This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
PROPERTY developer Billbergia has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA), one of the first filed under the NSW government’s recent affordable housing reforms.
Located at 9-13 Blaxland Road, the Group GSA-designed mixed-use 48-level tower in Sydney’s inner west, Harmony – Rhodes Central East, is targeting an industry-leading 7.4 Star NaTHERS sustainability rating.
The tower will deliver 313 apartments ranging from one- to five-bedroom configurations with more than 75% in two- and three-bedroom configurations, all above a mixed-use podium–activated by a café–and 12 levels of basement car parking.
“Billbergia has been part of the Rhodes community for more than 15 years, delivering the homes and infrastructure needed to shape thriving communities,” said Saul Moran, development director of planning and development at Billbergia.
“Our plans for this project are aligned with the NSW Government and City of Canada Bay Council’s vision for a vibrant and connected precinct.”
The building will feature a 1,537sqm landscaped area at ground level and sit between Rhodes Station, Blaxland Road, Churchill Tucker Reserve, McIlwaine Park and Brays Bay.
“Harmony reflects our commitment to helping connected communities grow through affordable transport-oriented housing, supported by amenities and essential infrastructure,” added Moran.
The tower will also deliver 424sqm of premium communal space for residents including a dining and alfresco area on level 20 and a rooftop canopy and infinity pool.
“This development exemplifies a standard of design rarely found in affordable housing or mixed-tenure projects, offering amenities that surpass the norm in contemporary developments,” said Lisa-Maree Carrigan, director at GroupGSA.
“We’re thrilled and proud to have designed a mixed tenure building that embodies such inclusivity and sets a benchmark for equity in urban development,” she added.
Sustainability features at the project will include low-water gardens, high-tech swimming pools, photovoltaic solar power, efficient lighting and air-conditioning, and smart building sensors.
The project sits within the Rhodes Station Gateway East precinct, rezoned by NSW State Government for residential use in 2021.
It is also eligible for assessment under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing reforms, with a minimum of 15% of GFA dedicated to affordable housing for low-income households and essential allowing for an increased height of up to 30%.
While in January, Billbergia added to their busy pipeline by lodging $335 million plans for a mixed-use precinct in Sydney’s Concord West.
