Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Parramatta

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Parramatta's Light Rail project is progressing with a new contract for enabling works being awarded recently; Guardian Cities profiles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jul/05/meet-the-numtots-the-millennials-who-find-fixing-public-transit-sexy-urbanist-memes">'</a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jul/05/meet-the-numtots-the-millennials-who-find-fixing-public-transit-sexy-urbanist-memes">numtots</a>'; and there's plenty of hotels in the development pipeline despite prolific sharing platforms like Airbnb expanding in Australia.

Stay warm everyone.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Apartments.com.au podcast through your favourite app!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/469062789&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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Alastair Taylor

Weekly Podcast: Episode 22 - Parramatta, 'numtots' and hotels

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Enabling works for the Parramatta Light Rail Project in Australia's second oldest city are set to commence toward the end of the year after the NSW Government announced the Diona Ward joint venture had won the contract.

The enabling works will encompass relocation of underground utilities, intersection upgrades, new traffic lights, landscaping, and changes to street lanes and parking.  

The joint venture comprises <a href="http://www.diona.com.au/">Diona</a> and <a href="http://www.wardgroup.com.au/">Ward Civil &amp; Environmental Engineering</a>.

George Street, running parallel to the light rail route on Macquarie Street, will transition from a one-way street to a two-way street and O'Connell street running parallel to the route on Church Street will be widened.

Through Parramatta's CBD, the new light rail line will take over a large amount of traffic space and the enabling works will seek to cater for the major traffic changes prior to the start of construction.

<blockquote>
These enabling works are vital to keep the city moving and to minimise disruption for the people of Parramatta. These changes, while not directly along the Parramatta Light Rail route, will provide additional capacity and connections for everyone in the CBD before, during and after the light rail construction.

Parramatta Light Rail will be fantastic for the region when it opens in 2023, with nearly 30,000 people predicted to use it every day by 2026 to reach essential services and destinations across Western Sydney. 
<cite>Tim Poole, Parramatta Light Rail Program Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Transport for NSW says the most significant change will be on George Street.

"George Street in the Parramatta CBD is set to become two-way, moving traffic through the heart of Parramatta more efficiently by redistributing traffic volumes across the local road network. O’Connell Street will also be widened to four lanes from Barney Street to Albert Street to accommodate additional traffic as an alternative to Church Street."

<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/parra_phase1_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Route map of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project - image: Transport for NSW"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parra_phase1_2.png?itok=OsW5zAEQ" title="Route map of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project - image: Transport for NSW" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Route map of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project - image: <a href="http://www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/">Transport for NSW</a></figcaption></figure>The Parramatta Light Rail project is broken into two phases with the enabling works package announced this week linked to the first phase.

The first phase of the project will see light rail infrastructure built in-road from Westmead through North Parramatta and the Parramatta CBD to Camellia where the light rail route will replace Sydney Trains services on the Carlingford branch.

The second phase of the project sees an extension of the network eastward to Sydney Olympic Park via Rydalmere and Wentworth Point.

In April a contract to remediate the future depot site for the light rail vehicles was awarded and contracts to supply operate and maintain the Parramatta Light Rail are currently out to tender and are expected to be awarded by the end of 2018.

The Parramatta Light Rail project is a precursor to wider public transport improvements in the region with the Sydney Metro West set to have at least two stations in the region at both Parramatta and Westmead.

Parramatta sits at the centre of the 'Central River City' in the Greater Sydney Commission's <a href="https://www.greater.sydney/three-cities">Three cities vision</a>.

Lead image credit: <a href="http://www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au/gallery?page=2">parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au</a>
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NSW Government appoints contractor for enabling works on Parramatta Light Rail

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Apartments purchased off-the-plan four years ago for about $670,000 in Parramatta, are now selling for around $630,000, according to the valuation firm, HTW.
The market commentary comes as Parramatta ranks has having the largest apartment future supply pipeline of Sydney.
Urbis director of property economics and research, Princess Ventura, highlighted <a href="http://urbis.com.au/app/uploads/2018/05/The-Sydney-Apartment-Market-URBIS-15%20May-2018-LR.pdf" target="_blank">Parramatta is a prime candidate for a Central City</a>, exhibiting trends found in other apartment hotspots such as a high proportion of overseas-born apartment residents and young families, as well as transport amenity, population growth and housing growth.
Young families are occupying 35 percent of Parramatta apartments.
The majority of the apartment dwellers at Parramatta are overseas born.
Parramatta would receive the most substantial supply of new apartments with 11,000-plus new dwellings scheduled with two-bedroom apartments making the majority of the future supply.
An off-the-plan three-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse in the 8 Phillip Street development holds the Parramatta apartment record selling mid-last year for $3,325,000.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Recently completed Parramatta apartment prices edge downwards: HTW

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Parramatta City Council has given the green light to Dexus to develop a 33-storey office tower at 140 George Street, Parramatta adding to the growing number of office developments within Sydney’s fastest growing city.

