One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Macquarie Park

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Property developer Greenland Australia, Lachlan’s Square Village has now officially welcomed six new stores to the 5,000 sqm retail precinct, joining anchor supermarket tenant Coles, and its accompanying Liquorland outlet, which opened in September this year.

The new specialty tenants that will service the Macquarie Park and North Ryde communities include lifestyle and grooming outlets, Ocean Nails &amp; Beauty and Totally Male Barbershop, as well as a selection of food and beverage operators – Saigon Summer (Vietnamese street food), Shoga Japanese (modern sushi bar), Chicken V (Korean fried chicken and tap beer) and Hey Juice (fresh juices, milk tea and snacks).

Further specialty tenants are scheduled to commence trading in the precinct in early 2021, with a medical centre, pharmacy, and a gym also planned. To celebrate, Lachlan’s Square Village hosted a range of COVID-safe activations across the precinct on the opening weekend, including a Santa’s Breakfast, which saw over 200 children and adults enjoy breakfast with their families including a festive Christmas show, followed by a Santa Meet and Greet in the brand-new City of Ryde Community Centre located on-site. 

According to Greenland Australia’s Director of Asset Management, the growth of <a href="https://www.greenlandaustralia.com.au/en/new-retail-stores-open-at-lachlans-square-village-in-time-for-christmas/">Lachlan’s Square Village</a> is further proof of his company’s commitment to the area. “We love north-west Sydney, and we are thrilled to be offering even more retail variety to the people of Macquarie Park and North Ryde,” said Mr Fidler.

 
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Six specialty stores have joined Coles and Liquorland at their new retail precinct Lachlan's Square Village in Sydney.

urban.com.au

Greenland Australia's Lachlan Square Village launches new retail stores

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The Glasshouse building, at John Holland's Macquarie Square development, has been sold.
The building comprises of 38,500 square metres of internal floorspace, and was sold to investment company Charter Hall for approximately $332 million.
The sale price, and 5 per cent cap rate, represent a record for John Holland and is one of the largest ever sales in Macquarie Park.
CEO Joe Barr said, “Macquarie Park is Sydney’s emerging new CBD. With the Glasshouse, it will get its first CBD-quality office building, with a 7,000sqm public park at its heart."
Executive General Manager Development &amp; Investments Tom Roche said, “this is an incredible result, adding to our strong pipeline of commercial and mixed-use developments. With more than 80 per cent of the Glasshouse leased already, this is clearly a market that will continue to grow,” Mr Roche said.
The Glasshouse is part of John Holland’s Macquarie Square development, a 117,017 square metre site made up of five buildings and a 7,000 square metre public park.
John Holland will complete the building in early 2020, with Transport for NSW as its anchor tenant. John Holland will remain part of the Macquarie Square community through its ongoing development and precinct management roles.
Macquarie Square is a two-minute walk to the John Holland-built Sydney Metro Macquarie Park station. 
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Macquarie Park's Glasshouse office development sold

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Macquarie Park is set to get its first CBD-quality office building with the launch of John Holland’s Macquarie Square development.
The development precinct will launch a new standard for Macquarie Park, creating 117,071 sqm of office space across five buildings, with a new 7,000 sqm public park at its heart. 
Designed to blend work, lifestyle and recreational activities, the development will also feature retail, premium dining, bars, event spaces, a gym and activated public spaces.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr said the launch of Macquarie Square marked a milestone in the company’s history as an integrated property and infrastructure leader.
“We are the owner, developer and builder of this iconic new precinct, and we are excited to show off this modern marketplace for Sydney,” Mr Barr.
“Thanks to the delivery of another John Holland project, Sydney Metro Northwest, Macquarie Park is more accessible than ever before.”
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Executive General Manager Development &amp; Investments Tom Roche said Macquarie Square presented a huge opportunity for Sydney’s second-largest CBD.
“Macquarie Square is a two-minute walk to Sydney Metro, and will integrate public space, co-working areas, a curated CBD style retail offering, active transport and premium end-of-trip facilities,” Mr Roche said.
“Arriving to market hot on the heels of the record sale of 275 George St, Macquarie Square is an exciting addition to John Holland’s integrated market offering.”
Stage one of the development includes 25,000sqm NLA pre-commitment from the NSW Government.
 The initial building, the Glasshouse, will be complete in March 2020.
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John Holland’s Macquarie Square development launched

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Stage 1 of Greenland Australia's nbh at Lachlan’s Line in the north-west Sydney suburb of <a href="/new-apartments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> has officially topped out, with the developer hosting a ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the occasion.

