Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Parramatta

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Walker Corporation’s Parramatta Square development has attracted two new tenants.
GT Insurance and Universal Fitness have committed to 4 Parramatta Square.
4 Parramatta Square is the first of four towers in Parramatta Square development and will open in December 2019. 
GT Insurance and Universal Fitness will join anchor tenant the NSW Government in the 65,000 square metre, 40 storey building.
A subsidiary of Allianz Insurance, GT Insurance diversifies the mix of occupants at Parramatta Square.
"The office relocation from St Leonards has been welcomed by staff travelling from Western Sydney," Greg Walsh, General Manager, at GT Insurance said.
<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/2019/9/18/4PSQ%20Property%20NSW%20fitout%203.jpg" alt="">
NSW Government fit-out, indicative of GT Insurance fit-out
Occupying over 1,000 square metres of retail space, Universal Fitness has committed to a 10 year lease.
"The drawcard for us was the number of high quality corporate firms and diverse workforce that the development brings," co-founders of Universal Fitness Kumar Ramachandra and Anthony Kerkmez said.
The gym will include a wide range of Technogym equipment, personal training, a variety of group Les Mills classes from Body Pump to, boxing, Yoga and more.
It is expected that more than 5,000 staff will work in 4 Parramatta Square.
Wellness factors employed in 4 Parramatta Square include an agile working environment, greater use of outside air, lighting system, and a minimum 5 Star Green Star fit-out, according to the marketing. 
<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/2019/9/18/Parramatta%20Square%2020.jpg" alt="">
Construction of the first tower is close to completion.
Award winning architects Johnson Pilton Walker created the design.
It features atriums and staircases that promote workplace connectivity, winter gardens and a range of amenities, including retail outlets and a business and events centre, catering for up to 200 people. 
With the NSW Government and GT Insurance confirmed as tenants, 450 square metres remains available at 4 Parramatta Square.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

GT Insurance and Universal Fitness take up Parramatta Square leases 

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Residents at 8-12 Sorrell Street, Parramatta have banded together to sell to a developer for $44.5 million.
Set across the river from the Parramatta CBD, several agents claimed that by amalgamating together the 42 unit owners were able to double their achievable sale price.
The sale was three years in the making after the building’s strata committee got an unsolicited offer from another developer.
The sale represents continued confidence in providing residential apartment supply within the seemingly oversupplied Parramatta market. 
But any new apartments won't appear at the site in the next five years.
The Parramatta sale consists of three apartment buildings on a 4,012 square metre site.
It was zoned B4 mixed use with the potential for a project with a gross floor area of up to 27,683 square metres, subject to council approval.
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42 Parramatta apartment owners sell in one line to developer

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New research funded by City of Parramatta Council and CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) has revealed ways temperatures in Western Sydney can be reduced by as much as 2°C. 
Undertaken in collaboration with UNSW, the detailed study examined hot spots on Phillip Street, Parramatta and recommended cooling strategies, such as increased greenery, shading and the installation of water features, to mitigate urban heat.
In addition to lowering temperatures, these methods can increase comfort by 50-60%, the research said.
"Given Western Sydney can be 5-10°C hotter in the middle of summer than suburbs in Sydney’s east, it is important for us to consider ways in which we can address and reduce the impact of urban heat," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.
The study’s findings will inform aspects of Council’s Phillip Street upgrade.
Proposed additions included in the $4.3 million first stage of construction include wider footpaths, tree planting, and trialling of misting units.
In future stages, cool pavements are also expected to be trialled. 
"The upgrade of Phillip Street is a key project for Council as it is a key thoroughfare for many of the City’s residents, workers and visitors," Wilson said.
"As Parramatta evolves and grows, we want to ensure the City continues to be great place to live and visit, so this research and the cooling solutions it offers are significant."
The research, led by CRCLC researcher Professor Mat Santamouris, examined air and footpath temperatures on Phillip Street and found that the eastern end of the street was 1°C cooler than the west end due to its proximity to the Parramatta River, and asphalt surface temperatures reached above 50°C in unshaded areas. Wind speeds and other measurements were also taken.
"By pinpointing the hot spots through our intense monitoring over a period of time and gathering other relevant data we could then deliver the City of Parramatta with heat mitigation scenarios specific to Phillip Street," said Professor Santamouris. 
"Cooling strategies, together with smart monitoring and innovative technologies will enhance the area’s importance and attractiveness."
The data was gathered using drone-captured thermal imaging and UNSW’s energy monitoring bus, which helped direct the hot spot mitigation strategies.
CRCLCL CEO Professor Deo Prasad said the research was one of the Centre’s many research projects focussed on encouraging low to zero-carbon living throughout Australia. 
"The Parramatta study is another example of the evidence the CRCLCL has collected during its seven-year life, which will help guide local governments, individuals, industries and communities on how they can lower their carbon footprint and mitigate climate change," Prasad said.
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Parramatta study reveals ways to reduce city temperatures by 2°C

