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The ALP victory in the NSW election at the weekend has turned mainland Australia red for just the second time in its 120-year history.But state government changes often mean changes to the ways planning and development take place.So what does the win at the polls mean for developers? More importantly, what opportunities do they see with a new party in the driving seat?&nbsp;Deicorp’s executive manager corporate communications Rob Furolo says that the priorities of the new NSW government should first and foremost be geared towards alleviating “severe” housing problems.&nbsp;“There is already huge pressure on household budgets as rents rise faster than wages with rental vacancy rates across Sydney set to fall below 1 per cent,” Furolo says.“To their credit, the incoming Minns government seem focused on a holistic response to the housing crisis and have committed to working with the construction and development sectors to fix the problems.“But whatever solutions are contemplated to fix the housing crisis, they will not succeed unless they include a dramatic increase in the supply of housing.”Waiting to see what policies make the cut and what gets reshaped may take some time but hopefully not too long as Minister Paul Scully confirmed exclusively to The Urban Developer following a landslide victory.&nbsp;“NSW Labor is busy putting together the infrastructure of the incoming government,” he says.“We remain determined to implement the commitments that we took to the election. And we look forward to working hard to give New South Wales the fresh start that they voted for on the weekend.”<h2>Pre-election promises</h2> In <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-election-party-planning-housing-policies" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-election-party-planning-housing-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the run up to the state election</a>, NSW Labor promised to merge the Land and Housing Corporation, the Aboriginal Housing Office and the Department of Community and Justice Housing into a new body, Homes NSW.&nbsp;The then NSW ALP shadow minister for planning Paul Scully said this would allow faster development, oversight and upgrading of housing so tenants, residents and others were not waiting for outcomes.“There are currently more than 30 agencies, not including utilities and local governments, who touch on the planning system in one way or another and have some sort of responsibility,” Scully said.“So what we would do … is bring those agencies and responsibilities under the responsibility of the Minister for Planning and get projects going.” &nbsp;<div id="3B0AcNqgYN5EUiRthPixoN"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6H4tYqX05AWQD3t1H82rfB/566fbc899246347a0a27c2ba2e8951c5/Mid_article_resizes__4_.jpg" alt="Incoming NSW planning minister Paul Scully." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6H4tYqX05AWQD3t1H82rfB/566fbc899246347a0a27c2ba2e8951c5/Mid_article_resizes__4_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Incoming NSW planning minister Paul Scully. </div></div>Abolishing stamp duty had also been raised as a means of fixing housing affordability.&nbsp;NSW Labor’s plan had been to abolish it for first homebuyers buying property valued up to $800,000 with a concessional rate for those buying property under $1 million.&nbsp;It estimated that 95 per cent of all first homebuyers would be assisted under the plan, something the NSW Liberals disputed with rising house prices.The party also indicated it would scrap the recently introduced first homebuyer choice subsidy scheme, which cost $800 million.&nbsp;If this change goes ahead, the scheme will have been in force for just two months after its introduction in January this year.&nbsp;Other means of addressing the housing crisis also put forward included spending $30 million on build-to-rent housing at Nowra on the South Coast.&nbsp;Changes to rules for renters to make it easier to have pets were also flagged as were a portable bond scheme for renters and a mandate that 30 per cent of housing built on surplus government land must be social, affordable or universally accessible housing.The former Liberal government's introduction in 2022 of funding to assist with the cost of trunk infrastructure in peri-urban and regional areas is also in the crosshairs.&nbsp;Many councils experienced an increase in the demand for housing as their populations ballooned during and post-pandemic.&nbsp;But though they rushed to unlock farmland for housing, councils were unable to borrow finance for or bear the cost of the trunk infrastructure needed to support more people on the land than previously expected.&nbsp;This created delays as developers also balked at fronting the costs.<div id="6hqbHR8wgj1YDf97CKvTbB"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2kzo1kHMZW5kitNvHcIjgk/758f1a64f2eb57d598e806f762ee644a/2.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/2kzo1kHMZW5kitNvHcIjgk/758f1a64f2eb57d598e806f762ee644a/2.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Recruiting planner for local government will be one the issues facing the incoming NSW ALP government. </div></div>Affordability has been a hot-button issue after Sydney was once again named the world's most expensive city, while the social housing waiting list in January this year was around 57,000 people, vacancy rates were low, and just 13 of the 33 Sydney-based councils had met their housing targets.&nbsp;<h2>What the development industry wants to see</h2> Deicorp’s Rob Furolo says they particularly welcome the new government’s focus on delivering more housing at or near Metro stations and transport hubs.&nbsp;“This approach is appropriate and sensible, and will deliver the housing supply so desperately needed,” he says.&nbsp;Property Council of Australia acting NSW executive director Adina Cirson agrees.“We saw a number of announcements from NSW Labor which were very much in our wheelhouse,” she says.“We are focused on making housing supply, access and diversity our Premier’s priority and the first step must be to address affordability and supply in the state.“Our housing targets are well behind, more than 100,000 homes behind, in fact.