AURA by Aqualand spearheads transformation of future North Sydney lifestyle precinct
Australian integrated property development group, Aqualand, is leading North Sydney’s transformation into one of the harbour city’s most sought-after new residential lifestyle precincts, as works progress on the company’s AURA by Aqualand project.
Comprising 386 apartments above an extensive retail precinct at 168 Walker Street, AURA by Aqualand is a $1 billion mixed-use residential development, designed by award-winning architects Woods Bagot and Richards Stanisich.
Currently under construction, the project’s structure is now visible, with the six-level basement carpark complete, while practical completion is expected by mid-2024.
Positioned to contribute to the reactivation of the North Sydney CBD, AURA by Aqualand is on the doorstep of the area’s Ward Street Precinct masterplan, which, bounded by Miller, McLaren, Walker and Berry Streets, will deliver new activated plazas and a civic hub, featuring social and cultural facilities within the podium of a new commercial tower on Berry Street.
Key to the future precinct’s vision is a series of activated laneways that will connect Miller Street to two new plazas, while Ward Street will be pedestrianised and linked to the recently named Faith Bandler Place, completing part of the north-south laneway network running from St. Leonards Park to the North Sydney train station.
Aqualand’s Project Director, Andrew Cooper says the pedestrian-friendly laneway and café culture, which will promote community connectivity, has been reflected in the design of AURA by Aqualand.
“At AURA by Aqualand, our design takes into account the natural walkability of North Sydney by extending the pedestrian desire lines from the Ward Street Precinct through the site, directly contributing to the future civic and green spine outlined in North Sydney Council’s urban place strategy,” said Cooper.
“This will see a network of new laneways running between North Sydney’s buildings, creating enticing pockets filled with lively cafés, bars and walking trails that add to the evolving cultural ecosystem of the area,” he added.
“Importantly, this pedestrian link will run from Lavender Bay, adjacent to our BLUE at Lavender Bay project, all the way through North Sydney and alongside the AURA by Aqualand site, so we’re excited to be supporting this future through our developments.”
North Sydney will experience a rapid transformation in the coming years, with 19 key projects planned for the suburb, in addition to more than 17,000 sqm of new parks and plazas.
Aqualand’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Alex Adams said AURA by Aqualand will play its own role in the growth of North Sydney, with the development slated as a future lifestyle precinct.
“The project will introduce a service and lifestyle offering all of its own, that is central not only to this development, but also to the future of North Sydney,” said Adams.
Aqualand’s hospitality arm, Etymon Projects has collaborated with designers to craft a curated selection of venues in the development, including a providore, bakery/café/wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese eatery.
“This will serve to enhance and enrich the lives of residents living above a vibrant and refined culinary scene, while also creating a new neighbourhood destination that is a beacon for visitors and residents in the broader metropolitan area,” he added.
Recognising the appeal of the project as a future residential destination, Aqualand, in conjunction with longstanding corporate partners the South Sydney Rabbitohs, is now offering one person the chance to win an apartment at AURA by Aqualand, valued at over $1 million.
Three competition finalists, who attend the Round 23 Rabbitohs v Panthers NRL game at Accor Stadium on 18 August, will be invited onto the field at halftime, where they will then compete for the chance to select a key that could open the door to a new AURA by Aqualand apartment.
“We are incredibly excited to be running this competition alongside our long-time corporate partners the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and we can’t wait to see if someone walks away with a new home at AURA by Aqualand,” added Adams.
“We know this is a potentially life-changing opportunity for someone to own a magnificent new home that gives them financial security, while enjoying the benefits of living in a prominent and rapidly transforming residential area, where the sky really is the limit.”
