Diversified developers Time & Place and V-Leader have teamed up to deliver a $160-million mixed-use project in South Melbourne, securing a permit for the 20-storey project dubbed ‘Middleton Lane’, which will be comprised of high-end residential and some complementary office and boutique retail.
The site benefits from a superb location in the heart of the Domain precinct on the corner of St Kilda Road, on the doorstep of the upcoming Anzac station and the gateway to the CBD.
Its proximity to the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park Lake will provide an incredible viewpoint for future occupiers, with heritage protected views over the Botanical Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance and back towards Fawkner Park.
Designed by leading architects Wood Marsh, the building’s impactful façade is inspired by the Op art movement, pioneered by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely.
Its timeless interiors take cues from the work of famed Italian architect Gio Ponti, who is responsible for some of the world’s most recognisable buildings.
Of the design, Wood Marsh Architecture’s Roger Wood said: “The apartments leverage the site’s proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens, with views of the Shrine of Remembrance and Mount Dandenong to the East, and the Port Philip Bay to the West.
“The rational grid pattern of the façade subtly tapers to a fine and elegant structure at height, with the north façade scalloped to distort perspective and provide visual excitement.
“The interior design takes influence from Italian modernism, and affords clients a refined selection of natural materials and finishes which embrace tradition and quality.”
The developers intend to launch sales on the project imminently and are expecting to attract local ‘right-sizers’ from within the Domain/St Kilda Road locality.
The residential product will target a high-end buyer, with pricing expected to sit in the range of $1-$4 million.
The team is anticipating interest from design-conscious consumers who are admirers of art and architecture.
Their proposition will include a ‘co-creation sales strategy’ which will provide flexibility in the design of the apartments including allowances for amalgamating units.
Middleton Lane will mark Time & Place and V-Leader’s first collaboration – the groups share a development philosophy which has allowed them to seamlessly create the vision for the project.
Time & Place director Tim Price said: “We have long admired V-Leader’s work and are excited to kick off a new partnership on Middleton Lane.
“We have also long admired the work of Wood Marsh and believe our partnership will be incredibly successful as we have challenged each other to set new benchmarks across all aspects of the development’s architecture and interior design.
“Middleton Lane adds a new dynamic to our current product mix.
“Just down the road at the Queensbridge Building we’re cultivating an edgier offering that appeals to an international and first homeowner community but here our buyers will be well-established Melburnians who know and love the benefits of a Domain Precinct lifestyle.
“We’re itching to bring this one to market.”
V-Leader group managing director Andy Zhang echoed Price’s sentiments on the partnership.
Zhang said: “With the huge success of our recently completed 6 Sydney Street, it made perfect sense to partner again with Wood Marsh and we’re excited to collaborate with the very accomplished Time & Place.
“Wood Marsh, in typical fashion, has created an iconic design which we believe is unlike anything else on offer along St Kilda Road.”
In line with an upcoming sales launch, the groups have leased space to build a display suite at nearby 348 St Kilda Road.
Construction of Middleton Lane is expected to start in early 2023 and slated for completion in late 2024.