28 October 2016
JQZ’s vision for master-planned community on former Darrell Lea factory site in Kogarah
Ramsgate Park’ set to attract local community in addition to residents
Sydney-based developer, JQZ’s vision for its master-planned community on the 3.3-hectare former Darrell Lea factory site in Kogarah is firmly focused on engaging the local community.

Located at 152-206 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah, the PTW designed mixed-use master-planned community ‘Ramsgate Park’ will include approximately 550 apartments across four residential buildings, as well as 20 townhouses.

Jian Qiu Zhang, Founder and CEO of JQZ, said the site is perfect for a new master-planned community.

“It’s really exciting and satisfying to know we will be turning this renowned but now derelict site into a thriving residential community. Darrell Lea is an Australian icon so it’s gratifying to know we are giving new life to the site.”

“This site is ideal for a residential community as residents of Sydney’s south don’t currently have too many options to purchase a brand new contemporary apartment in the local area. Many of the locals have been here for generations, so it’s great to provide them with a new way of living with all the related conveniences that come with a new development. This proposition is quite unique to this area of Sydney. Sydney’s south is yet to fully adopt this highly sought after high density living model.”

“It will be uniquely positioned midway between two large bodies of water – Botany Bay and George’s River. It will also be bordered by Claydon Reserve, Leo Smith Reserve and Scarborough Park, making it ideal for families who require large expanses of green spaces. And our design will allow better access to these amenities for the general public”.

Simon Parsons, Director, PTW said the project will be different to anything currently available in the area and that it’s designed to encourage community access.

“The project’s scheme is designed with the buildings positioned on the outer edges of the site to accommodate a large-scale green communal space in the middle. The four apartment buildings will sit in each corner of the site and the 20 townhouses, each with rooftop terrace gardens, will run along the southern side.”

“The brief was to create a communal space that the local community will be able to access via a central pathway. It will be a large expanse of green space that will allow all manner of activities on it.”

“In terms of landscaped gardens, these will sit on the roof tops of the apartment buildings. Some will be communal and some apartments will have their own private roof top gardens. Views of Botany Bay and Sydney’s CBD will be available from level three upwards. The development will also include a new childcare centre for the local community and a gym for residents to provide further convenience.”

“We have grown substantially, and continue to grow… but quality, trust and humility will never be compromised in the name of profit. Our vision is to create long-term relationships with our clients and we rely on their repeat business. We achieve this through meticulous attention to detail, a dedication to excellence in every facet of our process, and careful planning in order to meet each and every individual’s requirements”.

Ian Bennett, Director, Project Marketing, Colliers International, said there have been plenty of enquiries from locals who can see the benefits of the location and connectivity.

“The extensively landscaped roof top terraces with seating and BBQ areas have been of great interest to potential buyers as they will offer residents elevated outlooks northward to the CBD and east to Botany Bay and out through the heads. They have clearly seen what lifestyle benefits are on offer with a master-planned community like this. We’ve had enquiries from families, retirees and empty nesters, as well as investors. Its showing very broad appeal,” he said.

Site of former Darrell Lea factory

The site was formerly the factory of confectioner Darrell Lea for many decades. The Brisbane based Quinn family of VIP Pet Foods bought Darrell Lea in 2012, but in 2014 they closed the factory and moved the Darrell Lea manufacturing business to Ingleburn, on Sydney’s south-west fringe. Since then the factory site has been vacant.

Perfectly positioned master-planned community

Kogarah has been identified as a ‘strategic centre’ by the NSW government. This community will be perfectly located within two to three kilometres of the major employment hubs of Hurstville and Kogarah. Kogarah is home to St George Bank’s head office, which once its major renovation is complete, should result in 3,000 jobs on the site.

“Choosing the site is the most important decision we make as a development company. Convenience for our buyers and the lifestyle offering is paramount to us and this location fits the bill” added Mr Zhang.

Construction is expected to commence in January 2017 and will be undertaken by JQZ’s own in-house building service.

Colliers International have been appointed as the sales agents and expect to launch the first stage of 289 apartments and 9 town houses at the end of November 2016.

For more information, visit ramsgatepark.com.au or call 1800 579 688.