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]

Joel Robinson

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

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Norwest

Residential property developer and builder Sekisui House is reserving 30 apartments in its next stage of its $1 billion masterplanned Norwest community for front-line workers of first home-buyers.

They've brought forward the launch of stage three, known as Lumia, due to meet&nbsp;strong demand in previous stages from downsizers, young families and first home buyers driven by government incentives.

Lumia is made up of 330 apartments inspired by nature.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147]

Designed by Turner Architects, stage one of Lumia comprises 203 apartments, a mix of 71 one beds, 118 two beds, 13 three bedroom apartments and a single four bedroom penthouse.

Lumia will sit in the middle of The Orchards community alongside Strangers Creek. Turner Architects director Dan Szway says that Lumia holds a unique position within The Orchards precinct and Norwest.

"It has a strong connection to the natural surrounds whilst enjoying the emerging urban amenity offered by Norwest Business Park and the new Metro Norwest station which are within easy walking distance.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="774" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lumia_sekisui_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Sekisui House sales manager David Lee says their success in 2020 was primarily due to the government's HomeBuilder Grant as well as the first home buyers grant and full stamp duty exemption.

“These government incentives have brought forward the launch of Lumia, intentionally designed with a large range of smaller apartments which is expected to accommodate first home buyer purchasers," Lee says.

"“Buyer confidence is at an all-time high with the Reserve Bank recently indicating that the cash rate will remain steady for three years.

“The Orchards is one of the most significant residential masterplanned communities to be introduced in New South Wales and is taking urban rejuvenation and luxury living in Norwest to another level.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Designed by Turner Architects, stage one of Lumia comprises 203 apartments, a mix of 71 one beds, 118 two beds, 13 three bedroom apartments and a single four bedroom penthouse.



Sekisui House to reserve 30 units for frontline workers or first home buyers in latest The Orchards release in Norwest

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SPONSORED POST
Karen Babilonia and Leonard Masacupan are kick-starting what they hope will be a substantial investment portfolio with their first apartment in Esplanade.
The couple have purchased a one-bedroom apartment at Esplanade on Norwest Lake – the area’s first fully integrated development that combines luxury living with a dining and retail precinct, boutique workspaces and a public boardwalk.
“Our hope is to become full time property investors – we’d love to own as many properties as possible,” says Karen. “Around 20 would be great but there’s no limit.”
“The drive to become investors came about after we read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki in April this year. It was a real eye opener about how our money could work for us. It all snowballed from there and we bought our first investment in June this year.”
Karen is an Executive Assistant while Leonard is a Business Development Manager and Esplanade is their first foray into real estate.
“We’re first home buyers,” Karen says. “We plan to live in this apartment for around two or three years before turning it into an investment property. This apartment is our entry into the property market.”
The couple chose to buy their first property off the plan to keep the process as simple as possible and to keep costs down.
“Because we’re first home buyers we really liked that there aren’t too many decisions to be made when you’re buying off the plan,” Karen says. “Everything was really easy and straight forward – we just had to pick a colour scheme. 
“We also wanted to keep our mortgage as small as possible and buying off the plan is a much cheaper alternative compared to buying an established house and land.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Bella Vista home owner but houses here are very expensive. We’d be looking at over $1 million. This was a much more affordable option.”
Catch more on their property investment journey <a href="https://youtu.be/eM0KYE4ibQ4" target="_blank">here</a>.
Visit <a href="https://esplanadenorwest.com.au/" target="_blank">esplanadenorwest.com.au</a> or call 1800 088 800.
 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Make your money work for you

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Buyers have snapped up all available commercial workspaces in the mixed-use development Esplanade, creating a local sales record for Norwest Business Park in the process.
Marketed by PRDnationwide Norwest for development manager Capital Corporation, the 36 boutique workspaces in Esplanade have been sold for between $6200/sqm and $7500/sqm – averaging $6900/sqm – well above Norwest’s average of commercial rates of typically between $4500/sqm to $5600/sqm.
Esplanade proposes a diverse mix of 247 apartments across two residential towers 18 storeys in height with a host of resident-only facilities, three levels of boutique workspaces, waterfront dining and retail areas set on a significantly upgraded public boardwalk along Norwest Lake and about 400 metres from the Norwest station under construction as part of the Sydney Metro Northwest line.
Commercial buyers at Esplanade have been a mix of local professionals such as accountants, real estate agents and doctors, as well as investors.
Capital Corporation Managing Director Steve Grant is considered a pioneer of the Norwest Business Park, having delivered a $700M portfolio of 45 projects in the area, and accommodated the workspace needs of more than 580 businesses, since 1990.
“We’re breaking sales records for Norwest only because Esplanade is offering businesses what they want: great location, integrated development with residential apartments and a dining precinct, as well as boutique workspaces,” he said. 
“Businesses and investors obviously see the future value of the Sydney Metro Northwest railway line and the transformation of Norwest from a business park into a vibrant urban hub which has been kick started by Esplanade that brings the live-work-recreation combination together so thoroughly.”
The creative and urban workspaces at Esplanade can be designed to include exposed ceilings, polished concrete floors and outdoor rooms suitable for meetings or social work gatherings. Other features include communal meeting rooms and breakout areas.
The integration of high quality residential and boutique workspaces – coupled with lifestyle-driven elements such as waterfront dining – not only gives Esplanade a life after hours, it also brings a village feel to the workday that suits the business environment in Norwest.
PRDnationwide Norwest Director David Inkster said the majority of buyers were from the local market that recognised that Esplanade’s workspaces were a unique offering in a premium building with services and amenities not yet available in Norwest.
“There’s a social element to doing business in Norwest when the most productive meetings are often over a coffee or meal, making Esplanade - with its casual and formal dining options - the ideal workplace setting,” he said. 
“And there really isn’t any other specifically-designed commercial workspaces in Norwest that come with a wintergarden overlooking the lake within a short walk to the station,” Mr Inkster said.
Visit <a href="https://esplanadenorwest.com.au/" target="_blank">esplanadenorwest.com.au</a> or call 1800 088 800.
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Commercial suites smash sales record

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A new era of integrated living has dawned in Sydney’s north-west with the approval of the $280M Esplanade mixed-use development on Norwest Lake.
The Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel has signed off on plans for Esplanade which is Norwest’s first truly integrated development.
Esplanade consists of two 18-storey towers, which will include 247 apartments in a mix of one, two and three bedroom configurations; a range of private resident facilities like pool, gym, open-air cinema and lush landscaped gardens; as well as 6,000sqm of waterfront retail space and three levels of boutique commercial suites.
In a unique offering, Esplanade also includes four-bedroom penthouses called Sky Residences, which allow owners to upgrade to a low-maintenance lifestyle in a spacious home-like apartment.  The distinctive penthouses are expected to be released to the market in early 2017.
Development manager, Capital Corporation, credited with more than 45 projects in the successful Norwest Business Park, reports that all commercial suites and more than 60 percent of the apartments have already sold pre-DA, demonstrating a huge appetite for the convenience and lifestyle that comes with apartment living.
Capital Corporation Managing Director Steve Grant says the sales success of the commercial workspaces is testament to the continued belief in Norwest as a thriving business park which is now evolving into an exciting residential and urban precinct.
 “This approval from the JRPP is great news for the many people who have shown their confidence in what we’ve proposed by purchasing prior to approval. More than 85 percent of buyers are local to the area and keen to stay connected to the community they love but want the change of lifestyle that Esplanade offers,” he says.
 “We’ve had the chance to incorporate feedback from Council and the Norwest Business Association and we’re delighted with the outcome. We’re even more excited for the buyers who will be very pleased to see their new home progress,” he said.
Mr Grant said enquiry for apartments remained constant, with downsizers, families and investors all drawn to the ‘all-in-one vertical village’ concept and the array of resort-like facilities.
“Buyers are consistently telling us they’re excited about the lifestyle and the ‘high-end’ nature of Esplanade,” Mr Grant says.
“We know that projects like Esplanade help shape the face of the local area and how people live so this is an important example of how development companies can work collaboratively with planning authorities to ensure the needs of current and future residents are met and even exceeded.”
Prices started from $525,000 for a one-bedroom unit while two-bedroom apartments with parking started from $725,000. A range of premium lakefront apartments have recently been released, and the penthouse collection will come onto the market later this year.
Construction of Esplanade is expected to start in 2017.
For more information, call 1800 088 800 or visit the sales suite with a full-size two-bedroom display apartment at 11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills, from noon to 3pm on Wednesdays to Sundays.
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The towers heralding a suburb’s new era

