Exclusive: Milieu secures approval for new Brunswick apartment project, Saxon Street by Milieu
There's no slowing down the popular, design-driven Melbourne apartment developer Milieu.
Currently working on Elsternwick Gardens, a garden community in Elsternwick, and nearing completion of the Plant Street Malvern project later this year, Milieu is preparing to launch its sixth project in Brunswick project, one of Melbourne's trendiest suburbs.
The developer has secured approval for a nine-level, mixed-use development on the corner of Dawson and Saxon Street, just off Sydney Road and next to the famous Brunswick Baths.
The new project, to be known as Saxon Street by Milieu, will provide much-needed housing stock to the area, with apartments to be incorporated into the Jackson Clements Burrows Architect-designed building located in Brunswick’s Major Activity Centre.
The new building, with 78 apartments, will replace The Brosnan Centre, on an irregular shaped, but prime 1,764 sqm site in an area known as the civic and cultural epicentre of Brunswick, also adjoining councils brand new arts precinct known as Balam Balam Place.
An image from the town planning submission: Image Credit: JCB Architects
The gas-free building will be made up a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments over two levels of basement bar parking.
Milieu says the design, which includes landscaping by Oculus and interiors by Design Office, centres on sustainable initiatives that will reduce the cost of living.
"Designed with the future in mind, this project has been considered for its positive impact on the local community," Milieu says.
"Alongside the homes, the project will enhance the precinct through substantial improvements to public infrastructure and pedestrian access."An image from the town planning submission: Image Credit: JCB Architects
The developer, founded in 2010 and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.
In the design documents submitted to the Merri-Bek Council, JCB said the proposed building serves to sites neighbouring architectural heritage and substantially improve the public realm.
"Informed by neighbouring arched windows, a curved language is introduced to canopies, floor plate edges and parapets. This language is then exaggerated with introduction of semi-circular protruding balconies contrasting with the building’s otherwise rational façade."
An image from the town planning submission: Image Credit: JCB Architect
JCB said a key move made to improve the precinct is a 3.7-metre ground plane setback from Saxon Street widening an existing compromised narrow footpath.
"This significant urban gesture strengthens the physical connection between Dawson Street and Siteworks, a key Merri-bek cultural amenity," they said.
Saxon Street by Milieu is expected to launch in the coming months.
