aqualand

Aqualand, a prominent developer in some of Sydney's best locations, is making waves in North Sydney with a strong commitment to revitalising the area.

Urban.com.au's CEO Mike Bird recently sat down with&nbsp;Alex Adams, Aqualand's Head of Sales and Marketing, to understand a little bit more about how Aqualand operate, their dedication to North Sydney's transformation, and their unique approach to development.

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Why North Sydney and Aqualand's Vision

Aqualand's interest in North Sydney is not just a passing whim; it's deeply ingrained in the company's DNA. Their Managing Director's passion for the area trickles down throughout the entire organisation.

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Their commitment aligns with the local council's vision to invest a whopping $4 billion into the revitalisation of North Sydney's CBD, with the goal of creating Australia's premier micro city. Aqualand shares this vision and aims to be a significant contributor to this transformative process.

Future-Oriented Living at Aura

Unlike older developments that catered to the needs of the past, Aqualand is keen on addressing the evolving preferences of modern residents. Technology has been a focal point in their planning, with provisions for electric vehicle (EV) charging in the building, catering to the growing number of EV owners among their buyers.

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Additionally, Aqualand is going the extra mile by offering three Teslas available for all residents to use, making urban living more convenient and sustainable.

The Ongoing Aqualand Difference

Aqualand doesn't consider their job done once the construction is complete. Their commitment extends into post-completion phases. They have a client relationship team that maintains constant communication with residents. What sets them apart is the AQ Club, a client loyalty program that offers benefits like discounts on future purchases, and access to exclusive events and sponsorships.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

Aqualand's forward-thinking approach extends to the retail spaces within their developments. They understand the value of maintaining active, vibrant retail spaces within their buildings. An excellent example is the success of their retail spaces at Lynfield Village and Lulu, a French boulangerie, which has become a local hit.

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Their commitment to offering a diverse and high-quality experience is clear in their diverse offerings, from a French boulangerie to high-end Japanese restaurants and wine bars, all set to open by the time the first apartment is settled at Aura.

A Community-Centric Vision

What makes Aqualand stand out is their dedication to creating not just residences but thriving communities. By integrating their own hospitality assets, they add a personal touch to their developments. This approach not only enhances the lives of their residents but also enriches the overall living experience in the area.

Aqualand's commitment to North Sydney is more than just a development; it's a promise of a better future for residents and the community. With an eye on the future, a focus on technological integration, and a dedication to community development, Aqualand is creating a blueprint for what modern real estate development should look like.

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Aqualand, a prominent player in the real estate development industry, is making waves in North Sydney with a strong commitment to revitalising the area.

Urban Editorial

Why Aqualand Is committed to North Sydney's transformation: Five minutes with Aqualand's Alex Adams

Compromise isn’t a word used to describe the apartments in AURA by Aqualand, the new $1 billion tower in North Sydney.

The lack of need to compromise is what’s driven a large number of local downsizers to the luxury development, given the combination of both size and design offered in the larger apartments towards the top of the 28-level building.

Roseville residents Henry and Sandra Rolley are downsizing from their family home for the last two decades to take up residency in a sub-penthouse on level 24 of the Walker Street tower.

While technological advancements and the internet have changed the way we market real estate, it was the trusted letterbox drop which alerted the couple to the project.

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"We visited the display showroom and spoke to Domenic (AURA by Aqualand's Sales Consultant), and everything fell into place from there," Henry says.

Continuing their due diligence so they could get a true feel for what it would be like to live at AURA by Aqualand, Henry and Sandra visited the hotel behind the project and took in the views from the 11th level.

One of Sandra's highest priorities on her wish list was to overlook water.

"The extensive terracing in the sub penthouse, paired with 180 degree views from inside which take in the water, will create a very calming environment for us," Sandra says.

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It was important for the couple to stay within the local area, and AURA by Aqualand offered the best apartment for quality finishes, size, and location. The couple recently bought a share in a boat which is being moored in Bayview, across from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli.

The location was a big tick for the couple, who wanted to remain north of the bridge so they could still keep in touch with their friends who live on the North Shore. They're planning to use the new metro, to be accessed by the future Victoria Cross Station next door, to get around the majority of the time, while the penthouse also offers two parking spaces.

"It's easy to get everywhere from the location," Henry says, adding that he's excited to see the extensive redevelopment of North Sydney when the government infrastructure projects kick off.

"The alfresco dining strips and the regenerated areas of North Sydney on our doorstep have a massive appeal for us.

"We get the best of both worlds with the exciting lifestyle precinct planned for the base of the building, but a calming oasis to come home to above it all."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/what-penthouse-buyers-are-looking-for-in-today-s-market-a-look-into-aura-by-aqualand-s-penthouse-collection">What penthouse buyers are looking for in today’s market; a look into AURA by Aqualand’s penthouse collection</a>

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Henry has been able to watch the project come out of the ground from the greens at Northbridge Golf Course.

"I've seen the cranes come and I can see the movement on site, which is great," Henry says.

"Soon enough we'll be able to see the level our apartment will sit on which will be an exciting milestone for us."

Coincidentally, a friend who knows one of Aqualand's internal construction team members, is part of Henry and Sandra's Saturday morning riding group, and he can't speak more highly of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> and their efficiency, which Henry says gives him confidence that the delivery timeframe will be achieved.

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Construction of the $1 billion project commenced early last year and is over half way through, with completion slated for mid-2024.

The Rolley's weren't the only local downsizers buying a premium apartment in the project.

A couple of empty nesters departing their Northern Beaches home of 45 years recently secured one of the four-bedroom apartments in AURA by Aqualand. They intend to turn one of the bedrooms into a home office.

It will be a big change for the retiring couple, who bought the house when they were 20. Out with the old and in with the new, as they intend to leave the house and sell their furniture and antiques. They'll be buying all new furniture to better match the space, as well as new art.

The couple will be splitting their time between the apartment, which will be their city base, and their two holiday houses.

They said the whole process of buying off the plan with Aqualand has been a great experience.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/how-aura-by-aqualand-adds-a-new-jewel-in-north-sydney-s-crown">How AURA by Aqualand adds a new jewel in North Sydney’s crown</a>

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“It was our first time buying off the plan, and Aqualand’s professionalism and high degree of organization and knowledge helped us through the buying journey,” they said.

“We constantly get updates on the project and where it’s up to with construction which is important in this sector of the property market. Everything has been smooth sailing in our first off the plan purchase.”

The extensive community-building curated amenity which Aqualand are developing (a providore, bakery, café and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant), were a big drawcard for the retiring couple, who are looking forward to being part of a community and meeting new people.&nbsp;

They're excited to explore the city and immerse themselves in the culture, having lived in the Northern Beaches all their lives.

They'll be constantly entertaining, with kids and grandkids, as well as overseas visitors, all expected to come and stay at the apartment, which effectively has two kitchens with the butler's pantry.

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Aqualand Head of Sales and Marketing Alex Adams calls AURA by Aqualand “an heirloom of a building, providing truly rare and unique homes.”

“What was once a beautiful concept is forming into a truly remarkable destination set to be a new masterpiece in North Sydney,” Adams says.

“The elegant forms and curves of the building are taking shape and the installation of the glass frame facade is making its way up level by level.

“A new release of residences, including a selection from our breathtaking penthouse collection is available and now selling, providing a once in a generation opportunity.”

With construction well underway, the main tower will start climbing to its peak at level 28, with the residential levels forming individual apartments with services, internal walls, and bathroom and kitchen fitouts to commence.&nbsp;

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Roseville residents Henry and Sandra Rolley are downsizing from their family home for the last two decades to take up residency in a sub-penthouse on level 24 of the Walker Street tower

Joel Robinson

AURA by Aqualand offers exciting new phase for downsizers

Aura by Aqualand, a multi-billion dollar transformation of North Sydney, introduces a new way of living in this new CBD precinct.