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SPONSORED POST
Esplanade is first-ever completely integrated ‘vertical village’ at Norwest that offers unrivalled amenities and a relaxed lifestyle.
The project is geared for convenience and enjoyment, with residents to get exclusive access to features including landscaped lawns and gardens, a rooftop cinema, spectacular transparent-sided pool, outdoor gym, cabanas and barbecue areas for relaxation and social activities.
These are the services and amenities you’d come to expect from a luxury hotel but Esplanade is a place to call home that makes daily life more enjoyable and convenient.
The diverse mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as premium three and four bedroom Sky Residences, are complemented by three levels of boutique workspaces, waterfront dining and retail areas as well as a significantly upgraded public boardwalk on Norwest Lake.
The convenience of the all-in-one nature of Esplanade is enhanced by its proximity to the Sydney Metro Norwest station under construction, making the project an attractive option for both investors and owner-occupiers, particularly local people looking to downsize from larger homes.
And it’s not just the local residents re-sizing from house and land that the project speaks to.
“There are some 20,000 people working in Norwest right now with projections that could grow to 35,000. More than 400 companies – some among the largest in the country – base themselves here and investors will see the obvious opportunity in locating attainable urban-style living within such a successful employment centre,” says Steve Grant, Managing Director of Capital Corporation which has been tasked with bringing Esplanade to life.
“It could just become the easiest commute in Sydney,” he says. 
To see for yourself the lifestyle on offer at Esplanade, visit our unique display suite featuring a full-sized two-bedroom apartment. The display suite is located at 11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills and is open daily from 11am to 2.30pm or by private appointment.
Details: Visit <a href="https://esplanadenorwest.com.au" target="_blank">esplanadenorwest.com.au</a> or call 1800 088 800.
 
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Experience next-gen living in the north-west

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SPONSORED POST
Imagine walking through the front door of your brand new home: there’s spacious living areas, impressive views and no need to worry about mowing the lawn or cleaning the pool.
This is apartment living at its best.
Architect Nick Turner from award-winning firm Turner gives an insight into living at Esplanade on Norwest Lake where expansive apartments are complemented by resident-only amenities such as an infinity pool, gym, outdoor cinema, landscaped terraces as well as a waterfront retail and dining precinct on your doorstep.
What excites you most about the design of Esplanade?
A great deal of attention has been given to designing Esplanade so residents enjoy the best of both worlds – modern apartment living and the benefits that come with a low-maintenance lifestyle while literally being above vibrant restaurants and a waterfront public plaza.
We know that many people want to enjoy the benefits that come with waterfront dining and a bustling boardwalk but they also want to relax in peace in their brand new apartments. That’s why we’ve designed Esplanade so the apartments are separated from the active ground floor in elevated towers.
The apartments start on the fifth storey of Esplanade on the landscaped terrace and the towers are set back from the edges of this podium level to create a physical barrier to the activity and noise from the waterfront and public plaza below. Essentially, residents can take advantage of living in a vertical village that offers the convenience of living above retail and dining while still enjoying a relaxing and peaceful lifestyle in one of Esplanade’s sky towers. 
You’ve described Esplanade as a “vertical village”. Can you explain what you mean by that?
The all-in-one nature of Esplanade really is what helps define it as a vertical village. There is a diverse mix of apartments, a host of resident-only amenities, three levels of boutique workspaces, waterfront dining and retails areas as well as a public boardwalk: everything you need to make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable.
But I think a vertical village is about more than just the physical spaces. Esplanade has also been designed to help foster a sense of community among its residents. From the landscaped communal terrace and extensive barbecue areas, to the putting green, outdoor cinema, pool club and gym, these high-quality amenities all encourage socialisation and relaxation where neighbours can get to know each other in the vertical village.
Esplanade really allows for contemporary living where residential, retail, commercial and dining combine for better quality of life. 
Sydneysiders love outdoor living. How can Esplanade residents enjoy the Australian inside/outside lifestyle usually afforded by traditional homes?
Something quite unique about Esplanade is that each apartment has an extra-large balcony, forming a seamless transition to the outside from the internal living spaces.
We know that people in The Hills are proud of their area being known as the Garden Shire and they really enjoy the benefits of outdoor living: enjoying a glass of wine or a nice meal in the fresh air after a long day at work.
Even in the winter months, Sydneysiders don’t like to feel cooped up inside. That’s why we’ve designed the apartments to be quite spacious and wide – they are large in scale which helps promote excellent views and connections to the outside.
And don’t forget all the incredible outdoor amenities waiting for the residents on the podium level – the whole of Esplanade is their home and they can enjoy the facilities without worrying about the maintenance of traditional houses.
For more information visit <a href="https://esplanadenorwest.com.au/" target="_blank">esplanadenorwest.com.au</a> or call 1800 088 800.
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Secrets of top apartment design

