Longton Property Group, a property development and real estate services group, has finally won approval from Botany Council for its $300 million Avantra project at Mascot and is now in the process of selecting a builder. Watpac, Built and Icon are the three firms left competing in the tendering process, with Longton to make a final decision by late April.

“The selection of a builder will be a tough choice as we know all three tenderers can deliver luxuriously-appointed, premium buildings,” said John Green, Project Director for Longton.

Avantra is located at 659-669 Gardeners Road, just three minutes walk from Mascot train station. The site has been cleared and construction is expected to start in June, with a two-year timeframe. More than half of the 328 apartments were sold when Avantra launched in mid-2013, prior to obtaining development approval, however Longton was required to address Botany Council issues regarding the proposed mix of apartments and their sizes.

Agreement was reached with Council and, in the process, Longton was granted an extra two storeys of height to the northern tower, allowing it to increase the size of the apartments and add further parking. The northern tower is now 12 levels with a infinity swimming pool, while the southern tower is 13 levels. Each building is interlinked by suspended skyway corridors and have rooftop communal gardens and views. It was designed by MD+A Architects.

“The new design is even better than the original, thanks to the input from Botany Council,” said Green. “It’s two storeys higher so views are improved, the apartments are larger and we’ve enhanced other features."

Belong Realty will relaunch Avantra shortly. The Avantra display centre is at Unit 4, 56 Church Avenue, Mascot.