What buyers need to know about Verre in Preston: Urban chats with developer Wolf & Lamb
Verre in Preston, in Melbourne’s north, is a new development by Wolf & Lamb on a site steeped in history.
Set for completion in early 2022, the project comprises 57 one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed by Melbourne-based architecture studio, Chamberlain Architects.
Urban recently spoke with Wolf & Lamb to discuss the luxury project.
MK: What are the highlights of Verre and what has attracted buyers to the project?
W&L: The primary things buyers like about Verre are the look and appearance of the building, The floorplans, the fixtures and finishes and the price. Other things they love about the project is the size of it and the view to the East or West.
MK: What was the development’s design brief for Chamberlain Architects?
W&L: The brief to the architect was to create a landmark building that heralds a new era for this part of Plenty Road. It was important for us to develop the site for the long term, and we wanted a building that would stand the test of time, and provide a positive impact on the area.
We were also aware of the fantastic views to the east and the south and wanted a building that took advantage of this. The brief for the apartments was that they be generous in size and considered in the way the space was used.
We are delighted with what the team at Chamberlain Architects have been able to deliver.
MK: What is Verre’s relationship with glass and how has this manifested in the building’s design?
W&L: 296 Plenty Road was the location of a family-owned and operated glassworks factory for over 80 years. The factory — ‘Peerless Glass’ became synonymous with glass innovation in Melbourne. It was one of the first local manufacturers to offer glass products which utilised sandblasting and bending techniques.
To this very day; Peerless Glass’ legacy can still be found all around Melbourne. From residential applications such as sandblasted glass doors (popular for houses built in the 1950s) to public establishments such as yacht clubs and even large department stores such as Myer.
The glassworks ceased operations long ago, but ownership of the building has remained with the original family — spanning multiple generations. The family is proud to present Verre. An evolution of the original glassworks — a fitting homage to its past and in maintaining a connection and nod to the heritage of the original glass works we are offering each apartment buyer a bespoke, hand-blown glass feature pendant light upgrade by Melbourne-based glass designer; Mark Douglass. An organic statement piece it sits effortlessly alone and great as a cluster. This offer is exclusively for Verre buyers.
MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?
W&L: The majority of the buyers are locals who have been renting in the area. A fair number of these have been first home buyers but we have had a couple of downsizers and upsizers too.
MK: Are there any other residential developments in the pipeline?
W&L: Currently we are in the early stages of securing another site in Preston and St Kilda
