This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
WHILE it plots Australia’s tallest skyscraper, developer Beulah is furthering its expansion into Melbourne’s inner north, submitting plans for 44 residences on a site in sought-after Fitzroy.
Beulah has been sitting on the 1,200 sqm site at 430-434 George Street for a few years, and has now appointed sustainable architecture practice, Breathe Architecture, to design the mixed-use project that will also include ground-floor retail spaces.
The project will be fossil fuel-free and feature rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting. Renewable or recyclable material and passive design principles will be utilised where possible, and residents will have access to natural ventilation, biophilic design, sundrenched outlooks and on-site amenities including a bike hub and repair station, 49 bicycle spaces, and a shared resident zone currently earmarked for a fern garden.
Two levels of basement will include car spaces for residents, as well as car share vehicles and EV charging facilities.
“For the architecture, Breathe has drawn inspiration from the surrounding area, which is historically characterised by single and double-storey Victorian and Edwardian terrace dwellings, with remnants of industrial and warehouse buildings dotted throughout,” Beulah said.
The design features a three-level brick podium lined with lush greenery. The active ground level “encourages pedestrian activity and enhances natural surveillance, ultimately improving security and the overall quality of the area”.
Breathe Architecture founding director Jeremy McLeod said, “Grounded in the heart of Fitzroy, this project is about strength and elegance. A refined masonry base sits effortlessly with the George Street terraces, while the upper apartments open up to expansive views and the northern sun.”
The levels above the podium are recessed to minimise the form within the residential neighbourhood, complete with external terrace areas.
The design seeks to incorporate the retained historically significant bluestone wall along an integrated laneway and will provide a dedicated vehicle and cycle entry along Rose Street to reduce the traffic to George Street.
“We are excited to contribute to the pulse of Melbourne’s oldest and most desirable suburb—the vibrant Fitzroy,” Beulah executive director Adelene Teh said.
“With its eclectic character and rich history, Fitzroy is a culinary heart, a melting pot of cultures, and a hub of thriving lifestyles. We hope our contributions will enhance the precinct’s desirability and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Beulah is currently plotting its dual-tower STH BNK by Beulah project in Southbank, on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, with the taller of the buildings soaring 365 metres high, and the – relatively – smaller of the two to hit 295 metres.
They will comprise 701 apartments, offices, retail and a Four Seasons Hotel. Beulah said this time last year it had sold more than 80% of the apartments – a tally it has maintained into 2024, as per local media – with top-end sales coming in from $15 million to Melbourne-record $38 million. The average price point is $1.5 million, with some sales at $534,000.
However, Southbank News has reported the project may be facing difficulties due to increasing construction costs.
Beulah’s other projects within Melbourne’s inner north include its recently launched project Brunswick Established, where it will build 23 “eco-conscious” heritage townhomes, and The Wilds, Northcote’s largest creek-front, resort-style houses, which is under construction and due for completion next year.