The 138m tower will be located on the corner of George and Charles Streets, with the design seeking to capitalise on the site’s unique riverside location along a key stretch of the Parramatta River that contains the ferry terminal and provides views to the north over the river as well as back to Sydney’s CBD.

<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/37446032635_24ebaa980c_b.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="140 George's street interface along Charles Street. Planning Image: Bates Smart"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="488" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/37446032635_24ebaa980c_b.jpg?itok=ITXsquIT" title="140 George's street interface along Charles Street. Planning Image: Bates Smart" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>140 George's street interface along Charles Street. Planning Image: Bates Smart</figcaption></figure>140 George Street will deliver 45,700 sqm of A-Grade office space to the Parramatta office market, providing large, open, contiguous floorplates to maximise fit out flexibility, daylight access and views.

<blockquote>
This development will deliver a world-class office building and strongly supports Parramatta’s growth as a place to invest and to do business. Parramatta continues to attract quality tenants who are enticed by the city’s dynamic workforce, interconnected transport options and vibrant lifestyle offerings.

- Ross Du Vernet, Dexus Chief Investment Officer
</blockquote>

The Bates Smart design considers how the building could benefit the overall well-being of its occupants through the incorporation of high-quality services and exercise facilities such as a gymnasium and swimming pool. Retreat spaces are offered with outdoor terraces, a café and open spaces to capture the sun and fresh air.

<blockquote>
The architectural design proposal sets a framework for the building to establish high quality workplace environments through key design principles. This framework creates a comfortable and enjoyable workplace whilst ensuring long term commercial viability of the building.

The floors have excellent daylight penetration via a large facade to core wall ratio, long north facing orientation of floorplate; high levels of air quality through an advanced mechanical ventilation system; excellent outlook and views along Parramatta River to Sydney CBD; inter-floor connectivity through glazed firestair on the floorplate; multi-use spaces within the building with external terraces for relaxation and breakout areas which all contribute to creating a high level of occupant amenity.

- Bates Smart
</blockquote>

In addition, naturally-lit stairs are provided to enable easy movement between each floor. The slender floor plate with an end core will ensure all occupants have great access to natural light and the sweeping views across Parramatta.

At street level, the base of the tower will be activated with a range of facilities offering amenities accessible to all the occupants of the surrounding commercial precinct. 
With a focus on sustainability, the high-quality façade design balances access to natural daylight against thermal performance. The building will target a 5 Star Green Star Design and 5 star NABERS Energy performance.

Parramatta City Council aims to revitalise the river foreshore as part of a staged 20 year redevelopment. A river Quay with an upgraded ferry terminal, new outdoor entertainment area and terraces and a world class public square are part of a new vision to activate Parramatta River.

The draft ‘City River Strategy Master Plan’ encompasses 31 hectares on the Parramatta River foreshore and proposes major changes for the regeneration of Sydney’s second largest CBD. The River City Plan positions Parramatta River at the front and centre of Parramatta City Centre as redevelopment occurs.

The plan proposes a world-class public domain and a high-quality collection of new buildings that are seamlessly knitted together by a dense network of accessible and active spaces.

<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_city_river_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Vision for the Parramatta City River Strategy Design and Activation. Image: Parramatta City Council"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/parramatta_city_river_plan.jpg?itok=zaGAWpVW" title="Vision for the Parramatta City River Strategy Design and Activation. Image: Parramatta City Council" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Vision for the Parramatta City River Strategy Design and Activation. Image: Parramatta City Council</figcaption></figure><h2>PROJECT TEAM</h2>

<ul>
<li>Developer: DEXUS</li>
	<li>Architect: Bates Smart</li>
	<li>Project Management: Savills</li>
	<li>Structure: Enstruct</li>
	<li>Facade Engineer/ESD/Waste: Arup</li>
	<li>Traffic: Arup</li>
	<li>Building Services: NDY</li>
	<li>Fire Engineering: Defire</li>
	<li>Quantity Surveyors: Slattery</li>
	<li>Planning: Robinson Urban Planning</li>
	<li>Landscape Architect: Turf</li>
	<li>BCA Steve Watson &amp; Partners</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

