Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

Staff Writer

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has unveiled what it intends to deliver at its recently acquired Toowong site, its debut apartment development in Brisbane.

Immerse, founded by John Kearney who is also the founder of regarded construction company Greyburn, secured the prime Sylvan Road site <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-moves-into-brisbane-apartment-market-with-toowong-site-acquisition">earlier this year</a>, in an area which has historical significance to Kearney who&nbsp;studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/" target="">Apartments.com.au</a>.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road, as have most people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>. It’s one of the city’s most well-known hotels, and with several cafes, restaurants, and a CityCat stop nearby, it’s become an even more attractive place to live.”

He is planning a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-24-sylvan-road-toowong-qld-4066">15-storey project with 88 apartments</a> above an activated ground plane with a shop and hospitality spaces.

<img alt="Toowong podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c350436b-9d64-46cc-ab6f-defc009e1b65" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_0.png?VersionId=zt7A0_14M62TkZ61YHnGmEck9KM9HqDA" />

The architecture, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, presents a tower massing that responds to the area's evolving mid-rise context. The scheme incorporates podium and rooftop communal spaces, while the commercial elements aim to activate the Sylvan Road frontage and enhance the site's interface with the adjacent parkland.&nbsp;

Landscaping plans by Ivy May Landscape Architects include subtropical planting and deep soil zones to support stormwater management and visual integration.

Supporting documentation from Mewing Planning Consultants notes that "the proposed development will deliver a mixed-use outcome that enhances the vibrancy of the Sylvan Road corridor" and highlights its proximity to high-frequency public transport and community facilities.

<img alt="First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

&nbsp;

There's been little new apartment development in Toowong in recent years. The most notable is Consolidated Properties two-tower Monarch Residences, which is approaching completion with nearly all of its 224 residences sold.

Kearney describes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066" target="">Toowong</a>&nbsp;as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

Joel Robinson

First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is down to its final three-bedroom apartments at Audrey, the developer’s parkside St Leonards South project, pairing the remaining homes with a limited-time offer.

The developer is extending a five per cent deposit and a $50,000 settlement rebate on selected apartments, aiming to help owner-occupiers secure one of the final homes ahead of move-in in early 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

Located on Canb​erra Avenue opposite Newlands Park, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a> comprises 102 residences, including a mix of three-bedroom residences and a double-storey, five-bedroom terrace with two outdoor areas.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/north-shore-property-construction">North Shore Property Construction</a>, the project reflects Hyecorp’s focus on owner-occupier planning, with open-plan layouts, extensive storage integration, and a material palette built around stone, oak timber flooring and bespoke joinery. Many of the three-bedroom apartments capture views toward the city and Harbour Bridge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=207373]

Hyecorp’s internal design team, Jackson Teece, has emphasised a consistent level of specification across the building, including Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, brushed metal tapware and large-format stone detailing that conceals cabinetry.

The Tiffany Collection, crowning the development on Levels 12 to 15, features added luxury of fluted standalone baths, heated bathroom floors, custom walk-in robes and upgraded appliance packages across its spacious 155 to 159 sqm homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=301367]

Beyond the private residences, Audrey carries a strong amenity focus. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room and private dining room.

A landscaped rooftop terrace with CBD views anchors the communal offering, complemented by an onsite café and an integrated daycare centre within the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

The location continues to be a drawcard for buyers, with new retail additions at Mall 88, including Coles, alongside Woolworths and the established offerings of Forum Plaza. St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro is within easy reach, as are local health precincts such as the Royal North Shore Public and Private Hospitals. Nearby green spaces include Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval and Naremburn Park, supporting strong day-to-day amenity for families and downsizers alike.

Hyecorp is expected to welcome residents to Hyecorp in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Audrey St Leonards nears completion – settlement bonus now available

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;has been given the green light to develop its flagship mixed-use project in the Crows Nest metro precinct.

The NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority approved the 40-storey tower, aligning with the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) agenda to deliver more homes in highly connected, high amenity locations.

The $600 million tower, at 378-398 Pacific Highway, will comprise 178 apartments with resident amenities, two levels of commercial offices, and a curated retail offering. Freecity will also dedicate a 10 percent Affordable Housing Contribution, supporting the Governments broader housing objectives.

<img alt="Freecity Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4de9b03b-e8aa-4929-b3f1-6747acbe6b73" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20Crows%20Nest%20Project.jpg?VersionId=oWwFWxGj_oUFEYX4j_qRFdSzcShLw3DG" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the tower will offer a diverse residential mix, from one-bedroom homes to expansive four-bedroom penthouses, all crafted to maximise light, views and liveability.

Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity Group, said the approval represents a significant step forward for both Crows Nest and Freecity.

"We are proud to be delivering a landmark project that brings new homes, new amenity and new economic activity to one of Sydney’s most strategically connected locations,"&nbsp;Zheng said.

"With our $6 billion pipeline of 12 mixed-use projects, this development reinforces Freecity’s commitment to helping deliver the housing supply and transport-integrated precincts the Government is championing.”

Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development, said the companies focus is on "creating places that genuinely enhance how people live day to day - communities that balance accessibility, amenity and neighbourhood vibrancy.”

“This project reflects the future of urban living - design led, highly liveable and seamlessly connected to the city’s major transport, employment and education hubs. Being directly opposite the Crows Nest Metro means residents can access the best of Sydney with unrivalled convenience."

&nbsp;

Freecity secures approval for Crows Nest metro precinct tower

The Bedford by Mosaic marks the culmination of a near-decade journey for South East Queensland’s most active developer.

Mosaic Founder and CEO, Brook Monahan, said the company first identified the prime Prospect Street, Kangaroo Point site in 2016 as an A-grade opportunity they were eager to secure. They almost bought it at the time, before it was ultimately acquired by Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot.

The opportunity resurfaced late last year when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was offered for sale again.

Backed by years of history, feasibility research, and detailed product planning for the 3,195 sqm corner site, Mosaic was able to move swiftly. The Bedford by Mosaic is now proving a clear market success, unsurprising given the depth of work the developer had undertaken on the location and potential density mix well before they owned the land.

Active across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and with a development pipeline more than $2 billion, Mosaic has already sold 90 per cent of apartments in what has become the area’s most significant residential addition in more than a decade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

Designed by BDA Architecture, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including the Masterpiece Series Skyhomes across the top two levels. These residences offer the largest floorplans and the best views over the river and city. Premium inclusions—such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature in every apartment, not just the top-tier offerings.

A defining feature of The Bedford is its integrated mixed-use component, set to deliver Kangaroo Point’s first Woolworths supermarket, along with a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355673]

Residents will also enjoy one of Brisbane’s most comprehensive amenity collections. Dubbed the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace, the wellness-focused spaces include a resort-style pool with sun deck, an indoor/outdoor gym, spa, sauna, steam room and cold plunge.

Additional amenities include a residents’ lounge and relaxation zones, a private dining room with kitchen, barbecue areas, landscaped gardens, an outdoor viewing deck capturing city and river views, and a bookable golf simulator.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355681]

The remaining residences at The Bedford span the upper levels of the building and include two- and three-bedroom floorplans, which start from $1,645,000.

Mosaic's in-house building arm has already commenced construction on The Bedford. They estimate a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328121]

Monahan notes that Mosaic’s most successful projects often begin years before the first plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, initially making it onto their radar in 2018.

“We aren’t opportunistic,” Monahan says. “Every site purchase is well considered and thought out. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we are looking at now that we might not secure for several years.”

