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Welcome to The ARTicles newsletter. News, stories, information, events, and more, all inspired by The Apartments and the NewActon Precinct, The ARTicles will chronicle the exciting development of The Apartments and all the colour, flavors and textures within the NewActon Precinct.

Now into 'Stage 2' of construction, NewActon is flourishing into a thriving mix of residential, retail and commercial communities.

NewActon. Winner of the 2008 Canberra Medallion, at the RAIA ACT Architecture Awards.

NewActon East's design was awarded Canberra's highest architectural honour, the 2008 Canberra Medallion at this years Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) ACT Architecture Awards. During an exciting evening Fender Katsalidis Architects and NewActon were further honoured with the Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing Award, a Commercial Architecture Award and the Art In Architecture Award.

There was no shortage of congratulations from the jury, who lavished NewActon with praise for raising the bar and for providing 'leadership'. "NewActon East breaks free from the typical Canberra form and sets a new standard for architectural expression". The jurists commented further, "The building has a positive relationship with the public realm, and had made a concerted effort to activate the streetscape".

The use of art was of course lauded as an integral part of the project as opposed to being a "tack on". NewActon has broken the mould combing design, art, nature, history and architectural influences. Karl Fender was quoted in the Australian Financial review as saying "When I presented it to the jury, I had to apologise because there was no mixed use category, so I had to submit it in three different categories"

NewActon won in each of those categories.

Real estate sales break new highs!

Described by many as Australia's best selling project, The apARTments have been eagerly snapped up by live-in buyers and savvy investors who have been attracted to the quality, great design and Canberra's hugely popular NewActon precinct. "More than half of the apartments sold in the first four weeks of marketing" says Derek Whitcombe, Colliers International Residential Project Marketing Sales Director. "Many of the sales have been through word of mouth and referrals among friends and family. It is not unusual for parents to convince their children to buy."

More than 40 per cent of sales were to Canberra residents downsizing from large properties in the suburbs to the emerging inner city apartment market. Another 10 per cent of sales were to international buyers, and dozens more came from interstate.

Double the inspiration.

Director Tim Efkarpidis started Molonglo Group in 1964. Tim's deeply proud of Molonglo Group's growing list of building and property industry achievements during this time. His proudest achievements are of course his two sons, Nectar and Johnathan. His boys are now growing their own reputations as they follow in their father's footsteps to help run Molonglo Group.

The two brothers share a special bond and respect of one another's strengths and abilities. "We are similar in that when we do something it's with passion and of a high quality" reflects Johnathan. Both are not only driven by excellence in all things, but also the persistence and dedication to achieve their goals. Johnathan admires "Nectar's attention to detail and his persistence to get things right".

The brothers' different passions only compliment each other "I think I'm more practical and Nectar is more creative. I believe we try and resolve these differences by combining the two ideas". This is evident in their award winning NewActon precinct, which was inspired by art and creativity. Nectar's lateral thinking and Johnathan's practical nature is sure to leave its mark on Australian architecture in the future.

Tim knows Molonglo Group is in safe hands under the direction of his sons.

As Canberra puts away its winter woolies for another year, NewActon springs to life with the best that life has to offer. There's no better place to be in Canberra at Spring time than the unforgettable 2008 Floriade.

Diamant Hotel

The Diamant Boutique Hotel Canberra located in the heart of the NewActon precinct is celebrating Floriade - one of Australia's premier spring festivals and a world-class floral spectacular. Book a Premier Room for two nights on any weekend throughout spring and receive a complimentary upgrade to a beautifully appointed Heritage Room and a bottle of bubbly on arrival. Ideal for visiting friend's, relatives or a romantic weekend with your partner.

Guests will also receive a free breakfast for two at Du Jour Restaurant to prepare you for a great day ahead at Floriade. The Diamant will set you on your way with a Floriade Show Bag with Survival Kit, Tour Maps and everything you need for a wonderful day.

Du Jour Restaurant.

Chris Ross of Du Jour Restaurant has some "tasty, new surprises", ready for all of us this spring. His new Sourdough bread is available, complimenting his other specialty breads and specially designed coffee. The revamping of the pastry kitchen also means "we have some exciting new pastries this spring" says Chris.

This all culminates in Chris' eagerly anticipated new, soon to be released menu. Du Jour Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also provides room service for guests of the Diamant Hotel Canberra.

La Bimbi & Soma Day Spa.

Spring is all about rejuvenation. Visit Gess and Peter Mazis for an executive massage during lunchtime or maybe a blissful spa to rejuvenate your mind and body. Before your big day at Floriade or dinner at Flint Dining Room & Bar, treat yourself to La Bimbi hair salon. La Bimbi is an Aveda only salon and it's team of award wining stylists who have great recommendations for this season's looks. Experience the La Bimbi & Soma Day Spa treatment for yourself. You'll think you're at a resort.

Parlour Wine Room's October Special.

Congratulations Bria, owner of Parlour Wine Room, on the coming of her first baby. Whilst Bria has understandably been very busy, her wonderful team have prepared a delightful new wine menu for Spring, in addition to their existing 120 different wines. After a day at the Floriade, experience the Parlour Wine Room's new seasonal tapas menu.