An ideal location for the next generation of homeowners, businesses and visitors, North Sydney hugs the Sydney Harbour and the city&rsquo;s heartland precincts.

Situated at Walker Street, Aura enjoys a position in close proximity to leading schools, beautiful walks and cultural icons.

Aqualand calls this a &ldquo;new era&rdquo; for North Sydney, with plans for the area visionary in their scale.

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This includes 19 key projects in the area delivered by government and private investment, representing an addition of more than 17,000sqm of new parks and plazas.

&ldquo;These visionary new public spaces reveal a dynamic cosmopolitan lifestyle woven into lush greenery and sun-lit corridors&rdquo;, Aqualand Australia note.

Designed by Woods Bagot and Richards Stanisch, Aura will deliver a 28-level tower which will comprise a mix of 386 luxury residences, retails, dining precinct, and commercial spaces.

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Extensive resident amenities are also on offer, including pool and gym, dining and entertaining area and outdoor barbecue facilities.

Aqualand&#39;s recently launched hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, has also been engaged on the project to manage a providore, artisan bakery and a contemporary Japanese eatery.

Residents will benefit from decade-long plans designed to transform North Sydney, including a large investment in green spaces and entertainment precincts, and a new pedestrian space on Miller Street. &nbsp;

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Between Berry Street and the Pacific Highway, the closure of Miller Street gives room for a 7,450sqm public plaza outside the Victoria Cross metro station.

Other transformations include the conversion of the tramway viaduct to create a large active recreation space and an upgrade to Primrose Park.

This includes four new tennis courts, a barbeque area and a children&rsquo;s playground, while the city will also see new laneways running between buildings and vibrant cafes.

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Situated at Walker Street, Aura enjoys a position in close proximity to leading schools, beautiful walks and cultural icons

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How Aura by Aqualand takes advantage of the transformation of North Sydney 

Demand has soared at AURA, Aqualand's $1 billion North Sydney mixed-use tower, with 70 per cent of the first stage already sold.

Local downsizers have been the keenest of buyers so far in the luxury tower, with three-bedroom apartments priced from $3 million proving the most popular as house prices skyrocket across the state.

Two of the sub penthouses sold for $8 million and $8.15 million, with one of the penthouses selling to a local Mosman downsizer.

&nbsp;

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The attraction for the majority of buyers was the mixed of being in a leafy residential location, near North Sydney Oval, while also being aware of all of the transformation of the suburb with extensive investment planned.

Heavy government and private investment in North Sydney has been laid out,&nbsp;with 19 key projects to reinforce Miller Street as the civic spine of North Sydney, delivering over 17,000 sqm of new parks and plazas, creating a new network of laneways, and improving pedestrian safety and amenity.

The closure of Miller Street to cars will open a 7,450 sqm public plaza outside the Metro Station and a new smaller plaza outside the post office.

Plans are in place to turn the tramway viaduct into a large active recreation space and new laneways running between buildings and spaces will create hidden pockets of North Sydney, with&nbsp;new cafes and bars and walking trails.

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The new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross station, adjacent to AURA, adds another transportation option to the number of trains, buses, ferries, pedestrian and cycling paths at its doorstep, in addition to the freeways in each direction.

Barangaroo is accessible by train in just three minutes.

AURA, at 168 Walker Street, has been designed by award-winning architects Woods Bagot and Richards Stanisich with views overlooking Sydney Harbour, Sydney CBD and North Sydney Oval top of the design thinking.

Apartments feature a simple&nbsp;palette of white marble as a backdrop for the of natural light that comes in through floor-to-ceiling windows, augmented by mirrored surfaces, glazed walls and translucent screens. Residents can choose from three&nbsp;colour schemes—dark, mid, and light.

