Mount Waverley earmarked for a ‘multi-age precinct' development
A planning application before City of Monash has sidestepped the traditional 'mixed-use' format, instead opting to label the pending project as a ‘multi-age precinct’ development.
BC Mount Waverley Project Pty Ltd is pushing through with the application across 445-467 Blackburn Road Mount Waverley, which also abuts the Monash Freeway. The Box Hill North-based entity was created during 2015 to purchase the property and existing 4-star Hotel Bruce County, with the intent of delivering a larger development onsite.
And that development consists of the ‘multi-age precinct’ which would cater specifically for both children and the elderly, whilst adding short, mid and long-term accommodation options.
445-467 Blackburn Road is the work of Marchese Partners, whose last major Melbourne design effort was Village Docklands V1 Tower which was completed during 2005.
445-467 Blackburn Road application summary
- Current use: Hotel Bruce County, conference centre, restaurant, car park
- Site area: 6,353sqm with 2 street frontages
- Proposed: U-shaped building rising to 10 levels or 32.4m
- Hotel: 120 rooms and 8 serviced apartments
- Retirement village: 60 independent living units
- 47 apartments and 10 townhouses
- A medical centre and retail outlet
- Single basement level for 135 cars
- Child care centre for 140 children. 589.9sqm indoor area and a 320.9sqm terrace
- Amenities: central courtyard, gym, swimming pool, hydro therapy area
Design Philosophy excerpts
The architectural detailing of the proposed building is exceptional in quality, which is a rare occurrence in the middle and outer ring suburbs of Melbourne. As a result, the proposed development makes a significant contribution to the neighbourhood, presenting a well-resolved design with highly articulated facades and active ground level interfaces.
The 10 storey building height proposed in this part of the site presents a robust interface to the Monash Freeway exit ramp and Blackburn Road, defining this corner and recognising the prominence of this location by proposing a key built form marker for the locality.
The proposal makes a positive contribution to the public realm by providing attractive and activated frontages to all street addresses. The commercial address to Blackburn Road will be retained and new food and drink premises and health care services fronting the central courtyard will promote activity and engagement within the site.
Urban Context Report and Design Response: Hollerich Town Planning
Mount Waverley's largest
445-467 Blackburn Road inserts itself as Mount Waverley's largest project in development. Urban.com.au is tracking six other projects within the suburb, but all pale into insignificance relative to 445-467 Blackburn Road's overall size.
Current notable projects within Mount Waverley include further commercial buildings slated for the Axxess Corporate Park on Gilby Road and the intended mixed-use development spanning 170-174 Highbury Road. The latter was well publicised as early works ran into issues during the excavation process, resulting in damage to adjoining properties.
Also in the works for Mount Waverley is Pace Development Group's 554-558 High Street Road; awaiting a VCAT hearing, Pace took the proposal to VCAT because Council did not decide upon the application within the required 60 day timeframe
445-467 Blackburn Road on the other hand was lodged with City of Monash earlier this year, and only began its advertising stint last week.
