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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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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.

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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."

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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

Ultimo

New Life Darling Harbour residences have a unique setting within Ultimo&rsquo;s rich and significant history. Pyrmont-Ultimo was once the most important industrial suburb in Sydney powering NSW into the 20th Century

The history of Ultimo is very much connected to the Harris family, the dominant landowners in the area for over 100 years who gave Harris Street its name. In the 1800s, they built the substantial villa &ldquo;Littlebridge&rdquo; here.

As a building boom hit in the 1870s, rows of terraced houses, worker cottages, factories, breweries, foundries and warehouses increasingly dominated the landscape. In 1938, the aroma of tea and coffee filled the air when iconic Australian tea company Bushells acquired the land for a tea warehouse, coffee grinding and roasting facility.

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In the 1960s, the Harris Street premises became the TAB&rsquo;s headquarters and nerve centre of a rapidly expanding betting business. It became one of the largest employers of women in the state, operating a complex system of telephones connecting, recording, and tallying accounts between hundreds of metropolitan and country TAB branches and racecourses.

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation&rsquo;s industrial success since the late 1800s.

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Few places enchant with such diversity and sophistication as Sydney. From hawker-style diners to hatted restaurants, it&rsquo;s a city that has it all, and New Life is in the heart of it.

While the residences deliver high-quality amenity, a focus was still placed on life outside, within the community.

NewLife Darling Harbour&rsquo;s principal architect, Brendan Randles, lead the team that drove the innovative and artful city development saying,

&ldquo;Quality of life is important to us. What is happening outside our homes is as important as what is offered inside. We want local environments to thrive alongside the people and communities who live there.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We take locations and transform them. We work with local communities, councils and stakeholders to create vibrant environments. We collaborate with the best professionals and most creative industry minds to bring new life to every project,&rdquo; he added.

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The <a href="/news/architectus-and-ingehoven-on-sydneys-latest-super-skyscraper" target="_blank">Architectus</a>&nbsp;designed residences pay homage to the site&rsquo;s semi-industrial history, delivering a collection of 200 apartments, with a range of single-storey one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-level terrace apartments and penthouses.

The nine-storey building has a limited selection of two-bedroom&nbsp;apartments still remaining within the fully-completed residential development.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=9040]

According to historians, no suburb has contributed as much to the economy and amenity of Sydney as Pyrmont-Ultimo. It embodies the seeds of this nation’s industrial success since the late 1800s.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

How NewLife Darling Harbour brings to life the site’s location 

TWT Property&rsquo;s New Life Darling Harbour complex, located at 495 Harris Street Ultimo, is highly responsive to its site and the rich character of its neighbourhood.

The multi-layered building steps down from nine-storeys along Harris Street to six levels facing Bulwara Lane, providing 200 apartments including single-storey and penthouse apartments, as well as two-level terrace apartments at street level.

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Ground floor retail and commercial space activates Harris Street, while the upper-level roof terraces exploit&nbsp;the views to the CBD, major bridges and the harbour.

Verdant garden corridors and welcoming open-air courtyards invite greenery into the heart of the buildings, with the central haven stitching together architecture and nature, to create a leafy green backdrop to the homes within.

&ldquo;The building&rsquo;s eye-catching, multi-layered form creates an outstanding place to live, to experience, and to glimpse from its many surrounding environments,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Brendan Randles, Collaborator&nbsp;Urban Design and Mixed-Use Sydney, Architectus.

Flanked by historic Victorian terraces, Architectus created a lively group of buildings set around the courtyard rather than one amorphous structure, intending to better integrate the built form with its surrounds. &nbsp;

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&ldquo;We put forward a bold design that met the brief requirements&nbsp;but suggested new ways in which the development could engage with surrounding buildings. Instead of adhering to the prescribed envelopes &ndash; which virtually filled the site and provided only minimum separation between apartments&nbsp;&ndash; our proposal extended and completed an existing lane network and provided a much larger central courtyard.&rdquo;

&ldquo;This increased privacy between properties, promoted pedestrian and visual permeability and created a new residential address for the lane facing dwellings.&rdquo;

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments cover 79 sqm of space internally, with 13 sqm balconies, while the three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments span 95 sqm internally, with 16 sqm balconies.

From room to room, wide-format Oak floors ground the interiors in nature, while textured timbers and stone finishes create layers of tactile, organic luxury

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These considered apartments open themselves to Sydney, uniting under-stated modern lines with the drama of the great harbour city.

