Plans for a $360 million residential development on Melbourne’s busy St Kilda Road precinct has been unveiled by Melbourne developer Woodlink.
Designed by architect Bates Smart, “Illoura House” will feature 163 residential apartments, including five penthouses and nine sub-penthouses.
Woodlink’s project has launched at a time where residential development in the St Kilda Road market is reaching its natural peak, with current projects including UEM Sunrise’s Zaha Hadid-designed Mayfair apartments, the Shakespeare Group’s three-tower St Boulevard development and Gurner’s Albert Place Residences.
The Chinese-backed developer has also struck a deal with Marriott, incorporating 176 five-star executive apartments in the tower’s first five levels.
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Woodlink Project director Antonio Tarros says thoughtful projects such as Illoura House are driving a new dawn for St Kilda Road.
“Which in 10 years we believe will be a luxury shopping, residential and dining district with the feel of a Parisian boulevard,” Tarros said.
“We have a lot of confidence in this vision for St Kilda Road as does Marriott International, which recognises the continued evolution of this area.”
The proposed 18 level tower will provide hotel-style amenities at ground level including a 20-metre pool, gymnasium, spa and sauna. Reaching 59 metres tall and holding an approximate gross floor area of 55,500 square metres makes Illoura House one of Melbourne’s largest current residential projects by net sellable area.
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The aim of this project has always been to create a “true landmark,” explains Tarros, emulating “the grandeur of the St Kilda Road boulevard from its early days when it was lined with opulent mansions.”
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Woodlink acquired the site in late 2015.
The site has been subject to similar grand intentions in the form of residential developments but has not been fully utilised until now.
The evolution of St Kilda Road from a major office sector 20 years ago to a boutique apartment strip today has been well documented.
