Blanc Black launch first apartment development, Haven Northbridge
Rarely does a brand new apartment development come to market in Northbridge in Sydney's Lower North Shore, more well known for its harbourfront houses and original apartment blocks.
The recent launch of Haven Northbridge however has given buyers an opportunity to secure a brand new apartment in the exclusive suburb on Middle Harbour, the only brand new project on the market in Northbridge.
Developer Blanc Black have had architecture firm 3EM Architects work with interior designer Richards Stanisich and landscaper Dangar Barin Smith to create Haven Northbridge, a collection of just 11 apartments across the road from Shore Playing Fields.
There is a good mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, which either open to a landscaped garden courtyard or deep balconies with brick planter boxes to compliment the architecture.
3EM were inspired by the local nature surrounding the Eastern Valley Way site, in an exclusive haven within Northbridge, which inspired the name.
Blanc Black Director Luke Kim says the collaboration between the revered trio has resulted in simple yet sophisticated residences in Northbridge.
Kim says most of the enquiry has come from local downsizers and empty nesters, generally already living in the Lower North Shore.
"The typical scenario is that the downsizer couple have a larger, older house in the Lower North Shore and they are considering downsizing into our apartments because it allows them to stay in the area (in which they love) without compromise to the amenity and high-end living that they are accustomed to but with the added benefit of moving into brand new, boutique residences, which are nestled in a convenient location in the prestigious suburb of Northbridge," Kim says.
Kim says picking Northbridge was a no brainer. He and his family have lived in Northbridge for a number of years, so he has a deep connection with the area.
"We chose Northbridge for our flagship, multi-residential project for the same reason we decided to live here," Kim says.
The amenity was one of the key drivers, everything from cafes and restaurants, to some of Sydney's best schools, as well as the Northbridge Golf Course, Northbridge Sailing Club and Northbridge Baths.
Kim says the exclusive suburb offers a good blend of being in close proximity and an easy commute to the CBD, while also feeling like you're in nature, with the abundance of green open spaces, tree-lined streets, and extensive Sailors Bay and Middle Harbour views.
The Eastern Valley Way site was secured last year.
Kim says he said it is rare to find a site with such serenity and amenity, but convenientialy located close to Sydney CBD, North Sydney CBD and Chatswood BD.
"It is a surreal experience to be on site and surrounded by all the greenery, birds and sounds of water trickling down Sailors Bay Creek, when 5-10 mins ago you were passing the busy CBD and crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge," Kim says.
"We immediately knew that we would be able to create and curate something beyond a typical apartment project by offering a tranquil lifestyle and experience of living amongst nature and the canopy of trees – every day.
A builder is expected to be appointed in the coming months, with construction slated for the end of 2022. Completed is expected by late 2023 or early 2024.
Blanc Black have an established track record in the commercial and industrial development space, and expect Haven Northbridge to be the first of many multi-residential projects.