Norwest Quarter: Developer Mulpha’s plans for 40 Solent Circuit, Norwest

A $1 billion plan for the Hills’ first zero-carbon precinct has received a key tick of approval. See what’s proposed.

A $1 billion towering green village is one step closer to transforming a burgeoning Hills’ suburb after construction was approved for the first two towers.

The Norwest Quarter is an ambitious plan to transform over 3.8ha into a vibrant village centre for more than 2000 residents.

The site is located at 40 Solent Circuit, Norwest – about 400m from the Norwest Metro Station and 1.3km from of Bella Vista Public School.

Now, the developer, Mulpha, has received the tick of approval to commence construction on the precinct’s first towers — the Lacebark and Banksia buildings — in June.

Mulpha’s head of development Tim Spencer told The Hills Shire Times the zero carbon precinct would be the first of its kind in the Hills.

The Lacebark building. Picture: Mulpha

“The design of both buildings far exceeds standard sustainability regulations with best practice passive design principles and high-performance environmental initiatives throughout,” he said.

According to Mr Spencer, much of the proposal’s carbon neutrality comes from design elements, such as natural light, heating and cooling.

Artist impressions of the Quarter contain plenty of green spaces

“Water sensitivity is also massive and … a big part of our climate action has to be waste, so we’ve done a lot of work around waste reduction and reuse,” Mr Spencer said.

“Sustainability is the number one differentiator for us in the marketplace at the moment because the general public has become so much more aware of sustainability off the back of climate awareness.

“I believe people will choose to live here for the opportunity to be part of a community, aiming for a better future, targeting 100 per cent renewable energy, reduced waste, and efficient use of resources including water.”

When complete, the Banksia building will contain 115 apartments and the Lacebark building will contain 81 apartments.

The Banksia building's residents lounge and pool. Picture: Mulpha

Banksia will also have a resident-only podium rooftop with swimming pool, sunlit garden, resident lounge, work from home pods, and function room for hire, while Lacebark will feature a resident lounge and a garden, complete with a kitchen, sundeck, and BBQs.

After Lacebark and Banksia are built, there will be subsequent stages of construction, with two new buildings per stage.

In total, the Norwest Quarter will contain nine residential towers and 864 apartments, with 6000 sqm of space for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities. Seventy per cent of this carbon neutral precinct will consist of open green space.