<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced that its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a> residential, resort and golf project has secured $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks since the opening of its display home, underscoring the appetite for premium lifestyle property in the Hunter Valley countryside.

The sales milestone has been driven by a diverse mix of buyers, including owner-occupiers and investors from Sydney, Newcastle and the local Hunter region, purchasing both land-only lots and house and land packages across the development.

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e173edc9-e60e-4f19-a060-9dc4421a3233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/LovedaleFarm_20250215-1.jpg?VersionId=1LY6CvOaD.Dzrt8tWpWxXtPyfchixNIo" />

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The result builds on the momentum generated at the display home opening on 22 March, which attracted more than 460 attendees.

With house and land pricing from $1.14 million, Lovedale Farm continues to attract strong interest from buyers seeking a premium lifestyle offering at a compelling price point. The development’s vision, a championship golf course, future epicurean village and access to the Hunter Valley’s celebrated wine country, has resonated with a broad buyer profile, from first-time investors to those looking to make the move and call the Hunter Valley home.

<img alt="Lovedale Farm records $21.4 million in sales in three weeks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b358e789-e1eb-40ed-8105-ed5c8297136f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--6.jpg?VersionId=6GUO8TNnxuELONrsM6n9imDB6oc82Bor" />

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation said the response since opening the display home has been encouraging.

"To reach $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks speaks to the genuine demand for a lifestyle community of this calibre in the Hunter Valley," Hunter says.

"We’re seeing buyers from across the region and beyond, including investors who recognise the long-term value, and owner-occupiers who simply want to live somewhere truly special.

“Lovedale Farm is two decades in the making, and the market’s response is everything we hoped for. We’re excited to see these first buyers become part of the Lovedale Farm story from the very beginning."

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d985cf-2ac2-400b-ac02-4401f3421ac7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--5.jpg?VersionId=3866bPoqpLZsm.3ACg9EafAr1W3miC_f" />

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Spanning 240 hectares on Wine Country Drive in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale</a>, the $1 billion development is expected to deliver around 1,250 jobs during construction and inject more than $300 million into the local economy. The first 200 homes and championship 18-hole golf course are anticipated for completion in late 2027.

Capital Corporation has also lodged development plans for the Lovedale Farm clubhouse, set to become a vibrant hub for residents and the wider Hunter Valley community. Further releases are planned for later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Joel Robinson

Lovedale Farm display home opening triggers $24.6 million in sales in three weeks

Prominent Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">Aura</a>, the next stage of its $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank, continuing its push into wellness-led, amenity-rich apartment living.

The $800 million tower, planned for 7 Hoff Boulevard, will rise 67 storeys and deliver 673 apartments, with COX Architecture drawing on both Japanese design principles and Australia’s natural landscape to shape the building’s identity. A rectangular grid aesthetic defines the building’s exterior, with COX drawing design cues from New York high-rises and Tokyo’s skyline.

Aura builds on a growing trend in high-density living, where wellness is no longer an add-on but central to the product. The development is structured around four key pillars, combining calm, minimalist residences with layered communal spaces, landscaped gardens, and a suite of wellness amenities designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

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At the core of the project is what OSK describes as a vertical wellness ecosystem, a multi-level approach to amenity that integrates health, lifestyle, and social spaces throughout the building rather than confining them to a single level.

The main resident hub, the Aura Club on level seven, will include a pool, cold plunge, spa, gym, Pilates and yoga studios, alongside more lifestyle-driven inclusions like a golf simulator, music rooms, library, and work-from-home spaces. Above, a series of higher-level amenity zones, including the Meridian Club and Cumulus Club, introduce more refined, social and retreat-style environments, with private dining, lounges, and premium wellness spaces positioned to take advantage of city views.

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The residences themselves will largely include balconies, a key design move in a market increasingly focused on natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors. Views will extend across the CBD, the Arts Precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens, and beyond.

Aura also introduces approximately 1,600 sqm of retail across the lower levels, further activating the Melbourne Square precinct, which already includes Kennedy Park, a Woolworths, childcare, and a growing mix of hospitality operators.

