Metro Residences - Chatswood

Where: Above Chatswood Railway Station
Who: COX & DesignInc (architects) ISPT & Galileo (developers)
Types: 1 bdrm/2bdrm/3bdrm
Price range: 470-540k (1 bdrm - NE corner); 825-985k (2 bdrm - NE corner) 

Size: approx 72sqm - 103sqm (1 & 2 bdrm)

Strata: Approx. $600-700/q (1 bdrm); $1300/q (2 bdrm)

Available: Late 2013 - Early 2014

Showroom: 391 Victoria Ave, Chatswood Open daily 10am - 4pm

 What we thought

The Chatswood development sells primarily on its excellent location - three towers (of which two are currently selling) straddling the recently redeveloped Chatswood railway station. The suburb has long been a densely populated pocket in the otherwise more roomy north shore, but this development galvanises, and even sells on, the appeal of the inner city high-rise lifestyle, only it's not in the city. 

In addition to the redeveloped Chatswood Station, which lies at the junction of the North Shore train line and new Chatswood to Epping line, is the nearly completed Civic Place. It will comprise on a new, and so far quite stunning looking, public library, a concert hall and theatre and large landscaped public space. If Chatswood was previously the suburb of the shopping mall and the high rise, Civic Place has the potential to reinvigorate and enliven the key corridor from the Station right down Victoria Avenue to Chatswood Chase.
Without a display unit (save a mock-up of a bathroom & kitchen), what we discern from the architecture renders and building model shows a competently executed development with a good standard of finishes. An openess of space is immediately apparent with its generous floor to ceiling windows through the apartment. Openable windows offer an opportunity for natural ventilation, however, the lack of apparent external sunshading on the facade seems to subtract from that green intention. The wintergardens offer a transition space between interior and exterior, without creating the all-too-often ugly balcony spaces that don't get much use except as storage spaces.
The "VIP" expired on February 15th, which allowed prospective buyers to register their interest with a deposit. The official sale launch date is the 5th March.

http://www.metroresidences.com.au/

Sugar Dock - Pyrmont

Where: 41 Refinery Drive, Pyrmont
Who: Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (architects) Lend Lease (developers)
Types: 110 apartments - 2bdrm/3bdrm
Price range: 1.2m - 2.3m
Size: approx 100sqm - 125sqm
Strata: $1400-$1500 /q
Available: now

What we thought

The Sugar Dock apartment tower is already complete and sold out. It goes without saying there are great harbour views and Anzac Bridge views on the north and west sides of the tower, and city and Harbour Bridge views to the east. 

The new overseas passenger terminal is being developed at White Bay, situated just across the water from Pyrmont, which could produce some noise or ruin the view.

The location is a good blend of quiet, almost suburban living - albeit in a tower, combined with being so close to the city. The tower will share an outdoor pool (atop the low level podium) and a gymnasium with its sister tower Silk - to be completed mid-2012. If you can afford it you can't go wrong.

 

Rating

Design: 7/10

Location: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Overall: 7.5/10

Website: www.sugardock.com.au/