Light, air and a flow of private indoor-outdoor space add dimension to these residences.

Open layouts work to maximise the city, harbour, and garden vistas, drawing them inside the home.

Many of the apartments capture northern aspects, with sliding or fixed perforated screens providing privacy and shelter when needed.

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New Life&rsquo;s materials, lighting and detailing explore a return to comfort for contemporary inner city living, utilising subtle tonal colours and textures throughout to reflect a refined and uncomplicated build.

The kitchens have been designed with form and function in mind, catering to generous or intimate entertaining, with high-end Miele appliances, full-height cabinets, clean-edged chrome tap ware, grey travertine-look tiles and fittings that add glimmers of polish and reflection.

New Life&rsquo;s spa-like bathrooms feature frameless-glass showers and seamless ambient lighting, which help to expand the sense of space. Open shelves and vanity tops are made up of marble or Caesarstone, while storage is cleverly mirrored and concealed throughout.

Architectus won the design competition for the prestigious mixed-use project developed by Auswin TWT. Ideally located opposite the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and next to the Ultimo Community Centre, the site was once the headquarters of Tabcorp and offered one of the last substantial development opportunities in Ultimo.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=9040]

The multi-layered building steps down from nine-storeys along Harris Street to six levels facing Bulwara Lane, providing 200 apartments including single-storey and penthouse apartments, as well as two-level terrace apartments at street level.



Inside the New Life, Darling Harbour apartments 

<html><body>
The Ultimo Hotel, currently operated by Rydges Hotels Limited, has hit the market with sales expectations exceeding $100 million.
The 1,584 square metre property, which includes the 4-star rated boutique hotel, comprising 95 guest rooms, and ten retail tenancies, is being traded through Savills Australia.
Under a hotel management agreement, Rydges will continue to operate the hotel for the next three years unless a termination without cause provision is invoked with an 18-month notice.
Candidates have the option of continuing management with Rydges following the cessation of the five-year agreement.
The site offers one basement level tenancy plus nine high exposure ground level tenancies with current tenants including NAB, 7-Eleven, D1 Karaoke Sydney, No.1 Malatown, Dodee Paidang and Bancho Bar.
The building was converted to the current hotel in 1988 and subsequently renovated in 2016.
An additional 13 storey increase is possible subject to council approval (STCA), in addition to re-leasing the retail tenancies as expiries arise or strata subdivide the retail space and sell off individually
“The chance of one of these island sites coming to market is extremely rare in Sydney, especially in the Southern CBD,” said Savills director Stuart Cox.
Directly opposite Market City, The Ultimo is within close proximity to neighbouring landmarks, including Darling Harbour precinct, Capitol Theatre and the International Convention Centre.
Public transport is readily available in the form of rail, light rail and bus services, approximately 150 metres from the site.
The property is offered for sale via an International Expressions of Interest campaign closing September 24.
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The Ultimo Hotel listed with $100 million plus expectations