&nbsp;“We need planning reforms to deliver higher density around transport hubs and to ensure housing targets are matched to infrastructure, in addition to the streamlining of planning.”<div id="1DQcREzzMvXRGD8V9lVfwN"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5UKgtsYJ0nA3u4ZYCEpvWd/001d3e9207dd68c209e0560480761a11/1.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5UKgtsYJ0nA3u4ZYCEpvWd/001d3e9207dd68c209e0560480761a11/1.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest says a carrot and stick approach is needed. </div></div>Other organisations echoed these sentiments. Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest says that there are key issues that the new state government now has the opportunity to address.“To get anything done with councils and for development you need to have carrots and sticks,” he says.“The carrot needs to be an active reward for councils to achieve on housing supply [but] because it causes local issues they are reluctant to allow it to happen.&nbsp;“If you make it attractive for them and give them funding for parks, bridges and so on for achieving those targets, they could tap into that to make it worthwhile.“If that can be matched with a Commonwealth fund you can deliver some serious numbers.”&nbsp;Overly constricting design guidelines are also hurting development and the provision of housing, Forrest says.&nbsp;“There are 220 pages in the NSW design guidelines. In Victoria this is 60 pages and in Queensland it’s a few pages. Clearly, apartments being built there are not slums.“We are over-prescribing to the point where we are making houses unaffordable.&nbsp;“We don’t need to throw the guidelines out the window but they need to be seen as a guideline not a rule book.”&nbsp;Affordable housing will only be viable if height and floor space ratios (FSR) are increased, as well as allowable density, with a move away from “old-fashioned” segregation of areas by land use, Forrest says.“In places like St Leonards, they dropped heights and density by 30 per cent.&nbsp;“Increase them and that then effectively provides a reward for the developer and a reward for the community. The downside is that buildings will be higher, but if we have more population, then houses are going to get bigger, we can’t just keep spreading out and out.”&nbsp;<div id="7lhwRrR9cz3jLLuTuL9B6K"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6m11pkBm4OMPzrO8KPG3JG/c19a63c7d768b0843ccc44dc4234341f/3.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6m11pkBm4OMPzrO8KPG3JG/c19a63c7d768b0843ccc44dc4234341f/3.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Who should handle DAs, the state or local government, will be a hot topic for the incoming NSW government. </div></div><h2>State or council led?&nbsp;</h2> Whether development application assessment should be council or state-led has prompted considerable controversy in the run-up to the election.&nbsp;“The previous government talked about the state government leading those processes around bigger projects because councils find it difficult to get state government agencies to even return their phone calls. So the state government is better placed to do those assessments,” Forrest says.Given that the Queensland government recently heralded the manufacture of prefabricated homes, Forrest believes that the NSW government is limiting itself and developers at a crucial time for housing supply.“Manufactured homes are a cheap way of providing housing. They’re certainly not caravan parks but they are banned within the whole Sydney basin. It’s the whole market in Japan and they’re used widely in Queensland—they should be an option in here.”&nbsp;But there are still uncertainties.&nbsp;“We’re keen to have a more detailed discussion around what Homes NSW can do,” says the Property Council’s Adina Cirson.&nbsp;“What is the government approach that is going to be taken? The remit for Homes NSW should be broader than affordable or social housing.”&nbsp;There should also be a focus on up-and-coming sectors and their tax implications, she says.“What we are keen to get more of is built-to-rent. We have a rental shortage impacting so many people, particularly in the regions which alternative asset classes like built-to-rent and student accommodation could help - but we need to have the tax settings right.&nbsp;Paul Scully told The Urban Developer in January that the build-to-rent sector was of keen interest to NSW Labor.&nbsp;“We’ve also committed $30 million to a build-to-rent trial on the South Coast and that will help us to to develop a model for build-to-rent and we believe that will be successful and will give us an opportunity to to roll it out to the rest of the state,” he said.&nbsp;Cirson is also concerned about the potentially short-lived changes to the stamp-duty scheme for first-home buyers.&nbsp;<div id="1gIUIlbcBWs3iHgn0j3FiO"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/lNIk0SayEM51NX5kUSZyh/4b73390ea11b02912e1ec2e21a6ba3ed/5.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Incoming NSW premier, Chris Minns. </div></div>“The final thing is that the Coalition had implemented a scheme changing the way stamp duty was collected, including annual fee and upfront costs.&nbsp;“There’s a detailed discussion we’d like to have with the new government, as I did note they opposed that and would wind that scheme back, so what does that mean for people who have already committed?”But the industry is hopeful that a new state government will make material changes to improve the ability of developers to move ahead with much-needed projects.“Other ministers were protective of certain areas and you got decisions which were mainly politically oriented,” says Urban Taskforce’s Tom Forrest.&nbsp;“That’s inevitable when you want to get elected but it would be great if a minister did what was best for Sydney.&nbsp;“I’m very encouraged by certain things but am I confident? We will have to wait and see.” <hr> You are currently experiencing The Urban Developer Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals. <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/membership-plans">Click here to learn more.</a><div id="2GhuueZl01Zwo2aFfjNVi2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg" alt="TUD + Banner" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/12UMq5eMSEOh0QxJVBYaDt/d7507cf4ceb1365cc9ce7eaff84d06cc/tud___banner.jpg"></picture></div>

