Search for builder continues at Mascot, Sydney's Avantra after delays

Developer Longton will choose between Watpac, Built and Icon to build their $300 million Mascot apartment project, Avantra.

The project has been delayed after Botany Council aired concerns over the development's proposed apartment sizes. The development has undergone several changes, including additional floors at the northern tower and increased parking.

Construction is now expected to begin in June with a completion date in 2017.

Avantra was first launched in mid-2013, before development approval was obtained. When Botany Council required Longton to address issues around the design of the Avantra project, more than half of its 328 apartments had already sold.

Longton are putting a positive spin on the construction delays, with a media release stating that "the delay in construction has not dampened the enthusiasm of the early purchasers who have benefited financially as apartment prices in Mascot have risen by around 20% over the past 18 months".

The three builders are currently in stage two of the tendering process, and Longton intends to choose a builder by late next month.

The project was "re-configured" by MD+A Architects, while Archer + Wright redesigned communal areas to increase privacy for residents.

The development, on a 8,762 square metre site near Mascot train station, will comprise two towers – the 12 storey northern tower and the 13 storey southern tower – linked by suspended walkways. Each tower will have communal rootop gardens, with the an infinity swimming pool topping the northern tower.

Longton project developer John Green says the company sought tenders from five builders due to Mascot's "never-before-seen features". The development will include open-air walkways with glass rooftops, mimicking streets. Atria which span the full height of the development are intended to circulate cool air to the apartments and provide natural light. There apartment complex will also come with its own social media network, branded as iCommunity.

Following delays, the sales campaign for the apartments has not yet relaunched, but Belong Realty intend to resume marketing shortly.