‘Overwhelmed by interest’: Mirvac’s new Darling Harbour high rise popular with downsizers

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Mirvac's Harbourside development is experiencing strong demand from local buyers and downsizers keen on space, location and amenity, with the developer juggling 'extraordinary interest'.

Commanding a prime position just over the bridge to Tumbalong and Pyrmont Bay, Harbourside Residences is part of a $2 billion skyline-changing project from Mirvac that will revitalise the former 1980's-built Harbourside Shopping Centre site.

Despite the unpredictable market, Mirvac has seen 'extraordinary' interest since opening up to enquiry.

"The display suite is open seven days and week and we are seeing extraordinary interest. We've been having back-to-back appointments all day long, every day," said Mirvac's Project Director, Anthony Green.

Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Stuart Penklis, has noted that existing Mirvac customers as well as 'right sizers' who wish for low-maintenance living without compromising space, are leading enquiries into the project.

"We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest, particularly from our loyal Mirvac customers... We are seeing predominantly local interest from upgraders and right sizers coming out of established suburbs where they are downsizing out of larger family homes," Mr Penklis said.

Mirvac's Harbourside is set to transform Sydney CBD's western fringe with a world-class precinct that CEO of Development, Stuart Penklis, believes is "the missing piece to Darling Harbour," revitalising the former '80s shopping centre into a mixed-use waterfront sanctuary.


It's a trend noted by PropTrack Senior Data Analyst, Karen Dellow.

"Demand for low-maintenance living from downsizers and cashed-up professionals is [a big] factor in the development of larger, luxury apartments," she said.

In collaboration with Norway's Snøhetta and Australia's Hassell Architects, the residential tower comprises 263 one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across 48 levels.

Promising incredible 360-degree views, residents can take their pick of Sydney Harbour with water and city skyline views to the north and east, panoramas of Sydney’s south and westerly sunset views toward the Blue Mountains.

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Mirvac has found the interest in the property to be 'extraordinary'. Here, the resident's outdoor resort-style pool with cabanas is surrounded by a landscaped terrace, offering incredible views of the CBD. All landscaping has plants endemic to the area.


The development is part of a wider $2 billion revitalisation by Mirvac, which promises to completely transform the former '80s-built Harbourside Shopping Centre site into a mixed-use, tree-filled oasis on the harbour foreshore.

Years of effort and consideration have been put into the design of Harbourside as a place of connection to people and place. Mirvac worked with First Nation's community to understand the site, which was formerly shared country between clans.

It was therefore important to Mirvac, Snøhetta and Hassell to honour this heritage by incorporating public space into the design, as well as integrating 115,000 native plants to the formerly barren site.

Once complete, Mirvac will deliver a green, lush ridge at the building's base – topped by green roofs and solar farms. The levels will include commercial offices, a variety of retail and eateries and over 10,000sqm of public open space, including a new waterfront promenade and 3,500sqm waterfront park.

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The location affords exceptional views no matter which orientation residents choose, giving the feel of living in a truly global city.

The location affords exceptional views no matter which orientation residents choose, giving the feel of living in a truly global city.


The clever multi-layered mixed-use base sees the luxury residential tower start a few levels up, meaning that even the apartments on level one will enjoy some of Sydney's best views.

The building will feature an entire floor of high-end amenity, including an outdoor resort-style pool with cabanas, a landscaped terrace and yoga/Pilates space, indoor lap pool and spa, plus wellness facilities including steam room and sauna.

There are also private indoor facilities such as a lounge, dining room with kitchen, cinema and double-storey golf simulator.

Renowned Bates Smart are behind the sophisticated interiors, showcasing a mix of natural tones and textures such as timber and stone, with Gaggenau appliances.

The team were assisted by cultural design and research practice Djinjama and cultural heritage advisors Bila Heritage to ensure that the project honours and acknowledges First Nations history.

Snøhetta and Hassell took inspiration from native palms used to weave dillybags, for example. Not only will these native palms be planted on site, but the design of the tower facade takes on a woven aesthetic in a direct nod to the cultural practice.

The facade of Harbourside is a nod to Indigenous dillybags, woven from the leaves of native palms.


The sandstone embankments of Sydney harbour also inform design choices throughout Harbourside, with warm and ochre tones incorporated as one of the interior colourway options.

Harbourside has existing ferry and light rail access, and Darling Harbour is set for the new Pyrmont Metro station in 2032.

Due for completion in 2027, Harbourside Residences has one-bedroom apartments starting from mid to high $1 million, but pricing is yet to be secured.

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