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Marble benchtops anchor kitchen spaces, while marble flooring sits below tall mirrors with dark bronze powder-coated framing in the bathrooms.&nbsp;The bathrooms&nbsp;also feature&nbsp;highest standard in materials—from toughened fluted glass to premium tiling and marble.

All apartments offer an open space living to winter gardens, while apartments feature a multi-functional room that facilitates use as a secondary living area, an office, or bedroom.

Aqualand has also just launched its new hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, incorporating a dedicated, world-class concierge service designed to create a 360-degree lifestyle development offering with exceptional service.

Aqualand’s vision is to bring the 5-star hotel experience to its developments by combining traditional concierge services with lifestyle management for the first time.

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The new service takes its lead from New York, China, Singapore and Hong Kong luxury apartment living, where applying hotel services and a hospitality ethos to homes isn’t new. In addition,&nbsp;Etymon Project’s next-level The Club will custom-fit its services to fit individual lifestyles.

Options will include Home Management (grocery put away, coordinating tradespeople, watering plants and vehicle maintenance) and Home Event Planning (dinner parties, children’s birthdays and more).

Etymon Projects will also manage a providore, artisan bakery, casual diner and a contemporary Japanese eatery in AURA’s vibrant culinary precinct, acting as an extension to residents&nbsp;apartments and a social anchor for the local community.

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The attraction for the majority of buyers was the mixed of being in a leafy residential location, near North Sydney Oval, while also being aware of all of the transformation of the suburb with extensive investment planned

Downsizer's drive stage one of Aqualand's $1 billion North Sydney apartment tower AURA to 70% sold

The $1 billion mixed-use development, AURA by Aqualand, is lined up to be the focal point of the transformation of North Sydney.

AURA, which will comprise a mix of&nbsp;386 luxury residences, retails, dining precinct, and commercial spaces at 168 Walker Street, will give residents&nbsp;gun barrel panoramic views of the&nbsp;Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, and the Sydney Opera House.

Award-winning architects from Woods Bagot and Richards Stanisch have combined to create the 28-level tower and apartments, which for off the plan buyers will be available in three different colour schemes;&nbsp;dark, mid, or light.

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The highest standard in materials will be used throughout, from toughened fluted glass to premium tiling and marble.

Each apartment will open to a balcony with winter gardens. They have been designed to offer different floorplans and flexible solutions to balance working and living at home.

There will be extensive resident amenity, including a&nbsp;ground level pool and gym, a dining and entertaining area on level nine, and outdoor barbecue facilities, a sun deck, and dining rooms on the top level.

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AURA residents will also benefit from Aqualand's recently launched hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, which incorporates a dedicated concierge service&nbsp;designed to create a 360-degree lifestyle development offering with exceptional service.&nbsp;

Aqualand’s vision is to bring the 5-star hotel experience to its developments by combining traditional concierge services with lifestyle management for the first time.

The new service takes its lead from New York, China, Singapore and Hong Kong luxury apartment living, where applying hotel services and a hospitality ethos to homes isn’t new.

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Etymon Project’s next-level The Club will custom-fit its services to fit individual lifestyles perfectly. Options will include Home Management (grocery put away, coordinating tradespeople, watering plants and vehicle maintenance) and Home Event Planning (dinner parties, children’s birthdays and more).

Etymon Projects will also manage a providore, artisan bakery, casual diner and a contemporary Japanese eatery in&nbsp;AURA’s vibrant culinary precinct, acting as an extension to residents' apartments and a social anchor for the local community.

Buyers only need to look to Aqualand's most recent successful mixed-use precinct at Central Barangaroo, where the developer was in charge of delivering the&nbsp;residential, commercial, and public spaces.

Aqualand, led by founder and managing director, Jin Lin, has also recently completed the $420 million&nbsp;Blue at Lavender Bay, the luxury apartment tower with 130 apartments, as well as The Revy on Darling Island.

