
The additional 25-storey tower has added 222 new guest rooms to what was already Australia’s largest hotel, bringing the total number of rooms to 892.
David Ghannoum, regional managing director at Multiplex said the challenges involved building over an operating freeway and in a live hotel environment.
A significant amount of construction took place over the top of the Western Distributor Freeway, a major feeder road from the Sydney CBD to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Construction was completed with minimal disruption to the 80,000 vehicles using the Western Distributor daily and the 600-700 guests staying at the hotel each night.
Work commenced in December, 2014 and spanned a two year period.
The project generated approximately 2,250 jobs during construction.
Construction saw some 11,500 cubic metres of concrete poured and 635 tonnes of steel installed to create the building’s structure, and over 1,388 glass panels installed to form the hotel’s façade.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Darling Harbour sees return of Hyatt Regency to Sydney

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Sydney’s Darling Harbour: popular but noisy and expensive. Here’s how we could do better to provide a safe place to work and play. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/download/success?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.shutterstock.com%2Fgatekeeper%2FW3siZSI6MTU0NzU0MzAxNiwiYyI6Il9waG90b19zZXNzaW9uX2lkIiwiZGMiOiJpZGxfMTg4Mjk2MDMxIiwiayI6InBob3RvLzE4ODI5NjAzMS9tZWRpdW0uanBnIiwibSI6MSwiZCI6InNodXR0ZXJzdG9jay1tZWRpYSJ9LCIyeXl2aTFtdVhSZEpodktYN2FRMVR0akZmY0kiXQ%2Fshutterstock_188296031.jpg&amp;pi=41133566&amp;m=188296031&amp;src=FRqrebc_WbmZL_pwE2pIQA-1-11"> </a>
More towers at Sydney’s Darling Harbour are among redevelopment plans for the inner city waterfront precinct and this has prompted <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/population-of-a-small-town-the-transformation-of-darling-harbour-20181112-p50fgo" target="_blank">recent debate</a>.
Plans open for public commentary include proposals for <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/News/2016/Have-your-say-on-the-redevelopment-of-Cockle-Bay-Wharf" target="_blank">new tall buildings</a> at <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Assess-and-Regulate/State-Significant-Projects/Cockle-Bay" target="_blank">Cockle Bay</a> and <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/News/2016/Have-your-say-on-the-redevelopment-of-Harbourside-Shopping-Centre" target="_blank">at the Harbourside Shopping Centre</a>.
Critics include <a href="https://architectureau.com/articles/city-of-sydney-objects-to-darling-harbour-developments/" target="_blank">Russell Hand and Christopher Ashworth</a>, senior planners at the City of Sydney, who have lodged <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/tall-towers-for-darling-harbour-spurned-by-city-of-sydney-planners-20170111-gtpeeh" target="_blank">formal objections</a>.
Alex Greenwich, independent MP for Sydney, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/no-planning-merit-cockle-bay-redevelopment-attracts-strong-opposition-20180824-p4zzln" target="_blank">describes the Cockle Bay proposal</a> as “very poor planning”. In the same article, Graham Quint of the National Trust says Darling Harbour would be “degraded” by overdevelopment.
Celebrated architect Philip Cox fears the area has “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/population-of-a-small-town-the-transformation-of-darling-harbour-20181112-p50fgo" target="_blank">gone backwards</a>” as it does not really create a unique urban space, nor does it contribute much to the city.
Plans for ever larger buildings, bringing in more people and attracting more tourists may mark a point of no return for the precinct. It would place increased pressure on the available space, which already houses a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/population-of-a-small-town-the-transformation-of-darling-harbour-20181112-p50fgo" target="_blank">town full of people</a>.
More development of the type proposed also leaves little space to regenerate the city, to create places where nature and open space can help to deal with floods or heat, let alone create a valuable ecological landscape.
To see where development of Darling Harbour went wrong and what we could do better, we need to consider the area as a whole. That’s <a href="https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/darling-harbour" target="_blank">Darling Harbour</a> itself, <a href="http://www.cocklebaywharf.com.au/" target="_blank">Cockle Bay</a>, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-how-westconnex-can-deliver-sydney-a-better-city-centre-90171" target="_blank">Darling Harbour Corridor</a>, <a href="https://www.barangaroo.com" target="_blank">Barangaroo</a>, <a href="https://www.darlingpark.com.au/home" target="_blank">Darling Park</a> and <a href="https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/tumbalong-park" target="_blank">Tumbalong Park</a>.
Three examples highlight how development of the Darling Harbour area over the past 30 years has been botched.
1. Darling Harbour as a noisy neighbour
Walk down Darling Harbour towards Barangaroo on a random night and this is what you’ll face.
Noisy bars and restaurants along Cockle Bay are full; quieter places inside are, even for Sydney’s standards, expensive; bright lights compare with the neon of Shanghai’s Nanjing Road; and there is activity everywhere, even on the water where party boats disturb not only human but also animal life.
I am not against a lively precinct. But Darling Harbour is currently operating like your noisy neighbour — a nice guy but with too many bad habits. He eats too much, burps whenever it is convenient, grows fat and watches the same programs every day.
There it is, consuming tourists (<a href="https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/darling-harbour-visitor-profile-ye-march-2018.pdf?x15361" target="_blank">4.6 million in the year ending March 2018</a>), growing bigger buildings all around, producing noises no-one wants to hear, and looking like a huge TV screen flickering flashy lights into the night.
Barangaroo is the next stage of “badnertainment”, adding more expensive drinking and eating venues, increasing traffic congestion, and continuing the <a href="https://theconversation.com/packers-barangaroo-casino-and-the-inevitability-of-pokies-15892" target="_blank">gambling boulevard</a> all the way through to <a href="https://www.barangaroo.com/see-and-do/things-to-do/itineraries/barangaroo-reserve/" target="_blank">Headland Park</a>. Compared to the former port facilities that stood there, at least people can enter this space up to the water’s edge.
But Barangaroo remains a private collection of colossal buildings, impenetrable if you don’t belong to the corporate world.
2. Tumbalong Park, hidden behind a highway
Tumbalong Park is hidden behind a highway, so far back no one can see the water. Though there are paths, plants and a stage, the overkill of lights and noise is not what you’d expect from a park.
Anyone who wants to spend time there on a hot day will experience the “<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/urban-heat-island/" target="_blank">heat island effect</a>”. Here, heat is amplified compared with the surrounding area as the grass is surrounded by large chunks of concrete and glass. That, combined with a feeling of being observed from all sides, might explain why you hardly find people sitting on the grass.
