Parramatta. All apartments sold

The impending end of the off-the-plan stamp duty concessions for NSW property investors has helped Crown International Holdings sell all apartments in stage one of its $300 million, 27-storey V tower on the corner of Macquarie, Marsden and Hunter streets in the Parramatta CBD. The developer has now moved onto selling stage two apartments.

Parramatta City Council has approved an application by Crown International Holdings to increase by two storeys the height of the approved 27 storey residential building. The initial DA had 367 apartments in the project; the revised DA has 422 apartments. Also, commercial space on levels one to four will be turned into serviced apartments. The building will contain a conference/function facility.

Auburn. Harvey Norman goes solar

Retailer Harvey Norman, based in Auburn, plans to be a market leader in the domestic solar industry after placing a substantial order for user-friendly solar panels with US-based Westinghouse. Harvey Norman said the uptake of solar energy in Australia was stronger than in most other parts of the world, with over 830 megawatts sold in the local market in 2011.

Sydney Olympic Park. 2014 Rotary convention

The 2014 Rotary International Convention will be held in June and is expected to attract up to 18,000 delegates who will spend 72,000 delegate days in Sydney and deliver an economic impact of $60.5 million to the state. “BESydney [Business Events Sydney] worked hand in hand with the NSW Government and Sydney Olympic Park Authority on venue options. We showcased the flexibility, diversity and passion that ‘Team Sydney’ had to offer the Rotary event in 2014. This has delivered a fantastic outcome for Sydney, NSW and Australia’s global reputation” said the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris.