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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hills District

Following the successful sell out of stage one, Mayrin have released stage two of their Rouse Hill development, Verset.

Situated in close proximity to Rouse Hill Station and Rouse Hill shopping centre, Verset provides residents with unrivalled convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24445 project_image_fid=195358]

The area is teeming with a plethora of amenities, including an array of cafes and restaurants, retail shops, supermarkets, expansive parklands, playgrounds, as well as plans for a future hospital and retail expansion.&nbsp;

The apartments in Verset are designed with open-plan layouts, seamlessly integrating the living, lounge, and dining areas. Each of the living spaces extend to either an entertainer's balcony or a garden.

The kitchens feature stone benchtops and gas cooking facilities, along with European appliances, while the&nbsp;master bedrooms are generously sized, complete with an en-suite and built-in wardrobes.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24445 project_image_fid=195364]

Residents of Verset will also benefit from a communal space at the centre of the site, with the space including an entertaining area and barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

Upon completion, Verset will be home to 185 apartments, set across two four-storey buildings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24445]

The apartments in Verset are designed with open-plan layouts, seamlessly integrating the living, lounge, and dining areas

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Mayrin launch stage two of Rouse Hill apartments, Verset

The Sydney construction and development firm Deicorp has been given the green-light for its largest ever project.

They&#39;ve secured approval for the new Tallawong Village, located in Sydney&#39;s Hills District near Rouse Hill.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued consent for the State Significant Project following an extensive assessment process involving Landcom, Sydney Metro, and Blacktown Council.

The consent covers both stages of the project, and permits work to commence on Stage 1.

The site is located immediately adjacent to the Metro Station at Tallawong,&nbsp;a staple of Deicorp&#39;s projects to be well-connected to transport.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106821 project_image_fid=169999]

Stage 1 will see 333 residential apartments constructed across five buildings, each with a maximum height of eight storeys. There will&nbsp;also be&nbsp;9,000 sqm&nbsp;of retail and a 3,400 sqm&nbsp;publicly accessible park as part of the first stage.

Stage 2 will see a further 654 apartments constructed, taking to total apartments in Tallawong Village to just under 1,000

Construction is expected to commence in August, with completion scheduled for the final quarter of 2023.

Fouad Deiri OAM, chairman of Deicorp,&nbsp;said that he was very pleased that work could commence on this major project.

&ldquo;The development and construction industries play a critical role in delivering the homes Sydney-siders desperately need and want, and in the process, employ tens of thousands of people to build them.&rdquo; Deiri said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106821 project_image_fid=169998]

&ldquo;And projects like Tallawong Village give first-home buyers and young families high-quality, well-located and affordable homes in popular and growing parts of Sydney.

&ldquo;This approval will see the creation of an exciting new village that&rsquo;s close to great jobs and outstanding transport infrastructure. Deicorp is delighted to provide convenience, quality and affordability for buyers in the Sydney property market.

The Tallawong Village project adds to Deicorp&rsquo;s substantial pipeline of projects in the Northwest, with apartments under currently under construction, about to start or with approval pending, totalling over 2,000 apartments.

&ldquo;Between this approval in Tallawong, our soon to start project in Castle Hill, our Proximity project in Rouse Hill and our planned mixed-use project at Showground, we are committed to Sydney&rsquo;s exciting and fast-growing Northwest.&quot;

The submission lodged by Deicorp included significant sustainability initiatives, including roof top solar to reduce the operating costs for future residents and make a tangible reduction in energy consumption. The project is expected to deliver 1,500 jobs across the construction program, and approximately 200 permanent jobs when completed.

Stage 1 will see 333 residential apartments constructed across five buildings, each with a maximum height of eight storeys

Deicorp secure approval for Tallawong Village with nearly 1,000 affordable apartments

Chapman Gardens is a new residential offering in Sydney’s leafy Hills Shire, boasting a collection of 100 duplex-style apartments.

Developed by the CG Group, Chapman Gardens offers one, two and three-bedroom residences that are situated just six minutes from the Hills Showground metro station.

The landmark development comprises three low-rise buildings in a landscaped setting, with an articulated design that cleverly softens the streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199352]

“Clever design and contemporary features combine to create interiors that fuse style with substance”, the project marketing reads.

Designed by PTW and Urbis, the development offers generous apartments with sophisticated interiors and high-quality finishes, with three-bedroom apartments in Castle Hill under $1,000,000.