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“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>," says&nbsp;OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

“We have been very encouraged by the market’s response to the BLVD offering, and we know there is a strong demand for the level of amenity, service and design that the Melbourne Square precinct is known for.

“Complemented by work-from-home lounges for professionals, family friendly outdoor garden spaces, and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, Aura will continue our focus on maximising physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing,” he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367475]

The project follows the strong performance of BLVD, which is now around 80 per cent sold, and reinforces OSK Property’s long-term commitment to Melbourne Square as a fully integrated, mixed-use precinct.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

OSK unveils AURA, the latest stage in Southbank's $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct

National developer Time &amp; Place appears to have settled on a design for its long-anticipated Potts Point project.

After several years of back and forth with local council and the NSW Government, the developer, which has spent close to a decade targeting the former The Chimes site on Macleay Street, has now progressed its plans.

Following a concept design submission last year by SJB, Time &amp; Place has lodged a full State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government, this time for a scheme designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="504d2a27-d65f-4227-8189-1e35e3376e62" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.38.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_XqFKATYHF30KnVByPxhaI9UBzmkmfn7" />

The 16-storey proposal includes 44 apartments, 21 of which will be build-to-sell. These will comprise 19 three-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom penthouses.

More than 50 per cent of the development will be dedicated to affordable housing, with 23 studio apartments to be delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP.

Kerry Hill Architects said the proposal is driven by a strong response to place.

“Our proposal for a new residential building for Potts Point in Sydney is driven by a deep consideration of place,” the practice said in its submission.

“This operates on multiple levels, including a landscape approach that reinstates endemic flora of the Sydney peninsula and provides a ground-floor garden for residents, reconnecting the site to its pre-European history. A brick podium further strengthens this relationship to context, integrating planting and fine bronze detailing that references the predominant material language of Macleay Street.”

The three-level podium will be topped by a communal resident space, featuring a covered pool designed to receive direct afternoon sun in winter, a neighbouring reflection pool, dining and event areas oriented to maximise sunset views, and an outdoor exercise zone.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d3eedc1-babb-44a3-bd96-d8a42f3adf1f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.37.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ii7.4dvqNatu5GQi6bhqNjAswrMB998." />

The design also incorporates highly crafted shopfronts and a clearly defined residential entry to activate the street. Juliette balconies to the podium residences will provide passive surveillance and a strong sense of habitation.

Above, the larger apartments are housed within a light-coloured masonry and bronze tower.

“The tower steps back in a series of gently curved volumes that reference the rich Art Deco context of Macleay Street,” the architects said. “Carefully calibrated vertical fins frame the views while providing privacy and a sense of refuge.”

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fab60f4-3140-4469-b47a-48c781e0a30b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=e5XxrM3kzdASdKlcIACHAHbOSZhSKC9O" />

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>&nbsp;Plaza, and have recently submitted plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/time-place-unveils-plans-22-storey-south-melbourne-tower">22-storey tower</a>, another in South Melbourne.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surry-hills-nsw-2010">Surry Hills</a>.

First look: Time & Place settles on design for The Chimes, Potts Point redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/develotek">Develotek</a> is joining the likes of TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital, betting on a boom in Five Dock ahead of the 2032 mooted opening of the Five Dock Metro Station.

Develotek, which is currently developing Bianca on the Drummoyne waterfront and has plans approved for a tower in Chatswood, has filed a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">two-building project in the evolving Kings Bay precinct</a>.

The buildings, one more boutique just five storeys and the other 26 storeys, will rise from an 3,158 sqm site across&nbsp;79–81 Queens Road and 2–8 Spencer Street, will home 134 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, above ground-floor retail and five basement levels of parking.

A key component of the proposal is the inclusion of 15 per cent of residential floor space as in-fill affordable housing, unlocking additional height and density under the Housing SEPP.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ee31bf7-75ba-4bc5-b190-49885193219f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_2.png?VersionId=730UbrduuwK3C1sO28RHjiLPUPqXqjkh" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a podium-and-tower configuration, with a five-storey street wall along Queens Road transitioning to a 26-storey tower set deeper into the site. The ground plane prioritises activation and permeability, with retail frontages and a new through-site link connecting Queens Road to Spencer Street.