3. Highway cuts up public space
Where do people plan a highway through a public space? In Sydney, this is quite normal. The Western Distributor splits the City from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. A spaghetti of ramps, concrete traffic lanes and multilayered traffic disconnects surrounding areas including Ultimo and Haymarket from the real beauty: the water and water’s edge of Cockle Bay. What could be a coherent urban precinct is cut in half and displaces the urban front from the water’s edge.
Let’s transform this ‘blinging, boring barrier’
These three failings form an urban sink hole for Sydney’s residents — a gap in which tourists are trapped and the corporates show off. <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-how-westconnex-can-deliver-sydney-a-better-city-centre-90171" target="_blank">Through traffic and congestion</a> dominate the area.
Darling Harbour is full of bling, the park is boring, and the highway is a barrier. Sydney created a blinging, boring barrier.
Why can’t Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay be a sensitive space, where you can experience relative darkness and silence when eating and drinking, and you can enjoy the tranquility of dark water so close to the city centre?
Wouldn’t it be sensational if you could whisper a secret message to your darling instead of shouting how his or her working day was? Wouldn’t it be great if you could sit on the edge of the harbour, dangling your tired feet in the water? How great could it be if the space was green with trees, bush, ecofriendly river edges, where kids could explore water and nature?
Tranquility, darkness and human scale are the ingredients for an environment that can be completely green and still urban. Higher densities are possible as long as these are sustainable, we use environmental-friendly materials and are placed in a larger green and ecological zone fronting the water. This then creates the space for people to enjoy the environment and relax.
Climate change makes this urgent
This is urgent. Climate change will cause and enforce changes to city centres, especially when they’re fronting water edges, like Darling Harbour.
Rising sea levels (<a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/climate-change/new-maps-show-the-risk-of-sea-level-rises-to-australian-cities/news-story/2cd13d732b102365c9c708c4a223961f" target="_blank">up to 2m by the end of the century</a>), and more flash flooding as a result of more intense rain are expected.
So green buffer zones on either side of the water’s edge are required to deal with rising water levels and more intense rain events.
Environments must be flexible, adaptive and resilient to survive. The types of activities currently in the Darling Harbour area are mono-functional, inflexible and vulnerable to climate impacts.
Here’s what we can learn from other cities:
Toronto
Toronto’s city centre has a series of greening projects along its <a href="https://waterfrontoronto.ca/nbe/portal/waterfront/Home" target="_blank">waterfront</a>. These include nature reserves, a bicycle path, sandy beach-like areas and zones in which urban water is purified at the same time made available for the public to use in playgrounds.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253789/original/file-20190115-180494-182n6ou.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253789/original/file-20190115-180494-182n6ou.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Toronto’s water purification site is also an urban playground. Author provided
New York
Another good example is in New York, where Manhattan is transforming its Hudson River edges with <a href="https://hudsonriverpark.org/" target="_blank">parks and green areas</a>. There is open-air office space such as the <a href="https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/" target="_blank">Hudson Yards</a>, and continuous parks along the river, such as the Riverpark Boulevard.
These continuous parks can not only protect the city from flooding but also suit the daily needs of the jogging, cycling or wandering New Yorker.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253790/original/file-20190115-180510-xwhxhi.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253790/original/file-20190115-180510-xwhxhi.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
New York’s Riverpark Boulevard has been designed to protect the city from flooding, as well as providing people place to walk, jog or wander. Author provided
Shanghai
In Shanghai there’s a large program to green the river edge. Over 100,000 trees are being planted along the Huangpu River. This program is meant to clean the air, mitigate the urban heat island effect and offer space to occasional floods. But it also functions as an enormous park, with a continuous cycle-path and the option to run the marathon (once up and down).
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253791/original/file-20190115-180488-p8270n.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253791/original/file-20190115-180488-p8270n.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Shanghai is transforming its riverside with more than 100,000 trees and parklands long enough to run a marathon. Author provided
Amsterdam
Finally, Amsterdam is redeveloping the northern shore of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IJ_(Amsterdam)" target="_blank">IJ river</a>. Here, new green spaces, water purification and ecological reserves are realised in the midst of a high-density mixed-use urban environment. One of the eye-catchers is EYE, the national movie theatre.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253792/original/file-20190115-180488-28ukf5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/253792/original/file-20190115-180488-28ukf5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Amsterdam is transforming the IJ north shore. Author provided
Sydney, it’s up to you
These examples show that large, western cities are successfully implementing sustainable ecological developments along their waterfronts.
These are not realised because of some high-level green ambition, but out of pure necessity. People ask for cleaner environments so they can enjoy, exercise and play with their kids in a healthy and safe place.
In Darling Harbour, we’re faced with short-term economic benefits, with a focus on tourists, and a vulnerable waterline. Is this the long-term future for Sydneysiders?
Or could the waterfront become the lovely place for humans and nature, which also protects Sydneysiders living immediately behind the waterfront?<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/109869/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Rob Roggema is a of Professor Spatial Transformation, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/hanze-university-of-applied-sciences-groningen-3849">Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen</a>.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-darling-harbour-was-botched-and-could-be-reborn-109869" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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How Darling Harbour was botched (and could be reborn)

