An olive tree was lifted by crane onto the rooftop of a new apartment development in Frenchs Forest last week, where it will have a head start on the residents who will eventually live beneath it.
Developer Platino Properties and builder DASCO gathered at Jardin Frenchs Forest on 29 October to celebrate the ‘topping out’ of its second construction stage, marking the point at which the buildings reached their highest structural level.
The milestone brings Jardin another step closer to completing 98 new apartments for residents aged over 55, with construction anticipated to finish in the third quarter of 2027.
The two buildings, Eucalyptus and Wattle, range from three to seven storeys and will contain apartments with one to three bedrooms.
Rather than waiting until residents move in, Platino has planted a large potted olive tree on the rooftop so it can begin flourishing ahead of the development’s completion.
There was a smaller memento for future residents, too.
Buyers received personalised concrete keepsakes made using material from the site’s actual concrete pour, each with a eucalyptus or wattle plant reflecting the building they had purchased into.
The celebrations were attended by Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins and independent Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan, alongside Platino executives, the construction team and some of the future residents.
The milestone follows the completion of Jardin’s first stage in 2024, which Platino says sold out before construction began and has since welcomed its residents into the Acacia and Banksia buildings.
When Stage 2 is finished, Eucalyptus and Wattle will connect to the existing buildings through a shared landscaped garden known as Le Jardin.
George Revay, founder and CEO of Platino Properties, said the success of the first stage demonstrated demand for a different approach to downsizing.
“Stage 1 proved that there is real demand for a genuinely different approach to over 55s living, one built on ownership, independence and design quality, and Stage 2 allows us to welcome even more residents into that vision,” he said.
For Northern Beaches homeowners considering downsizing, one of Jardin’s main points of difference is its ownership model.
Unlike traditional retirement village arrangements, the apartments are purchased under strata title, with Platino confirming there are no deferred management fees or exit fees.
Residents also have access to shared facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym, cinema, library, men’s shed and landscaped outdoor spaces, with views towards Ku-ring-gai bushland.
DASCO, which delivered Jardin’s first stage, is also responsible for constructing the two new buildings.
Stage 2 apartments are currently available for purchase at 5 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest.
Prospective buyers can visit Jardin’s display suite at 7 Skyline Place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 2pm, or by private appointment.
More information is available on their website.
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