The ALP led by Chris Minns has recorded a resounding victory in the NSW election. The Urban Developer finds out what the new government will mean for the sector in that state… 

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Build-to-rent developer Novus is pushing forward with plans to develop its first Sydney project, a $200-million 34-storey mixed-use tower.&nbsp;Detailed plans for the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-on-harris-parramatta-build-to-rent-design-revealed" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-on-harris-parramatta-build-to-rent-design-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RotheLowman-designed Novus on Harris</a> on the 1448sq m site at 39-43 Hassall Street, Parramatta, were filed with the NSW state government last week.&nbsp;Novus co-founder Jason Goldsworthy said the developer was working with the Department of Planning and Environment and the City of Parramatta Council to achieve approval and break ground in the second half of 2023.&nbsp;The <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-build-to-rent-platform-targets-2bn-pipeline" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-build-to-rent-platform-targets-2bn-pipeline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">burgeoning build-to-rent developer,</a> backed by M &amp; G Real Estate, acquired the Parramatta site last year for about $33 million, following its maiden development breaking ground at Melbourne’s Southbank.&nbsp;The Parramatta tower would comprise 204 apartments across Levels 3-34 and a three-storey podium that provides commercial and retail space and a communal amenities floor.&nbsp;Parramatta is fast becoming the heartland for build-to-rent in Sydney with the Gurner’s GQ platform winning approval for its 61-storey 391-apartment build-to-rent tower last week and Home’s 47-storey 428-apartment tower under construction.&nbsp;<div id="6eKZ8XC1aS00zlB81TQ1w8"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/uQeYIyUSmuVguRRb290ZE/cfcfb2868bf2327ca984c8141060a158/Novus_on_Harris_MID.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/uQeYIyUSmuVguRRb290ZE/cfcfb2868bf2327ca984c8141060a158/Novus_on_Harris_MID.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The 34-storey mixed-use build-to-rent tower is slated to be operational in early 2026. </div></div> Goldsworthy said there were three key thematics underpinning the success of Novus on Harris—infrastructure tailwinds, outdoor amenity, and design.&nbsp;“Parramatta is in the midst of an infrastructure boom that will make it one of the most liveable areas of Sydney,” Goldsworthy said.&nbsp;“Transport infrastructure … coupled with significant civic, commercial and education investment will make this a highly desirable location for our future residents.&nbsp;“We analysed a number of opportunities in Parramatta. What stood out to us about this location is it benefits from all the amenity and service of the Parramatta CBD whilst being located in a park-fronting location on the eastern fringe of the CBD … with uninterrupted views back to the Sydney CBD from Level 2.”Goldsworthy said the renewable energy-powered building would have a focus on health and wellness with a floor dedicated to pools, sauna, steam room and gymnasium.&nbsp;“The creation of wellness spaces responds to the high focus on health, as well as coworking suites that accommodate the hybrid work lifestyle.&nbsp;“The amenity offering allows residents to option for a smaller apartment size assisting with current cost-of-living pressures. Each apartment has a well-thought-out design that maximises the amenity, liveability, and functionality of the space.”Goldsworthy said RotheLowman tipped out other architecture firms in the design competition with its earthy palette and the incorporation of public Indigenous art incorporated into the facade of the building.&nbsp;The build-to-rent tower will cater to a broad demographic with larger four-bedroom typologies for families and smaller two-bedroom apartments for young professionals.&nbsp;Goldsworthy said they had undertaken early engagement with tier 2 builders on the Parramatta project and hoped to have the project out of the ground and operational in early 2026.&nbsp;He said Novus also had other <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-adds-parramatta-site-to-build-to-rent-pipeline" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/novus-adds-parramatta-site-to-build-to-rent-pipeline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney deals in the works</a>&nbsp;but would not elaborate further.&nbsp;

Build-to-rent developer Novus is pushing forward with plans to develop its first Sydney project, a $200-million 34-storey mixed use tower...

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Bathla Group has submitted plans for a four-block residential development in Blacktown.The complex, at 184-194 Guntawong Road in Rouse Hill, will deliver 146 residential apartments.&nbsp;Unusually, the majority (111) will be three-bedroom apartments, with 19 two-bedroom and 16 one-bedroom units. Seventeen will be “adaptable dwellings”, according to DKO Architects.The apartments have been designed to front either the respective street frontage or the communal open space area in the middle of the site.Plans also consist of 237 parking spaces, a gym and communal roof terraces.The subject site is part of a superlot that is proposed to be subdivided, and is under assessment.&nbsp;Surrounding the site are an “eclectic mix” of single dwellings houses and rural structures, in addition to recently approved and constructed residential developments.“The locality is therefore expected to undergo transformation” as a result of changed planning rules in the area relating to zoning, building height and minimum density requirement.<div id="Kz5Ok6TKrSizsgeLRniB1"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7Hufvq9xcTPTQsgMYqleQu/549c4966d998802e0d65110733e70c32/In-article__54_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7Hufvq9xcTPTQsgMYqleQu/549c4966d998802e0d65110733e70c32/In-article__54_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Central River City Precinct is expecting and experiencing “unprecedented” levels of investment. </div></div> Rouse Hill straddles The Hills Shire and Blacktown Councils and has been the subject of major residential and mixed-use developments in recent years.The area was annexed as the Central River City Precinct in 2021 and expects “unprecedented public and private investment” as a result of its proximity to the Greater Sydney region and Parramatta.Bathla has been prolific in its Sydney developments, planning <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-group-croatia-avenue-edmondson-park-development-application" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-group-croatia-avenue-edmondson-park-development-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a $215 million Liverpool residential development</a>, another <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-group-lodges-shop-top-liverpool-plans" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-group-lodges-shop-top-liverpool-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">219 apartments in Western Sydney</a> and a <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-files-aud19m-box-hill-tower-plans" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/bathla-files-aud19m-box-hill-tower-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$19 million Box Hill residential complex,</a> all in the past year.

Developer Bathla Group has lodged plans for a four-block residential complex with 146 apartments as the area explodes with “unprecedented public and private investment”...

Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo gets planning consent

Ultimo’s Powerhouse Museum has been granted planning consent, kickstarting the next stage of the institution’s renewal.Concept planning consent will now enable the team behind the renewal to hold community and stakeholder consultations to finalise the design.A national design competition was held last year and <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/powerhouse-ultimo-sydney-winning-design-revealed" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/powerhouse-ultimo-sydney-winning-design-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the jury chose the design by a team</a> consisting of Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay and Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup, announcing the decision in December, 2022.“The winning design team developed a visionary scheme that features expanded museum spaces while honouring and connecting the multiple layers of history across the Powerhouse site,” Powerhouse Trust president Peter Collins said.“Planning consent allows us to move into the next important phase of the project and to get on with the job of reinvigorating one of Australia’s most revered museums, securing its future for many generations to come.“We will now continue to consult with the community and stakeholders as we refine the final design of the museum and ensure the community provides input into the renewal during the next phase of the planning process.”The plans include refurbished and expanded exhibition and public spaces to support the museum to provide an applied arts and applied sciences program and curate and display a collection of more than 500,000 objects.<div id="4q37UMvihzU2uR2Ws53587"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1gZu7vocRzwNogyNN1DfjI/20ca11428e4f9d5cdda65e5eaefe8996/powerhouse_ultimo_story_mid.jpg" alt="The current look of the Powerhouse Ultimo museum north of Macarthur Street in Sydney's CBD." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1gZu7vocRzwNogyNN1DfjI/20ca11428e4f9d5cdda65e5eaefe8996/powerhouse_ultimo_story_mid.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The Powerhouse Ultimo museum north of Macarthur Street in Sydney's CBD. </div></div>Its entrance will be relocated to face Chinatown and Darling Harbour, and the Wran Building, an extension to the Ultimo Power Station dating from 1988, and the old post office will be demolished.“The design features a new public square that will connect the museum to The Goods Line and surrounding precincts, increasing public open space,” Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said.“The Harris Street frontage will be revitalised with creative industry studios to support museum programs and access to the museum’s library and archives.”The community can make submissions about the design details and the planning application until March 10, 2023.&nbsp;

With planning consent now granted, the Powerhouse Museum’s renewal can move ahead to community consultation…


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Budding build-to-rent developers GQ, owned by Gurner and ASX-listed Qualitas, has swelled its strongbox with an additional $2 billion in its latest fund raising.&nbsp;An unnamed global institutional investor backed the build-to-rent platform to take GQ’s total gross assets under management to $3.2 billion.&nbsp;GQ <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/-agents-follow-the-money-as-build-to-rent-ramps-up" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/-agents-follow-the-money-as-build-to-rent-ramps-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">initially secured $1.2 &nbsp;billion</a> in gross assets under management in its first fund, deployed into four prime assets of about 1420 apartments either under construction or due to commence in mid-2023.&nbsp;According to Gurner founder Tim Gurner, the second fund will focus on Sydney, growing the already established New South Wales pipeline, and augmenting GQ’s plans to create a $5-billion portfolio of 5000 apartments under management by 2026.&nbsp;The platform is also readying for the completion and opening of its first asset in early 2024.“When we first launched the GQ platform in 2021 we set out to lead the sector with some pretty ambitious growth plans,” Gurner said.&nbsp;“We are now well ahead of our forecasts in terms of pipeline and funding, with four seed sites already secured and a huge amount of further capital ready to deploy.“We have a large number of sites under our control that will form part of the second fund and future funds as we continue to grow our platform.”<div id="7nePZVzq7zFiwbSfYRiVGz"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/kd7xb3fi8sSuFWPR5tjpF/422a9fe34dcff9ecf00dca0a8bb92c46/Gurner_and_Qualitas_are_planning_to_build_a_61_storey_tower_in_Parramatta_after_buying_the_site_from_Toplace._" alt="Render of the Gurner-Qualitas mixed-use build-to-rent development proposal earmarked for a 2049sq m Parramatta site that, if approved, will comprise 385 apartments.
" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/kd7xb3fi8sSuFWPR5tjpF/422a9fe34dcff9ecf00dca0a8bb92c46/Gurner_and_Qualitas_are_planning_to_build_a_61_storey_tower_in_Parramatta_after_buying_the_site_from_Toplace._"></picture><div>▲ A render of the Gurner-Qualitas mixed-use build-to-rent development proposal for a 2049sq m Parramatta site that, if approved, will comprise 385 apartments. </div></div>The initial portfolio includes the $350-million Beach House St Kilda, a 297-apartment development where demolitions works were completed late last year.&nbsp;It also comprises projects in Southbank, <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-qualitas-parramatta-build-to-rent-tower-plans" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gurner-qualitas-parramatta-build-to-rent-tower-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parramatta</a> and Melbourne’s inner north, which are all due to progress in 2023.&nbsp;“This latest round of funding means we have a huge amount of dry powder to utilise as the right deals arise. We are actively focused on the Sydney market as our primary target, in addition to Melbourne, where we believe the most opportunities will be in the coming years,” Gurner said.“With a lot of uncertainty in the world and market fragmentation currently, alongside the significant movement in interest rates, capital costs and construction prices, we believe that all capital cities but Sydney especially will experience a 15-20 per cent correction in land price in the coming 12 months so we will be ready to jump on any opportunities that arise and will be keeping a keen eye on that market in particular.”Qualitas global head of real estate Mark Fischer said there was “huge opportunity” for the build-to-rent sector in Australia.“This new commitment by a global institutional investor to the second fund supports this and demonstrates the scalability of the opportunity,” Fischer said.“Our ambition is to be a dominant player in the Australian build-to-rent market and with this latest investment we are on our way to achieving this. The additional $2-billion capacity gives GQ the dry powder necessary to capitalise on the interesting deal flow we expect to see during 2023 and beyond as markets recalibrate.”

Build-to-Rent platform banks $2-billion 'dry powder' fund to make hay while the sun shines as the land market recalibrates in 2023 with a focus on one city in particular...