Dexus receives greenlight for 140 George Street Parramatta

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The Lennox Parramatta, a mixed-use riverside development, will comprise 441 studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom residences.
Residences will range from 40 square metres to 206 square metres internally with prices starting at $495,000 to more than $3.5 million for the development’s opulent SkyVillas.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project/the-lennox-parramatta-600016030" target="_blank">The project </a>also includes 5,500 square metres of retail and mixed-use space and eight levels of basement parking.
The tower’s slender reflective glass form has an expected construction completion date in late-2020. 
Located at the junction of the historic Lennox Bridge and Parramatta’s Church Street dining and shopping precinct, the $450 plus million project will rise 47 levels.
It is the result of a Project Development Agreement by the City of Parramatta and PCC DevCo1 Pty Ltd, with development management by EQ Projects. 
The design is by architects, Marchese Partners, with the styling by Lorena Gaxiola.  
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Lorena Gaxiola decor at The Lennox Parramatta with pricing from $495,000

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The hamburger restaurant Milky Lane has agreed terms on a two-year lease with options at Parramatta in Sydney's west.
It is for the ground floor 385sq m retail space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-parramatta-500849035" target="_blank">20 Macquarie Street</a>.
The agreed gross annual rent is $380 a square metre, with a 4.5 per cent annual rental review.
Khoury Partners' Jon Race handled the leasing negotiations.
With a complete update of both the lobby and common areas, 20-22 Macquarie Street occupies a central position, only metres to Parramatta Train Station Station and Bus Services. 
The tower provides six levels of B-Grade office accommodation. Retail opportunities included ground floor retail featuring full commercial kitchen and seating for 213 diners. 
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Milky Lane lease in Parramatta

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A Parramatta site which was set to become The Peak, a 138 metre tall residential development, has been flipped by CWG, the Singapore-listed Chinese property developer.
The company bought the 2880 sqm, four lot site for $27 million in 2015 and listed it for sale mid-last year. It sold the Parkes Street residential site for $40 million, Fairfax Media reported.
They rezoned the land and lifted the potential floor space from 10:1 to 15:1.
Towering 100 metres above the surrounding landscape, The Peak was set for around 330 apartments.
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Knight Frank agent Ben Wicks was marketing the development with CBRE's Danny Shi.
The group sold it to Sydney residential developer Aland late last week through local agency Khoury &amp; Partners' George Khoury.
Concord-based Aland, which focuses on residential developments in metropolitan growth corridors, will now proceed the scheme by SJB Architects.
CWG's remaining residential portfolio includes a 220-apartment project, The Uptown in Roseville, a joint venture with another Chinese developer Longton, a 90-apartment project at 17-25 Epping Road in Epping and the Stellar apartments at 771-775 Victoria Road, Ryde.
It also has a 11-hectare development site in Caddens, Penrith in Sydney's west.
 
 
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The Peak project site at Parramatta sold by CWG to Aland

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Settlement risk remains a live issue for Parramatta developers and their project financiers, according to new analysis from Deloitte of the Parramatta market.
Their inaugural Parramatta Crane Survey revealed an unprecedented level of construction in Parramatta, identifying 39 developments.
Its research indicates approximately 650 apartments were purchased off the plan during the peak of the cycle in 2016 which are the pre-sales exposed to the highest settlement risk. 
"Anecdotally we have not heard of any major settlement issues in the local market to date and prudent developers are likely to be proactively monitoring this risk," the survey author and Deloitte Western Sydney’s Real Estate Leader, David Hagger, noted.
The survey reveals that there are currently 2,707 apartments under construction in the Parramatta CBD, due for completion between 2018 and 2019.
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With a further 4,865 apartments proposed across 12 projects, a potential ‘flood’ of the market has been predicted by some commentators, but according to Hagger, however, the survey indicates a different outcome.
“We see the market entering a cooling phase.
"There are only 1,110 apartments with DA approval in the pipeline, providing a short-term supply of approximately 2-3 years, indicating lower risk of oversupply."
He suggested developers are adjusting to changing market conditions - including limits on lending by banks, increases in stamp duty and land taxes and restrictions by Chinese regulators on outbound investments in real estate - along with the shift towards commercial development.
"The pool of proposed apartments does represent a significant potential supply.
"However, these are not yet committed," he noted. 
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"If property prices retract slightly, or less mortgage finance is made available, for example as banks restrict investor loans, the presale purchaser may be required to contribute further equity.
"The settlement risks could potentially result in purchasers not being able to complete and the completed stock being relisted for sale thereby adding to the existing supply pool in the Parramatta market.
"This is most likely to occur when the apartment was sold at the ‘peak of the cycle’ where the purchaser has assumed ongoing capital growth and stretched their own financial position."
 