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It comes as no surprise that <a href="https://www.walkscore.com/AU-NSW/Sydney" target="_blank">Walk Score's list</a> rates Sydney as the most walkable large city in Australia. 
The waterfront city has also been deemed <a href="https://images.arcadis.com/media/0/C/0/%7B0C0BECF6-FA5B-49B2-B332-900D50833DEE%7DAAP_MOBILITY%20INDEX_spread.pdf?_ga=2.141593266.1201163471.1579477286-416334874.1579477286" target="_blank">the second most transit-friendly</a> in the country behind Brisbane and in-front of Melbourne. Sydney provides a wide range of transport with ferries, trains, metro and the recently welcomed light rail amongst the many options available. 
Opportunities to cycle have also risen as the city's biking infrastructure has improved in recent years. Significantly more councils have bike lanes with <a href="https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/getting-around/cycling/dockless-bike-sharing" target="_blank">stationless shared bikes</a> located and accessible across the city.
<a href="https://mobike.com/au/download" target="_blank">Mobike</a> and <a href="https://www.li.me/en-us/home">LimeBike</a> operate in multiple suburbs and can be tracked and paid on their website and app. LimeBike have, since late 2018, provided <a href="https://www.li.me/electric-assist-bike" target="_blank">electric assisted bikes</a> which has helped encourage more users. 
Sydney is also diverse, home to nearly 200 nationalities, and offers a unique cultural experience with its range of cuisine, museums, galleries, and beaches. 
These are all of metrics Walk Score takes into account when deciding the rankings for each of Sydney's neighbourhoods. Without further ado, here are the <a href="https://www.walkscore.com/AU-NSW/Sydney" target="_blank">top neighbourhoods</a>. 
<h2>1. Haymarket </h2>
Walk Score: 99 | Population: 5,365
"Haymarket is a Walker's Paradise", states Walk Score. "Daily errands do not require a car in Haymarket Sydney." 
Adjacent to Darling Harbour, Haymarket includes much of Sydney's Chinatown, Thaitown and Railway Square localities. 
<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/2020/1/20/1_HAYMARKET%20PADDYS.jpg" alt="" width="557" height="338">
Amongst the neighbourhood's many perks, the proximity of restaurants, bars and coffee shops is highly regarded. There are about eight restaurants, bars and coffee shops, and people in the area can walk to an average of two restaurants, bars and coffee shops in five minutes. 
<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/2020/1/20/2_Haymarket.jpg" alt="" width="557" height="338">
Source: WalkScore 
<h2>2. The Rocks </h2>
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 683
This neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge, has a diverse cluster of people. Interaction mainly takes place at the open-air Rocks Market where street food and handmade items are sold. 
<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/2020/1/20/2_THE%20ROCKS%20MARKET.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="336">
Source: <a href="https://www.timeout.com/sydney/things-to-do/the-rocks-night-markets" target="_blank">TimeOut</a>
The Rocks is home to Sydney's oldest pubs and many upscale harbour-view restaurants. 
This hub of culture is an urban stage of buskers who perform live along the harbour front promenade. The Museum of Contemporary Art offers local and international exhibits. 
<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/2020/1/20/2_Rocks.jpg" alt="" width="555" height="337"> 
Source: WalkScore 
 
<h2>3. Sydney </h2>
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 14,287
<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/2020/1/20/3_Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="334">
Source: WalkScore 
 
<h2>4. Ultimo</h2>
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 7,106
Located in the inner-city suburb of Sydney, Ultimo is only 2 km south-west of CBD. Broadway is amongst the many attractions of the neighbourhood as well as a range of heritage listed buildings. 
The corporate headquarters and Sydney studios of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) are located in Ultimo Centre which houses an auditorium and recording stood. TCS, NITV and Aurora are also located at Ultimo Centre. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/1/20/3_Ultimo.png" alt="" width="552" height="335">
Source: WalkScore 
 
<h2>5. Surry Hills </h2>
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 15,379
A constantly evolving area, Surry Hills is notorious for its in-trend scene and cafe culture.
Hip coffee joints, fashion boutiques and global eateries can be found in terraced houses on Crown and Cleveland streets.
<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/2020/1/20/4_SURRY%20HILLS%20CAT%20WALL.jpg" alt="" width="552" height="335">
Source: <a href="https://www.piqsels.com" target="_blank">Surry Hills Cat Wall</a>
This trendy neighbourhood is home to pubs, wine bars, galleries and the Surry Hills Library. 
There is a Surry Hills Market held once a month where street food and vintage goods can be found. 
 
<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/2020/1/20/4_Surrey%20Hills.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="336">
Source: WalkScore 
 
<h2>6. Chippendale </h2>
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 4,069
<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/2020/1/20/6_Chippendale.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="331">
Source: WalkScore 
 
Following shortly behind are the following:
<h2>7. Millers Point </h2>
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 1,742
<h2>8. Darlinghurst </h2>
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 10,096
<h2>9. Newtown</h2>
Walk Score: 95 | 14,142
<h2>10. Rushcutters Bay </h2>
Walk Score: 94 | Population: 2,378
 
 
 
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Sydney's most walkable neighbourhoods

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<div>
The Hannah's Pies site in Ultimo has been sold for about $20 million.
The site, next to the Powerhouse Museum at 562-576 Harris Street, was sold with a leaseback to the pie shop. 
</div>
<div>
It was sold to Caper Property which owns two sites, both in inner-west Sydney. 
They are the Bald Face Stag Hotel and One Camperdown, Fairfax Media has reported.
Caper Property, which is seeking to capitalise in the build-to-rent and co-living sectors, is led by Chrsytan Paul formerly with boutique investment firm Aura Capital.
</div>
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Hannah's Pies, Ultimo site sold to Caper Property