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Sydney’s second biggest CBD, <a href="/new-apartments/parramatta-nsw">Parramatta</a>, is seeing an influx of development in the heart of its major business and commercial centre. Growing in population above 27,000 people, residential high rise projects are being focused to the city centre, resulting in a new wave of urban density.

The culturally diverse suburb is the oldest inland English settlement which is now home to a myriad of Heritage buildings, the 10th largest shopping centre in Australia, Westfield Parramatta, the renewed Western Sydney Stadium along the Parramatta River, a vibrant Church Street with boutiques, cafes, bars and Indian and Chinese cuisine options and Western Sydney University. 

With NAB relocating 3000 employees from <a href="/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney CBD</a> to Parramatta CBD, revamped works of major roads, squares and the main service station, Parramatta is experiencing a major boom.

Here are a few exciting projects igniting the city centre. 
 

<a href="/new-apartments/8-phillip-street-2-10-phillip-street-parramatta">8 PHILLIPS STREET - RESIDENTIAL + HOTEL</a>

<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/woods_bagot_8_phillip_street.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render by Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1043" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/woods_bagot_8_phillip_street.jpg?itok=w3r_iSHh" title="Render by Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render by Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Woods Bagot’s 8 Phillips Street is a 55 story rhomboid-shaped glass tower will feature Sydney’s tallest rooftop bar, ‘Studio 54’ with sweeping views over the city. 
The tower will comprise of 314 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartment configurations including studio and penthouse options and the QT Boutique Hotel with over 200 deluxe rooms and 50 executive suites.

<a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> boldly incorporates the existing heritage building, the 1926 St. Andrew’s Hall, by integrating it into the entrance with the new development floating above, making for a stunningly impressive residents lobby and streetscape. The five story trapeze garden at the entrance to the tower is just a hint of what’s to come with balcony overhanging plants and a rooftop garden featuring contemporary native Australian species, planted to create a secret garden oasis with intimate communal spaces. 
 

<a href="/buildings/the-lennox-12-phillip-street-parramatta">THE LENNOX - RESIDENTIAL</a>

<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/the_lennox_source_jpw.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Render by JPW Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="722" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_lennox_source_jpw.png?itok=wkRIFLHV" title="Render by JPW Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render by JPW Architects</figcaption></figure><a href="/architects/jpw-architects">Johnson Pilton Walker Architects</a>’ The Lennox tower is one of many high rise residential developments springing up throughout Parramatta. Rising 152 metres above the Parramatta River, the uninterrupted views are one of the many 5 star amenities such as a private lounge room with entertainment deck, a pool, outdoor terrace and zen wellness and fitness centre.

The Lennox will be part of the gateway that is set to dominate the CBD’s skyline, being the first one many high rise towers visitors will see as they cross the bridge. The first three floors of the podium will include retail tenancies, a council owned discovery centre, a conference centre and a cafe with an upgrade riverfront for public use.

Many <a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw">Parramatta developments</a> aren’t just privatised residential components, but like The Lennox, have much to offer the public domain whether that be revitalising waterfronts, providing civic spaces or enlivening heritage structures. 
 

