The PGGM-backed apt.Residential has purchased two commercial buildings in Ultimo, a suburb on the fringe of the city centre in Sydney, for A$55m (鈧33m), for conversion into rental apartments and studios.

The joint-venture partners intend to build a portfolio of more than 2,500 residential apartments in key capital cities, following PGGM鈥檚 commitment to invest A$1.5bn in the Sydney-based business in May this year.  

Matt Carolan, apt.Residential鈥檚 managing director, said the Ultimo site was close to a shopping centre and within walking distance of the city鈥檚 Central Station.

Carolan said: 鈥淲e think it is a prime location for high-quality rental apartments and studios.鈥

He added that work would commence as soon as there was a development plan for the buildings that would 鈥渉onour鈥 their heritage while maximising liveability for future residents. 

鈥淭he building鈥檚 heritage value to Ultimo and Sydney is important. By maintaining and restoring certain design elements, the site鈥檚 history will be celebrated in our development application,鈥 said Carolan.

PGGM Sydney

Source: PGGM

The buildings, which are currently let to commercial tenants, have a net lettable area of 7,796sqm. 

The first project of the PGGM-apt.Residential joint venture is currently under development in Meadowbanks in Sydney鈥檚 west which comprises 291 apartments, in a mixed used precinct, which will have an end value of A$280m.

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