The kitchens form the heart of the residences and boast stone benchtops with a contemporary waterfall edge and pull-out pantries that optimise storage space.

Ideal for entertaining friends and family, the homes feature abundant entertaining areas, high ceilings and low-maintenance alfresco zones, while a select number of apartments feature private courtyards and direct street access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199353]

Castle Hill is adored for its recreational attractions and abundance of green open space, with picnic areas, walking tracks and playgrounds within close proximity to the development.

"The Hills Showground Station Precinct is poised for significant redevelopment, including new housing, retail and a public plaza and park, which will inject new life into the suburb while enjoying lifestyle benefits and value-growth", the project marketing highlighted.

Well-connected by public transport, commuters will only have to travel a short distance into employment hubs such as Chatswood and Parramatta.

The state-ranked Baulkham Hills High School is located a short bus trip away, as well as numerous private schools.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29359]

The landmark development comprises three low-rise buildings in a landscaped setting, with an articulated design that cleverly softens the streetscape. 

max.kwok_55688

Three-bedroom apartments at the brand-new Chapman Gardens development in Sydney’s Castle Hill

The real estate investment giant Mulpha, developers of Norwest&nbsp;in Sydney&#39;s Hills District, has lodged its development application for the first stage&nbsp;its approved $1 billion masterplanned community, Norwest Quarter.

There will be nine slender residential towers containing 864 apartments across the whole of the masterplan, with 6,000 sqm&nbsp;of space allocated for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

The first stage of Norwest Quarter will see two of the apartment buildings constructed, homing a total of 196 apartments and more than 3,500 sqm of retail and commercial space,&nbsp;including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services, and restaurants.

The towers, located less than 400 metres from the new Norwest Metro Station,&nbsp;have been designed by two of Sydney&#39;s leading architecture studios, Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
&quot;We started the design process by asking how people today want to live their lives and what sustainability, technology and community practices reflect their needs, lifestyle and aspirations.&quot; 
Mulpha&#39;s head of developments Tim Spencer
</blockquote>

The slenderness of the towers will allow for 70 percent of the site to be used for landscaping and amenity.

<img alt="" height="1320" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/norwest_4.jpg" width="1200" />

There will be an&nbsp;open-air plaza with retail and outdoor dining, a nature based&nbsp;play area, an amphitheatre for community events and other landscaped areas.

When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 4.8 hectares of greenfield land into a vibrant village centre for over 2,000 residents.

Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio are working in collaboration with landscape architecture firm Aspect Studios, urban designers Terroir, and environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity&nbsp;to design and deliver an innovative, environmentally led development with a unique nature-driven biophilic ethos.

<img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/norwest_3.jpg" width="1200" />

<blockquote>
The whole design process was about breaking down and identifying what truly makes a community sustainable &ndash; it was an inter-disciplinary design exercise that had to accept that for true sustainability the project had to have economic and employment drivers, social and education opportunities, bring health and wellness to the forefront and manage the built form and technology infrastructure super efficiently.

&ldquo;The past year has reinforced our belief that we need to be holistically designing to achieve great communities to live in, not just designing stand-alone buildings.
</blockquote>

Norwest Quarter will be a core pillar of the entire Norwest community that is anchored by 46 hectares of public open space and interwoven with 50 kilometres of pathways and 10 kilometres of cycleways, creating a walkable and cyclable city.

There will be nine slender residential towers containing 864 apartments across the whole of the masterplan


Mulpha lodges application for stage one of $1 billion masterplanned Norwest Quarter community

Sydney&rsquo;s leafy Hills Shire strikes the perfect combination between rural tranquility and modern residences.

The area is widely known for its beautiful surrounds, safe streets, excellent schools and family-oriented community.

With suburbs like Baulkham Hills seeing incredible growth over the last year and new developments popping up in the Box Hill growth corridor, the Hills presents strong investment opportunities. &nbsp;

A major $1 billion redevelopment of the &lsquo;Towers&rsquo; shopping centre is also in the works.

With national parks and reserves, picnic locations and the Hawkesbury River nearby, this area is a great choice for homebuyers and investors.

