How The Tapestry Project set to reshape Melbourne's North

The Arden and Macaulay urban renewal areas, located two kilometres north-west of the city, will welcome a revitalisation of the old industrial areas, creating new neighbourhoods for the growing area to enjoy
How The Tapestry Project set to reshape Melbourne's North
Alison Warters July 24, 2023PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

North Melbourne is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a series of infrastructure projects that promise to reshape the neighbourhood's landscape and lifestyle. 

The Arden and Macaulay urban renewal areas, located two kilometres north-west of the city, will welcome a revitalisation of the old industrial areas, creating new neighbourhoods for the growing area to enjoy. 

At the heart of the transformation is The Tapestry Project, a multistage mixed-use precinct brought to life by Orb Property Partners.

Construction is expected to kick off on the first stage of the 1.4-hectare masterplan in September. The community will occupy a prominent position within the Macaulay Urban Renewal Precinct, which was formerly occupied by warehouses, was identified as a place of state significance by Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 and the City of Melbourne planning scheme, making it a focal point for renewal and growth in the region.

Comprising two stages that extend across three street frontages, The Tapestry Project will offer a diverse array of amenity to cater to the needs of future residents and visitors alike. The first stage features two buildings, one of nine-storeys and the other of 12-storeys.

The buildings will house ground floor retail spaces, first-floor offices and co-working spaces, and a total of 150 apartments in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations, with five percent of the apartments in one building to be allocated to a Social Housing provider.

The first release in the masterplan is WOBO (West of Boundary), which comprises 99 warehouse-style apartments designed by Bayley Ward and Fender Katsalidis.

The apartments blend industrial aesthetics with a warm and inviting atmosphere. As one of several rooftop spaces in the development, WOBO will be crowned by al fresco dining space and a fire pit, with the communal area boasting views of the city, green parks, and Docklands.

Stage two of Tapestry will feature four buildings, three at 12-storeys high and one at six-storeys. A repurposed heritage building known as Farrell’s stables will also be brought back to life, adding a connection to the history of the site. In total, The Tapestry Project will see 359 apartments delivered across the site, in addition to a market hall, retail tenancies, dining venues, a boutique hotel, a 200-seat theatre, and an upper-level skate park.

Beyond Tapestry, the Arden Macaulay area is set to experience even more change. The redevelopment of the North Melbourne train station is a significant project that will transform it into a major transport hub, linking the area seamlessly with the rest of Melbourne, expanding to accommodate more trains, buses, and trams.

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel project is another game-changer for Arden Macaulay, as it will introduce two new underground stations to improve public transport connectivity across the city, while also stimulating economic growth and new job opportunities.

A new park will also be created in the urban renewal area, providing much-needed green space for locals, with the park set to feature walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground.

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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