Market insights 16 August 2018
Melbourne Square revitalises Southbank
From its former industrial past, Southbank is continuing its transformation into a vibrant and sought-after residential address.
In fact, the City of Melbourne has plans to turn Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street into one of Australia's most pedestrian-friendly places. The rejuvenated streets will cater for street performances, farmers markets, and medium-scale music festivals, adding that iconic Melburnian street culture into the mix.
Southbank has been Melbourne's creative heart since the 1870s when the Arts Centre was established in its early incarnation. Once perceived as a predominantly commercial area, the suburb has been rejuvenated by its creative community.
In the heart of it all, an entire city block has been selected for Melbourne Square, one of Melbourne's largest mixed-use developments. Residents of the new project will have access to the best arts and culture amenities Melbourne has to offer. Leading performing arts venues like Hamer Hall and smaller boutique institutions like the VCA Performing Arts Theatre are within walking distance.
Developed by OSK Property, the new 5-acre project will include a public park spanning 3,700m featuring European-inspired piazzas and a buzzing outdoor terrace. Owners will benefit from a full line Woolworths supermarket, cafes, and restaurants.
Dr Perry Luthean of landscape architects TCL, known for their work at Birrarung Marr, says Melbourne Square will offer lush green spaces for Melburnians to enjoy and delivers a dynamic public realm.
"The park is a part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and the influence of cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain. Melbourne Square will be a centrepiece for Southbank, one that can be actively programmed for events, or enjoyed at leisure," he says.
"As this is such an urban environment, we have created vistas and seating nestled among the greenery. Generous promenades and plazas encourage the Italian tradition of promenading — taking an evening walk with family and friends. It's about creating opportunities for the residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in Southbank to engage with nature."
An architecturally innovative addition to the streetscape, the stage one dual tower by COX Architecture rises above these spaces. Connected by a shared podium terrace, the two towers offer a variety of one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as penthouse selections.
The Carr-designed open plan living spaces feature premium fixtures and finishes. From opulent marble island benchtops to high-end European appliances, these apartments offer sophisticated style and timeless elegance.
Sue Carr, Principal at Carr Design, says, "Melbourne Square reflects the very essence of the city, with engaging, dynamic lifestyle spaces providing a benchmark in the provision of shared environments."
Spreading across two full floors of both towers, the podium provides ample amenity for residents. From the state-of-the-art gymnasium and grassed lawns for yoga to the lounge and dining pavilion, residents can maintain a convenient lifestyle.
The subtropical theme of the podium landscaping weaves throughout the podium garden where a sparkling swimming pool awaits, surrounded by floral displays and edible herbs.
"In most cities, the old refrain goes something like this: creative types move in, make a suburb cool, then get pushed out by rising rents to do it all over again," says Andrew Leoncelli, CBRE's Managing Director of Residential Projects in Victoria. "But in Southbank the artistically-minded have colonised this area, creating a world-class cluster of creative energy."
To harness the prowess of Southbank's artistic community, developer OSK Property is currently in discussions with leading arts organisations on a public art strategy that will roll out over the coming years. This will include a range of sculptural features in its public spaces
Enquire here to find out more about Melbourne Square apartments.