During October only, sample a Tempranillo variatel tasting. Sit back and relax in an atmosphere of victorian decadence tasting half a glass of Spanish and Australian wines into the wee small hours. To discover more, check this review in NINARIBENAs blog "Canberras Got Style"

Flint Dining Room & Bar's Monthly Wine Dinner.

Spencer and Grant of the 5 star Flint Dining Room & Bar have some delicious new recipes for this season. Inspired by springs fresh peas and asparagus. Grant is especially excited about their special new Brunch Menu.

If that wasn't enough to tease your palette, come and experience the Monthly Wine Dinner. The night features an eight-course degastation and special guest winemakers.

You'll fall in love with the whole experience, just ask Lisa, radio host of local 106.3FM. Grant and Spencer recently become radio stars, providing Lisa with the Flint Dining Room for a series of blind dates.

Seems the boys have more on their menu than 5 star international cuisine!

With Spring in the air and Summer on the way, now's the perfect time to get the mind, body, soul and spirit active.

Body to Burn Personal Fitness.

Body to Burn Personal Fitness can help you shape up or slim down with personal training, boot camp or corporate training. Boot Camp is a fantastic way to improve strength, improve fitness and achieve weight loss. Now offering four Boot Camp programs at Lake Burley Griffin, you can choose the time that suits you and with daylight saving just around the corner you can take advantage of the balmy evenings for Personal Training and the new 6pm Boot Camp program.

Bernie's Spring Shape Up Tips.

1. Come in for a free assessment at Body to Burn.
2. Make sure you stretch well before and after starting any exercise and include a good warm up and warn down.
3. Go for a 20 minute walk or run around Lake Burley Griffin before work or during lunchtime.
4. Drink plenty of water every day.
5. Try doing ten push-ups and twenty sit-ups each day before heading out the door to work or dropping the kids of at school.

Canberra Pilates.

If a Spring Bootcamp isn't your style then try Canberra Pilates. Lanette's Pilates and Pole Dancing courses can help you improve your self-image, strength, flexibility, movements, fitness and education of your body.

All it takes is a little concentration, control, commitment, precision, breathing, centering and flowing movement to improve all aspects of your fitness and wellbeing.

Feel happy just As Nature Intended.

Jamie Wilson is the new face of As Nature Intended. Jamie brings a new, fresh and exciting energy to the organic cafe and wholefoods store. Jamie's team has been busy preparing a new menu for this summer, "I can't wait to release our new summer menu" replied Jamie when we pushed to get an early glimpse of what's to come. Jamie also plans to bring a new focus on customer service and is reinvigorating and updating the now famous 'Specials Board' with a new variety of tasty and healthy options.

Already critically acclaimed by Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine as "a breakfast hotspot" (September 2008), As Nature Intended provides a modern twist to healthy food. With organic and bio-dynamic dairy goods, bulk natural foods, sugar free snacks, gluten free specialty products, organic breakfast cereals, and authentic sourdough breads from a number of specialty organic bakers, As Nature Intended has something for even the most discerning of tastes or dietary requirements.

Joining Colliers International and the ACCC adding to NewActon's corporate presence is the firm of Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson Family Lawyers. DDCS Family Lawyers have recently relocated their offices from the CBD and specialise in family law matters. DDCS are a large firm and have taken over two levels of the heritage building.

PBS builds a stronger team.

Joining the team for the construction of "The Apartments" are builders PBS .The Molonglo Group managing director Nectar Efkarpidis said the selection of PBS was driven by their ability to construct quality buildings and their long term association with Canberra.

"We wanted to make sure we had a local team who had energy and commitment to the city on a long term basis," he said. He said the quality of the "The Apartments" designs would be matched by the quality of the construction.

"PBS is held in high regard by leading developers in Australia and have demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering this project to the highest quality in terms of design and finished product," he said.

Many of the sub-contractors from the NewActon East building have been retained to ensure a level of consistency and surety throughout the staged development.

Construction commenced on the 10th of September.

State of the Art Cardboard Furniture.

The Molonglo Group has invested $1 million so far into the commissioning, acquisition, coordination and installation of artwork for the NewActon East project as part of NewActon's ongoing Arts Program. Exciting new furniture designed and fabricated from recycled cardboard by Henry Pilcher, an honours student at the Wood Workshop in the Canberra School of Art at ANU, is now being exhibited in the NewActon East rotating art display case.

Nectar said, "Stumbling across a piece of art in the corner of a precinct is what makes you think about your life and it's about getting the public excited whilst enabling time for reflection throughout this period."

"Works from more than 60 Australian artists, craftspeople, and designer/makers have been specially purchased and installed in spaces as a rotating collection throughout the NewActon buildings, including NewActon East and the heritage buildings/landscaped areas." Nectar said.

Thank you for reading the The ARTicles. When you visit make sure you say hello to our friendly Possum who loves to say hello to everyone at NewActon. There'll be more stories and offers to come in the coming months as we move towards completion in 2010.

We'd love to hear from you with any thoughts or ideas for the next issue. Email Suzi (suzi@molonglogroup.com.au) or call us on 02 6126 1300.