Mosaic is set to launch its new South Brisbane project&nbsp;in the next year, while its latest Gold Coast development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Josephine</a>, is coming soon to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

A decade in the making: Mosaic's long-awaited success story at The Bedford, Kangaroo Point

Lavender Bay

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The newly appointed NSW Governor Margaret Beazley has sold her Lavender Bay family home.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-lavender+bay-131565610" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bay View Street</a> property had a price guide of $11.5 million.
Beazley bought it in 1989 for $1.3 million.
There were 45 inspections in the first week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/1/lavendar%20bay2.jpg" alt="">
The elevated family home comes with panoramic views of the waters, Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
It comprises five bedrooms, modern gas kitchen, lounge, dining room, library, and court gardens.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/1/lavendar%20bay3.jpg" alt="">
It's just a stroll to McMahons Point Village with boutiques, restaurants and bars, Lavender Bay Ferry, buses, and North Sydney Station. 
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NSW Governor Margaret Beazley sells Lavender Bay home

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A new build home in Lavender Bay has been sold.
The property at 2 Bay View Street was sold at a private auction where bidding kicked off at $9.5 million.
It is understood to have sold at considerably below the original $13 million to $14 million price guide set on the property when it came to market last month.
A curved staircase over three levels features a customised cascading Buster + Punch chandelier.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/22/image7%201.png" alt="">
The Bay View Street home, one of 20 on the dress circle, sits on the high side of the street with panoramic views of the Opera House, framed by the Harbour Bridge.
Designed by Architecture Saville Isaacs, the recently completed home has interiors by Linda Morrice, the wife of the vendor, Ian Morrice, best known as heading Metcash.
There are four bedrooms, including a master suite with ensuite, balcony and bespoke dressing room.
There's also an internal lift to all levels.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/22/image4.png" alt="">
Belle Property Mosman agents Tim Foote and Mark Jackson had the listing. 
The last Bay View Street sale came in 2017 when a an original non-waterfront home, the last undeveloped property on the street, sold for $14.8 million.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

New build Lavender Bay trophy home sold at private auction 

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A Lavender Bay Victorian terrace re-invented by the late interior designer George Freedman, has been listed for sale at $7.2 million.
Freedman undertook the transformation for the Halpern family in 2000, two years after the <a href="https://theagency.com.au/15408/2-waiwera-street-lavender-bay" target="_blank">Waiwera Street home</a> on its 172 square metre holding traded for $860,000.
It went on to sell for $4.05 million to the current vendor in 2011.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/26/95e18e2551d043c185f83e509b1122dd.jpg" alt="">
It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an upper level media room and an Italian marble table in the open plan lounge and dining space.
The kitchen and second living space opens to a garden courtyard with pond.
The views of the harbour can be captured from the rooftop terrace which comes with an outdoor kitchen.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/26/63e475f116a94f918d4ee76f02df28f5.jpg" alt="">
The Agency's Dino Lee is marketing the property in conjunction with Ballard Property.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, the American émigré left an indelible mark on his adopted home town after he moved to Australia in the late 1960s to “Manhattanize” the headquarters of the Bank of New South Wales.
“For all the opulence in many of Marsh Freedman’s designs, it was always balanced with tempered restraint guided by Modernist principles,” wrote John Engelen of the dedece design store.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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Lavender Bay trophy home with George Freedman interiors listed