Urban takes a look at four new developments in the region, starting from $642,000

1. The Hills of Carmel, Box Hill 
Address: 17 Boundary Road, Box Hill NSW 2765 
Request more information from an agent

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28070]

Offering an exciting new master-planned community, the Hills of Carmel is set to deliver house and land packages in the growing Box Hill.

Transforming Sydney&#39;s north-west, the development will include sizable lots surrounded by parklands and greenery, leading schools and future shopping villages.

133 hectares of business park and employment land will cater to the growing population, with up to 16,000 new jobs created once the area is fully developed.

2. Collection, Rouse Hill 
Address: 49 Terry Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284]

Situated in Sydney&rsquo;s growing north-west, the Marquess Group&rsquo;s Rouse Hill project offers generous entertainer balconies and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and adjacent Berowra Valley National Park.

The&nbsp;DKO&nbsp;Architecture-designed development boasts luxury and modern design with spacious open-plan layouts, walk-in showers and on-site amenities.

3. Skyview, Castle Hill 
Address: 51 Old Castle Hill Road, Castle Hill 2154 
Two-bedroom apartments from $865,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25935]

Nestled in the heart of Castle Hill, Skyview delivers one, two and three-bedroom apartments across five distinct towers.

Developed by TOPLACE, the development is nestled within landscaped parklands with views towards the Blue Mountains and the Sydney CBD.

Over 12,000sqm of landscaped gardens and tree-lined walkways feature within the development, as well as communal gardens, a shared swimming pool and a children&rsquo;s playground.

4. The Hugh, Kellyville 
Address: 44 Armbruster Avenue, Kellyville 2155 
Two-bedroom apartments from $799,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14461]

Delivered by Kanebridge, the Hugh offers 181 two and three-bedroom residences in the Hills Shire.

Situated in Kellyville, the building offers floor-to-ceiling windows, open plan living and entertaining balconies.

Among its amenities include a central courtyard, seating areas, a children&rsquo;s playground and barbeque facilities.

With national parks and reserves, picnic locations and the Hawkesbury River nearby, this Hills Shire is a great location for both homebuyers and investors

The top two-bedroom residences in the Hills Shire, beginning from $642,000

<html><body>
The local developer CDMA Australia have launched the final stage of its $237 million Rouse Hill development Rosella Place.

Named after the native bird that characterises the north-western Sydney suburb, Rosella Place is set to home 357 apartments across five nine-storey towers when completed in late 2023.

So far just under 200 apartments have sold, equating to $120 million in sales.

The final stage release sees 117 residences up for grabs across Buildings D and E, a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. There will also be seven townhouses available in the final stage (pictured below).

<a href="/buildings/rosella-place-stage-1-56-cudgegong-road-rouse-hill"><img alt="" height="899" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rosella_place_3.jpg" width="1600"></a>

Designed by local architects WMK Architecture, Rosella Place apartments start from $480,000 for a one bed, $620,000 for two-bedroom apartments and $755,000 for three bedroom apartments.

The Rouse Hill growth forecast

Many experts and agents are suggesting the Hills District is prime for a property boom, with public infrastructure projects in the pipeline worth billions of dollars.

Ray White Group managing director Dan White said the group had never seen higher numbers of from people inspecting properties on a per property basis in the Hills District. 

“It’s currently 30-40 per cent higher than it was at this time last year, prior to Covid,” Mr White said. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93223]“All of the short and long-term drivers of the Sydney market are positive and with infrastructure and population growth, post Covid will be as strong as ever. 

Mr White says that people should be very confident with the property outlook over the medium to long term.

"Sydney will always be a great investment for ongoing growth and the real estate market is a great place to invest. Buyers don’t want to miss out on that continued growth."

CDMA Australia’s sales and marketing manager Jonathan Tan said Rouse Hill’s rural, country-style setting appeals to many buyers, which many of the surrounding suburbs such as Blacktown and Westmead do not offer.  

“It also offers an array of excellent amenities including the upcoming Tallawong Town Centre which will include retail, childcare, public parks and cycle and walking tracks all connected to the Metro Station. 

“The area has a variety of major developments and infrastructure on the horizon with the $250 million expansion of the Rouse Hill Town Centre, the new Rouse Hill Hospital and the Norwest University all to be delivered in the next coming years,” he said.
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So far just under 200 apartments have sold, equating to $120 million in sales.


