Mirvac and Milieu’s plans to develop 527 build-to-rent units on a one hectare site in Melbourne’s inner north are moving ahead.
The duo lodged plans to amalgamate seven land parcels surrounding 395 Albert Street, Brunswick between Gilpin and Clifton parks with Moreland City Council.
The Albert Fields precinct will transform several industrial buildings and homes into a multi-storey residential development including retail over two levels of basement.
The build-to-rent project will have a combination of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and is due for completion in 2024.
The 7 star NatHERS precinct has been design by architecture firm Fieldwork with interiors by Breathe Architecture and landscape by Openwork.
Fieldwork director Quino Holland said it is a significant site and they are exploring ways to reduce environmental impacts on the site while making it fit in with the surrounding area.
“As a local who lived close to the site for over 10 years, I’ve taken great care to incorporate elements of Brunswick’s DNA into the design through material, colour, texture and form,” Holland said.
“The precinct will also provide a net community benefit through an improved public realm and the creation of new pedestrian connections.”
Mirvac secured the properties between 395-403 Albert Street in late 2019 and in mid-2020 conducted a a public engagement program in collaboration with Milieu for the build-to-rent project.
More than 700 people responded to the survey emphasising a desire for secure tenure, being able to personalise their homes and priority of movement for cyclists and pedestrians.
Mirvac head of commercial property Campbell Hanan said the community engagement process solidified the project’s direction.
“We set out to understand the needs and challenges faced by tenants and the surrounding neighbourhood including park users, community groups and businesses, as well as issues relating to landscaping, ecology and affordability,” Hanan said.
Mirvac also recently lodged plans with joint-venture partner John Holland on another big project, the Waterloo Metro Quarter over-station development in Sydney’s inner south.
