This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
MIRVAC has followed Frasers Property in tweaking the designs of its new inner Brisbane build-to-rent project, tripling the amenity and adjusting the apartment layouts and offerings to appeal to renters.
The groups were named as the two proponents in the Queensland Government’s build to rent pilot project in October, and will deliver the first developments of their type in the city.
Mirvac, which has become one of the most active players within the nation’s fledgling sector, has lodged a minor amendment with Brisbane City Council for the site at 60 Skyring Terrace in its Waterfront Newstead community.
The proposal includes 395 apartments, including a mix of studios and one, two and dual key apartments, across a 23 and 25 level building that will have 3,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor resident amenity on level five and more than 1,000sqm of boutique retail at ground level.
Key worker affordable housing will be available for 25% of apartments, which will be indistinguishable and transferrable to any apartment if the applicant meets the state’s eligibility requirements.
Onsite resident facilities include a kitchen and dining area, fully equipped gym, yoga and pilates studio, co-working rooms, cinema, games room, communal gardens, outdoor dining and barbeques, pool and relaxation spaces, a pet park and dog wash.
The design includes an onsite leasing and management office, along with back of house facilities, to support an onsite management team who will be available seven days a week.
Pending approval from Council, Mirvac is hoping to start construction in late 2021, with the building program expected to take about 30 months to complete.
“Build-to-rent reimagines the rental experience by putting the focus on people, with improved customer service, greater certainty and security and an extensive range of onsite amenities, and the proposed design is in-line with this philosophy,” Mirvac build to rent general manager, Angela Buckley said.
“We have adjusted internal apartment layouts, sizes and mix to appeal to the key renter demographic and more than trebled the onsite amenity to provide generous spaces for connection, health and wellbeing and coworking, along with new initiatives such as a car share fleet and electric share bikes.”
The proposed buildings – including height, building separation, sight lines and footprint – all remain unchanged from the existing development approval for the site.
Frasers Property recently lodged amendments of its own with Brisbane City Council earlier this year. Its 25 storey tower at 210 Brunswick Street project in Fortitude Valley will now include 11 added units for a total of 323, 33 less car parks, and a doubling of communal areas.
Like Mirvac’s, about one quarter its offering will be affordable apartments.
Brisbane City Council initially approved plans for redevelopment of the Lifeline store and former nightclub site in 2017.