At the upper levels, the tower façade has been conceived using a modular system to support prefabrication and reduce construction waste, while improving build efficiency. The splayed form draws on the geometry of surrounding industrial rooftops, reinterpreting the area’s heritage in a contemporary expression while also helping to reduce solar heat gain to east and west-facing apartments.

“This project aspires to transform a former industrial site into a connected, resilient and people-focused urban community, grounded in Country, shaped by history, and designed to enrich everyday life within the evolving Kings Bay Precinct,” said John Walsh, Principal at Plus Studio.

The proposal reflects the broader transformation of the Kings Bay Precinct under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, marking a shift from its industrial past to a higher-density, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abde734c-1e31-4a97-a1d2-fa9bcf31c380" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/building%20podium.png?VersionId=fNUupP6u146yEytQT31kKVRxwtACgPpP" />

Develotek is emerging as an active participant in the state’s affordable housing-led uplift pathway. The developer recently secured approval for a 34-storey mixed-use tower in Chatswood, where it similarly leveraged the in-fill affordable housing provisions to increase scale and deliver a 101-unit scheme with dedicated affordable apartments.

Their entry into Five Dock places them alongside a growing list of developers targeting the suburb ahead of its anticipated transport uplift, with Sydney Metro set to extend into the area. Major players including TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital are all progressing large-scale precinct-style developments nearby, collectively reshaping the low-rise industrial fabric into a higher-density mixed-use corridor.

The Five Dock site sits within the Kings Bay Precinct, a key renewal area under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, where planning controls support significant uplift tied to affordable housing delivery. The consolidated 3,158 sqm site is currently occupied by low-rise industrial uses, including warehouses and vehicle workshops, earmarked for transition.

First Look: Develotek joins in Five Dock apartment boom

Ascot’s Racecourse Road continues to be a hive of activity for Brisbane developers.

Following Fortis and GRAYA, which are both preparing new projects along the key strip connecting Kingsford Smith Drive and Eagle Farm Racecourse, local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skyhold">Skyhold</a> is the latest to lodge plans for its own development.

The group is proposing One One Two Residences, a boutique project comprising just seven apartments, named after its address at 112 Racecourse Road.

The proposal outlines a five-storey building on an 810 sqm site. The built form slightly exceeds the four-storey expectation under the neighbourhood plan, aligning instead with the emerging character of the strip. As the planning report notes, “the locality is characterised by a transition toward medium-rise residential development, with a number of recent developments… above the stipulated height limits.”

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec577631-8c51-4163-960e-e7b3a77d655b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot.png?VersionId=iAzQ46D4Uu1UqiS0mVnlcy9jeFKBpJIj" />

Designed by 111 with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a layered architectural approach with strong articulation and a subtropical response. Deep balconies, integrated planters, and a mix of masonry and textured finishes define the façade, while upper-level setbacks reduce perceived bulk. The architectural statement describes “a series of horizontally expressed layers, defined by deep balconies and a consistent robust material palette,” aimed at delivering a refined streetscape presence.

Apartments are configured as large-format residences, including multiple three-bedroom layouts and a full-floor penthouse, supported by ground-level parking. A rooftop terrace will provide communal amenities including a pool and landscaped recreation areas. The design prioritises privacy, natural ventilation, and greenery, with planting integrated across all levels to soften the building form and contribute to the public realm.

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1219bd-b45a-4d7f-bbc7-7207d7b2fc94" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot%20entry.png?VersionId=JIoUOLMgQ5xWpEF0etEI3ffIoIVjD7gO" />

The proposal sits within the Racecourse Road precinct, a key mixed-use spine in Ascot that continues to attract renewed development interest.

Later this year national developer Fortis will launch its own boutique development, which, pending council approvals, will be 16 apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, just down the street.

“Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation,” said Fortis's QLD General Manager, Dan Boman.

Nearby, GRAYA is advancing its larger-scale The Gallery, a mixed-use shop-top housing project designed to act as a “catalytic project for Racecourse Road.”

First Look: Racecourse Road, Hamilton revitalization to continue as Skyhold joins the party

Bankstown

Spring Square by Poly is set to become a game-changer in the world of community living. The first of its kind in Sydney's southwest, this sprawling masterplan promises to redefine the way people think about their living spaces.

