Award-winning developer Billbergia and joint venture partner Legacy Property have lodged a Development Application with City of Ryde Council for a new high-density residential project, set to deliver over 250 homes within Sydney’s rapidly-growing northern suburb of Macquarie Park.
It represents Billbergia’s second development on Sydney’s North Shore, on the back of its proposed $700 million mixed-use project at 8 Wilson Street in Chatswood.
Located at 88 Waterloo Road and designed by architects AJC, the proposed project features two residential towers above a three-level mixed-use podium. Named Cottonwood and Waterloo, the towers will deliver a combined total of 255 apartments in a range of configurations.
Importantly, almost half of the total site area will be dedicated to communal open space, spanning over 2,400square metres. A further 30% of the site will be covered by tree canopies, adding further greenery while mitigating the effects of urban heat.
Macquarie Park is the largest non-CBD office market in Australia and home to the Macquarie Park Innovation Precinct, a group of organisations centred around Macquarie University.
The Waterloo Road site offers close connectivity to the University and Innovation Precinct, Macquarie Centre, and the upcoming Macquarie Park Metro Station, set to reduce the commute to the Sydney CBD to 18-minutes.
“Macquarie Park is a rapidly evolving suburb that is well-positioned to benefit from increased density. 88 Waterloo Road will deliver 255 critically-needed new homes, serviced by essential retail and the new Metro station, while offering close access to key employment and study hubs,” said Saul Moran, Development Director of Planning and Development at Billbergia.
“The development is in one of the best locations in Sydney, opposite Macquarie Centre, overlooking a new park, within 200 metres of the new Macquarie Uni Metro station and Macquarie University,” said Matthew Hyder, CEO of Legacy Property.
Cottonwood Tower spans 21 levels and will deliver 124 apartments, while Waterloo Tower will feature 131 apartments over 19 storeys. The mixed-use podium includes a proposed 263 square metres of retail space at the lower ground floor, as well as four levels of basement parking with up to 288 car spaces.
The apartments will feature flexible, intergenerational layouts – with 60 one-bedroom, 98 two-bedroom, 85 three-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom penthouses included in the towers’ design.
Natural light and ventilation are fundamental principles of the project’s bioclimatic design, according to architects AJC. On the buildings’ north side, horizontal balconies optimise sunlight and airflow, creating comfortable outdoor spaces in warmer weather. On the south side, enclosed balconies provide protection and warmth during the colder months. These facades create comfortable and adaptable spaces for residents while enhancing the buildings’ overall performance.
“The 88 Waterloo development redefines urban living in Macquarie Park by blending high-quality residences with natural beauty. Our design integrates bioclimatic principles and eco-friendly features to create a sustainable and comfortable living environment,” said Jim Koopman, Studio Director at AJC.
Sustainability is enhanced with the integration of a solar PV system, fully electric and energy-efficient appliances, an efficient waste management system, water-saving fixtures and significant green space.
“88 Waterloo reflects our commitment to creating exceptional living spaces and will connect urban residents with an oasis of nature in the middle of this burgeoning high-rise precinct. By integrating sustainable design principles with the unique character of Macquarie Park, we are setting a new standard for residential architecture that serves both the environment and the community,” said AJC’s Director, Brian Mariotti.
The suburb was identified as an accelerated precinct under the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program in 2020. Macquarie Park Innovation Precinct Stage Two, a recent rezoning proposal by the Minns government, could see over 4,500 new homes delivered in the years to come – thanks to new residential zoning and developer concessions on build-to-rent (BTR) projects.
Source: Australian Property Markets News
