<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<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/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

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The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

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Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

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This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

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Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

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;

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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.

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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;

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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.

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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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Darling Harbour

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Darling Harbour

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Developments

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