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The latest update of Pyrmont-Ultimo Cityscope shows an annual total sales figure of $1.335 billion for the year ending January 2018, with 120 sales recorded over that period.
It was a large increase from the previous 12 months ending January 2017, during which 165 sales were recorded with a total value of $216.3 million.
The table below shows sales recorded for the last eight updates of Pyrmont-Ultimo Cityscope.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/6/pyrmont%201.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/2/6/pyrmont%201.jpg" alt="">
There was a significant decrease in total sales value in the most recent quarter, with a total of 27 sales at a value of $43.6 million, compared to 34 sales at a total value of $406.9 million for the quarter ending October 2017.
Recent notable sales include:
<ul>
<li>142-152 Broadway, Chippendale, a one-storey rendered brick commercial building and a parking lot for 7 vehicles, was bought at auction as a development site for $21 million through Colliers International and Ray White Commercial.;</li>
<li>Lot 46, Sydney Wharf at 56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, a two-storey commercial suite comprising 11 sqm on level 1 and 103 sqm on level 2 in the berthing building, was bought with a 17 sqm car space plus 8 marina berths and 2 secure basement car spaces with storage (not cover by Pyrmont-Ultimo Cityscope),  for $4.35 million through Knight Frank Sydney and</li>
<li>Lot 14 at 53-55 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, a retail area of 326 sqm on the ground floor, was bought for $3.875 million through Burgess Rawson.</li>
</ul>
<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/2018/2/6/pyrmont%202.jpg" alt="">
There are several properties listed as for sale in January including:
<ul>
<li>423-427 Harris Street, Ultimo, three two-storey terrace houses used as student accommodation and 617 Harris Street, Ultimo, a three-storey terrace originally built in 1881 and refurbished in 2013 and used as a medium-term tourist accommodation, are for sale in one line through Karbon Property – Sydney; and</li>
<li>451 Harris Street, Ultimo, a two-storey building built 1880 comprising of a ground floor retail showroom and residential on upper floor, for sale with an asking price of $1,650,000 through McGrath Commercial and Metro Commercial.</li>
</ul>
Cityscope also advised leasing opportunities including:
<ul>
<li>31-35 Bank Street, Ultimo, a one-and-two-storey office and warehouse building with an apron and a loading dock to Bank Street with 13 undercover car park and outdoor parking for 20 vehicles, has office space of 800 to 1,555 sqm for lease through Ray White Commercial; </li>
<li>Ultimo Trade Centre at 28-48 Wattle Street, Ultimo, a five-storey brick Federation-style warehouse building connected to a two-storey brick warehouse building, has warehouse space ranging from 100 to 2,000 sqm for lease through DJ Wear &amp; Associates-Sydney and </li>
<li>80 Bay Street, Ultimo, a four-storey federation warehouse building with four ground floor retail tenancies and offices on the upper levels refurbished in late 2017, has office space ranging from 1,100 to 2,700 sqm for lease through Ray White Commercial.</li>
</ul>
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Pyrmont-Ultimo commercial sales top $1.3 billion over the last year

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Harry Café de Wheels owner Michael Hannah and his co-owners are selling the home of Hannah's Pies in Ultimo at March 1 auction.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/562-576-harris-street-ultimo-nsw-2007-2014137555" target="_blank">Harris Street site</a> is tipped to fetch about $20 million through Colliers.
It is made up of a warehouse and adjoining terraces. 
<div class="related-quotes section">It is adjacent to accommodation provider Urbanest's Darling Square.</div>
Hannah's Pies, which sells pies over the counter at Harris Street, is the sole supplier to Harry Café de Wheels outlets.
The sale of the property comes as the pie cart business launches in China, with up to 300 of its carts to be rolled out across the country over the next 15 years.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"><img class="lazy620x0" src="http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/h/0/m/8/u/v/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1516592915083.jpg" alt="The site at 562-576 Harris Street, which is made up of a warehouse and adjoining terraces, has been put up for sale by ..." width="620" data-src="http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/h/0/m/8/u/v/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1516592915083.jpg"></div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"Its proximity to both the revitalised Darling Harbour and International Convention Centre is going to be a huge drawcard for both local and offshore groups," Colliers International's Miron Solomons said.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">He expects interest from student accommodation providers given its proximity within Sydney's university precinct including the University of Technology Sydney and University of Sydney.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">The offering is expected mirror the sale of the nearby vacant site at 142-152 Broadway which the University of Notre Dame bought for for $21 million or $40,000 a square metre, Colliers International said.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">The pie group has now expanded to more than 10 locations throughout Sydney and more recently into Asia.
</div>
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Hannah's Pies premises listed in Ultimo