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Darling Harbour’s rejuvenation continues apace with this week’s news that the luxury hotel brand Ritz-Carlton will return to Sydney for the first time in 18 years. The six-star hotel will offer 220 rooms situated within the top half of a distinctive 61-storey tower to be built at the north-eastern corner of The Star in Pyrmont.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/ritz_carlton_hotel_the_star_2_920x900_-_by_fjmt.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The mid-tower Sky Lobby for Ritz Carlton hotel guests will offer a spectacular vantage point over Sydney Harbour and CBD. Image: FJMT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="272" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ritz_carlton_hotel_the_star_2_920x900_-_by_fjmt.jpg?itok=lgyX9d3p" title="The mid-tower Sky Lobby for Ritz Carlton hotel guests will offer a spectacular vantage point over Sydney Harbour and CBD. Image: FJMT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The mid-tower Sky Lobby for Ritz-Carlton hotel guests will offer a spectacular vantage point over Sydney Harbour and CBD. Image: FJMT</figcaption></figure>The hotel is poised to capture a slice of surging overseas visitor numbers, as well as taking advantage of its prominent harbour-side position, and proximity to both the Sydney CBD and Darling Harbour Convention, Exhibition and entertainment venues.

The tower design adopts a memorable form as it rises to its full height of 231 metres, branching into two distinct, interlocked volumes as it subtly twists to maximise and ensure the best harbour and CBD vistas.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/star-render-1-1_-_by_scharp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The tower's distinctive form from Pyrmont Bay Park. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star-render-1-1_-_by_scharp.jpg?itok=TIG3lKlt" title="The tower's distinctive form from Pyrmont Bay Park. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The tower's distinctive form from Pyrmont Bay Park. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing</figcaption></figure>Given its relative isolation, its distinctive form will create a landmark architectural statement on Sydney’s skyline , providing a bookmark to Barangaroo’s towers on the opposite shore, framing the entrance to Darling Harbour from ferries and other vessels on the harbour.