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Blue at Lavender Bay, Aqualand Australia’s pinnacle project, has seen another penthouse sale.
The last remaining penthouse at Blue in Milsons Point has been sold $10.5 million.
Last month, Aqualand sold its another penthouse in its flagship Blue at Lavender Bay development for $9 million to a Northbridge couple, which was the highest price paid for an apartment in the locale.
Alex Adams, Aqualand’s head of sales and marketing, said Aqualand was extremely pleased to have secured buyers for both penthouses "illustrating the resilience of the north shore prime property market".
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse totals 170 square metres of internal space and boasts panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, the Eastern suburbs and the North Sydney skyline from its grand wrap around balcony. The sale was brokered by CBRE reportedly to orthopaedic surgeon and human rights activist Munjed Al Muderis.
Construction of the development of 129 luxury residential apartments and four retail lots has recently commenced with its scheduled completion in mid 2020.
Sub-penthouses with three-bedrooms and three bathrooms are still available for sale and priced from $4.1 million. 
It was marketed as the last residential conversion development in the Milsons Point area with views to the city and Harbour Bridge.
Of the 72 apartments sold on initial marketing in September 2017, the highest sale result was the $8 million sub-penthouse, which equated to a bullish $55,000 per square metre.
Located at 61 Lavender Street, Milsons Point, it was once an 18-level commercial office building.
The architectural firm PTW included premium Gaggenau appliances, natural stone kitchens, stone floors, extensive joinery, larger open-plan living areas and generous sized bedrooms and ensuites.
Aqualand bought the Samsung office building in 2016 for $140 million.
It initially contemplated offering a 550 square metre penthouse which was expected to carry a $20 million asking price.
Aqualand is a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based property developer Shenglong, billed as one of China’s top 50 property developers.
Ir recently appointed a head of construction, Tom Catalovski, who was previously the construction director of Probuild Constructions.
Aqualand Property, and the boutique tier-one construction firm, Roberts Pizzarotti recently "mutually agreed" not to proceed with a joint venture partnership for building Blue.
Under the direction of new CEO, John Carfi, Aqualand has instead chosen to develop the intended JV project with its in-house building team, Aqualand Constructions.
A key objective of the Aqualand Roberts Pizzarotti construction joint venture (“ARP”) was to provide construction capabilities as an interim.
The injection of John Carfi into the helm of the Aqualand business boosted the company’s strategic trajectory and allowed Aqualand to bring forward the timing for their first self-delivered major project.
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Both of Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay penthouses now sold

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The longtime Lavender Bay bolthole of the renowned Bali-based landscaper, Made Wijaya was sold at auction earlier this month for $1.19 million.
It was listed following his 2016 death.
Born Michael White, Wijaya secured an international reputation especially after designing the late David Bowie’s garden at his Caribbean island of Mustique. 
<div>
<div class="cT-imageLandscape lead">His one bedroom Walker Street ground floor apartment, which overlooks Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, was bought in 1996 for $295,000.</div>
</div>
Stone McMahons Point’s Heather McCartney had $850,000 hopes, but there was a $900,000 opening bid.
This article was first published by The Sunday Telegraph.
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Lavender Bay sale by Made Wijaya's executor

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Blue at Lavender Bay, Aqualand Australia’s pinnacle project, secured a strong weekend sales result when they officially went on sale.
The development was expected to meet with strong buyer interest because it was marketed as the last residential conversion development in the Milsons Point area with views to the city and Harbour Bridge.
Of the 72 apartments sold on Saturday morning the highest sale result was the $8 million sub-penthouse, which equated to a bullish $55,000 per square metre.
But the sales success required an extended six month buildup, and not all 129 apartments in the development, located at 61 Lavender Street, Milsons Point, went up for sale.
The project display suite has been open since August promoting the offerings in what was once an 18-level commercial office building. 
Alex Adams, Aqualand sales manager, said the luxurious abodes had been conceptualised by architectural firm PTW to include premium Gaggenau appliances, natural stone kitchens, stone floors, extensive joinery, larger open-plan living areas and generous sized bedrooms and ensuites.
Aqualand bought the Samsung office building last year for $140 million.
Ben Stewart, at CBRE, has advised the second stage of the 20-storey tower includes the penthouse, which is a 550-square-metre offering expected to carry a $20 million asking price.
The managing director of Aqualand is Shangjin Lin, who on New Year’s Eve in 2015 paid $52 million for the Vaucluse trophy home Villa Igiea.
Aqualand is a subsidiary of the Shanghai-based property developer Shenglong, billed as one of China’s top 50 property developers and chaired by Mr Lin’s father, Yi Lin.
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Lavender Bay

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