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Prolific private builder and developer Deicorp has stepped up its focus on Sydney’s western suburbs, filing plans for twin 46-storey mixed-use towers—its third major move in the area in less than 12 months.Deicorp’s plans comprise 604 apartments on top of a three-storey retail and commercial podium and six basement parking levels.Construction costs are expected to be $560 million.Deicorp executive manager for corporate communications Robert Furolo said the project—with the new Parramatta Light Rail station on its doorstep— continued their focus on proximity to transport and services.“Between our three current projects, there will be nearly 1500 apartments being delivered over the next two years—all of them connected to the Light Rail network.” Furolo said.“We believe in the strength of the Parramatta market and plan to support the massive investment in transport and social infrastructure that is under way in the Parramatta metropolis.”It’s the third project Deicorp has in the Central River City region.Payce, the Australian owned property company behind the Melrose Park precinct, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/payce-deicorp-west-sydney-town-centre-melrose-park" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/payce-deicorp-west-sydney-town-centre-melrose-park">joined forces with Deicorp&nbsp;</a>to deliver a $700 million retail and residential development known as Melrose Central.And, Deicorp is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-reworks-residential-project-for-amenities" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-reworks-residential-project-for-amenities">exhibiting modifications to plans&nbsp;</a>for their residential development at Westmead, 26km west of the New South Wales capital.The rectangular 5800sq m site of their latest project is made up of three lots at 34 Hassall Street, at Parramatta.Deicorp acquired the property—once home to the Rowland Hassall School, which has since relocated to Old Guildford—about ten months ago for an undisclosed sum.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the developer will not formally close on the property until early 2024.The filed plans included the demolition of the old school buildings.<div id="5A7hoK6s7xaNu5hjuKZDP0"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1pmEfwESs2TdBA1iM6tpuk/d7f2714a5e336f0b2ca7f9f2e196ce2f/Mid_article_resizes__7_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1pmEfwESs2TdBA1iM6tpuk/d7f2714a5e336f0b2ca7f9f2e196ce2f/Mid_article_resizes__7_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ A render of Deicorp’s proposed 46-storey tower in Parramatta.</div><div> </div></div>Residential elements to the twin towers will take up 60,898 square metres.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 604 apartments will be a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, however the bulk of those, or 392 apartments, will be two-bedrooms floorplans.Parking for 432 vehicles will be in six basement levels.There is a planned 5804sq m of commercial and retail space, which Deicorp says will likely “comprise a supermarket, convenience goods, food, beverage, cafes and eating out, retail services, and office which will serve the local demand of residents and workers”Specific applications for fitout and use of each tenancy will be sought later.Turner Studio, the 20-year-old Sydney-based design practise, has been tapped to create the twin towers, but not before it beat out two other design heavy-hitters.Fender Katsalidis, the team behind Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower, and Furtado Sullivan—another of Australia’s foremost practices—joined Turner in accepting the invitation to participate.&nbsp;&nbsp;They each had a month to submit a design.However, according to the jury, none of the submitted schemes “achieved design excellence in accordance with Clause 7.11”.Fender Katsalidis and Turner Studio were shortlisted and given an additional week to come up with a design.Greater Parramatta is at the core of the Central River City, which was established as a part of the Greater Sydney Commission’s “A Metropolis of Three Cities” and plans for most residents to live within 30 minutes of their jobs, education and health services.The Central River City runs from the Hills in the north, through to Parramatta, Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park, down to Hurstville via Canterbury Bankstown and hosts nearly one-third of Sydneysiders and over the next 20 years will accommodate more than half of the city’s projected population growth.

The prolific private builder and developer has stepped up its focus on Sydney’s western suburbs, filing its third major move in the area in less than 12 months…

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Sydney developer Deicorp has gone back to the drawing board on a residential complex it first put forward more than six years ago to bring the plans into line with contemporary needs.&nbsp;The development application for the residential development at 3 Farmhouse Road, Westmead, 26km west of the Sydney CBD, was lodged in 2016 but modifications to the original plans are now being exhibited.&nbsp;The changes, aimed at “refinement and improvement”, would result in an additional four floors being added to buildings D and F of the residential development.&nbsp;Eight of the planned apartments would be scrapped in favour of new communal facilities, lounge areas, a gym and wellness area, and multi-function meeting rooms and coworking spaces.&nbsp;Planners Sutherland and Associates Planning and Turner Studio architects said that it was not a “radical” transformation as it did not alter the fundamental nature of the approved development.&nbsp;However, the move highlighted the prioritisation of amenities in residential developments designed in recent years.&nbsp;Developers have been looking at hotel and <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-concierge-service-attracting-downsizer-buyers" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/new-concierge-service-attracting-downsizer-buyers">concierge-style services</a> with communal entertainment spaces and a move to make working from home a differentiated experience.Competition from the build-to-rent space has also focused around amenities provision and <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/arklife-build-to-rent-fortitude-valley-brisbane-development-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/arklife-build-to-rent-fortitude-valley-brisbane-development-application">prompted a drive toward quality</a>.Deicorp’s new building complex will range in height from six to 24 storeys and consist of 405 units over basement carparking.&nbsp;<div id="2qGlZSMXyTPGGIl25LZk7A"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4djuzM6ZGPYoG19W5ItiCs/a829ee5ee8c8f32b4d39a7355f5af587/In-article__34_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4djuzM6ZGPYoG19W5ItiCs/a829ee5ee8c8f32b4d39a7355f5af587/In-article__34_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Deicorp’s second residential complex is dubbed Aspect, the partner of its stage one Highline. </div></div>Development consent was granted to the initial development application lodged, which would have delivered heights from six to 20 storeys and 344 units.The updated plans cut the number of studio apartments from four to two, with 207 one-bedroom apartments (from the initially proposed 209), 175 two-bedroom units (formerly 178) and 13 three-bedroom apartments, shaving off one planned.&nbsp;The area, within the Westmead Strategic Precinct of Parramatta, has a “growing role as a mixed-use location with a dynamic mix of employment, health, educational, recreation, retail and housing uses”.&nbsp;The site is next to Western Sydney University’s Westmead campus, and there is an additional Innovation Centre planned in the wider development associated with the university.The latest tower is stage two of Deicorp’s Westmead Rise masterplanned residential community, with its Highline Westmead building on 5-7 Maple Tree Road under way as stage one.Deicorp has recently <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-four-towers-hills-showground-sydney-west-work-begins" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-four-towers-hills-showground-sydney-west-work-begins">broken ground on four further towers</a> in Sydney at Castle Hill's Showground precinct after <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-doubles-down-in-aud180m-south-sydney-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/deicorp-doubles-down-in-aud180m-south-sydney-deal">ramping up its apartment pipeline</a> last year.

