Green Square’s transformation from industrial zone to thriving residential hub has stepped up a gear as construction begins on a landmark tower.
Infinity by Crown Group, the latest project from Australian property developer Crown Group, which saw more than $380 million worth of apartments sold in one day last year; has officially commenced construction after CEO Iwan Sunito and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore attended a ground-breaking ceremony today.
Set to become one of Green Square’s most recognised structures, the 20-storey building designed by Koichi Takada Architects will be distinguished by its unique looped shape and a large void in its north-facing façade, allowing natural light to penetrate Infinity Apartments' 1180-sqm central landscaped plaza.
The $575-million development will sit on the corner of Bourke Street and Botany Road – with pedestrian access from Green Square’s new Ebsworth Street and will feature approximately 30 retail outlets, restaurants and cafés; as well as a conference centre to hold 450 people.
Improved public transport access forms part of the design; with the extension of an underground pedestrian walkway and construction of a new wheelchair access lift linking Botany Road’s public plaza with Green Square train station.
Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito said he envisaged Infinity by Crown Group would become a residential and retail hub, as well as a continued driver of collaboration and innovation within the new Green Square Town Centre.
“Infinity by Crown Group has been an exceptional project from the start – from the first stages of development and design selection through to the most successful sales launch in Crown Group’s history,” Mr Sunito said.
“We are proud to mark this milestone as construction starts at Infinity by Crown Group today,” he said.
The company’s vision for Infinity by Crown Group was to create an icon in Sydney for decades to come, Mr. Sunito said.
“Infinity by Crown Group will set a new benchmark in city living and architecture,” he added.
The ground-breaking event comes just days after The City of Sydney revealed new images of the Green Square development’s pedestrian-friendly streets; including Ebsworth Street, home to one of Infinity apartments’ striking façades.
The City of Sydney has committed $540 million over the next 10 years to build facilities and infrastructure in Green Square including a library, a civic plaza, a new park and playing fields, an aquatic leisure centre and a new childcare centre; part of an $8-billion redevelopment of the 278-hectare Green Square precinct.
The New South Wales government envisions the Green Square development to revitalise the industrial edge of Sydney. UrbanGrowthNSW, a state owned corporation, are a major land owner for Green Square; however, not of the site for Infinity by Crown Group.
With one of the fastest growing population projections in Sydney at 61,000 people and 21,000 new permanent jobs forecast by 2030, Green Square is adapting to the pressures of population density by providing multi-use precincts with community oriented design.
According to Crown Group, a demographic shift in lifestyle preference for young professionals and students to live solely and close to the inner city and Infinity Apartment’s proximity to the CBD, positions the building as a lifestyle set to continue attracting this market to the area, who will, in turn, grow to build the community of Green Square.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Infinity by Crown Group was emblematic of what the City hoped to achieve at Green Square, one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Australia.
“When completed, Infinity apartments will be home to hundreds of new residents, Infinity’s eateries and retail outlets will facilitate new jobs, while a new conference facility in the building will attract new events to Green Square,” the Lord Mayor said.
The one-of-a kind design featuring custom-made, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a spectacular rooftop terrace was awarded the 2014 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Concept Design award.
Not limited to one accolade, Infinity by Crown Group received Honourable Mention in the American Architecture Awards for architectural design and mixed use architecture, 2016.
Infinity apartment’s tiered structure on the development’s south side – complete with cascading external gardens – will provide year-round daylight to south-facing apartments; with apartments on the northern-side will capture northern views and light from the north.
Renowned for award-winning resort-style facilities, Crown Group will provide residents with an infinity edge pool, spa, gym, music room with a baby-grand piano, media theatre, a roof-top terrace and residents’ sky lounge with stunning views of Sydney’s CBD.
Architect Koichi Takada said the highly-visible site was a chance to start with a blank canvas and strive to create something new and exciting.
Infinity apartments have a sustainable focus with solar access to apartments and solar panels, rainwater collection and spatial considerations that make use of communal gardens to foster community and social interaction.
With the Green Square development focused on generating community, stakeholders aim to enhance the utility of city living whilst providing the relaxation of suburbia.
Through increased transportation access at the Ebsworth St station in Green Square Infinity is 4 kms from Sydney airport and 3kms from Sydney’s CBD, enhancing its position as a significant urban renewal project.
Infinity by Crown Group is scheduled for completion in 2019.