Drawing inspiration from Bankstown's rich history, Spring Square aims to deliver an enriched urban neighbourhood experience that extends far beyond the four walls of an apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7054 project_image_fid=47633]

The community will be spread across five towers, each boasting a range of modern and varied living options, including one, two and three-bedroom floorplans.&nbsp;

But it's the range of retail and commercial amenities that will truly set Spring Square apart. From childcare facilities to a state-of-the-art gym and a range of healthcare services, residents will be able to access everything they need right on their doorstep.

Spring Square will also be dotted with communal spaces, offering places to meet, eat, and unwind. Interconnecting walkways will allow residents to explore the precinct at their leisure, while green parks will provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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The gardens at Spring Square are the highlight, offering a diverse playground for residents of all ages. From lush lawns to native trees, outdoor barbecue and kitchen spaces to al fresco-style leisure areas, this is a space designed to bring people together, with a range of seating nooks scattered throughout the gardens.

But it's not just about the green spaces. Spring Square will also be home to a range of small cafes, bars, and outdoor al fresco dining options. These will spill out onto the podium and ground level, creating a vibrant social hub inspired by the multitude of cultures that call Bankstown home.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Poly Global delivers an urban oasis in the heart of Bankstown

Poly Global's latest development, Spring Square by Poly, is set to offer residents a unique and unparalleled view of Sydney's expansive districts, including the CBD and Olympic Park.

Located in the south-western region of Sydney, Bankstown's elevated position makes it one of the highest vantage points in the area, and the developers made sure the architects took full advantage of this in their design of Spring Square by Poly.

Scott Carver handled the designs of the project, utilising the outlooks in their design, with each residence fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the landscaped plaza below. This means residents can take in the bustling movements of the area and appreciate the lush greenery surrounding them from the privacy of their own homes.

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Residents of Spring Square can choose between two finishing schemes for their homes; Latte, a lighter coffee tone, and Mocha, a richer chocolate-coloured hue. Both options provide a warm and inviting neutral canvas that allows residents to tailor their interiors to their personal taste.

Each courtyard and balcony in Spring Square has been designed with generous space for entertaining, barbecuing, and even growing potted gardens. The outdoor spaces have been seamlessly integrated with the living and bedroom areas to allow natural light and fresh air to flow freely throughout the home, bringing the outdoors in.

The building takes on a striking contrast of tonal brick, extensive glazing, and vertical louvres which work together seamlessly to redefine the area's skyline.

Consisting of five towers, Spring Square offers a range of one, two, and three-bedroom residences with various single and double-storey layouts, as well as cross-over arrangements.

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The mix of living options caters to a diverse range of residents, providing a flexible and dynamic living environment.

Extensive glazing to each apartment not only maximises natural light but also provides unobstructed views of the surrounding district.

Nestled in a serene locale, the kitchens boast a sleek and modern design, replete with ample space and high-end appliances. The 20 milimetre Caesarstone benchtops, powerful gas cooktops, and contemporary chrome tapware add to the elegant vibe, while the tinted mirror splashbacks elevate the overall aesthetic.

For those seeking solace and comfort, the bedrooms in this space offer just that. The large windows invite the morning sunlight and fresh air, creating an inviting ambiance, while the plush carpets add an element of warmth and coziness to the space.

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Some of the bedrooms even feature outdoor balconies and courtyards, allowing residents to bask in the first light of the day from the comfort of their bed.

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the bathrooms in this space are a true work of art. Equipped with wall-hung vanities, streamlined shower screens, and both a shower and bathtub

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are still remaining in Spring Square with prices starting from&nbsp;$447,450 for a one-bedder.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

How Scott Carver designed the apartments at Spring Square by Poly

The development is located at the northern end of Bankstown’s commercial precinct and positioned perfectly to enjoy all the burgeoning region has to offer.&nbsp;

Envisioned to create a new benchmark for integrated living, Spring Square will connect residents to the distinct charm of Bankstown, which is overflowing with high end amenity, abundant recreational spaces and a lively food and entertainment scene.

