National property developer and construction group, Traders In Purple, has lodged a development application for 52 homes in Moss Vale that provide wider living options for local downsizers and families priced out of the Sydney market.
Around 56 per cent of Moss Vale residents are singles or couples without children, yet 86 per cent of homes in the locality are separate houses with very little medium density housing available.
The homes are proposed for a 2.1-hectare site on Argyle St zoned for medium density residential housing with a mix of three and four bedroom terraces and villas with generous courtyards. The $65 million development is also proposed to include a Village Green for residents to enjoy the outdoors and engage with their neighbours. The density and height of the proposal are less than those specified in council’s planning instruments.
Care has been taken to design contemporary homes that reflect the architectural character of the Southern Highlands with high pitched roofs and an abundance of landscaping. Six free-standing homes screened by existing trees are proposed on Argyle St, in keeping with neighbouring homes, with the townhouses and villas set behind.
Traders In Purple NSW Development Director Thomas Zdun said the development proposal had been shaped after consultation with the local community who were looking for an alternative to the limited range of housing types currently available.
“There is clearly high demand for homes that offer a low maintenance lifestyle so that people can move out of houses that are now too large and difficult to maintain,” said Mr Zdun.
“The lack of medium density housing in Moss Vale is forcing many older couples to remain in homes that are no longer appropriate to their needs. They have lived most of their lives in Moss Vale and want to remain in a place where they have friends and a strong support network but can’t move because there is no suitable housing available.
“We also spoke with a number of young families and couples unable to afford the high price of a house in Moss Vale where the median price has risen 30 per cent in the past 12 months.
“With the option to work from home during Covid, a number of young professionals and families moved to well-established regional areas like Moss Vale but there are also many who grew up here and want to remain, close to family and in the town they know and love.”
Traders In Purple National Marketing and Sales Director Nathalie Pasterfield said community feedback had shown a positive response to the architectural style of the development which reflected the country charm of the Southern Highlands.
“Our architects, Bonus + Associates and Duet, are incredibly talented at creating places that are contemporary but homely and this is what the community is telling us they want to see at Moss Vale,” said Ms Pasterfield.
“There are also practical considerations that we have taken into account such as sustainable homes with renewable energy, private outdoor living space, natural light and a pleasant garden outlook.
“We tweaked some aspects of the design but were encouraged to see many who took part in the community consultation already looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”
Traders In Purple acquired the site in November 2021 and is looking to launch sales in late 2023.