Four floors will be added and other apartments removed to make way for more communal and working spaces at Deicorp’s Westmead residential project…

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Charter Hall’s Social Infrastructure REIT (CQE) has taken a 49.9 per cent share in the newly developed Innovation Quarter in the healthcare and research precinct at Westmead.Charter Hall and Western Sydney University <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/charter-hall-parramatta-innovation-hub" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/charter-hall-parramatta-innovation-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jointly developed the $350-million</a> healthcare, medical research and education facility next to Westmead Hospital. It’s another indicator of the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/social-infrastructure-development-opportunities-herston-quarter" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/social-infrastructure-development-opportunities-herston-quarter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">value of social infrastructure</a> in 2023.&nbsp;The iQ is an A-grade building designed to achieve a 5-Star NABERS energy rating and 4-Star NABERS water rating, as well as a 6-Star Green Star rating as a carbon neutral enabled building.&nbsp;The REIT acquired the 49.9 per cent interest for $66.9 million on a 4.8 per cent capitalisation rate, funded through the full divestment of securities held in the Arena REIT and the sale of five non-core early learning properties.&nbsp;CQE fund manager Travis Butcher said the acquisition was in line with the REITs strategic remit&nbsp;“Consistent with CQE’s active portfolio curation strategy, we’re pleased to add a high quality, new social infrastructure property to the portfolio with strong property fundamentals funded through the divestment of non-core assets,” Butcher said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Innovation Quarter is in the Westmead Strategic Precinct, whose primary function is as a health, research and education hub.&nbsp;Western Sydney University occupies about 47 per cent of iQ on a 15-year initial term with the CSIRO taking up about 16 per cent of the property on a 10-year initial term. Other major tenants include Telstra Health, Psych Central and WentWest.The asset comprises a total of 43,000sq m of mixeduse research, health, education and retail space across three towers, with large flexible floor floorplates and future-proofed technology.&nbsp;The east and west towers will share a central square, lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopfronts.&nbsp;Technology such as smart meters, intelligent lighting, and optimised daylight penetration will be used at iQ to minimise the buildings’ energy consumption to help achieve the energy ratings.&nbsp;The first stage of the precinct was opened late last year, fully leased.&nbsp;

Charter Hall's social infrastructure REIT has taken a 49.9 per cent share in its parent company's jointly developed health and education precinct in Sydney...

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A proposal from Mirvac which would deliver a $144-million complex of senior living residential blocks in Oatlands, north-west of the Sydney CBD, is under assessment.The plans comprise seven buildings between three and eight storeys with 141 independent living units for seniors housing and people with disabilities in addition to 14 townhouses.The Mirvac Design development is planned for a 1.6ha site, home to the Oatlands Golf Club at 94 Bettington Road and would also include a new clubhouse and 405 parking spaces over two basement levels.The site is 23km north-west of the CBD and 3km north of Parramatta.&nbsp;The golf club was founded in 1931, and was briefly commandeered to house Australian Army Corps troops from 1942 to 1947.The development is currently under assessment after being referred to Sydney Central City Planning Panel.Designs include recreational lawns with picnic and barbecue areas adjoining the communal areas and the golf course, which will be serviced by a pro shop, as well as a cafe and wellness centre.&nbsp;Internal streetscapes and entryways will be layered with gardens, and the proposal aims to be “aspirational and exemplary… a true pursuit of holistic design excellence”.The layout is intended to promote “passive social recreation that provide connection to the natural environment and valuable ‘breathing space’ between each of the buildings.”&nbsp;<div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="In-article (24).jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/RrFfGOdYd5qC5pmxLV72z/bac9c36e7a3a16d08bfd66d9285ca416/In-article__24_.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/RrFfGOdYd5qC5pmxLV72z/bac9c36e7a3a16d08bfd66d9285ca416/In-article__24_.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="In-article (18).jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5dyylBFGfZOo3qUqaCHKdL/32a56ed4b0c11a2450227f76acb43d07/In-article__18_.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5dyylBFGfZOo3qUqaCHKdL/32a56ed4b0c11a2450227f76acb43d07/In-article__18_.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="In-article (19).jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7vgaYsClahmswdluM4O6ZU/23349cf619e1eb673037b889ceb7c345/In-article__19_.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7vgaYsClahmswdluM4O6ZU/23349cf619e1eb673037b889ceb7c345/In-article__19_.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="In-article (20).jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5vz8ZH8zswRbLr6AZO45ou/b975b14379755651f1f29d7557cf9fd9/In-article__20_.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5vz8ZH8zswRbLr6AZO45ou/b975b14379755651f1f29d7557cf9fd9/In-article__20_.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="In-article (21).jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1bVV6bSZj8AdcJBnB2aIia/2ab8c99d8584c04caa7fe2e6275c4cf0/In-article__21_.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1bVV6bSZj8AdcJBnB2aIia/2ab8c99d8584c04caa7fe2e6275c4cf0/In-article__21_.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div> The site sits within the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) area, which is earmarked for major urban renewal during the next 20 years.Renewal precincts in the GPOP close to the site include the Westmead Health and Education Precinct, North Parramatta, Camellia, Rydalmere and Telopea.Industry commentator have suggested that the residential aged care and senior living industry could provide an <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aged-care-retirement-on-the-radar-of-offshore-capital" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aged-care-retirement-on-the-radar-of-offshore-capital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opportunity for developers and both domestic and offshore funds</a> in the coming years, having already seen some major transactions worth north of $1 billion, despite the impacts of Covid.