Beneath the hotel, the bottom half of the tower will acommodate around 200 apartments as well as a five-storey neighbourhood centre. This will contain a social enterprise space, reading room, function space, collaboration hub, and rooftop terrace - useful additions to community infrastructure in the area.

As part of the development, the Pirrama Rd podium of The Star will be refurbished, adding a rooftop pool and terrace, public restaurants, two gyms, and a spa &amp; wellness centre.

Fifteen food outlets will cluster around the path connecting the hotel tower to the rooftop social and leisure space, forming a ‘restaurant avenue’. No additional gambling floor space is included in the development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/star-render-3-1_-_by_scharp.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rooftop social and leisure space. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/star-render-3-1_-_by_scharp.jpg?itok=_dTwMvmG" title="Rooftop social and leisure space. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rooftop social and leisure space. Image: Scharp 3D Visualisation &amp; Property Marketing</figcaption></figure>The project comes amid a spate of new developments entering the pipeline to cater to the rapidly growing visitor market. In the last year alone, visitor numbers in Sydney have increased by 5% to 14 million, 4.3 million of which were from overseas.

According to Destination NSW, visitors to the state have collectively injected $16.85 billion into the NSW economy. 

The $500 million project is a joint venture between the Star Entertainment Group and Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium and will generate 1000 jobs during construction and a further 500 jobs once operational.

The design team is led by architects FJMT who are also responsible for a number of prominent projects in the area, including the new Sofitel at the International Convention Centre.

The new hotel and its dramatic tower will add a new layer to the Darling Harbour precinct, consolidating the area as a premier social and business destination.

Far East Consortium is also introducing the Ritz-Carlton brand in Perth and Melbourne via developments at Elizabeth Quay and West Side Place. Both projects are currently under construction with Probuild at the helm, and architecture by Cottee Parker.
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ModernBradfield

Ritz-Carlton Tower at The Star adds to Darling Harbour's rejuvenation

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Urbanest Darling House will welcome its first tenants next month.
A twin bedroom with ensuite will start from $560 per person per week, while a single bedroom with ensuite starts from $646, with prices inclusive of all meals at The Eatery, water, electricity, contents insurance and 100GB of wireless internet per month.
Urbanest is one of Australia’s largest PBSA providers.
Its CEO David Munro stated Urbanest had been at the forefront of this industry since opening the doors on their first property in South Bank, Brisbane almost 10 years ago.
It now has 12 properties throughout Australia.
Urbanest Darling House is the final part of a three-year development of two buildings in the Darling Square precinct, with Urbanest partnering with Lendlease, Buildcorp and AJ+C architects on the projects.
The 664 bed development on Darling Drive is connected via a bridge to the Urbanest Darling Square.
 "We are set to revolutionise traditional student living again with the opening of Urbanest Darling House,” said Mr Munro.
“Urbanest will for the first time provide students with a fully inclusive product that incorporates in-house world-class catering,” said Mr Munro.
Branded ‘The Eatery at Urbanest Darling House’, the new dining space will see a team of top chefs recruited for the in-house operation.
“Our goal is to give students more than just a meal with a focus is on providing safe, secure facilities in a fun environment, supporting both the social and academic needs of students whilst away from home.” said Mr Munro.
Munro noted investment in the Australian Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market has witnessed major growth over the past decade.
Driving this investment is the value of the international education sector to the economy, which is expected to almost double to an excess of $33 billion by 2025.
 
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Urbanest Darling House to open in Darling Square precinct 

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Property developer Greaton has won the Deal of the Year award in the over $100 million transaction category for The Ribbon in Sydney's Darling Harbour at Hotels World 2017.
Greaton beat Novotel Melbourne On Collins, Travelodge Docklands, Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, W Melbourne and a portfolio of 15 Ibis Hotels to take the award.
Nicho Teng, Greaton managing director said it is a significant honour for Greaton to be awarded this accolade for The Ribbon.
"We are a very new player in the Australian hotel market, but intend to build our presence with several significant acquisitions over the next few decades," he said.
"The Ribbon will set a new benchmark for luxury hotels in Sydney and become a destination of choice by both locals and international tourists.
“The IMAX theatre site in Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s most famous tourist areas.
"It was only fitting that one of Australia’s best hotels is positioned on this site.” 
John Smith, HotelsWorld Australia CEO said Greaton was against a strong field of major deals but was a stand-out.
"The Ribbon is an amazing transaction due to its unique nature, location and scale, all within what promises to be a timeless modern architectural masterpiece," he said.
"It is an important addition to the hotel market in Sydney, which needs more luxury hotels to meet burgeoning demand from local and overseas markets.”
The Ribbon features a 25 storey luxury hotel and the return of the IMAX theatre. 
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