CONSTRUCTION is now officially underway on the first stage of Mulpha’s $1 billion Norwest Quarter masterplanned development in Sydney.
Michael Edgar, general manager of Hills Shire Council, Tim Spencer, head of developments and Simon Gobbo, general manager of Parkview Constructions, were all in attendance at the site to turn the first soil and mark the official commencement on the first stage of the zero-carbon residential and retail precinct.
“After working extensively with Parkview Construction to quality control and deliver new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction, we are excited to commence construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter which will be one of the most ambitious in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations,” said Spencer.
“Despite difficult market conditions for the construction industry, Mulpha with the support of its top-tier partners is on track to deliver the first zero carbon precinct in the Hills, testament to its strong sustainability credentials and longevity in the Australian industry.”
The first stage of the development will include two residential apartment buildings, to be known as Banksia and Lacebark, comprising 196 apartments, in addition to more than 3,500sqm of sustainably led retail and commercial space including a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.
“Our off-the-plan buyers in Norwest Quarter can be confident that we are committed to delivering quality apartment buildings that far exceed minimum code requirements, whilst simultaneously setting new benchmarks in lifestyle design, community focused wellness, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment,” added Spencer.
Residences at Norwest Quarter are set to consume two-thirds less energy than the typical code compliant apartment, as well as cutting costs for residents by as much as 25%.
“Parkview is proud to partner with Mulpha in delivering such an important milestone in construction history, the first of what we hope will be many such collaborations in bringing zero-carbon projects to life,” said Gobbo.
The two buildings will include rooftop solar, electric vehicle charging, centralised air-conditioning, in addition to high efficiency lighting and appliances, that will be 100% electric.
Quarter buyers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages as a result of strong sustainability at the project, possibly providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.
“Mulpha’s foresight into sustainable practices and initiatives ensures this iconic residential and retail precinct will be future proofed for communities and generations to come. We look forward to helping deliver tomorrow’s buildings, today,” added Gobbo.
The community will also feature sustainable initiatives such as communal electric BBQs, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes that will be constantly measured against key performance indicators.
“It is testament to Mulpha’s belief in our Shire and the Norwest Business Park. It has been a while in the planning, and I am really pleased with the focus on building design, attention to detail and the ambitious sustainability measures,” said Edgar.
“It is a commendable goal and shows a deliberate intent to make this building resilient into the future. It is essential we see confidence return to the apartment market and that can only be achieved through good design, efficient use of technology, good use of materials, good sense of place, quality workmanship and a determination to contribute to the public domain.”
