Apt.Residential has officially launched its Apt.Broadway co-living scheme in Sydney. Emcee Paul Nicolaou from Business Sydney, with The Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and The Rt.Hon. Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney, joined government dignitaries, project partners and stakeholders on-site yesterday to mark the occasion.
Located at 1-3 Smail Street in Ultimo, Apt.Broadway will see the adaptive re-use of an almost 120-year-old heritage building. The new scheme will comprise 160 premium co-living units in one of Sydney’s most connected and culturally dynamic neighbourhoods.
The development represents yet another chapter in the building’s life – evolving from a Grace Brothers warehouse to office building, and now to a next-generation living offering -demonstrating how heritage can be preserved while addressing the future housing needs of the city.
“Apt.Broadway reflects a new model for urban living – design-led, flexible and community-focused, in the locations where people most want to be. What makes this project particularly powerful is its story: we’re not starting from scratch, we’re building on history.
“Together with AJC and Alexander & Co, we’ve approached this project with a deep respect for the building’s past, while creating a living experience that feels entirely modern, intuitive and relevant for today’s renter.”
Matt Carolan, Managing Director, Apt.Residential
Designed by AJC Architects, with interiors by Australian design studio Alexander & Co, Apt.Broadway brings together architectural integrity and highly considered, design-led living environments – carefully balancing the building’s historic character with a contemporary residential experience.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Scully highlighted the scheme as a ‘strong example’ of how government and industry can work together to deliver well-located living accommodation, while supporting sustainable city growth and vibrant precincts.
Apt.Broadway demonstrates the value of adaptive re-use, significantly reducing environmental impact by retaining the existing structure. The development is expected to reduce upfront carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared to a new build and avoid over 2,300 tonnes of CO₂e, while preserving the architectural integrity of the site.
“Ultimo and Broadway are among Sydney’s most dynamic urban neighbourhoods -where education, culture and innovation converge. Apt.Broadway has been designed to reflect that energy, while contributing to the long-term evolution of the precinct.
“This is about more than delivering housing – it’s about creating places that support connection, sustainability and a better way of living in the city.”
Matt Carolan, Managing Director, Apt.Residential
Positioned in the heart of Ultimo, the development sits within walking distance of Broadway Shopping Centre, the University of Technology, Central Station, the University of Sydney, TAFE NSW and the CBD, placing residents at the centre of Sydney’s education, innovation and cultural ecosystem.
The scheme also contributes to the ongoing revitalisation of the Broadway and Ultimo precinct, activating Smail Street and supporting a more connected, walkable neighbourhood through new residential density and a curated retail and food and beverage offering.
Apt.Broadway reflects the growing need for operational living models in addressing Sydney’s housing supply challenge – providing professionally managed, flexible rental options that support community-focused living close to jobs, transport and education.
Today’s launch also signals Apt.Residential’s broader commitment to the precinct, with a second adjacent development planned for Mountain Street, expected to deliver a further 110 to 120 Build to Rent apartments alongside a new retail and dining precinct, to be realised through an architectural design competition.
