SP Projects at home in Melbourne's north

Northcote-based SP Projects is emerging as an apartment developer of note, with a growing catalogue of projects decidedly north of Melbourne's CBD. The developer-builder to date has completed projects in Preston, Northcote and Heidelberg, and now sees five separate residential developments at varying stages of development.

Approximately 380 apartments are currently under the guidance of SP Projects with three projects under construction, covering the middle-ring northern suburbs of Essendon, Coburg and Preston.

Brave Apartments and The Gilbert are well advanced with internal fit outs for both in progress.

Brave Apartments in particular gained a jump on its rivals by being the first project to commence construction in an emerging apartment precinct along Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon. Now joined by three additional apartments projects as early stages of construction, Brave Apartments is directly opposite a mooted development adjoining Glenbervie Station which would feature a 17 level tower.

Still at early stages of construction is Mayor Anderson Apartments which is adjacent to the Upfiled Line. Designed by Metaxas Architects, Mayor Anderson will be SP Projects' tallest development to date.

Preston has once again become an area of focus for the developer, with two projects forthcoming within the popular apartment precinct surrounding Preston Junction.

Just launched is Windsor & Co which replaces the former Windsor Smith factory at 169-195 High Street. The low-rise distinctively blue outlet will make way for a six level apartment building which includes 98 dwellings split between one and two bedroom options. The project's expansive frontage to High Street will allow for an extensive activated building front.

The final Windsor & Co format follows a failed attempt by the previous site proponents to increase the development to eight levels and 128 dwellings, according to Darebin City Council.

Shaping as next in line for SP Projects is 73-77 Plenty Road, a short distance from Windsor & Co. Dubbed Station 77, the site has planning approval for a ten level apartment complex with 69 dwellings and five retail spaces in tow.

Whether this approved format is what SP Projects intend to deliver remains to be seen but it does point toward the group's growing appetite for new apartment projects in Melbourne's north.