A Sydney suburb golf club will be partially redeveloped if a major $144 million senior living development in the works by Mirvac is approved…

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The next phases of Sekisui House Australia’s Wentworth Point masterplanned community Sanctuary have been given the green light.The Sydney Central City Planning panel approved three phases, Summit &amp; Ridge, Cascade and Pinnacle, which have a total capital investment value of $550 million.Sekisui House initially launched plans for the 2300-apartment riverfront development <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sekisui-house-wentworth-point-parramatta" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sekisui-house-wentworth-point-parramatta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">at 14-16 Hill Road in 2021</a>.&nbsp;Sekisui’s $225-million Summit &amp; Ridge towers will comprise 537 apartments across two buildings, 40 storeys and a 32 storeys, on a 6560sq m site.In approving the phase, the panel said it was “responsive to the wider Sydney context which is characterised by a range of ‘villages’ with different characters”.&nbsp;Summit &amp; Ridge will have 187 one, 333 two, 16 three-bedroom apartments plus a single four-bedroom apartment, as well as 642 car parking spaces.<div id="5a2MZdxyFy5tPP1eeGXuIC"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5yjKOMNseGkvJSLIVxeFjX/1cee9f02e210f59902a7decb3049f33f/In-article__14_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5yjKOMNseGkvJSLIVxeFjX/1cee9f02e210f59902a7decb3049f33f/In-article__14_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ A render of phase 2 of Sekisui House's Wentworth Point development dubbed Summit &amp; Ridge. </div></div>Plans for the $165-million Cascade include a three-level sleeved podium, a 40-storey tower and a nine-storey block with a total of 393 apartments comprising 78 one, 271 two and 15 three-bedroom apartments.The other phase approved, the $160-million Pinnacle, will consist of 334 apartments across a 40-storey and an 11-storey block.Turner Studio designed the Sanctuary masterplan and director James McCarthy said it represented the next stage of the Wentworth Point urban renewal program.“Sanctuary looks to a new urbanism,” he said. “It seeks to go beyond business as usual and has deliberately not extended the ‘gridside’ pattern of east Wentworth Point, and instead embraces a new ‘parkside’ urban model.&nbsp;<div id="1aTiwQfTqvfZsVyS3XC5MI"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7pXPYF2Ecybhehz1hP2NQ0/7cf6342e14f50cb552f6e44721b6df3e/In-article__16_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7pXPYF2Ecybhehz1hP2NQ0/7cf6342e14f50cb552f6e44721b6df3e/In-article__16_.jpg"></picture><div>▲ Cascade is phase 4 of the Sekisui House Sanctuary development. </div></div>“The new parks will form a series of green fingers that connect the adjacent regional parklands to the water’s edge. This composition of buildings, set within nature, invites the adjoining precinct to celebrate the riverside location.​“This new urbanism is deeply rooted in sustainability. Sanctuary allows for future public transport links and provides much needed open space and riverside parks that will greatly enhance the suburb as a whole.”Major projects under way in the Parramatta suburb, formerly an industrial area, <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/wentworth-point-nsw-parramatta-masterplan-lodged" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/wentworth-point-nsw-parramatta-masterplan-lodged" target="_blank" rel="noopener">include a City Freehold Projects</a> development, as well as <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/what-makes-successful-urban-renewal-and-placemaking" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/what-makes-successful-urban-renewal-and-placemaking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Billbergia’s award-winning masterplan</a> and <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-most-searched-development-projects-2022" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-most-searched-development-projects-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Piety Group’s Amalfi Drive site</a>.

The next three phases of Sekisui House Australia’s Macquarie Park masterplanned communities have been given the green light…