<a href="/buildings/west-village-88-church-street-parramatta">WEST VILLAGE - RESIDENTIAL</a>

<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/woods_bagot_west_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendering by Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="735" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/woods_bagot_west_village.jpg?itok=A-Lfi2-l" title="Rendering by Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering by Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The sophisticated residential tower provides 397 world class apartments across 40 floors and rising 150 metres above the Parramatta skyline. Woods Bagot has designed this high quality tower which aims to give the city centre that new edge and connect to the streetscape with ground floor retail and cafes.

Developers <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">EcoWorld</a> have enlisted landscape architect Myles Baldwin to conceptualise the podium garden above level 7 with sweeping views of the Sydney CBD with fully equipped chef’s kitchen, alfresco dining options, leafy terraces and a barbeque area.

Rumours are that Malaysian favourite ‘Chinta Ria’ and gourmet Italian providore ‘Salt Meats Cheese’ are to open tenancy on the ground floor strip, proving that collaboration between developers, architects and suppliers have made for a very important and vibrant project.

As this development takes shape, by the time it completes in late 2019, it will have cemented itself into the Parramatta community fabric and truly embodies the city centre moving towards a progressive future. 
UPDATE: <a href="/news/parramatta-s-west-village-tops-out-at-40-levels">West Village tops out at 40 storeys</a> as of late November 2019 with a 95% sales rate success. Designed by <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the tower features 398 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments which rise from the vibrant ground floor retail precinct. 

 

<h2><a href="/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">PARRAMATTA SQUARE - OFFICE, MIXED USE</a></h2>

<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/parramatta_square_source_jpw_architects.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render by JPW Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parramatta_square_source_jpw_architects.jpg?itok=4qxvXTX3" title="Render by JPW Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Render by JPW Architects</figcaption></figure>Masterplanned by <a href="/architects/jpw-architects">Johnson Pilton Walker Architects</a> as a response to the growing city, Parramatta Square comprises of 6 stand alone buildings with their own importance to the urban renewal precinct. The towers, a commercial tower to which is the new campus for 10,000 Western Sydney University students, a mixed use residential tower, proposed to be the tallest for Parramatta, a 5 Star Green office tower including a civic building, community centre and library, a 5 Star Green commercial and retail building central to the square and dual 5 Star Green energy office towers.

The 6000 square metres of open space is dedicated and centred around the rich heritage sandstone of St. John’s Cathedral and the Parramatta Town Hall and is pedestrianised with green space and public plazas to connect and integrate the new commercial, residential and community buildings.

Connected either side of the precinct by a future light rail extension and Parramatta Station, visitors and locals will be able to flow through the community heart with ease. 

Parramatta Square is about providing a higher quality of life for residents and workers with a world class premium health and fitness club, an A-grade child care facility and bespoke Business and Events centre with meeting rooms and auditoriums making the work/life integration effortless.

 

<h2>ARTHUR PHILLIP HIGH SCHOOL - EDUCATION</h2>

<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/arthur_phillip_-_grimshaw_and_bvn.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Arthur Phillip vertical school by Grimshaw Architects and BVN Architecture."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arthur_phillip_-_grimshaw_and_bvn.png?itok=PeIvPKpF" title="Arthur Phillip vertical school by Grimshaw Architects and BVN Architecture." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Arthur Phillip vertical school by Grimshaw Architects and BVN Architecture.</figcaption></figure>Arthur Phillip High School is Australia’s first vertical high school accommodating 2000 students across 16 floors of educational indoor and outdoor facilities. 
With flexible teaching spaces, adaptable room configurations and technology rich rooms that expand small to large for certain class sizes, the design aspect will mean that students and teachers will benefit from their environment with better opportunities for collaboration and personalised learning.

The collaborated architectural and landscape design by <a href="/architects/grimshaw-architects">Grimshaw Architects</a> and <a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a> helps to deliver a truly remarkable community engaged structure aimed to meet the growth of secondary students in and around the Parramatta catchment area.

