This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
SJB and Land and Form Studios’ collaborative effort has won the design competition for Billbergia’s 25-27 Leeds Street, the first major development under the Rhodes East Master Plan.
The winning design was chosen from three entrants, by a jury comprising representatives from City of Canada Bay Council, NSW Government Architect’s and Nation Architects.
“We’re breathing new life into the Parramatta River foreshore to make it greener, more accessible and more attractive,” said John Kinsella, managing director of Billbergia.
The new development will be delivered with an emphasis on green space and accessibility, bringing 6,000 sqm of public open space, including a retail and dining precinct, creating an interactive river edge.
“Our proposal for Leeds Street opens up new connections to the water and reflects SJB’s approach to permeable and civic-centric mixed-use development. Being the first development under the master plan – we hope this precinct sets a high benchmark for the incoming community,” said Nick Hatzi, director at SJB.
Hatzi noted SJB’s long relationship with the suburb, having completed he first Master Plan for Rhodes’ regeneration back in 2005.
SJB has brought many mixed-use developments to the area, including the recent retail centre, Rhodes Central by Billbergia.
“This project will reimagine the Rhodes waterfront and forms a critical piece in the NSW Governments rejuvenation of the Parramatta River waterfront from Sydney Opera House to Parramatta Park,” added Kinsella.
As the first development under the foreshore master plan, the design needs to address the multiple elements of the site’s juncture, including the foreshore, the historic bridge, the industrial history to the east and a proposed public school.
“The public domain embraces the unique geographical setting and confluence of where the Parramatta River meets Rhodes,” said Ro Iyer, director of Land and Form Studios.
SJB and Land and Form’s proposal includes varying scaled buildings with a defined podium, integrated landscaping throughout, improved access on the ground level via site connections and new public open space.
“The foreshore design represents this transition from natural to urban, creating an iconic destination that looks to restore and enhance important ecological assets and allow people to actively engage with the Parramatta River, setting a high-quality precedent for the Rhodes East Precinct,” added Iyer.
The buildings will also prioritise wellbeing and sustainability, with layouts optimised towards views and orientated for solar, with 85% of apartments to have desired outlooks.