On the doorstep of Spring Square lies quality education, retail and supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, as well as entertainment options like Hoyts Cinema and the Bryan Brown Theatre.&nbsp;

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The newly built Bankstown RSL Club is also directly next door and Bankstown train station is an easy few minutes’ walk.&nbsp;

As the most significant commercial hub of South West Sydney, Bankstown is also well connected with public transport and roads like the M5 and Hume Highway, providing links to the north, south, east and west with ease.&nbsp;

As the region is at the forefront of a revival, with impetus from the NSW Government’s plan to implement the Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Strategy well underway, a number of neighbourhoods, public spaces, town centres and community services will also be redeveloped and enhanced.&nbsp;

A new Sydney Metro train line is also in progress, which will connect Bankstown to key employment centres – providing further travel options and improved accessibility. Slated to open to the public by 2024, the new Metro line will be located just 300-metres from Spring Square.

This boost to the local economy has also seen the uncovering of plans for a brand new Bankstown-Lidcombe hospital, with the $1.3 billion health precinct a major boost for the area. Improved civic spaces are also on the cards, as well as a Western Sydney University campus right in Bankstown’s CBD, which will be just 400-metres from the development site.&nbsp;

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Upon completion, Spring Square is set to comprise&nbsp;five towers, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom offered across the site.

A range of single and double-storey layouts will be constructed, as well as crossover arrangements, with the residences to benefit from&nbsp;Bankstown’s central location within Sydney, along with its elevation, making it one of the highest vantage points.&nbsp;

Residents will be able to take in expansive district, Sydney CBD and Olympic Park views, with each of the towers designed to maximise these outlooks.&nbsp;

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As the most significant commercial hub of South West Sydney, Bankstown is also well connected with public transport and roads like the M5 and Hume Highway, providing links to the north, south, east and west with ease. 

How Spring Square by Poly taps in to its burgeoning location

With the up and coming suburb in Sydney's South West on the cusp of expansion and the new type of residential product planned by Poly Australia, the area is tipped to become a hotspot for owner-occupiers, and particularly first home buyers.&nbsp;

Within each home, the level of finishes and fittings belies the affordable first home buyer price point.&nbsp;

All have been thoughtfully curated and colour matched to ensure an elegant harmony throughout.

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The masterplanned community has been designed to create a genuine sense of neighbourhood, complete with communal gardens and a broad mix of amenities. This includes integrated retail, commercial and childcare spaces making up just a small part of nearly 6,600 sqm of total amenity space.

Comprising a generous mix of apartments, in various configurations, from studios, up to three-bedrooms, Spring Square by Poly has a price point that few other developments can hope to match - which is only bolstered by the fact all the studio apartments have all already been sold.&nbsp;

Once the nearby Metro is up and running in 2024, these homes will arguably be one of the few opportunities in Sydney where you can purchase a brand new two-bedroom residence for $695,000, within an estimated 30-minute commute to the CBD.

In a host of ways, convenience is built into the plan of Spring Square, with public transport to the CBD and Parramatta accessed right in the heart of the precinct.

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But even simpler connectivity occurs when residents can live upstairs, work close by and enjoy the retail and entertainment options immediately downstairs. Al fresco retail, landscaped communal gardens, a children’s playground, shaded seating areas, and barbecue facilities form just a fraction of the year-round amenities available at the development.

Poly Australia are no stranger to projects of this stature, having significant experience in multi-stage delivery of large-scale integrated retail, commercial and residential offerings.

With substantial urban renewal funding earmarked by the NSW state government, Spring Square by Poly will be poised to take advantage of all the recently renewed investment plans.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

Why owner-occupiers are tipped for Spring Square by Poly

Defined by its diversity, Bankstown is a hidden gem among Sydney.&nbsp;

International developer, Poly Australia are taking to the suburb to deliver their latest residential project, Spring Square, which is set to give new life to the south-west suburb.&nbsp;

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The masterplan has been inspired by vertical communities around the globe, tailored to uplift Bankstown, enlivening its people and their lifestyle.

“With Bankstown in the midst of such growth, this new precinct will deliver a completely new lifestyle experience for those who live here and those who visit,” said Poly.

