THE major redevelopment of the Bathurst Convention and Function Centre site has reached a milestone, with homes now being purchased.
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Robert and Jo Barlow bought the 3000 square metre Howick Street site in 2015 and in August, 2016, Bathurst Regional Council approved their plans for a nine-lot subdivision.
The plans included a major restoration of the 1858 house, Arndilly House, converting the existing convention centre and former squash courts into residences and the construction of eight new townhouses.
When asked why he wanted to embark on such a complex and demanding project, Mr Barlow said he felt he was in a position to meet the demand for this kind of housing in Bathurst.
“I had a connection to the previous owners of the convention centre and I have a deep interest in preserving old buildings,” he added.
While construction isn’t quite complete, the Barlows’ vision for a high quality development that fits the heritage of the area is starting to be seen.
Homes with street frontage have the physical characteristics of heritage properties, while one home tucked up the back of the development has been designed to look very modern.
Several of the homes are just awaiting the finishing touches, while two of the properties were sold off the plan by Elders Nicoll and Ireland real estate.
“It is encouraging,” Mr Barlow said.
“It is great that people have trust that they are going to have a really great home off the plan.”
The homes in the development range in price from $549,000 to $849,000.
Elders Nicoll and Ireland branch manager David Nicoll said it is extremely hard to sell properties off the plan in Bathurst and the fact this development had achieved it twice was testament to its quality.
“These are right in town, Torrens Title, high-end properties,” he said.
“It is a very unique offering, probably the most substantial development since Macquarie Manors.”
Mr Nicoll said the target market for ‘Arndilly’ is young professionals and retirees.
Interest in the development has been coming largely from these demographics, with those making inquiries often looking to be owner-occupiers.
Mr Nicoll has been involved in the sale of other large developments, but said he had never come across one with as much attention to detail and quality as ‘Arndilly’.
Inside the homes, you see features such as genuine timber floors, high vaulted ceilings and double hung windows.
No two homes look the same inside, and the outside is not much different.
“What Robert is trying to do is create a high-end, eclectic development that provides individuality whilst maintaining the connection with the heritage,” Mr Nicoll said.
“All these [features] add up; they add to the living experience, they make you feel like you’re walking into a palace.”
He said the care that has been taken with the design of these homes will ensure they remain timeless in years to come.
Elders Nicoll and Ireland will hold the first open inspection of homes one, two and three on Saturday, January 20.
For more details, call Mr Nicoll on 6330 7200.