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"The vision for AURA is simple enough, but ambitiously bold," Lin says.

"We see this as a once-in-a-generation development, shaping the future of North Sydney and modern luxury living in Australia."

Aqualand's head of sales and marketing, Alex Adams, says there are two ways to create a dream home.

"[You can] build an average product and hope that people will love it, or you can design something that's iconic and special, that jusut doesn't compare to anything that has ever existed before", Adams says.

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"Aura is the latter, an heirloom we hope our home owners will keep within their families for generations.

The first stage of apartments are set to be released to the market, starting from $995,000. There will be 102 apartments in the release, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

AURA is expected to be the centrepiece of the ever evolving North Sydney precinct, which is expected to become Sydney's second CBD hub with the amount of plans and infrastructure in the pipeline.

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The closing of Miller Street to cars and&nbsp;the massive investment in green spaces and entertainment precincts is expected to increase its attractiveness to future residents.

There are 19 key projects currently reincofrcing Miller Street as its civic spine. Plans are underway for over 17,000 sqm of new parks, plazas, and laneway networks. There's also plans for a&nbsp;Warringah Land Bridge will connect North Sydney with the other side of the freeway, and plans to turn the tramway viaduct into a large active recreation space.

The new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross station will sit adjacent to AURA.

Some 80,000 workers are expected in North Sydney by 2036.&nbsp;

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"The vision for AURA is simple enough, but ambitiously bold," Aqualand founder and managing director Jin Lin says.



"A once-in-a-generation development" - Sales set to launch at Aqualand's luxury North Sydney apartment tower, AURA 

Aqualand&rsquo;s flagship $420m development Blue at Lavender Bay is now complete.

Off the plan buyers are moving in to 61 Lavender Street, Milsons Point. 
&nbsp; 
Blue at Lavender Bay has 130 luxury residential apartments.

Blue&rsquo;s final sales release this month includes just 30 residences.&nbsp;

The remaining apartments include: 
1 bedrooms from $1,160,000 
2 Bedrooms from $1,750,000 
3 bedrooms from $4,100,000

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Aqualand is now preparing to bring to market its latest masterpiece, Aura North Sydney.

Aqualand&rsquo;s new hospitality arm, Etymon, has been launched set to provide concierge services.

Aqualand&rsquo;s vision is to bring the 5-star hotel experience to its developments by combining traditional concierge services with lifestyle management for the first time. 
&nbsp; 
Accessible 24/7 to Blue owners and residents, Etymon&rsquo;s highly experienced concierge team can make dining reservations and theatre bookings, welcoming guests, managing everything from parcels to parking, planning itineraries or finding the perfect gift. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;We wanted to elevate the level of concierge service within Aqualand developments to set a new standard within the Australian luxury apartment market,&rdquo; explains Lisa Hobbs, Etymon CEO.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Our emphasis is on delivering a hospitality style service that stands out to residents as having their needs, wants and desires at the centre of our approach.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re taking our lead from New York, China, Singapore and Hong Kong luxury apartment living, where applying hotel services and a hospitality ethos to homes isn&rsquo;t new. People will select their residence based on the concierge provided and are well prepared to pay for their services,&rdquo; she adds. 
&nbsp; 
Etymon&rsquo;s The Club will custom-fit its services with options will including home management (grocery put away, coordinating tradespeople, watering plants and vehicle maintenance) and home event planning (dinner parties, children&rsquo;s birthdays and more). 
&nbsp; 
In October, Etymon will also launch a new restaurant at Blue&rsquo;s base for fine dining in the North Sydney precinct. Part bistro, boulangerie and traitor, Loulou will by spearheaded by head chef Billy Hannigan (ex-The Ledbury and Bistro Guillaume), general manager Lucas Christofle (ex-Half Acre), bar manager, Colin Tam (ex-Charlie Parker&rsquo;s) and sommelier Shun Eto (ex-Icebergs).