Spring Square at 32 Kitchener Parade, has been designed to complement and enhance its architectural neighbours, with its contrast of tonal brick, extensive glazing and vertical louvres working harmoniously to redefine the district’s skyline.&nbsp;

Built across five towers, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences will be delivered, with a range of single and double-storey layouts, as well as crossover arrangements.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7054 project_image_fid=47630]

Bankstown’s central location within Sydney, along with its elevation, makes it one of the highest vantage points.&nbsp;

From here, you can take in expansive district, Sydney CBD and Olympic Park views, with each of the towers designed to maximise these outlooks.&nbsp;

“We’ve designed Spring Square to really take in these views and it's been built so you can enjoy all the outlooks."&nbsp;

“This is something completely unique for the south west.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7054 project_image_fid=47628]

With sustainability no longer an optional extra for residential design, Poly Australia is implanting a raft of measures at the Bankstown precinct to follow suit, including greywater recycling, central hot water system, solar panels, and air-conditioning with high energy efficiency ratio. The project is also BASIX rated for water efficiency.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

The masterplan has been inspired by vertical communities around the globe, tailored to uplift Bankstown, enlivening its people and their lifestyle.

Spring Square by Poly launches to market

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A rail line to the northwest growth areas of Sydney has been proposed many times. In 2010, the state government and bureaucracy sought discussions with Infrastructure Australia and the Commonwealth about funding an extension of the heavy-rail system from Epping on a North West Rail—Hills District Line. In 2012, the new transport minister (and now premier), Gladys Berejiklian, changed the plan, opting for a single-deck robotic privatised metro similar to those proposed by property developer and rail operator Hong Kong MTR. The government decided to close the Bankstown line for <a href="https://www.sydneymetro.info/" target="_blank">Sydney Metro</a> conversion and upzone surrounding suburbs for “urban activation”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/263282/original/file-20190312-86717-16i983z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
OpenStreetMap Contributors, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
Days before Christmas 2018, we transport analysts received a gift: an update to the station <a href="https://opendata.transport.nsw.gov.au/dataset/train-station-entries-and-exits-data" target="_blank">barrier counts dataset</a>. The government had not released this annual snapshot since 2014. (An interactive data visualisation tool is available <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGIxNjBiNTMtNjFiZS00NWExLTg1NjgtYWE4Y2FjN2FhZGZiIiwidCI6ImU4OTExYzI2LWNmOWYtNGE5Yy04NzhlLTUyNzgwN2JlODc5MSJ9" target="_blank">here</a>.)
The below analysis uses average workday (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) patronage to describe the changing demand across the Sydney rail network (<a href="https://www.railmaps.com.au/sydney.htm" target="_blank">click here for a map</a> of the network) and determine where the need for transport infrastructure investment is greatest.
The analysis clearly show that the metro conversion of the Bankstown line should not be Sydney’s top-priority investment. The numbers make clear the need to invest the state’s limited funds in the western and southern corridors with matching investment in the CBD. The Bankstown project should be deferred.
Demand on Sydney’s western and Illawarra heavy-rail corridors has surged since 2004 (when barrier counts began). These are two of the city’s most important transport trunks. The Bankstown line has much lower patronage with modest growth.
Every transport infrastructure investment must deliver value for money by reducing operating costs and improving mobility. If we fail to invest wisely, Sydney risks becoming uncompetitive as talent and businesses leave for better-connected and more liveable cities.
The Bankstown decision from a 2012 perspective
To determine if the Bankstown conversion was the highest priority in 2012 we need to consider the information available to the minister at the time. Let’s start with the obvious questions: in 2012 was the Bankstown line or its major stations under significant load or growing quickly?
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZAzc9/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
The above chart shows five of the top 20 stations were in the CBD, six were on the Eastern-Illawarra line, and nine were on the West and North lines. Bankstown line stations were not especially popular: Bankstown station was 27th most popular, Campsie 35th, Lakemba 53rd and Marrickville 63rd.
Another reason to justify the Bankstown line conversion would be rapid growth. However, in 2012 the ten stations with the fastest growth since 2004 were in the CBD and on the West, South, North and Airport lines.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7mOg9/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2004 to 2012, Parramatta grew by 4,600 passengers on an average workday, and Hurstville by over 4,100. Growth at Campsie and Lakemba was a mere 1,000 passengers a day, and only half of that at Bankstown.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1aTzv/2/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
So when the development decision was made the Bankstown line stations were not major stations, nor under significant load, nor growing quickly. This raises questions about the Metro conversion investment.
The Bankstown decision from a 2018 perspective