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Premium investment properties remain highly sought after by private, high-net-worth investors, according to Colliers International.
Paul McGlynn and Harry Bui of Colliers have sold McDonald’s Bella Vista (pictured above) to a private Asian investor from Melbourne for $6.65 million on a net yield of 3.1%. 
The acquisition was for a 2,885sqm long-term ground lease. 
McDonalds Australia constructed a brand-new single level restaurant with dine-in and drive-thru take-away facility, open to the public since May 2019.
Mr McGlynn and Mr Bui will be also taking the adjoining Shell Service Centre Bella Vista (pictured below) to the market for sale by international expressions of interest.  
<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/2020/9/21/Norwest_060820_36%20Large.jpg" alt="">
Both properties are located in a gateway position at the entrance of Norwest Business Park within the north-west growth corridor in Sydney’s Hills District.  
On a 2,813sqm site, this new Shell service station with an annexed café is anticipated to receive high levels of interest from both local and international investors.
The opportunity benefits from its premium location in Norwest Business Park, long WALE profile of 10 years by income, strong annual rental escalation, and head lease to Viva Energy Australia with a fully leased net passing income of around $604,544 per annum. 
“Premium investment properties with long leases such as a freestanding petrol station leased to Viva Energy, 7-Eleven, Caltex, BP or freestanding fast food sites like McDonald’s are currently very sought-after,” said Harry Bui, National Director, Investment Services at Colliers International. 
“Private high net worth investors are the most common buyer profile within the sub-$20million investment market, while both property syndicates and consortiums showed increased interest towards premium investment assets with longer WALE’s and company leases to national blue-chip corporate tenants.” 
There have been several significant national portfolio sales for premium investments in the past year.
This includes; 33 7-Eleven petrol stations, which sold for $156 million in October 2019 and February 2020 with an average yield of 4.76% and; 25 Caltex petrol stations sold for $133 million in November 2019 with strong underlying land values for future development.  
Charter Hall also took a 49% stake in a portfolio of 225 BP petrol stations in Australia, worth $1.7 billion with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 20 years which was the biggest deal of 2019. 
Paul McGlynn, National Director, Industrial at Colliers International said that the Norwest area where both properties are located will benefit from major State and Federal Government projects.
“Norwest is in the suburb of Bella Vista which is surrounded by major State and Federal Government infrastructure projects, specifically the North-West Metro which opened in May 2019, North-Connex due to open next month, the re-development of Parramatta CBD (11 kilometres South) and establishment of the new second Western Sydney Airport (43 kilometres West).”
“These infrastructure projects coupled with substantial increases in new residential dwellings and population growth locally will rejuvenate and promote Western Sydney, helping the area to become a major economic powerhouse.”
Colliers International will also be bringing a brand-new, flagship BP in Tighes Hill, Newcastle to market. 
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Two Norwest properties in Sydney indicate premium investments remain sought after

