Eco World Lodges $56m Macquarie Park Plans

Malaysian developer Eco World International wants to build a $55.5-million apartment tower within a cluster of new high-density developments on Sydney’s North Shore.

The proposed 16-storey building would have 124 dwellings including duplexes and townhouses and be built at 1-3 Lachlan Avenue, Macquarie Park, next to Frasers Property’s Midtown MacPark.

The proposal would replace existing mid-rise residential buildings on the site and include 107 car parks within two basement levels, a rooftop outdoor space with gym and shared facilities on the ground level including workspaces.

The developer behind Yarra One purchased the 2751sq m site in 2017 using an agreement with 25 unit owners and took full ownership in September 2020.

Originally Eco World planned to purchase the adjoining site and made “fair and reasonable attempts” to acquire 155 Herring Road, making two offers to the landowners.

The plans by Bureau SRH architects show a mix of dwelling types with 36 one-bedroom, 77 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom units along with 15 two-bedroom duplexes and eight townhouses.

The latest application builds on “strategic objectives for Macquarie Park with the delivery of a residential development providing additional housing within proximity of a major education and employment hub”.

“It is intended that the proposal will contribute positively to the emerging character of the high-density residential precinct that forms the surrounding area, whilst respecting and valuing the existing residential development and uses within proximity of the site,” the application said.

“The development will provide local housing with a mix of unit typologies that is close to public transport, infrastructure, and services.”

Macquarie Park residential plans ramp up

The Eco World project backs onto Frasers Property’s Midtown MacPark, which was fast-tracked by the state government during the start of the pandemic.

The 8.2ha former Ivanhoe Estate integrated social housing redevelopment has 3300 homes including 128 affordable homes, 950 social housing dwellings and 273 seniors living homes.

Housing NSW was granted approval in April, 2020 to transform the 15 blocks in Macquarie Park as well as adding a new primary school, town plaza and 2.8ha of open space.

Frasers Property unveiled its vision for the site in September with the first apartments designed by designed by Bates Smart.

Stamford Land Corporation has plans for Macquarie Park Village, at 110-114 Herring Road, a seven-building residential estate with 700 residential apartments and 1000sq m of mixed use retail commercial space.

In the broader Macquarie Park region there are a number of business hubs under development including Stockland’s M_Park and Frasers and Winten Property Group’s Macquarie Exchange.