Alister Eden Principal
Alister is a Principal in Architecture & Urban Design, with many years experience both in Australia and the UK.
Revitalising the former industrial outskirts of Parramatta into a vibrant master-planned community.
We designed the sixth stage of the Melrose Park development for our client Sekisui House. The design includes plans for 468 additional apartments and represents a significant step in transforming the former industrial precinct The proposal is the second planning submission for Melrose Park to be filed with the Sydney Central City Planning Panel this year, following the development application in March for 368 apartments in Stage 5, also designed by GroupGSA.
The Team:
Stage six comprises two towers ranging from 20 to 24 storeys, with an estimated end value of $470 million. It will offer a mix of dual-key multi-generational apartments and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units designed to cater to a wide range of demographics and provide greater housing choices within the locality.
Situated as the most northerly and topographically elevated site in the precinct, the two towers will contribute to this evolving skyline and serve as key urban markers along the Victoria Road corridor.
The development prioritises a strong landscaped design to enhance the residential experience, promoting a resort-style lifestyle with diverse internal and external communal spaces. A standout feature is the rooftop pool and recreation deck, designed in collaboration with landscape architects Aspect Studio. It offers residents panoramic views over the masterplan area and towards the Parramatta River and Sydney Olympic Parklands.
At the ground level, a lush, landscaped interface will enhance the surroundings and integrate the building with the public edges of the site. This includes a publicly accessible through-site link, forming part of a larger north-south connection that will link new residents with the central park, schools and future town centre.
At the ground level, a lush, landscaped interface will enhance the surroundings and integrate the building with the public edges of the site. This includes a publicly accessible through-site link, forming part of a larger north-south connection that will link new residents with the 6000 sqm central park, schools and future town centre.
The design incorporates a sophisticated palette of materials and fine detailing, aligning with the elevated repositioning of the master plan and Sekisui House Australia’s vision for Melrose Park.
Using masonry and pigmented concrete, combined with bronze and rose gold metal detailing, including a feature rooftop pergola, creates a shimmering effect that enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal.
The façade design subtlely references the effect of scattered light that filters through the trees, conceptualizing this as an arboreal community living high amongst the tree canopy.
When completed, the 30-hectare Melrose Park masterplan will include 6,000 new apartments.
>> See more at the SekiSui Melrose Park Village website.
