Sterling Global's grand plans for Huntingdale
CBD-based Sterling Global is pushing ahead with its plans for an 'urban village' at 1221-1249 Centre Road, Oakleigh; the site of a former quarry and located directly opposite Huntingdale Golf Course. With an expected end value in excess of $600 million, the DKO Architecture master planned development will accommodate approximately 2,500 residents as it is developed over the next 5-8 years.
Adhering to Sterling Global's criteria when assessing site acquisition opportunities, the site is well serviced by surrounding amenity, transport links, retail, education and parkland aspects.
Huntingdale is a flagship development, one of the biggest residential infills in the inner south eastern suburbs, and definitely one of the most significant developments in the City of Monash.
Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global
The masterplan features a mix of townhouses, SOHO living, apartments and the potential for serviced apartments/student accommodation to take advantage of the site's strong connections and proximity to both campuses of Monash University. Currently the plans allow for a 2-storey buffer of townhouses to existing surrounding dwellings.
Apartment buildings will be limited to the eight 'superlots', three of which are sited along Huntingdale Road and are intended to accommodate buildings up to 6-storeys with views over the adjoining golf course. The remaining superlots will feature buildings of 4 to 6-storeys with all apartments taking advantage of views to existing parks.
The project team consulted heavily with the Metropolitan Planning Authority, City of Monash and the EPA to establish the best outcome for the site, even being encouraged to go denser as the site sits within the Monash Employment Cluster that is well serviced by public transport infrastructure.
It was DKO's previous work on masterplanning projects such as Banbury Village in Footscray and Kew Cottages that led to their engagement on Huntingdale, according to Brandon Yeoh.
The Huntingdale masterplan provides a series of villages that relate to the landscape and adjacent green spaces. In providing separate villages, a greater sense of dwelling diversity is achieved that in part facilitates a true community.
Communal facilities are strategically provided an become the heart of the new neighbourhoods.
The architecture has been carefully crafted to maximise orientation and outlook, we have designed bespoke, sustainable homes, which take care of the environment, but also enhances the quality of life for future residents.
Koos de Keijzer, Principal, DKO Architecture
Drawing inspiration from the native parklands which flank it, the development will incorporate walkways, cycling tracks, playgrounds and communal facilities such as club houses, barbeque areas and activity pavilions. Additionally, landscaping by REALM has been designed to include wetlands and native gardens while street frontages are set to be activated with cafes and the like with the expectation that the greater community will be drawn into the area and not just residents.
A critical aspect of the master plan is that it is not seen as a gated community rather a part of the greater community at large.
The site currently harvests ground and grey water for irrigation throughout the Huntingdale parklands in an environmental initiative between Sterling Global and Huntingdale Golf Course. Further ESD initiatives being investigated include grey, black and stormwater harvesting for the development, in addition to the potential for solar panels being provided as standard for all dwellings.
Sterling Global intends to begin a formal registration process in October-November with the display suite to launch on site in April 2016. The project will be marketed towards the local Oakleigh community with a target mix of investors, young couples, students, downsizers and retirees in mind. Prices are expected to start at around $550,000 through to $1 million.
I believe that there is significant demand for quality and well priced homes in the local market. We are aiming to deliver Huntingdale to local and surrounding residents who have grown up in the area and are now thinking of downsizing or establishing young families.
Brandon Yeoh, Development Director, Sterling Global
The development follows hot off the heels of the success of Sterling Global's The Ralston in South Yarra which sold out and commenced construction just six months after settlement. The $65 million project consists of 53 luxury apartments and three townhouses and is due for completion late next year.
Keep an eye out for Urban.com.au's more in depth interview about the Huntingdale project with DKO Architecture's Koos de Keijzer in the coming weeks.