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Norwest master developer Mulpha has secured two major tenancies by leading specialist medical innovators for its landmark timber building The Bond at Norwest, Sydney. 
Mulpha has secured commitments for over 30 per cent of the building ahead of construction commencing later this year. 
Genesis Oncology has taken 1050 sqm of space to set up a world class cancer treatment centre in the Hills District, and Dr Antony Lighten has taken 735 sqm of space for his IVF Clinic and reproductive surgery. Space has also been taken up by orthodontic, obstetrics and gynaecology practices.
Mulpha Developments Executive General Manager, Tim Spencer said:  
“We are thrilled that such leading-edge medical innovators have shown strong commitment to Norwest as it transforms into a major residential, commercial and retail hub in Sydney’s economic growth corridor along the Metro Norwest. 
“Both companies are a natural fit for The Bond, given its focus on wellness, sustainability and innovation, and proximity to the Norwest Private Hospital. These are exactly the calibre of tenants we are attracting– knowledge and innovation companies that themselves want to attract and inspire the best staff and offer an appealing environment for clients.
“We are seeing strong interest from the medical sector, which is expecting demand to remain highly resilient in the face of COVID-19 and will always require quality workspaces for administration, treatment and consultation.”
GenesisCare Chief Executive Officer, Dan Collins, said: “We are proud to be designing a world class cancer treatment centre here at The Bond so that patients in the Hills District and Western Sydney can access high quality oncology care close to home.
“The Hills district in North West Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW, so it’s important to invest in the right healthcare infrastructure to meet local community needs for today and the future. 
“The team at Mulpha Norwest share our commitment to developing sustainable healthcare solutions to meet the demands of Australia’s ageing population and addressing infrastructure gaps in areas of need. 
“We were immediately drawn to The Bond’s innovative and sustainable design and its proximity to Norwest Private Hospital which means cancer patients will be able to access comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, medical oncology and now radiation therapy, close by.” 
Dr Antony Lighten, a fertility specialist and IVF and reproductive surgeon who has a five-month waiting list for new clients, said he was drawn to The Bond because of the beauty in the wood, the glass design and green credentials, all contributing to a health and wellness environment.
“The Bond is going to be a landmark building in Bella Vista. I think it will be a beautiful, relaxing space for the Day Surgery and IVF Clinic. I have been waiting specifically for this building to start construction because of its uniqueness.
“Although I was affected by the NSW government enforced cessation of all elective surgery and IVF procedures due to Covid, we are now seeing good numbers of patients returning. There does not seem to be any significant effect on patient numbers moving forward.” 
The Bond, located on the corners of Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norbrik Drive, will be a landmark timber building at the gateway of Norwest’s commercial precinct, adjacent to the heritage-listed Bella Vista Farm and connected by on-demand shuttle buses to the Metro stations at Norwest and Bella Vista.
The Bond will comprise a ground floor retail lobby environment, six floors of commercial office building, childcare facility for 110 children, end-of-trip facilities, basement car carparking, short-term visitor parking and service vehicle and loading facilities. 
The building’s innovative design will offer flexible campus style floor plates, allowing for a range of workspaces to cater for all needs, including open plan working spaces and private offices.
The Bond has been designed using cross-laminated timber technology for the 1600 sqm floorplates, walls and stairs, as well as laminated timber columns and beams for the structural frame. 
In addition to offering design flexibility and unique aesthetics, this new-age timber technology has great strength and efficiency, and the potential to be carbon-neutral over its lifecycle.
Mulpha is an award-winning property developer with 25 years of experience across all property sectors from commercial, industrial, retail and residential, including land, homes, townhouses and apartments.
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Mulpha attracts medical innovators to The Bond, Norwest