Signifying the structural completion of the highest floor within the development, the ceremony was hosted on top of the 17-storey Nexus building with key representatives from <a href="/developers/greenland-australia">Greenland Australia</a>, project builders Ganellen, and other project consultants in attendance.

The first stage of the $220m master-planned project, designed by <a href="/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, comprises 592 apartments spanning four towers of 17, 14, 14 and 11 storeys and supported by 5,000 sqm of retail space.

The development’s residential towers – known as Habitat, Hideaway, Hearth and Nexus – will wrap around the future Lachlan’s Square, which is set to become the community’s key retail destination, lined with supermarkets, food emporiums and essential services, as well as day care and playground facilities for young families. 

<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/nbh_construction_progress.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="nbh at Lachlan's Line progress. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nbh_construction_progress.jpg?itok=Pe1v7YNg" title="nbh at Lachlan's Line progress. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>nbh at Lachlan's Line progress. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Macquarie Park’s strong business community and central location means it is fast becoming one of Sydney’s most sought-after residential suburbs.

The area is well serviced by major transport connections such as the nearby North Ryde Metro Station, which is only 200 metres from site, with nbh residents to have direct access to the CBD via the Metro when it reopens for business in mid-2019, courtesy of a new footbridge which is being built by Landcom.

Frequent bus services also run along the Epping Road corridor, and ultimately, these transport links will used by over 12,500 residents in the new Macquarie Park, which is set to become a highly connected urban village with a bright and promising future. Ganellen have been exceptional to work with and their team has ensured this project has remained on or ahead of schedule throughout.

The standard of their build is first-rate and will be integral in ensuring ‘nbh at Lachlan’s Line’ is a highly desirable community for the people of north-west Sydney when it completes in the second half of 2019.

- Sherwood Luo, Greenland Australia’s Managing Director
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<blockquote>
For a global Fortune 500 company such as Greenland to adapt and grow into the Australian market in such a short time is impressive.The relationship we have developed with Greenland Australia ensures our teams remain on track for an early completion, just as we did on Greenland’s Primus Hotel project in the Sydney CBD.

This success is a credit to Greenland and their ability to work dynamically with us at a local level, despite their global scale and footprint.

- Peter Maneas, Ganellen CEO
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<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/nbh_topping_out_nexus_building_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Representatives from the project team at the topping out ceremony. Image"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nbh_topping_out_nexus_building_1.jpg?itok=lZIh3XFc" title="Representatives from the project team at the topping out ceremony. Image" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Representatives from the project team at the topping out ceremony. Image</figcaption></figure>
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Laurence Dragomir