Opening in 2020, the high school will join the 1000 student facility Parramatta Public School on the existing school sites with combined tennis and basketball courts, a football field and rooftop gardens for both structures as social and environmental consciousness is encouraged.

With this development, Parramatta is set to become an even more exciting, vibrant and inclusive hub for innovation, technology, retail and commercial business. 
A fly through <a href="/news/council-offers-a-glimpse-of-what-parramatta-will-look-like-in-the-near-future">unveiling the future of the CBD</a> has been released via The City of Parramatta Council encompassing 30 different projects that won design excellence competitions over the past four years with the council stating they have a combined development value of $5.5 billion.

<h2> </h2>

 
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Nick Dante

Parramatta: Suburb Guide. Highlighting new developments in Sydney's second CBD

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There are certainly opportunities in the current 2019 market to pay less than the last price.
But is there really such a thing as buying a bargain when it comes to property? And where are they?
This series of articles looks are specific examples of sale price or asking price falling. 
We take a look at where and if possible why this is happening.  
We came across this property for consideration.
A three bedroom Parramatta apartment in the Meriton-built Altitude complex has been bought by an investor for $990,000.
This represents a 30% drop in value since purchase when it was sold for $1,285,000 off the plan in May 2015.
The unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-parramatta-130373430" target="_blank">4803/330 Church Street</a> has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spots.
Located on the 48th floor, the apartment features 110 sqm of internal space.
In 2017, shortly after construction was completed, the unit was listed twice for $1.35 million.
It was re-listed in 2019 with a price guide of $1 million to $1.1 million which was reduced to $999,950 before its sale.
Two months after it sold the property was advertised as a rental with for $720/pw on a 3.7 percent yield.
<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/2019/6/13/parramatta%202.jpg" alt="">
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<div class="w650 h365 image media">
<div class="image-wrapper">Property Observer advise that it is up to you to determine if the offering is a truly beneficial bargain.</div>
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Remember buying at the bottom of the cycle is fraught – as you can't really precisely pick the bottom nor know just how long until you see some price growth.
Be aware you could be buying a poor quality property in an area with ongoing issues of oversupply of stock.
The oversupply could be also putting downward pressure on rents.
Other price declines could be because the vendor needs a quick sale or paid way over the top on its last purchase chase.
Property Observer suggests property purchasing really does need to be a very well considered proposition with a long term mindset.
As a part of this series, we've already had a look at properties in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-at-mount-eliza-home-at-2-million-discount">Mount Eliza</a>, and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-central-geelong-sale-price-dips-after-one-year">Central Geelong</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-east-perth-near-new-apartment-makes-150-000-loss">East Perth</a>.
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Bargain property in Parramatta? Apartment sale shows 30% drop in value

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Castle Hill RSL Group, owner of the Parramatta RSL Club, is selling a car park site in Parramatta CBD’s commercial precinct. 
The 1874 sqm development site is zoned B4 Mixed-Use – the most flexible zoning available in Parramatta CBD.  
Future developments have the capacity to yield circa 100 apartments up to 54 m tall, subject to council approval, and to reach over 11,200 sqm with the potential for this to increase through Design Excellence. 
CBRE’s Frank Oliveri, Peter Vines and Victor Sheu have been appointed to market the site at 7 Macquarie Street.  
“In recent years, it has been difficult for investors and developers to secure B4 zoned sites in Parramatta CBD due to the lack of quality stock, let alone the opportunity to secure a site overlooking the vast greenery Parramatta Park on a delayed settlement,” Mr Sheu added.  
Mr Sheu said the site would suit a range of permitted uses, with consent ranging from residential, commercial, community, educational, hotel or motel accommodation, seniors living and more. 
“With a wide range of potential uses and scarcity of space in the burgeoning business district, the property is expected to attract an array of potential developers,” Mr Sheuconcluded.
The Expressions of Interest campaign closes May 8 2019.
The site has been on market since March in 2017, over two years.
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Parramatta RSL to sell car park site