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Off the plan Parramatta settlement risk remains a live issue: Deloitte

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Developers are repurposing Parramatta residential sites to meet an increasing demand for high quality commercial developments, according to new analysis from Deloitte of the Parramatta development market.
Their inaugural Parramatta Crane Survey revealed an unprecedented level of construction in Parramatta, identifying 39 developments.
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The report concluded that the "most exciting prospect is that the long term prosperity of Parramatta as a more ‘liveable’ city is being enabled through higher urban amenity." 
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Across these developments, the survey discovered: 
* 92,000sqm of office floor space currently under construction
*  Zero vacancy rate for A-Grade office space with total vacancy rate at 4.3% compared to 5.9% in the Sydney CBD 
*  Apartment construction is slowing with only 1,100 DA approved apartments in the pipeline - 63% less volume than currently under construction 
*  By 2020, 857 new hotel rooms will have been built across four projects. 
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The survey author and Deloitte Western Sydney’s Real Estate Leader, David Hagger, noted that the shift of momentum towards commercial development will continue to attract higher paid jobs to Parramatta.
“The Parramatta Square development alone could house over 20,000 workers, with around 10,000 more expected across the rest of the city.
"Many of these will be public servants, with the NSW Government being the anchor tenant after making the largest pre-lease commitment we have ever seen.
"Importantly, we are also seeing an influx of private sector companies, including the high profile move by NAB to make Parramatta its second home, with a number of other businesses now circling for space in the remaining repurposed commercial building on Parramatta Square,” said Hagger.
Ongoing investment and rising job numbers should in turn continue to underpin growth in the residential market, he suggests.
The survey reveals that there are currently 2,707 apartments under construction in the Parramatta CBD, due for completion between 2018 and 2019.
With a further 4,865 apartments proposed across 12 projects, a potential ‘flood’ of the market has been predicted by some commentators, but according to Hagger, however, the survey indicates a different outcome.
“We see the market entering a cooling phase.
"There are only 1,110 apartments with DA approval in the pipeline, providing a short-term supply of approximately 2-3 years, indicating lower risk of oversupply."
He suggested developers are adjusting to changing market conditions - including limits on lending by banks, increases in stamp duty and land taxes and restrictions by Chinese regulators on outbound investments in real estate - and also note a clear shift towards commercial development.
"The pool of proposed apartments does represent a significant potential supply.
"However, these are not yet committed. 
The Deloitte Real Estate team undertook research on the number of developments underway in the Parramatta Central Business District and is accurate to the best of their knowledge as at 30 September 2017.
It has been recently revealed that Lang Walker has scrapped his high rise residential project instead building offices.
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"From where I sit, I won't be comfortable tackling a tall residential tower in Parramatta ... maybe in two years' time," the AFR quoted Walker Corporation executive chairman Lang Walker saying.
"Banks are very reluctant to lend to this area ... it will cool for a couple of years and it will come back up. But it's not a doomsday scenario at the moment."
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<div>Walker attributes his decision to the huge supply in both Parramatta and Camelia, an industrial suburb near Parramatta, now a brownfields precinct for high density living.</div>
This week Singapore-listed property developer CWG has sold The Peak, its 45 storey Parramatta residential project site at 14-20 Parkes Street for $40 million.
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Parramatta residential construction slows in shift back to offices: Deloitte

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A retail freehold in Sydney’s western suburb of Parramatta has recently changed hands for $4.7 million.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/236-church-street-parramatta-nsw-2150-2013976524" target="_blank">236 Church Street</a> property is in the core of Parramatta’s busy retail precinct between Macquarie Street and George Street.
It was advertised for auction on November 30.
Its land area is 238 sqm with a total building area of 458 sqm. 
The zoning is B4 mixed use and the land could be redeveloped subject to council approval.
Neighbouring retailers include the likes of JB HIFI, Jamie Oliver’s Italian, 7 Eleven, ALDI, Chemist Warehouse, University of New England, Peter Wynn’s and all the major banks. 
The selling agent was Jon Race of Khoury &amp; Partners.
The property previously sold for $1.18 million in 2001, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
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