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Mulpha has lodged a development application with for the first commercial building in Circa, the key commercial precinct in Mulpha’s proposed transformation of Norwest.
The proposed seven storey building located on Elizabeth Macarthur Drive in Bella Vista will include ground floor co-working and retail, with childcare and six levels of flexible commercial office space above. 
There will also be three levels of basement parking and one partial level of ground floor parking for over 300 vehicles. 
The project is within walking distance to Bella Vista and Norwest stations on the Sydney Metro North West rapid transit line due to open in 2019.
Mulpha Norwest executive general manager Tim Spencer said the vision for this building is to create a unique contemporary office space that will meet the needs of entrepreneurs, SMEs and larger expanding businesses.
“The overall vision is to create a dynamic campus-style environment that will enable innovative businesses to attract and inspire the people they need to compete in the global digital economy”, Spencer said.
The ground floor will provide active space for people to walk, meet, co-work and eat, providing connectivity to a future proposed ground level plaza surrounded potentially by two further buildings.
This proposed staged development foresees three separate commercial buildings, sited on a podium piazza area, with car parking and servicing located primarily below ground.
The first building will provide commercial occupants with the flexibility to lease or purchase single strata units ranging in size to meet individual needs and on the upper levels the opportunity for larger businesses with full floor accommodation. Overall, it will have the potential to accommodate over 400 employees. 
The building design intends to integrate aspects of the district’s history with base-level brick elements, transparent glass walls and an internal timber structure reflecting previous brick and timber activities in the area.
Connected to the new Sydney Metro rapid transit system and a key part of Sydney’s global economic growth corridor, Circa Norwest aims to attract the knowledge and innovation industries of the future.
 
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Mulpha lodges DA for first commercial building in Circa in Norwest

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Developer Mulpha Norwest has unveiled its plans for the transformation of Norwest Business Park in Sydney’s Hills Shire area into a ‘smart city’ which will be home to innovation and economic growth.
Mulpha said it will use its $3 billion plus investment pipeline to develop Norwest into “one of Sydney’s most vibrant communities using innovative design, technology and collaboration”.
The masterplanned Norwest Business Park will benefit from the state and local government’s growth plans.
The 377 hectare Norwest is the size of Sydney’s CBD, with 180 hectares of business land, 151 hectares of residential land and 46 hectares of waterways, walking trails and parks, including the historic Bella Vista Farm Park.
Infrastructure committed and currently under implementation includes the $8 billion Sydney Metro North West Rail project, a further $3.6 billion of infrastructure upgrades to western Sydney roads and the $20 billion new Western Sydney Airport. This will help continue the focus on further major road works such as Norwest Boulevard.
Mulpha Norwest executive general manager, Tim Spencer said Mulpha was committed to delivering a liveable Smart City at Norwest, with “new age jobs”, modern education and innovation.
“To achieve this, Mulpha is working creatively with a broad team of outstanding Australian and international experts in health and education, architecture, planning and engineering to re-envision how people will live, work and play in the future. From this start, we are seeking to further engage with both state and local governments to refine and ensure holistic implementation,” Spencer said.
Mulpha’s plans include the redevelopment of Norwest Marketown; the development of The Greens residential precinct; the redevelopment of the Circa commercial, retail and retirement precinct; the revitalisation of Norwest’s network of walkways and cycleways and a concept to drive daily activation of Bella Vista Farm Park.
The developer hopes to create a built form environment that will “offer seamless living, working and recreational spaces, with over 50 hectares of public open space, activated public parks and plazas, and a vibrant social, food and entertainment culture”.
Norwest will be accessible via two new Metro stations, T-Way buses and motorway upgrades. 
The stations – Norwest and Bella Vista - on the Sydney Metro North West Line will be operational from 2019, with turn-up-and-go rapid transit services running through the North West corridor onto Chatswood and the Sydney CBD.
“As Sydney’s population and economic centre moves west, our vision is to create a highly desirable work and lifestyle destination that will attract entrepreneurial workers and industries of the future, including world-leading innovation enterprises,” Spencer said.
“In response to the State Government’s Plan for Growing Sydney 2036, we are aiming to deliver a unique education and upskilling platform to be the basis of an evolution from the knowledge-based workforce into an entrepreneurial economy, opening up the future for 60,000+ new age jobs, from the current 30,000.”
Spencer said the masterplan is also delivering the diversity of housing required to meet the demands of its increasing residential population, forecast to increase from 6,000 today to more than 20,000+ residents.
“It is all about connectivity, in terms of living, working, transport and the environment. This is how people want to live and work into the future, and how businesses will thrive in the digital age, so we are providing the physical and non-physical infrastructure to enable this to happen.”
Mulpha has engaged consultants to investigate Smart City innovations including driverless shuttles, installation of healthcare technology for healthy living and ageing in place, off-grid energy options, and high speed public zone WiFi. 
He added that Mulpha is also tackling how all this ties up with the Internet of Things (IoT) in order to harness big data and the policies around disseminating this through live portals.
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