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Blue’s final sales release this month includes 30 residences

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Aqualand off the plan buyers move into Blue

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Australian property development and investment company, Aqualand is the new principal sponsor of the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. 
Aqualand’s three year sponsorship is the most significant in the exhibition’s history and will support the continued growth of the acclaimed Bondi event.
The annual Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi draws over 500,000 visitors to the Bondi coastal walk across the 18 day exhibition period each spring. 
The 2016 exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the exhibition - founded by David Handley (pictured above with Aqualand's Jim Lin) which will this year showcase its 2,000th sculpture and over 100 new artworks from local and international artists.
Jin Lin, Aqualand's managing director said it’s very exciting "and a great privilege."
“Our aim at Aqualand is to inspire life; we think with our hearts to create better, smarter and more beautiful living environments and firmly believe that accessible public art is a key element of vibrant and engaged communities.
"It really is our great pleasure therefore to be associated with an innovative, iconic event that pushes creative boundaries and brings outstanding public art each year from countries all around the world to the people of Sydney, and its visitors,” Jin said.
Aqualand's projects have included Payce in Melrose Park and Lindfield Village.
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Aqualand to sponsor Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi

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Aqualand has settled on its latest acquisition, an office conversion property located at 61 Lavender Street, Milsons Point.
To be known as Blue at Lavender Bay, the 18 level commercial office building has been purchased with approval to develop 137 luxury residential apartments, comprising of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom dwellings.
Over 80 per cent of apartments have views to the Harbour Bridge.
The name ‘Blue’ was chosen to echo the waterfront location of the property, and as a homage to the historical figures of Milsons Point, George Lavender and Susannah Blue.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/14/61%20Lavender%20St%20-%20image.jpg" alt="">
Jin Lin, the managing director of Aqualand said with the appointment of PTW’s architectural team, Blue at Lavender Bay "will be an example of the high standard of lifestyle we pride ourselves on delivering for our customers.”
Alex Adams, Aqualand’s head of sales and marketing, said sales are expected to commence by mid-year.
The structure of the 40 year old building is already optimised for generous space and views, he added.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/14/No.61_Level%2017%202.JPG" alt="">
 
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80 percent of Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay have bridge views 

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Aqualand Australia has lured high-­profile former Mirvac head of residential, John Carfi, to run its Sydney-focused operations.
Cafri has spent the last 18 months in the Middle East where he was the CEO of development at Dubai-based real estate firm Emaar Properties where he delivered multiple large-scale, mixed-use developments.
There was an end value of more than US $120B and annual turnover of more than US $15B.
Prior to his move to Emaar in 2016, Carfi had been Mirvac's CEO of residential development for 15 years.
He began his career in the real estate industry back in the late 1980s at Lendlease.
Carfi will become chief executive of the Chinese-backed Aqualand from July, The Australian reported.
Aqualand managing director Jin Lin told The Australian Carfi's appointment is the next step in Aqualand's long-term strategy.
“We’ve been speaking with John for a number of months because we truly believe he is one of the few in the industry with such a high level of leadership and ingenuity.
"This is a result of a very controlled strategy that has allowed us to meet our milestones to trigger our next growth stage. 
“While John will transition into our CEO, I will transition to Group Managing Director," Lin said.
"Already Aqualand has grown a significant portfolio of sites, recycling assets to improve future investment opportunities and we are now on the verge of a new frontier with a significant appetite for large-scale, masterplanned projects.
"John has delivered numerous masterplanned communities throughout Australia and internationally, and I believe with him at the helm, Aqualand is well-positioned to increase its market dominance.”
 
Carfi has held senior positions across industry organisations including Australian Chairman of the global property association Urban Land Institute (ULI), Member of The Urban Taskforce Executive Committee, Fellow of the Australian Property Institute and Director of the Australian Residential Development Council. 
He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Building) degree from the University of Technology Sydney, along with business related qualifications from INSEAD and Chicago University.
 
