The Flour Mill of Summer Hill has been 11 years in the making, giving buyers plenty of time to decide whether it’s the right place for them. “Before we launched two years ago, the project had been nine years in the making,” said Colliers International Residential Director Ian Bennett, who is now selling stages 3 and 4 of the development.

“People had been watching the development for a long time and looking forward to seeing how it would evolve. There are not too many old mill conversion opportunities like this left in Sydney—especially ones that are turning silos into apartments.”

The old flour mill built by Mungo Scott in 1922 has been reinvigorated by multidisciplinary design practice Hassell and development by EG and Daiwa House. Construction began in early 2015 and stages 3 and 4 will release 233 studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments located in the Flour Mill’s existing silos.

Hassell has taken its cues from the Flour Mill’s landmark silos to echo the site’s industrial proportions, retaining the remarkable heritage and form. The three vertical layers of the nine-storey Malthouse work in unison to celebrate the building’s industrial heritage. A central vertical cut-out creates a 20-metre high void in the lobby while horizontal cut outs on each level form a spinal corridor open at the northern and southern ends.

Each apartment has been cleverly designed to bring the outside in – balconies and windows have been carefully placed to provide an interesting outlook from every aspect while maximising natural light and airflow. Stunning vistas extend across the Flour Mill’s landscaped gardens and heritage architecture to the city skyline. The four circular towers of the original wheat silos, dubbed the Durum Silos now form 56 contemporary apartments across 14 storeys, at the peak of which sit two penthouse apartments with roof terraces enjoying spectacular 360 degree views.

The Granary has been converted to one and two bedroom apartments that mimic the scale of the original buildings. Finally, housing 27 two and three bedroom apartments, The Wheatstore’s triangular structure stands out as the only design within the Flour Mill that started from scratch. The 360 contemporary apartments and terraces are surrounded by landscaped communal gardens, retail and commercial spaces and abundant connectivity.

Locals have embraced the development, says Bennett. “Around 80 to 85 per cent of the interest for the development is coming from the immediate area [in which it] appears. This includes word of mouth, which shows Summer Hill is one of those parochial communities that talk between themselves—everyone knows what is going on,” said Bennett.

“We also had a 50/50 owner-occupier to investor return in stages 1 and 2 and expect this to reoccur [in stages 3 and 4]. A high portion of three-bedroom apartments will naturally lend itself more to the owner-occupier market,” said Bennett. Stage 3 has 34 one-bedroom apartments; which Bennett predicts will appeal to first home buyers because of their affordability.

In stages 1 and 2, Bennett said family members or friends were buying two or three apartments, one to live in and one for investment. “This indicates long-term planning,” he said.

“Potential buyers understand the amazing location and connectivity. Residents have three transport options: light rail, a train station and bus services surrounding the development. You’re also within walking distant to some great schools and the appeal of the village community is uncontested.”

Construction of The Flour Mill at Summer Hill is scheduled for completion at the end of 2017.

By Louise Jeckells