The Regent Fitzroy: Where architecture and lifestyle combine
Summary:
- The Regent revives Fitzroy’s historic Regent Theatre with modern design
- Studio Tate interiors offer two distinct styles with customisation options
- Prime location near cafes, dining, galleries, and tram connections
- Rooftop, guest suite, workshop, and dog wash to enhance resident living
Melbourne developer SMA Projects almost doesn't see itself as a developer.
"We feel like we're more of a lifestyle creator," SMA Projects Founder Martin Strode says, adding that they want to create spaces that enhance the way people live, through clever design, architectural features, and prime location of their projects.
When the opportunity to secure the former Regent Theatre site in Fitzroy, it allowed them to tick all three of those boxes.
"While the Regent Theatre is long gone, we had a head start in the design phase because we knew how we wanted the building to look before we even secured the site. We had a bit of a blueprint as to the architectural integrity of the sites former life, and how we could reimagine it into a 21st century apartment building," Strode says.
SMA called on Hayball, who they have been collaborating with across several architecturally-significant developments over the past two decades, to draw inspiration from the theatre's Art Deco past, incorporating arched ceilings and period-inspired details.
The Art Deco influence is immediately evident, beginning with the streetscape and extending into the lobby. Curved walls, elegant pendant lighting, and custom-designed, 70s-inspired mirrors capture the essence of a bygone era.
It was important the apartment interiors followed the same style, so the brief to Studio Tate was of a similar narrative.
While also wanting to be flexible and give buyers a level of customisation which SMA believes is incredibly important in off the plan purchasing, Studio Tate put together two distinct designs; the light and refined Classic Collection, influenced by Nordic minimalism, and the dramatic, moody Arthouse Collection, inspired by Fitzroy’s artistic edge.
SMA’s philosophy is that buildings are about more than just the apartments. They make a conscious effort to create spaces where residents can gather, always staying true to their core belief of making life easier for those who live there.
Crowning the nine-level building will be a 315 sqm rooftop which will act as a shared space for residents to gather, eat, drink, and take in uninterrupted views of the Melbourne skyline.
One of the more innovative features designed by SMA is the inclusion of a guest suite, exclusively available for residents to book. This thoughtful addition functions like a private spare bedroom, providing a convenient space for family or friends to stay.
In response to the 2023 Victorian pet census, which revealed that nearly 60% of Victorian adults own pets—particularly dogs—SMA also incorporated a dedicated dog wash facility within the building. Residents will enjoy the added convenience of a concierge service, available to handle everything from managing deliveries to making restaurant reservations and much more.
While SMA will be bringing doorstep convenience in the form of several retail spaces on the ground floor, of which at least one will likely be a cafe, The Regent is strategically located in the cultural heart of Fitzroy.
The Fitzroy Street address places residents just seconds from Johnston Street, one of Melbourne’s most popular areas for cafés, dining, galleries, and nightlife.
Johnston Street also serves as a convenient thoroughfare, connecting west to Abbotsford and east to Carlton. The 96 tram, located just five minutes from The Regent at the intersection of Johnston and Nicholson Streets, provides direct access through the CBD and all the way to St Kilda Beach.
Victoria's new off the plan apartment savings apply to all 64 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments at The Regent, but only for a limited time.