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John Carfi takes top job at Aqualand

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McGrath has secured a strategic equity investment from Aqualand Group, one of Australia’s premier residential property development and investment groups.
The significant stake achieves "strategic commercial alignment" between McGrath and Aqualand, with Aqualand entitled to appoint a director to the board.
Aqualand has also agreed to grant McGrath the first right to discuss being appointed as an agent for new Aqualand projects expected to come to the market in future years, or provide property management services for leased apartments within new projects.
Aqualand was established in Australia in 2014 and has since generated a portfolio of 18 sites, with a collective gross development value of approximately $5 billion. Its project include Blue at Lavender Bay, the residential conversion of an 18 level commercial office building. 
Aqualand, along with Grocon and Scentre Group, were selected earlier this year to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/79605-grocon-aqualand-and-scentre-group-awarded-central-barangaroo-precinct" target="_blank">deliver the Central Barangaroo precinct. </a>
Aqualand Australia has former Mirvac head of residential, John Carfi, running its Sydney-focused operations.
Aqualand is also a vested corporate citizen, sponsoring sporting and cultural initiatives such as The Australian Ballet, Sydney Film Festival, Sculpture by the Sea (Bondi), and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Aqualand has advised McGrath that CEO of AL Capital, Wayne Mo, is their nominee to the board of directors of McGrath. 
The placement of 25,189,880 shares at $0.425 per share will take place in two tranches, with the second tranche of 11,568,042 shares subject to ordinary shareholder approval.
Following completion of both tranches, Aqualand will be the second largest shareholder of McGrath with a 15% relevant interest.
Under the first tranche, which has now completed, Aqualand has acquired an initial stake of 8.7% in McGrath.
The second tranche, which is conditional on McGrath shareholder approval, will give Aqualand a further interest of 6.3% in McGrath.
The agreement has an initial term of five years and can be renewed for two further terms of three years each by agreement between the parties.
The ASX update said the agreement would be terminated on a change of control of McGrath or if John McGrath ceases to have a substantial holding in McGrath and ceases to be actively involved in the management of McGrath.
John McGrath who founded the company, remains the largest shareholder and executive director.
He said the partnership showed confidence in McGrath.
“The addition of a new strategic shareholder in Aqualand, represents a great vote of confidence in the future of McGrath Limited.
"Aqualand is one of Australia’s highest quality property developmentand investment groups and its addition as a major shareholder and board representation provides McGrath the opportunity to continue to grow our Project Marketing expertise and develop even stronger ties with the inbound investment.”
McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas said its is an opportunity to grow the business.
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“The Australian real estate market is becoming more sophisticated and relationships and channels are more important than ever before," Lucas noted.
"Working closely with a major shareholder like Aqualand, which owns some of the best residential development sites in the country, represents a great opportunity to grow our business in project marketing. 
"The capital raised in the placement will also allow us to take advantage of any strategic acquisition opportunities that arise over the next couple of years. 
"McGrath is currently in a stabilisation and turnaround program and this transaction and relationship underpin our momentum to return to being Australia’s pre- eminent residential property brand.” 
AL Capital CEO Wayne Mo said Aqualand is pleased to enter into the strategic relationship with McGrath.
"We have observed McGrath for some time and have developed a positive view of the overall business operation and the capability of the McGrath leadership team. We believe McGrath has good potential for future growth and that this growth will only be enhanced by our new strategic relationship.” 
Earlier this year stockbroker Bell Potter called McGrath share's a sell, shortly after it bottomed at a then <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/79776-mcgrath-is-a-sell-says-float-stockbroker-bell-potter" target="_blank">all time low of 50 cents a share.</a>
The share price plummet and internal divisions on future directions prompted John McGrath to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/79665-john-mcgrath-returns-to-helm-at-mcgrath" target="_blank">take back over the reigns</a> of the agency.
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