Passenger demand grows on a train line for many reasons. In 2012, Berejiklian might have been aware of a coming surge in patronage on the Bankstown line. In 2018, have we seen such a surge?
Sydney railway patronage has indeed surged overall, growing by over 450,000 people on an average workday since 2004. By 2018, the distribution of these passengers had changed significantly. Ashfield, Epping, Hornsby and Kogarah slipped out of the top-20 stations to be replaced by Mascot (17th), Auburn (18th), Lidcombe (19th) and Museum (20th).
Bankstown line stations had become less important:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown slipped to 33rd most popular</li>
<li>Campsie rose to 35th</li>
<li>Marrickville was steady at 62nd</li>
<li>Lakemba plummeted to 67th.</li>
</ul>
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0paex/1/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
From 2012 to 2018, Town Hall ranked first for patronage growth with a workday increase of 28,900 passengers. Parramatta was fourth with 15,400 and Hurstville 16th with 4,600.
On the Bankstown line Campsie ranked 33rd with growth of 2,000 and Bankstown 49th with 1,400. Estimated patronage at four of the stations – Wiley Park, Yagoona, Lakemba, Regents Park – actually fell.
After land around Canterbury was transformed into many massive apartments, patronage at the station grew by 1,300 workday passengers since 2012. Even with the development, it still had only 3,200 workday passengers, leaving the station 91st in the whole sprawling network.
Comparing sections of the network
Multiple stations operate in concert and to be thorough we also need to consider how sections of the network compare.
The ten Bankstown line stations from Marrickville to Bankstown had 36,800 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018 this had grown by 7,000 to 43,800 workday passengers. It is still a relatively quiet line.
The North line from North Strathfield to Epping had eight stations with 36,100 workday passengers in 2012. By 2018, this had grown by 12,700 workday passengers to 48,800.
Over the same period, the 13 stations on the Illawarra line from Arncliffe to Sutherland grew by 15,600 to 79,400 workday passengers.
The three Eastern Suburbs line stations from Kings Cross to Bondi had higher patronage in 2012 than the Bankstown line with 40,200 workday passengers. Patronage on those three stations alone also grew much faster, by 17,600 in six years to 54,800.
Patronage on the Western corridor (Macdonaldtown to Blacktown) has grown by 58,000 to over 225,000 workday passengers. On the Illawarra corridor patronage grew 25,000 to over 103,000.
Remember, patronage on the Bankstown line grew by only 7,000 in this 2012-18 period.
Looking at key stations between 2004 and 2018:
<ul>
<li>Bankstown patronage grew by 25%</li>
<li>Stanmore, which doesn’t have a lift and gets only one train every 15 minutes, grew by 33%</li>
<li>Burwood grew by 64%</li>
<li>Parramatta by 79%</li>
<li>Newtown by 100%</li>
<li>Homebush by 125%.</li>
</ul>
In the Illawarra corridor:
<ul>
<li>Hurstville station grew by 66%</li>
<li>Erskineville by 97%</li>
<li>Banksia, Carlton and Allawah stations all had over 100% growth.</li>
</ul>
The City Circle from Redfern to Circular Quay and back grew by 159,000 workday passengers from 236,000 in 2004 to 395,000 in 2018 – a 67% increase.
In 2012, the city’s first transport priority was another north-south harbour crossing. However, it was decided instead to build the Sydney Metro under the harbour and then take both of the CBD’s north-south heavy-rail corridors. This significantly increased the cost and complexity of expanding the heavy-rail system.
Sydney’s second transport priority was always a western relief line. Every transport investigation since the 1971 Sydney Area Transport Study has identified this need.
What next?
On February 11, the state Labor opposition <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-commits-8-billion-to-fast-track-sydney-metro-west-20190211-p50wyi" target="_blank">promised $5 billion</a> for the Western Metro, in addition to $3 billion previously promised by the federal Labor opposition.
On March 4, the state Coalition government <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-premier-says-construction-of-metro-west-line-to-begin-2020-20190303-p511g6" target="_blank">announced $6.4 billion</a> for a Western Metro, with the construction date to be brought forward.
The government announcement was made after the caretaker period for the March 23 state election had begun, so no technical or financial documentation was released. The government statement said the final business case was not complete, indicating that the Western Metro project was still in the early planning stages.
With a slowing economy and falling house prices there will be a post-election reprioritisation of NSW project spending. When this happens, the next government should give higher priority to the western rail corridor than the Bankstown corridor.
Postscript
Any discussion of infrastructure decisions should note the affected electorates. The seats around the Bankstown line and their <a href="http://pastvtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/SGE2015/la/state/tpp/index.htm" target="_blank">vote tallies</a> in the last state election are:<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/111844/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<ul>
<li>Summer Hill (Labor 70.13% two party preferred in 2015)</li>
<li>Canterbury (Labor 65.69%)</li>
<li>Lakemba (Labor 71.56%)</li>
<li>Bankstown (Labor 63.97%)</li>
<li>Auburn (Labor 55.93%)</li>
<li>Fairfield (Labor 67.79%).</li>
</ul>
Mathew Hounsell, Senior Research Consultant, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/which-lines-are-priorities-for-sydney-metro-conversion-hint-its-not-bankstown-111844" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Which lines are priorities for Sydney Metro conversion? Hint: it’s not Bankstown

