Collins House a precursor of things to come
Late last week it was announced that two of Melbourne's more dynamic property developers have teamed in order to jointly deliver what will become one of Melbourne's premier addresses. South Melbourne-based Asian Pacific Group has taken a development shareholding in Collins House, a 57 level residential development, and in doing so has cemented what is expected to become a long-term relationship with fellow developer Golden Age Group.
In fitting with the ethos of both developers to deliver high-end residential and hotel offerings, the former Makers Mark building at 464-466 Collins Street will play entry to a new luxury skyscraper which will see its sales campaign launched during May.
Subject to refinement over the previous two years, the development team has now settled upon the final Collins House format which will see 263 luxury apartments within the tower. Bates Smart have designed both the building itself and interiors which are modelled upon hotel style finishes.
As outlined in the initial Urban.com.au piece on the 2013 planning application, Collins House is expected to employ a unique structural engineering format which will provide the 195 metre tower with its strength, given it's a mere 11 metres wide. Initially used within Phoenix Apartments on Flinders Street, the system will be supersized for Collins House which is due for completion during 2018.
The narrow site has required the team to completely rethink construction systems for tall buildings which has resulted in its radically slender proportions to be built from state-of-the-art in situ cast concrete construction techniques.
Bates Smart
What they say
This partnership with Asian Pacific Group adds immense value to the delivery of the luxury lifestyle we have envisaged for Collins House, further strengthening the unique offer in the market. It is the beginning of what we see as a long-term relationship creating luxury residential projects with a partner that understands quality and Melbourne.
We both have a passion for property in Melbourne and love to play golf, so we have wanted to work together for some time. We look forward to announcing further projects together in the future.
Golden Age Group founder Jeff Xu
Through the Art Series brand we have demonstrated a commitment to creating inspired and extraordinary spaces – Collins House is exactly this. Located on Melbourne’s version of Fifth Avenue, Collins Street, this architecturally-designed project will stand the test of the time and bring hotel living to a residential setting.
We are immensely excited about this foray into residential development and are pleased to partner with Golden Age Group, which shares the same commitment to quality as we do.
Asian Pacific Group CEO Will Deague
Future intent
Both Golden Age Group and Asian Pacific Group have additional projects on the horizon. Only yesterday it was reported that Asian Pacific Group have attained unanimous support form City of Whitehorse for their dual-tower scheme fronting Maroondah Highway.
Subject to a VCAT hearing, 850 Whitehorse Road would see towers of 36 and 26 levels; the former weighing in as the tallest in Box Hill at 115 metres. In addition to 500 plus apartments, the development will see the Art Series Hotel component named after artist Zhong Chen.
It's been reported the VCAT hearing is a preemptive move on the developers part to quell the intentions of an objector to the project.
Conversely Golden Age Group have their flagship project, Victoria One, in its construction infancy as piling rigs begin to lay foundations for the 241 metre, Elenberg Fraser-designed tower. With the vast majority of its 600 plus apartments accounted for, Golden Age Group will soon turn its attention to a prized site at 450 St Kilda Road.
Dubbed Opera, the Bates Smart design is expected to contain roughly 220 dwellings, and is described as follows:
Our design vision for 450 St.Kilda Road aims to draw on the nostalgic glamour of Airlie Mansion and leverage off its significance and value to our development site. To express this relationship and rapport, our design has taken a more sculptural and contemporary shape to create a landmark which exudes a distinctive, elegant and alluring flavour.
We aim to create a building that not only captures the movement and vitality of St Kilda Road’s glamorous past but also allows the key views across the site to be maximised. The facade is stretched like fabric over this contemporary form. Openings are expressed as cuts which accentuate the sense of movement.
The ground plane draws on the idea of pattern making of traditional paving evident in the grand mansions along St Kilda Road but provides a contemporary twist.
Golden Age Group
With the intent to further collaboration in the future outlined by both parties, could one or both of the above projects be next in line?