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The Uniting Church in Australia has won approval for modifications to a planned 16-storey aged-care facility in Sydney’s west, brought about in part by the findings of last year’s Royal Commission into aged-care quality and safety.In changes approved by the, Parramatta City Council this month, the church will reconfigure accommodation layouts in the $86-million development.&nbsp; There will also be an overall building height increase of about 1.7 metres.In development consent granted by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel in September 2020, the church was allowed a similarly sized tower with a mix of assisted living (ALAs), independent seniors living (ILUs), and care apartments (CAs) as well as a 60-bed residential aged-care facility.The new plans remove the assisted-living and the care-apartment components, replacing them with a total of 116 independent-living units.In lodging the modifications, town planners Ethos Urban said the changes were made partly in response to the findings of the Royal Commission, made public in March last year.“Some modifications, in particular the change in unit mix and type, are also a response to Uniting’s evolving definition of assisted living, which has developed since the original application was lodged in 2019,” Ethos Urban wrote.The tower—planned for a 2780sq-m site at 45-53 Oxford Street in Epping, about 20km north-west of Sydney—will now have a 57-bed aged-care facility and 116 independent living units. Ten of those will be single bedroom, 68 will be two-bedroom and the three-bedroom capacity now increases to 38 units.<div id="4yHa1m6J1Wm8IEGsx0FyUq"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6fdbtZDNZNaYJGQPz24Sy9/08a9b29f422dcbd52e2b27c99c90f0d9/Uniting_Church_1_Mid.jpg" alt="Uniting Church was first given development consent for the 16-storey building in September 2020." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6fdbtZDNZNaYJGQPz24Sy9/08a9b29f422dcbd52e2b27c99c90f0d9/Uniting_Church_1_Mid.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The Uniting Church was first given development consent for the 16-storey building in September 2020.</div><div> </div></div>“The replacement of ALAs and CAs with ILUs aligns with the aged-care industry’s move away from formalised low-care accommodation,” Ethos Urban said, “with community care replacing this accommodation type to deliver care services into a resident’s accommodation of choice.“The ILUs will enable residents to age in place whilst having access to support services available in the basement, ground floor and the residential aged-care facility on levels one and two.”The church’s head of property development, Adrian Ciano, said it was committed to making assisted living services, and home and community care, accessible to all Uniting residents, regardless of the type of accommodation they called home.&nbsp;“This steadfast commitment plays a role in the design of all Uniting developments, including Oxford Street, Epping,” he said.The approved changes also mean the rooftop-level function room will now include a cinema and multipurpose room giving residents “an improved facility for recreation, socialising and events”.There will be four levels of basement parking, a chapel, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, hair salon and food and drink facilities.In the original application, the church successfully sought a Clause 4.6 Variation, allowing the development to exceed Hornsby local environmental plan’s maximum building height of 48m, by 6.1 metres.&nbsp; The new approval allows 1.7m higher than that again.<div id="46XaeY30lCY8gERXithkO2"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4nAlmDcFT5Cio3aWlIVz2Z/a6d8eefb6b743c6e7313b736a02a7d25/Uniting_Church_2_Mid.jpg" alt="The new plans remove both the assisted living and the care apartment components, replacing them with a total of 116 independent living units." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4nAlmDcFT5Cio3aWlIVz2Z/a6d8eefb6b743c6e7313b736a02a7d25/Uniting_Church_2_Mid.jpg"></picture><div>▲ The new plans remove the assisted-living and the care-apartment components, replacing them with a total of 116 independent living units.</div><div> </div></div>During that same process, Ethos Urban carried out an analysis of the likely demand for seniors’ housing and aged-care services in the catchment area. It showed the over-65 population is the fastest-growing and will expand by almost 18,000 by 2036.“There is also a strong trend towards downsizing in this age group,” Ethos Urban said, “with occupancy of detached housing falling from 82 per cent in the 65-69 age group to 42 per cent in the 85-plus group, supporting the provision of smaller dwellings for the aged.”The Uniting Church in Australia was founded in 1977, and with about 2000 congregations is Australia’s third-biggest Christian denomination, behind the Catholic and Anglican churches.The church says it operates more than 200 aged-care services, with more than 14,000 clients in residential and community care programs, many of those within Parramatta council area.Ciano said they offered aged-care services in Westmead, Ermington and North Parramatta, along with independent-living units in Epping, Beecroft, Granville, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill and Westmead.He said the&nbsp;church had&nbsp;owned the Oxford Street property for more than 25 years.“Construction on the new development is expected to start mid-2023, following the demolition of the existing property in Autumn 2023,” he said.

The Uniting Church in Australia has won approval for modifications to a planned 16-storey aged care facility in Sydney’s west, brought about in part by the findings of last year’s Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety.

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The next stage of City Freehold Projects’ residential redevelopment at Wentworth Point is on its way.&nbsp;An application was lodged this month to the City of Parramatta for the construction of a residential complex containing 300 apartments, dubbed Block C—the second stage of the residential masterplan <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/developer-lodges-plans-for-major-industrial-conversion-in-sydneys-west" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/developer-lodges-plans-for-major-industrial-conversion-in-sydneys-west" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched in 2018</a>.&nbsp;If approved, the site will consist of four buildings ranging in height from seven to 20 storeys, containing a total of 300 homes and 445 carparking spaces with two basement carpark levels.The first stage, Block D, is costing a reported $121 million, and is due for completion in June 2023.MPN Group, Richard Crookes Constructions and architects Bates Smart are working on the project for City Freehold. The team hit a milestone on Block D this year, bringing the site out of the ground in June, before turning its attention to the next stage, Block C.&nbsp;Efficient Living, a Sydney-based ESD consultancy, has been commissioned to identify sustainable design initiatives that could reduce the environmental impact of the proposed development and provide a pathway to net-zero operation.<div id="SKd59YPqXvppZBizeRo80"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3A5dtnbWkLbxOABh1gftqp/031d267fd8ecd36af7938e1d6e3e88c3/Mid_article_image_-_Wentworth_Point.jpg" alt="Wentworth Point Block C render" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3A5dtnbWkLbxOABh1gftqp/031d267fd8ecd36af7938e1d6e3e88c3/Mid_article_image_-_Wentworth_Point.jpg"></picture><div>▲ A render of the next stage of the Wentworth Point project—Block C. </div></div>In its proposals, Efficient Living includes a PV array for onsite renewable energy, energy-efficient and electric-heat pump systems for space conditioning, hot water and dryers, electric-vehicle charging stations and high-performance facades optimised through building-energy-modelling software simulations.Wentworth Point has experienced major interest in recent years from residential developers as it moves away from its industrial past.In October, approval was secured by Japanese-backed developer Sekisui House for a <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/second-stage-of-sekisui-s-aud2bn-sydney-masterplan-greenlit" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/second-stage-of-sekisui-s-aud2bn-sydney-masterplan-greenlit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2-billion masterplanned projec</a>t at 14-15 Hill Road, close to the City Freehold development.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Wentworth Point Town Centre development was named Development of the Year 2022 and best Masterplanned Community at the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in Sydney this year.City Freehold acquired the Wentworth site in the mid-1990s and first proposed the redevelopment masterplan in 2015, submitting an application to the City of Parramatta for the first stage of the development in 2018.&nbsp;The site was previously occupied by four industrial units that were used primarily for freight storage. Due to the site’s location next to the Parramatta River on Homebush Bay there is a “critically high” water table that the contracting team has been focused on piling, and foundation and retention works.The notification period began on November 25, 2022 and ends on January 11, 2023. The application will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel.

The project west of the CBD continues to grow with the latest masterplans filed by City Freehold Projects…

PARRAMATTA