There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<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/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333360]

Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

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

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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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