Final stage of Rosella Place apartment development launches in the Rouse Hill growth area

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SPONSORED POST
The Norwest Business Park is on the cusp of a transformation that will bring new life and vitality to the area. A growing workforce and a local population seeking out a new way of living are the driving forces behind the evolution of Norwest.
The milestone of 20,000 workers in Norwest has come and gone with forecasts the area will see more than 35,000 people employed in the business park in the next 15 years.
 “A larger workforce will inevitably mean an increase in demand for housing so there’s no doubt Norwest is already undergoing a revitalisation into an integrated lifestyle destination,” Steve Grant from Capital Corporation says.
“And the plans we have for Esplanade on Norwest Lake are leading the way in that transformation.”
By combining a diverse mix of apartments, a host of resident-only amenities, three levels of boutique workspaces, waterfront dining and retails areas to the backdrop of an upgraded public boardwalk, the Esplanade proposal is the natural next step in an already very successful area to make daily life more enjoyable and convenient.
Norwest will also benefit from Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project in the Sydney Metro Northwest rail line.
The fast, reliable and high frequency trains will easily transport people from Norwest to the city, Macquarie Park and across the district.
The Norwest metro station is being built within 400 metres of the Esplanade site, with both projects slated for completion in 2019.
This public transport infrastructure will add to the appeal of living in Norwest, with accessibility and connectivity a key consideration for owner-occupiers and investors alike. 
“We’ve been building at Norwest for over 25 years, and we’ve seen that every time there’s a major infrastructure investment there is a corresponding lift in property values,” Mr Grant says.
“That occurred with the opening of the M2, opening of Norwest Marketown, the opening of the M7 and it’s our opinion this will occur again with opening of the Norwest rail station, due to open about the time Esplanade is completed.”
Esplanade responds to the needs of many families who moved to The Hills area 20 or 30 years ago who are now looking for the convenience of a development that brings the life-work-recreation combination together to make daily life more enjoyable.
“Our extensive experience within the northwest market tells us that buyers and investors are looking for projects that contribute to a healthier work-life balance,” Mr Grant says. “That’s why location is just as important as the facilities on offer in an integrated development like the one proposed at Esplanade.”
To learn more about what esplanade offers, please visit <a href="https://esplanadenorwest.com.au" target="_blank">esplanadenorwest.com.au</a>, call 1800 088 800 or visit our unique display suite to see what a full-sized two-bedroom apartment will look like. The display suite is located at 11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills and is open daily from 11am to 2.30pm or by private appointment.
 
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Norwest set for exciting transition into a thriving urban hub

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GUEST OBSERVER
Investing in Sydney’s real estate market has been a tough call in recent years, with ever-increasing prices putting the squeeze on returns and meaning that investors need to do their due diligence more than ever before. 
According to CoreLogic, the median apartment price in Sydney has increased by a massive 106.2% since 2008 and is now at $750,000. 
With prices at this level, investors need to be savvy and on the look-out for ways to increase capital gains by identifying upcoming ‘hot spots’. There is huge potential in some pockets of metropolitan Sydney, set to benefit from significant future development and infrastructure projects. 
Sydney’s burgeoning North West in particular should be high on an investor’s radar. 
Nestled within the Hills Shire, Castle Hill is a suburb where future growth has been forecast. Key early indicators of growth lie within the current and future plans for commercial and residential developments within the region. 
In accordance with The Implementation Plan proposed by the New South Wales Government, some 33,000 new homes are to be developed in North West Sydney. Estimates by the Hills Shire Council predict the population in Castle Hill will grow by 49.53% by 2036. 
It is undeniable that Castle Hill is an area set for long-term growth and ticks all the boxes for investors. 
To cater for the growth in population infrastructure developments are also currently underway including the $900 million upgrade of Castle Towers and the $8.3 billion North West Rail link. 
Upon completion the Castle Towers redevelopment is set to generate 2,373 jobs and create an enhanced community hub. The North West Rail link is expected for completion in 2019 and will also increase the efficiency of transport connecting residents from Castle Hill Station to Martin Place Station in around 30 minutes. 
To combat rising property prices in Sydney investors are strongly encouraged to continue to seek out growth areas and identify “hot spots” to realise the future potential, rather than to try to buy into markets that have already hit their peak. 
Residential real estate remains the investment of choice with solid medium and long-term returns and those who are waiting in anticipation for market conditions to change may miss out on solid investment opportunities.
Ian Bennett is Director, Colliers International  
 
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