25 February 2012: Construction has started on a $300 million, 1.6 hectare landmark development in Victoria Park. The mixed-use ‘East Village” precinct, is set to revitalise Sydney’s Inner East and will deliver a 10,000 square metre fresh, fine-food retail precinct along with 206 new residential apartments.

East Village is the brainchild of urban renewal specialist PAYCE, in partnership with world-class design team Turner + Associates, Hassell and Koichi Takada Architects.

According to PAYCE General Manager, Dominic Sullivan, East Village will offer Sydney a unique culinary experience, and a new way of living for its residents.

“Inspired by the world’s finest culinary destinations – including Barcelona’s Boqueria, New York’s Chelsea Markets and London’s Portobello Road – the East Village retail precinct will showcase Sydney’s freshest and finest international and homegrown cuisine,” he said.

“Evoking the rustic, earthy elements of a high-end urban market place, the independent, artisan-style boutique delis, European café/bars and fine-dining restaurants will create a dynamic social hub, drawing crowds from across the city.”

Above the thriving retail precinct will sit 206 contemporary apartments nestled around an expansive 6,500 square metre private Sky Park. One of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the expansive rooftop parkland will incorporate lush, landscaped gardens, shaded walkways, water features, BBQ and picnic areas.

Residents will enjoy private access to this tranquil oasis, 18 metres above ground level. The parkland theme has been meticulously reflected throughout the residential and retail elements of East Village by emerging architect Koichi Takada. Thoughtful design features, such as multiple park aspects and reflective mirrors, have been incorporated throughout the apartments to create bright, spacious homes, while an atrium floods the retail precinct offering an abundance of natural light.

Dominic Sullivan added, “East Village is an example of visionary and innovative urban design that reflects the attention to detail and premium quality PAYCE is renowned for. By incorporating best practice design principles from across the globe and remaining true to PAYCE’s ethos of creating organic, sustainable communities that cater to the needs of the busy urban lifestyle, we are confident of delivering a landmark residential precinct that leaves a positive legacy for Sydney.”