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The Walker Corporation has won a tender to lease up to 43,800 square metres of A Grade office space in their Parramatta Square development to the NSW Government in 2021.
Construction of the four tower $3.2 billion Parramatta Square precinct underway, with the first tower (Tower 4) expected to be completed in November 2019 and the whole project due for completion in 2022.
The NSW Government has agreed to a 12 year lease, with two further five year options, for the space in 6 Parramatta Square, which was granted development approval last year along with 8 Parramatta Square.
Walker originally planned to build a 70-storey apartment project in it's place but oversupply concerns has prompted him to ditch his proposal.
The two towers combined will provide up to 125,000 square metres of space, with an end value of $1.7 billion.
Towers 3 and 4 fully pre-committed, with lessees including National Australia Bank and the NSW Government – secured in an earlier tender.
Mr Lang Walker, chairman of Walker Corporation said “Parramatta Square is taking shape quickly and the total project is now 75 per cent pre-leased with over 170,000 square metres of high quality office space committed."
“We expect to experience a strong flow of pre-leases off the back of the two anchor tenants signing long term leases in the project, which is one of the largest urban renewal projects in the country and will see Parramatta city rival Sydney’s CBD in terms of amenity and high quality commercial space”, he added.
The mixed-use development will accommodate the four commercial buildings – incorporating a food and beverage precinct offering a variety of retail, cafes’, and restaurants.
The precinct features the University of Western Sydney Campus, community facilities, a civic building, community centre, and library.
Walker's plans in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley<a href="/news/timber-lang-walker-scraps-aspire-tower-sydneys-tallest-apartment-proposal-at-parramatta"> </a><a href="/news/timber-lang-walker-scraps-aspire-tower-sydneys-tallest-apartment-proposal-at-parramatta">for a residential tower</a><a href="/news/timber-lang-walker-scraps-aspire-tower-sydneys-tallest-apartment-proposal-at-parramatta"></a> were recently scrapped. Plans for the building to become two commercial towers were later also scrapped.
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Walker Corporation's Parramatta Square gain NSW Government tenancy

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) welcomes NSW Labor’s announcement of support for retaining the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo (pictured above) while maintaining a commitment to build a world-class cultural institution at Parramatta.
With Western Sydney’s growing population already exceeding two million, the case for a new MAAS facility in Parramatta is overwhelming and the Institute continues to support its development. But to downgrade the Ultimo Powerhouse is to short-change Sydney.
The Institute recently endorsed the design competition developed for the new MAAS in Parramatta. In doing so, the AIA has endorsed a competition process, not a policy.
"Regardless of who is in government after the upcoming election, we would like to see a MAAS Parramatta facility go ahead, beginning with an exemplary design excellence competition and resulting in a built outcome that delivers ongoing value and benefit for the community and for Western Sydney’s architectural culture," explained NSW Chapter President Mr Andrew Nimmo.
"And we want to see Australia’s world class architects demonstrating their skills on an international stage."
"But the facility should complement the Ultimo Powerhouse, not replace it," Mr Nimmo continued.
"The latter contributes to a cultural ribbon that stretches from Central Station to the converted 19th century goods line, weaving by highlights including the ABC and Frank Gehry’s Dr Chau Chak Wing building. The Powerhouse building’s form, its history and its siting within this publicly valuable precinct is integral to the social, cultural, technological and economic story of Sydney."
There is also the issue of the Ultimo Powerhouse’s high architectural value, which should be celebrated and retained.
The adaptive reuse of the building in 1988 won the Australian Institute of Architects NSW chapter's highest honour, the Sulman Medal, and it has earned listing on the Institute's own Register of Significant Buildings.
To this end the Institute recommends the government grant the Powerhouse Museum the heritage listing and protections that it deserves as a matter of priority.
"We need to ensure the integrity of the building itself is maintained in any adaption or upgrade works," Mr Nimmo concluded.
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Sydney and Parramatta both need a Museum of Applied Arts and Science: AIA