Ganellen tops out Stage 1 of Greenland's Macquarie Park project

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Greenland Australia has topped out nbn at Lachlan's Line, the master-planned project in Sydney's north west. 
The topping out signifies the structural completion of the highest floor of the development.
The first stage of the nbh at Lachlan’s Line development includes four towers of 17, 14, 14 and 11 storeys, and will comprise 592 apartments and 5,000 sqm of retail floor space.
The development’s residential towers – known as Habitat, Hideaway, Hearth and Nexus – will wrap around the future Lachlan’s Square, which is set to become the community’s key retail destination, lined with supermarkets and food emporiums, as well as day care and playground facilities for young families.
Prices at Hearth start from $647,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Greenland representatives and a number of other project consultants took part in a topping out ceremony, held on top of the 17 storey Nexus Building.
It has views over the neighbouring Lane Cove National Park and all the way to the Sydney CBD.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/12/10/lach2.jpg" alt="">
In marking the occasion, Greenland Australia’s managing director Sherwood Luo spoke of the bright future for Macquarie Park and the ‘nbh at Lachlan’s Line’ community.
“Macquarie Park’s strong business community and central location means it is fast becoming one of Sydney’s most sought-after residential suburbs,” Luo said. 
“The area is well serviced by major transport connections such as the nearby North Ryde Metro Station, which is only 200 metres from site, with nbh residents to have direct access to the CBD via the Metro when it reopens for business in mid-2019, courtesy of a new footbridge which is being built by Landcom.
“Frequent bus services also run along the Epping Road corridor, and ultimately, these transport links will used by over 12,500 residents in the new Macquarie Park, which is set to become a highly connected urban village with a bright and promising future.”
Luo also praised the efforts of Ganellen in delivering the nbh project to this point.
“The standard of their build is first-rate and will be integral in ensuring ‘nbh at Lachlan’s Line’ is a highly desirable community for the people of north-west Sydney when it completes in the second half of 2019.”
Ganellen CEO Peter Maneas noted "for a global Fortune 500 company such as Greenland to adapt and grow into the Australian market in such a short time is impressive.”
For more information <a href="http://nbhsydney.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Greenland tops out Macquarie Park project nbh at Lachlan's Line

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Macquarie Park's blossoming urban renewal has received a further boost with developer Meriton setting in motion the approvals sequence for their Talavera Road site.

The suburb's role as a tertiary, commercial and innovation hub is further being boosted by an influx of apartment developments. Latest to reach City of Ryde for consideration is the first stage of Meriton's 112 Talavera Road apartment development.

Previously with Goodman Group, the low-rise site which now contains commercial and industrial space was secured by Meriton who promptly went about applying to rezone the site in order to allow for four residential towers. The tallest of these would reach 200 metres and is subject to a future design excellence competition.

The rezoning allows for buildings of 27, 30, 45 and 60 storeys incorporating over 1,200 apartments.

<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/image60_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_6.jpg?itok=Lw1QO8nH" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>With rezoning in the pocket, Merithasave applied for approval over the westernmost part of the site, with the balance subject to future development applications.

DKO Architecture have been utilised for the initial design, creating a 27 storey residential tower incorporating some 221 apartments. The tower's pseudo podium introduces a more intimate built form by way of a smaller 7 storey building that will front both a new pedestrian link and a common green area.

A childcare centre, pool and gym are situated atop the smaller building whilst the tower hosts an enclosed rooftop terrace for use by residents.

The apartment split sees 46 single, 141 double and 34 triple bedroom apartments. Limited retail spaces are also included at ground level.

<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/image63_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_9.jpg?itok=tO4HBVU8" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Macquarie Park's established mixed-use nature has been instrumental in attracting a string of big name developers to the area, cashing in on demand for apartment living. Stamoulis Property Group, Romeciti, Golden Age Group, Greenland Australia, COLI Australia, VIMG and JQZ have active apartment projects within Macquarie Park.

Hyecorp is the latest developer to launch a project, taking 9 Peach Tree Road to sales. Dubbed Monika, the project will include 116 apartments within a 14 storey building.

Urban.com.au is tracking 3,965 apartments within Macquarie Park. The large size of many development sites and multiple buildings within the respective developments is seeing a very high average apartment number of 440 across 9 separate developments.
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silvermb

Macquarie Park's transformation takes a Meriton step forward

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City of Ryde has this month fielded a trio of projects that stand to add hundreds of new high density apartments between Macquarie Part Railway Station and Macquarie University.

Most recent was 9 Peach Tree Road, with documents submitted for a 14 storey tower encompassing 116 residential apartments split between 26 x 1 bedroom, 50 x 2 bedroom and 40 x 3 bedroom options. The $35 million scheme also includes 4 basement levels for 136 vehicles and a 70 square metre tenancy.

The Peach Tree Road proposal follows on from 159-161 Epping Road and 45-61 Waterloo Road, both of which were lodged at the turn of May.

