Ten years on from successfully starting its first project – a residential development in Turramurra – Aqualand has grown into an integrated property group with an $11bn pipeline across the living, hospitality and commercial sectors.

The company’s growth and success over the past decade reflects an approach to working closely with governments, stakeholders and local communities, that comes directly from the top. Aqualand Managing Director Jin Lin explains.

“Our vision is to create vibrant, lifestyle and transport-oriented communities that enhance the living standards of both our residents and the surrounding community Delivering outstanding destinations that leave a positive legacy ” said Mr Lin.  

Aqualand’s most recent accomplishment is the landmark residential lifestyle precinct, AURA by Aqualand, that has become the catalyst for an exciting revitalisation of North Sydney. Opened in June, over 500 residents are enjoying panoramic city and harbour views from their oversized AURA luxury apartments, living atop a buzzing retail and dining precinct, and conveniently next to the new Victoria Cross metro station.

Close by in North Sydney, Aqualand is proposing to develop a 390 apartment Build To Rent (BTR) scheme delivering class leading amenity and views of Sydney Harbour. This will be the first BTR project in Aqualand’s Living Sector growth strategy that will see the company expand from its well recognised luxury Build to Sell (BTS) offering, into BTR and affordable housing.

“Aqualand’s Living Sector pipeline now totals almost 3,000 homes, that will provide much needed housing supply for Sydneysiders that is well located close to jobs, transport and plenty of amenities,” said Group Head of Development, Ian Devereux.

In the centre of the Harbour City, Aqualand is delivering Central Barangaroo, which is the last piece in one of Australia’s most significant urban renewal projects, Barangaroo.  Aqualand, in conjunction with the NSW Government, is developing a vibrant, living and lifestyle precinct including circa 140 new homes, 200 hotel rooms, 50 retail destinations and more than 30,000sqm of public open space.

“We are very proud that at Central Barangaroo, Aqualand will deliver one of the largest public benefit packages in NSW history, with over $220m invested in cultural facilities, parkland, public domain, a second Metro station entry and more,” said Mr Devereux. “We are currently in the planning phase and looking forward to delivering this important project for Sydney.”

Over the last decade Aqualand has established an in-house investment arm, AL Capital, and recently launched Aqualand Prestige, which will offer wholesale, institutional and private investors the opportunity to invest in its dedicated project portfolio. 

Together with it’s in-house Development and Construction businesses, Aqualand’s holistic approach includes the integration of its hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, which curates’ world-class restaurants, bars and cafes.  Etymon owns and operates 9 food & beverage venues across Sydney, three of which have been awarded chef’s hats in the 2025 Good Food Guide.

Aqualand also makes a direct and meaningful contribution to the city’s cultural landscape. As longstanding major partners of the Art Gallery of NSW, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi and South Sydney Rabbitohs, Aqualand recognises the importance of creating spaces and experiences that enrich the lives of not just its residents, but all Sydneysiders and visitors alike.

As Aqualand starts its second decade, it will continue to deliver projects that will be recognised as landmarks, not only for their striking architectural merit, but also for legacy’s they create, and their contribution to Sydney’s social and cultural fabric.