Building a community
The developer behind the acclaimed Central Park project in Chippendale has turned its attention to Sydney's north, offering homes in a sprawling new community with an impressive array of amenities.
Midtown MacPark from Frasers Property Australia Occupies an 8.2-hectare site, about one-third of which will be devoted to public open space. This includes parks, barbecue areas, playgrounds and exercise stations. At the southern end of the site, there are plans to revitalise the land around Shrimpton's Creek with new parklands, walking paths and cycleways. The ambitious master plan also sets out a vision for an aged-care centre, childcare, community centre, supermarket, cafes and speciality stores. Residents and members of the public will be able to join a new gym and pool.
Nigel Edgar, General Manager Developments NSW for Fraser's Property, says communities are about more than buildings. “[They are also] built by creating open spaces, parks and leisure areas that people can relate to and are really happy to spend time in, “Edgar says. “We summarise it by saying we are creating places where people want to belong.” Central Park in Chippendale is regarded by many as one of Sydney’s more successful recent urban renewal projects, delivering innovative architecture, open spaces, public art, shops of many kinds, a performing arts venue, and an electric range of dining options. “The open space there is one of the key focus areas, with retail opening onto [it],” Edgar says. “That’s what we expect to happen here.”
The first apartment building to be unveiled at Midtown MacPark is Bates Smart-designed MAC Residences. Rising 24 storeys, the tower will offer panoramic district views from many apartments. Its curved form will create a gateway to the new community, bringing a dose of inner-city style to the emerging neighbourhood. Midtown MacPark is within easy walking distance of the new metro station, Macquarie Park business park, Macquarie University and Macquarie Centre shopping mall.
At a glance
Midtown MacPark Ivanhoe Road, Off Herring Road, Macquarie Park Architecture:
MAC Residences: The first residential building is designed by Bates Smart, HASSELL, Candalepas Associates and Cox architecture are also designing elements of Midtown MacPark.
Developer: Fraser’s property Australia
Number of residences: 269 in the first building of which about 99 are still available. About 3,300 new residences mainly apartments are planned for Midtown MacPark.
Internal size (sqm): One-bed 50-54; two-bed 70-79; three-bed penthouse 131
External size (sqm): One-bed 7-8; two
Original article printed in 'Sydney Morning Herald' 10th April 2021. Arthur Elicia Murray
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