The latter will see John Holland delve into development and for now remains a Concept Development Application with an eye toward eventually becoming a multi towered apartment precinct of some magnitude. 159-161 Epping Road on the other hand is a more definitive development application championed by national developer VIMG.

Expected in the VIMG vision are two 14 storey residential apartment buildings designed by Warren and Mahoney.

The above projects are in addition to a development application across 1-3 Cottonwood Crescent which was lodged earlier in the year. That application seeks 774 rooms within a 15 storey designated as affordable rental housing stock.

<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/image19_18.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_18.jpg?itok=VySQGfpL" title="Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Epping Road perspective. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney</figcaption></figure>VIMG's scheme is a further step by the developer in enhancing its national presence after establishing a strong development history in Melbourne over recent years.

Their 159-161 Epping Road endeavour includes 317 dwellings split between 2 x studio, 104 x 1 bedroom, 179 x 2 bedrooms &amp; 32 x 3 bedrooms options. Costing in excess of $146 million to build, the project also sees 3 basement levels accommodating 308 vehicles.

Warren and Mahoney's scheme sees an open green space 'outdoor room' bisect the site.

<blockquote>
The landscape component forms an integral part of the development, and has been integrated into the design from the early concept phase. It will become a focal point for residents and provide an extension of the building forms, the 'Outdoor Room.'

The generous 34m building separation has afforded a design that provides a holistic connection between internal and external spaces, creating areas of varying privacy, and providing moments of reflection and celebration. A generous 20% of the site, which exceeds the minimum ADG requirement, is dedicated to deep soil landscaping, this allows for the retention and planting of mature trees to further enhance the sites natural landscape.

Warren and Mahoney
</blockquote>

VIMG expect their project to begin construction during 2019.

The above projects fall within the <a href="http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/macquariepark">Macquarie Park Urban Renewal Area</a> which will see a majority of the suburb dedicated toward higher density living, commercial development and innovation.

<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/image20_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="474" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image20_13.jpg?itok=LQslSimY" title="159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>159-161 Epping Road within the Macquarie Park masterplan. Image: Warren &amp; Mahoney</figcaption></figure>
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Macquarie Park racks up further major apartment developments

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One of the last significant development sites near Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University and Macquarie University Station is set to break new records as the largest collective residential sale in NSW with 100 per cent unit entitlements.
The site at<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/7-11-lachlan-avenue-157-159-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113-2014277528" target="_blank"> 7-11 Lachlan Avenue and 157-159 Herring Road</a> at Macquarie Park in Sydney’s north west comprises five detached existing residential flat buildings, each on separate strata titles, accommodating 65 apartments constructed over four storeys.
They include ground floor secure garage parking on a 5,070 sqm site which was rezoned to B4 Mixed-Use in an amendment to the Ryde Local Environmental Plan 2014 which formed part of the Macquarie University Station Precinct revitalisation.
There is a 45 metre maximum height limit for the site with a Floor Space Ratio of 4:1.
The site lends itself to a premium mixed-use development capable of providing 20,288 sqm of GFA and potential for around 240 apartments.
Neil Cooke, Stuart Cox and Johnathon Broome of Savills Australia have been appointed to sell the collective site.
Cooke says the site represents a unique opportunity to acquire a well located, substantial parcel of land, with excellent development upside.
“Situated centrally within close proximity to all of the conveniences of Macquarie Park, the site provides exceptional district and city views to the east and Blue Mountains views to the western elevation and is nestled amongst one of Sydney’s fastest growing communities”, Cooke said.
“Very rarely do developers/ investors have the opportunity to acquire 100% of unit entitlements (65 of 65 existing residential units) in NSW and this site ticks every box for prospective developers and student accommodation providers, given the close proximity to one of Australia’s leading Universities and everything Macquarie Park has to offer” he continued.
The North facing site has three street frontages of near 80 metres along Herring Road, 74 metres along Windsor Drive and 58. metres along Lachlan Avenue. 
As at 2015, Macquarie University had 40,209 students made up of 31,568 domestic students and 8,641 international students.
Cooke said there is excellent demand for owner occupier residential apartments and student accommodation in this location. 
“This is supported by incessant population growth and extensive sales evidence from recent projects released to the North Shore market, predominantly within Macquarie Park and North Ryde” he said.
Last year, Savills Australia sold an amalgamated site at 12-14 Lachlan Ave and 13 Cottonwood Crescent in Macquarie Park for circa $54 million and a site at 15-21 Cottonwood Crescent in Macquarie Park which sold for in excess of $85 million.
The site will be sold by way of an international expressions of interest campaign which closes May 9.
 
