Sydney's apartment of the week: Rhodes Central, Rhodes

Championed by the NSW Building Commisioner and Urban Taskforce as a project which is "setting the standard" for off-the-plan developments in Sydney, Billbergia's Rhodes Central masterplanned precint is designed to become a future Sydney landmark.

We caught up with Rick Graf, Development Director at Billbergia, to learn more about what buyers can expect from the highly anticipated luxury residences. 

Urban: Which aspects of the Rhodes Central development are you most proud of and why?

Rick Graf: First and foremost, as the latest news, we have just finished an OC audit inspection for Rhodes Central. David Chandler, the NSW Building Commissioner and Urban Taskforce published an official statement praising Billbergia for its effort and setting a benchmark for the industry in developing and building Rhodes Central. We’re very proud of this achievement because we’re committed to delivering high-quality buildings. Please read the excerpt from the statement below:

Already the OC Audit program is revealing examples of both excellent and poor practice. Often the good practices are under reported. It is these projects that set the benchmarks that those who have yet to make a commitment to building trustworthy buildings must seek to aspire. While it is important to call out poor practice players, it is equally as important for consumers to understand that the majority of developers and builders are committed to delivering high quality buildings.

Companies ranging from the big end of town right through to small players are setting the standard with projects like Ora Doll’s Point by Helm, Meriton Suites Waterloo, Billbergia’s Rhodes Central, St Leonard’s Square by Mirvac. These companies have stable teams of managers, designers and contractors. For the consumer as well as the builders and surveyors, these are vital considerations in selecting a property to purchase.

“We’re not just here to spot the problems,” says David Chandler. “We’re here to inspire excellence. That’s how we’ll rebuild consumer confidence and get our industry firing on all cylinders. I want people to know what we expect and what to aim for. We all want to be proud of what is being achieved and I know our industry can be world-class.

Another aspect is that we have created a centrepiece for the entire Rhodes peninsula and an iconic landmark building in collaboration with renowned Architects SJB. We are also in a unique position where we can contribute to the infrastructure by upsizing the train station, fix the roads, operate a free community shuttle bus, build 3 levels of retail, the Community Recreation Centre, parks and schools.

So we’re not just an “in and out” kind of developer. We are committed to the Rhodes community long term. And Rhodes Central is crowned be the latest technology heliostat – that has only been done once before, a decade ago in the Sydney CBD.

U: If a buyer was deciding between Rhodes Central and a similar residential development in the area, what do you think makes Rhodes Central unique and the favourable option? 

RG: By buying in Rhodes Central you are making a statement to yourself. Iconic building with high-quality build and finishes, by a trusted developer & builder. There is no comparable development in the area. Rhodes Central brings the first brand new apartments available since 2015!

It is however, comparable to our award-winning Marina Square in Wentworth Point and Brisbane Skytower in Brisbane – Project-of-the-Year 2020, which also took central stage in the respective areas and maintain a commanding presence. In addition, all our standard features like ILVE kitchens, Villeroy & Boch vanities, double glazed windows, thick stone benchtops, smart-home Urmet technology, etc…

U: In your opinion, what are some of the best amenities on-site or nearby?

RG: On-site: Level 4 podium garden exclusively for residents, 3 levels shopping centre in the complex, full-size Woolworths, retail and residential is connected directly to the train station via a pedestrian overpass, recreation centre coming in Stage 3 (under construction)
Nearby: an abundance of parks and waterways, with Rhodes central offering the best water and city views in the whole peninsula. Steps from IKEA and Cinema (Reading), cycleways, gyms, many dining options.

U: What was the inspiration behind the design of the development?

RG: Contemporary architectural design for the dominant building in the absolute centre of the Rhodes Town Centre, connected directly into Rhodes Railway Station. The highest standards of sustainability are integrated into the tower’s powerful form as the centrepiece of the Station Gateway Precinct. The top of tower is crowned by golden bands and a heliostat to focus full sunlight into the Union Square forecourt.

U: If you had to use only five words to describe Rhodes Central, what would they be? 

RG:

• Iconic
• High-quality 
• Industry praised (awarded) 
• Connected
• Convenient