West Melbourne's development scene as fluid as ever
As one the city's in demand new apartment locations, West Melbourne continues to consistently churn out development news.
Last week architecture firm Buchan Group confirmed that its former studio at 133 Rosslyn Street West Melbourne had received planning approval for a new residential complex. Replacing the firm's former office will be a new 9 storey design for developer Starland Pacific Group.
With PDS Group installed as Development and Project Manager, 133 Rosslyn Street will now proceed to apartment sales with construction expected to begin later this year. 165 apartments will be supplemented by 150 basement vehicle spaces.
Set over a 2,550sqm site, the development plot was sold during 2014 for in excess of $14 million, with CBRE City Sales and Gross Waddell handling the transaction. Buchan Group will still be involved by way of providing ongoing architectural and interior design services for the project.
Our aim is to create an exciting and cohesive new residential development that brings a positive addition to the emerging architecture of West Melbourne. We are thrilled that the project has received Planning Approval and look forward to its progress.
Nick Nigro, Principal Head of Delivery, Buchan Group
Also last week CBRE City Sales successfully sold a development site located at 137-157 Adderley Street West Melbourne. Subject to a current planning application for an eight level apartment development, the site was secured for $9.4 million by one of five bidders at the onsite auction which was conducted last Friday.
Included within the intended project which also maintains a Rosslyn Street frontage are 88 apartments, one cafe space of 120sqm and 72 car parking bays. Whether on not the above Michael Ellis Architects scheme for the site is maintained by the new developer remains to be seen.
Nearby and demolition has begun in earnest on Alpha 14's upcoming residential project at 386 Spencer Street West Melbourne. Bond Quarter will be a 16 storey building maintaining 105 one & two bedroom apartments. Designed by Hayball, the project is currently at construction tender and will follow The Wallace which is Alpha 14's current West Melbourne apartment project at construction.
During March, 50-56 Batman Street West Melbourne landed before Melbourne City Council with a new planning proposal for a residential hotel. Formerly The Arkadia Centre, the property sold for $8.78 million after a campaign held during mid 2015.
At 868sqm the site is close to new builds that over recent years along Batman Street have generally peaked at 15 storeys.
Two pending projects have also reared of late. SPEC Property's 15-31 Batman Street has appeared online dubbed Flagstaff Green.
The project has undergone a number of design changes over the course of planning with a notable reduction in height also included. Flagstaff Green is SPEC's latest endeavour and follows on from the developer's intention to sell two sites with approved apartment schemes in North Melbourne and South Melbourne.
Last but not least Trennery Property is going with a new preliminary design image for 185 Rosslyn Street. After purchasing the site from Australia Post during 2015, Trennery has replaced an initial RotheLowman planning application with new intentions.
The project is likely to include residential and hotel uses, a medical centre, various retail spaces and substantial residential gardens as seen in the image above.