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The New Zealand based sports anchor Craig Norenbergs has offloaded his Ultimo investment apartment for $910,000.
The formerly Chiswick-based Norenbergs paid $358,000 for the two bedroom apartment in 2003.
The 1980s Tivoli Gardens apartment on Bulwara Road was sold Sami Yildiz at the Kho &amp; Lee agency.
After spending time with Al Jazeera in the Middle East, Craig and family are now happily settled in New Zealand, buying in the popular beachside suburb of Kohimarama in Auckland.
The former Sky News sports anchor, who had previously worked for the ABC, BskyB in London, now has a senior role at the NZ Racing Board.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
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Sports anchor Craig Norenbergs sells Ultimo investment

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The University of Technology Sydney is reportedly in talks with the NSW government to buy the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney's Ultimo as it looks at ways to expand its campus.
UTS and the government have not confirmed if the university has lodged an unsolicited proposal to buy the museum, but the Australian Financial Review cited sources as saying that the two parties were in negotiations.
The lecture theatre at the museum is already being used by the university for  classes as its main campus Building Two undergoes an upgrade. 
The university is keen on the site as it is less than a kilometre from its campus, either for expansion or for student accommodation, university sources told the AFR.
A university spokesman declined comment on the talks but said "the university is deeply involved in advancing the Ultimo precinct, already Sydney's creative digital technology hub". 
The precinct had the highest density of tech start-ups in Australia, he said. 
The NSW government first announced plans to sell off the Ultimo site of the Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, in 2105 and use the money to fund a new museum in western Sydney. 
The future use of the site has been met in controversy since the announcement.
Philip Thalis, architecture faculty industry advisory group member at University of Newcastle, had called the decision a mishmash of wedge politics and bad policy.
Earlier this month, NSW arts minister Don Harwin said the Ultimo site could remain a "cultural space" but would not reveal plans for the site. 
This is not the first time the NSW government has entertained unsolicited public proposals for public assets. Macquarie Group's unsolicited bid for the Martin Place redevelopment beat Dexus to the deal. 
A private developer has said a private sale without a public tender would not recover the best value for the state.
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UTS, NSW government in talks for Powerhouse Museum in Sydney's Ultimo

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A development application has been lodged by property group Auswin TWT for a $300-million mixed-use project in Sydney's Ultimo.  
New Life/Ultimo at 495 Harris Street will speed up the gentrification of the often undervalued inner Sydney suburb, according to the developers. Ultimo is on the edge of Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Barangaroo, and well connected to light rail and bus services, yet RP Data research shows that the median price for an apartment is 30 percent less than neighbouring Pyrmont, said a media release.
The multi-layered building steps down from nine-storeys along Harris Street to six levels facing Bulwara Road. It will have 210 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, including two-level terraces with street-level access. There will be ground floor retail/commercial space and two basement levels for vehicles and bicycles, bringing the gross floor area to around 20,000 sqm.
“Those with vision will appreciate that Ultimo will improve and prosper just like Pyrmont has, lifting property values as it regenerates,” said Ben Stewart of CBRE.
Simon Platt of Kinsale Property Group is another realtor who believes the Auswin TWT development will give Ultimo its biggest boost since 2007 when the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre opened.
“Ultimo is somewhat of a forgotten suburb on the doorstep of the CBD, yet it has all the attributes of being a property hot spot,” Platt said.
The design, from Architectus, features an open air courtyard and a purpose-built pedestrian laneway running from Harris Street through to Bulwara Road. Architectus was chosen after a design competition chaired by acclaimed architect Tony Caro last year.
“These features were met with approval when we held two information sessions for residents,” said Stephen Fitzpatrick, the general manager of Auswin TWT. 
The 5,322 sqm site was originally owned by the Harris family who were the dominant landowners in the area for more than a century. Bushells Tea purchased the site in 1938 and built a four-storey warehouse to store its produce.
In 1964, the newly founded Totalizator Agency Board (TAB) acquired the property as its headquarters and nerve centre for its betting business. In 2004, TAB was taken over by the Victorian-based wagering and media company Tabcorp, which 10 years later sold the property to Auswin TWT.
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