Former Bushells warehouse site to become one of Ultimo's biggest apartment developments

The CBD fringe is abuzz with activity, from the soaring behemoth that is Barangaroo to the duelling cranes around Darling Harbour.

A few blocks away, opposite the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre on Harris Street, is another patch that’s set for a radical transformation.

Once home to a Bushells Tea warehouse, then the TAB and Tabcorp headquarters, the 5320-square-metre site is destined to become one of the largest residential developments in Ultimo.

When completed New Life Ultimo, by Auswin TWT, will have 210 apartments in a nine-storey building, stepping down to six levels on Bulwara Road.

Architectus’ competition-winning design includes a large courtyard, rooftop garden and pedestrian laneway from Harris Street to Bulwara Road. There are several walkways into the development, allowing passers-by to see in and residents to look out.

Bricks are used on the facade on the lower levels in a nod to the area’s industrial past. The upper levels feature metallic blade walls, aluminium louvres and recessed balconies.

Auswin TWT general manager Stephen Fitzpatrick says it’s a landmark development for the suburb.

“As the name implies, our development will help breathe new life into Ultimo on what is one of the suburb’s most important sites,” Fitzpatrick says.

“We are providing a variety of accommodation to cater for a range of occupants, from singles to families, including wide-fronted apartments and ‘through’ apartments with dual aspects. The terrace-style apartments along Bulwara Road and the new lane provide a visual and emotional connection to the suburb’s existing terraces.”

Registrations are open now ahead of next month’s launch.

Feature property:

Artist’s impression of New Life Ultimo. Photo: FloodSlicer

New Life Ultimo
495 Harris Street, Ultimo
One beds, 45-46 square metres, $650,000 to $950,000; two beds, 75-90 square metres, $1.2 million to $1.5 million; three beds, 95-140 square metres, $1.5 million to $2.5 million
Strata levies from $850 a quarter
Due for completion September 2018
Agents: Kinsale Property Group, and CBRE, 1300 812 208; newlifeultimo.com.au

Or try these:

Artist’s impression of The Birmingham, Alexandria

The Birmingham
29-33 Birmingham Street, Alexandria
Studios, 39-41 square metres, $530,000 to $580,000; one beds, 46-53 square metres, $550,000 to $660,000; two beds, 65-71 square metres, $680,000 to $880,000; three beds, 91 to 95 square metres, $1.15 million to $1.2 million 
Strata levies from $355 a quarter
Due for completion late 2017
Agent McGrath Projects, 1800 538 826; thebirmingham.com.au

Alexandria’s apartment boom continues apace. One of the newest kids on the block is The Birmingham, a 46-dwelling development from Level 33. The five-storey building opposite Sonoma Bakery Cafe has drawn strong interest from downsizers since its recent launch, with about 20 apartments already snapped up. Craig Moore, associate director of McGrath Projects, says buyers are attracted to the combination of chic design and modern living amenities in an area close to shops, restaurants, universities and the airport. “Purchasers love the crossflow design and the double-front balconies, which allow for dual entertaining.” With no pool, gym or concierge, the strata levies are fairly lovable, too.

Artist’s impression of a home in the New Breeze development at Bardia. Photo: Robert Cameriere

New Breeze
Corner of Macdonald Road and Bardia Avenue, Bardia
Land only, 250-647 square metres, $330,000 to $670,000; house and land packages available from Clarendon, Eden Brae, Rawson Homes, Lily Homes, Meridian, Creation Homes, Everyday Homes, Metricon and Wisdom Homes 
Site preparation due for completion mid-2017
Agent Dahua, 1300 832 482; newbreeze.com.au

Land lots in the largest masterplanned community in Edmondson Park are up for grabs. Dahua Group Australia is marketing New Breeze, an 89-hectare greenfield site in southwest Sydney. There are 1280 individual parcels of land in total, with 25 to be released each weekend in May. Seven building companies are offering house and land packages, priced from $637,000. When completed, the development will include large parks and playgrounds, an oval and cycle paths. New Breeze is about eight kilometres from Liverpool CBD and 45 kilometres from Sydney CBD. Construction on civil and infrastructure works is expected to commence in July, with new home construction expected to start mid-2017.