Melbourne-based property developer, Lucent, has received development approval from the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for its 269 Stewart Street multi-residential development in Brunswick East.
The developer has been given the ‘go-ahead’ to build 69 new apartments across six levels, comprising 6,178 square metres of residential space, in addition to 104 square metres for an office and a 315 square metre retail tenancy.
The development, to be known as The Stewart Collective, has been architecturally designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke with interiors by Austin Maynard Architects.
With Brunswick East emerging as a hub for socially sustainable housing, Lucent’s managing director, Panos Miltiadou, says the development will maximise an underutilised site while catering for Melbourne’s burgeoning population.
“After three years of working with council and VCAT, we’re pleased to have reached a decision that benefits all stakeholders. We’re looking forward to bringing this series of environmentally sustainable, community-based residences to a great pocket of Brunswick East and turn the site into something that will add enduring value to the local area,” Miltiadou commented.
“Similar to all of our projects, we’re out to show that when development is done right it can contribute meaningfully to the community and its environment.”
The site was formerly home to an event car hire business and Lucent acquired it site in June 2016. It is adjacent to CERES Community Environment Park and the Merri Creek valley and bike trail.
“With one of Australia’s most visited environmental education centres next door, we believe the site’s location will be not only a huge drawcard for purchasers but will also benefit the many not-for-profit community businesses that operate out of there,” adds Miltiadou.
The development’s proposed design has a 7.5-star average energy rating and includes a raft of sustainable design initiatives to appeal to the local community and owner-occupier market.
These include state-of-the-art shared solar technology, electric car-charging stations, energy and water-conserving features – which mean lower bills and a lighter environmental footprint.
There will also be 555 square metres of communal garden space between the ground floor courtyard and rooftop, which includes productive gardens.
“Sustainable, liveable and desirable – The Stewart Collective is a place of big ideas for a growing neighbourhood,” says Miltiadou.
Demolition work and construction of the new apartment building is expected to begin in March 2020, with completion anticipated by late 2021.