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The announcement by the NSW Government that they will hold an international design competition for the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta needs to be matched by the opposition for their proposed cultural centre.
Clearly a new cultural building in Parramatta needs to be a world class design and the NSW Government’s approach to hold an international competition should guarantee a quality result.
The NSW Opposition has proposed a different type of cultural facility and it also needs to be a world class design.
The government has announced some members of a jury but not including the NSW Government Architect. The famous Sydney Opera House international design competition did include the NSW Government Architect.
The NSW Government’s approach and the Opposition’s approach for a signature building in Parramatta must include the Government Architect on the competition jury.
The previous NSW Government Architect, Peter Poulet, resigned in October last year but a new Government Architect has not been announced despite interviews being held.
With the government about to be constrained on new appointments due to the March election we believe this important position needs to be filled as soon as possible.
The Urban Taskforce believes that both the Opposition’s proposal and the Government’s proposal for Parramatta can give Western Sydney an iconic cultural building that anchors the river city as one of Sydney’s three cities.
As Sydney becomes more urban and more dense as the city moves from 5 million people to 8 million people, as outlined by the Greater Sydney Commission plans, design quality will be an essential part of how the growth is built.
The role of the NSW Government Architect is essential in helping steer the future built form of Sydney.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Design competition for Parramatta cultural centre needs cross party support: Chris Johnson

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The fundamentals of the Parramatta market are robust, with a growing office workforce and continued increase in the resident population making the city an attractive retail location, according to Ray White’s latest Between the Lines commercial research.
The CBD is in the midst of a development boom and the construction of new commercial and residential towers, together with transport improvements have disrupted the city.   Ray White Commercial’s Head of Research Vanessa Rader said the developments will continue for the next few years, with the major light rail project closing streets and unlikely to be completed until 2023, but it will be worth the wait.   Ms Rader noted, “the high occupancy and growing rents achieved across the Prime Parramatta retail strip are encouraging, with the continued demand highlighting the long-term longevity apparent in this location.” She said the leasing market across the Parramatta CBD strip retail market has been mixed during 2018 and that while demand is high, the uncertainty surrounding the extent of disruption to trade has made negotiations more difficult.
Their research found that gross face rents recorded growth over the past 12 months of 3.54 per cent across the total market.   Ms Rader said Ray White Commercial had surveyed the Prime Church Street retail strip, with the location divided into two zones*.   “Across the total Parramatta Prime strip, vacancy is recorded at just 6.35 per cent. The larger Zone 1 is outperforming, with a vacancy of 5.55 per cent compared to Zone 2, at 10.89 per cent,” she said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/6/parramatta%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2018/11/6/parramatta%201.jpg" alt="">
Source: Ray White   “While cafés and restaurants are the main operators along the Church Street strip, the remaining mix is quite different.   “Zone 1 has a total of 43.62 per cent of all space devoted to food retailing, with services featured high at 19.67 per cent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/6/parramatta%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2018/11/6/parramatta%202.jpg" alt="">   “This zone also has a somewhat even split to other retailers being clothing and soft goods, personal and household goods and recreational goods representing approximately 8 per cent of the total floorspace each.   “Along Zone 2 we see a greater reliance on food retailing, accounting for 45.91 per cent with a larger grocery component. Services also dominate, representing 41.25 per cent of space given the existence of the council offices and other banks/professional services.”   The ongoing development across the CBD, most notably the light rail project, has raised some concerns by owners regarding the disruption it will cause to their tenancies.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/6/parramatta%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<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/2018/11/6/parramatta%203.jpg" alt="">   Despite this, the future benefits of this and other development across the Parramatta CBD will ensure that this location remains a vibrant retail hub into the future.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/6/parramatta%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<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/2018/11/6/parramatta%204.jpg" alt="">   *Zone 1 being the area from Parramatta River to the train line (including mall fronted properties) while Zone 2, which is known as the Chinatown end of Church Street, includes the street front retail (excluding Westfield tenancies) up to Campbell Street.In total this represents just shy of 35,000 sqm with 85 per cent represented in the Zone 1 precinct.
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