Dubai Developer Scales Up $4bn Push with Sydney Project
Dubai-based developer Arada is accelerating its $4-billion Australian expansion with plans for a $400-million project in Sydney’s north-west.
The state-significant mixed-use proposal comprising 431 apartments at 2 Fishburn Crescent in the Hills Showground Station Precinct is on public exhibition until November 20.
It forms part of Arada’s national pipeline of seven projects that would deliver about 5000 homes.
Arada was founded in Sharjah, the UAE, in 2017 and is led by Australian-born chief executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi. The company says it has delivered more than 10,000 homes globally.
The Castle Hill plan, about 34km north-west of the CBD, would deliver three towers above three basement levels on a 1.1ha site, including 25 affordable apartments in Building A.
That tower, on the north-west corner, would rise 20 storeys with 135 apartments.
Building B, to the north-east, would step between 8 and 17 storeys with 135 units, while Building C, a U-shaped tower to the south, would reach 11 to 12 storeys with 161 homes.
The design by Turner Studio and Arcadia Landscape Architecture includes podium courtyards, rooftop gardens and shared open space.
Arada is also seeking a rezoning to allow greater height and density.
Current limits range from 27m to 40m—the proposal seeking a maximum of 72 metres.
The project is described as a mixed-use residential community with ground-floor retail, communal areas and new pedestrian links between Fishburn Crescent and Sexton Avenue.
It would also create public landscaped areas within the broader precinct.
Planning documents said the project would “contribute to housing supply in a highly accessible location within walking distance of the Hills Showground Metro Station”.
Arada opened its Sydney office in August 2024, acquiring Tier-1 builder Roberts Co soon after and injecting $50 million into the business to boost its Australian operations.
Its Sydney pipeline includes Castle Hill, Campsie and Canterbury, all near Metro stations.
In Campsie, Arada is progressing two projects—on Beamish and London streets—together delivering more than 460 apartments above retail and co-working space.
Together, Arada’s Sydney ventures form part of the Housing Delivery Authority’s accelerated program.
Alkhoshaibi said Arada’s aim was to “deliver thriving communities and homes people love”.
Nearby, Deicorp’s $1-billion Showground Pavilions is under way at 3 Andalusian Way, delivering 873 apartments across five buildings with affordable housing and 3500sq m of public open space.
Next door, Hills Showground Village—also by Deicorp—has delivered 430 apartments above a 10,935sq m retail and dining precinct with 26 specialty shops and a 1400sq m public plaza.
The mixed-use hub anchors the Showground Station neighbourhood, where more than 5000 homes have been approved following the state government’s decision to lift earlier home caps.
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