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Development site to break new records in NSW

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COLI Australia, the property development arm of China's China State Construction Engineering, sold 60 of 120 apartments at its first project in Australia, Neue by Coli in Macquarie Park on Saturday.
The 285-apartment project sits on a corner site next to Macquarie University. COLI started in 1979 with its first project in Hong Kong, and in 2016 on Neue, its first Australian project at Macquarie Park.
Neue by Coli comprises two residential towers with DA approval for 285 apartments designed by architects SJB.
Its architectural designs see 85 percent of the apartments being on a corner position.
There were also a number of first time property buyers as well as property investors, due to the close proximity to Macquarie University, shopping centre and the railway station, managing director of Coli Australia, Jason Huang said.
“I believe being part of the world's largest development company puts buyers at ease that Coli will deliver one of the best developments in Sydney.  
"We have already achieved this around the World in London, Hong Kong, China and New York".
Current buyers in the market need the confidence and assurance that any development they buy into has the capacity to deliver, the selling agents suggested.
COLI has had more than 500 residential and commercial projects in over 60 global gateway cities.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Neue, Macquarie Park secures strong weekend OTP sales

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One month after 55 homeowners in Sydney’s Macquarie Park became instant millionaires after a private developer payed in excess of $80 million for the neighbours are following suit.
Some 33 of 36 units on the one Macquarie Park block are on the market through Savills.
The unit blocks on 12-14 Lachlan Avenue and 13 Cottonwood Crescent, Macquarie Park are zoned B4 mixed use, with potential to construct 12,688sqm of GFA (STCA) with a 45 metre maximum height limit. 
The land includes two detached existing residential flat buildings with 12-14 Lachlan Avenue containing 24 apartments and 13 Cottonwood Crescent containing 12 apartments, both constructed over four levels complete with ground floor secure garage parking.
According to Neil Cooke, Director, Residential Site Sales at Savills, there is also an opportunity to obtain a delayed settlement, which may suit a number of developers and investors alike.
“Macquarie Park has become one of Sydney’s fastest growing and most desirable suburbs to live and work," he said.
"The changing face of Macquarie Park from a light industrial and commercial centre to a mixed use core, has seen the demand for residences close to employment centres and transport connections skyrocket over the past two to three years."
Stuart Cox, Director, Residential Site Sales at Savills, said rezoned opportunities like this rarely become available in growth suburbs of this scale and significant interest from local, interstate and offshore developers is expected.
“Macquarie Park has plans to grow to the fourth largest CBD in Australia by 2030, by doubling its current working population of 40,000 employees and expanding from 850,000 square metres of commercial space to potentially over 2 million square metres," he said.
"Since 2009, when the Chatswood to Epping Railway line opened, the demand for investor and owner occupier grade dwellings has soared, with the average unit growing from $416,000 to $796,000 or an average of 11.8% per annum.
“We expect this site will rival its neighbour’s record breaking sale price as we have already had a number of interested parties enquire and the expressions of interest campaign hasn’t even commenced."
12-14 Lachlan Avenue &amp; 13 Cottonwood Crescent, Macquarie Park is being offered for sale by way of expressions of interest beginning Tuesday 5 September.
Some 55 homeowners in Sydney’s Macquarie Park became instant millionaires in August when a private developer payed $80 million for the 5,130sqm site situated at <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/_news/article/109976/153819-0/6/2017/macquarie-park-home-owners-to-follow-successful-merger-trend" target="_blank">15-21 Cottonwood Crescent</a>.
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