'A liveable community': Why the Sage in Woden is not your average apartment building

If there was any doubt about the Woden Valley lifestyle appeal, then it would be dispelled by the district’s current level of residential apartment development.

A snapshot of the skyline shows much current activity, while further game changers in the works include the Hellenic Club’s plans for two sites, and a potential Westfield Woden redevelopment.

Add to that the new Canberra Institute of Technology campus, a new bus and light rail interchange and future town centre renewal, and it’s clear that Woden is absolutely buzzing.

That puts the spotlight firmly on the new YarraVale apartment development on Yamba Drive, Phillip.

The first stage, now selling, is Sage at YarraVale. The second, Orima, is set to hit the market in February.

The overarching YarraVale apartment development represents a major new residential precinct for Woden, with further stages planned after Sage and Orima.

It will be about more than constructing dwellings, says Chris Uren of Independent Property Group Projects, who says, “The design intent is to create not just apartments, but connected communities.”

These first two stages will deliver nearly 200 one, two and three‑bedroom apartments to a wide range of buyers, from first‑home purchasers to downsizers and investors.

The team behind YarraVale includes development manager Lockbridge, Stewart Architecture and builder Construction Control.

Sage at YarraVale will be a 12‑storey building with 147 units, including 43 unique floor plan options across the first two stages. Three basement parking levels will hold up to 300 vehicles. Orima, a boutique six-storey offering, will comprise 52 apartments.

Sage prices range from $448,900 to $1,335,800, and Uren says 35 per cent of the apartments have already been sold.

“That’s a remarkable result in a couple of months, but there was considerable market research informing the design,” he says. “The aim was to bring something different to the market – something that was bigger than just a living space – a liveable community.”

There will be plenty of green space, with 14,000 square metres of landscaped areas forming a green spine throughout the precinct.

“The developers are targeting a prestigious five-star Green Star Communities certification that goes well beyond just a green building,” Uren says.

“It’s awarded to precinct-scale developments that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, liveability and resilience.”

For residents, that means healthier, safer and more connected communities – something Uren says is very important for residents’ lifestyles.

“People need to be able to get out into the fresh air for play, for dog walking, perhaps a barbecue, and just connecting with neighbours,” he says.

“This emphasis on outdoor and shared spaces adds a layer of liveability that is often missing in high‑density projects.”

That sentiment aligns with the development’s sustainability focus – another key point of difference. It will include rooftop solar and EV‑ready infrastructure.

The apartment interiors are also being designed to maximise energy efficiency and comfort. Features include full‑height double-glazing, acoustic comfort, and abundant natural light.

“Interiors are finished to a high standard, with timber‑look flooring, mineral stone benchtops, Bosch appliances, induction cooktops and integrated dishwashers,” Uren says.

The owners of many three-bedroom apartments will also enjoy oversized double lock-up garages.

Uren says all the elements of the approach to Sage by YarraVale combine to create a unique lifestyle offer.

“You can add easy access to the Woden Town Centre, transport links and employment hubs,” he says. “Sage by YarraVale presents a compelling option.

“It’s more than just another apartment complex; it’s the first chapter in a masterplanned precinct that promises a new benchmark for urban living in Canberra.

“More than that, it’s poised to become a defining feature of [the area’s] next decade of growth.”

Sage and Orima will be completed in early 2028.

$552,900-$1,274,900+

Sage at YarraVale, Phillip ACT 2606

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At a glance

Sage at YarraVale

Display suite: 50 Launceston Street, Phillip

Development manager: Lockbridge

Architect: Stewart Architecture

Builder: Construction Control

Agent: Independent Property Group Projects, Chris Uren 0407 466 199 and Nicholas Jacob 0432 177 449

Prices: From $448,900