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The backdown by the NSW Government on it’s Planned Precincts along the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor is yet another pre-election move that will put new housing on hold.
For some years the NSW Government has been promoting the redevelopment of land around proposed new metro stations along the Sydenham to Bankstown line as the correct approach to provide new housing for Sydney's booming population.
The government committed to Priority Precincts around rail stations which sent signals to the private sector that these precincts were where new development should occur.
Many private developers purchased land to help realise the government's vision.
We now hear from the media that the government has done a backflip (to use the media's term) and is handing the planning powers back to the local councils.
The media comments from representatives of the Canterbury Bankstown and Inner West councils are now saying that the decision puts an end to high rise development around the stations.
The same councils also complained about the NSW Government's new Housing code for town houses and terrace houses and the NSW Government quickly allowed the two councils to delay the code for over a year.
Clearly the NSW Government is spooked by community concerns about the extent of development that the government's own planning rules proposed.
Rather than taking an advocacy role to explain to the community that 725,000 new homes will be required over the next 20 years in Sydney, and that development around stations on a new metro rail line is good planning, the government seems to be moving away from its leadership role.
With an election 9 months away it is clear that the government is happy to put the planning for new housing on hold.
This will only lead to a collapse in housing supply in a few years’ time which will push house prices up again.
The Premier's rhetoric that the solution to housing affordability is for more supply has clearly been replaced by putting supply on hold.
What were called Priority Precincts to help with supply then became Planned Precincts at the end of last year and are now seen by the suppliers of new housing as being 'Paused Precincts'.
On 25 June 2017 Anthony Roberts, NSW Planning Minister, issued a Media Release on the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor where he said: 'It is fundamental that we harness the benefits of the Sydney Metro.Supply was the key to tackling housing affordability in Sydney and growth strategies such as the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor will make a positive impact.'
He also announced that Canterbury, Campsie, Lakemba and Belmore have been made priority precincts. A year later it seems that the benefits of the metro have been diminished and that supply of new housing is not the key to housing affordability.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the councils along the Sydenham to Bankstown line to ensure that development opportunities for new housing are still available.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of Urban Taskforce
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Sydenham to Bankstown planning backdown will be bad for future housing supply: Chris Johnson

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A two bedroom Bankstown unit has sold for $461,000 making it Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-bankstown-126280498" target="_blank">10/48 Reynolds Avenue</a>, the property is marketed as ideal for renovation.
It last sold in 1996 for $155,000.
It features two bedrooms both with built-ins as well as an open plan living and dining area with balcony.
The kitchen has tiled floors and gas cooking.
Other feature includes a double lock up garage.
Shops and public transport are all within close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through WT Newey &amp; Co agent Carl Zaubzer.
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