Gurner unveils $1.7b futuristic vision to transform Docklands into a ‘wellness Utopia’

Melbourne-based developer Tim Gurner is planning a futuristic transformation of the Docklands precinct after lodging updated plans for Gurner Group’s $1.7 billion Elysium Fields project which is billed as a “wellness and anti-ageing Utopia”.

The development is a joint venture between Gurner Group and City Harbour, a consortium that includes the Liberman family which holds the development rights to the project.

Set to rise on a 2.7ha site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, the multi-staged development will ultimately deliver 1,700 dwellings including more than 1,350 build-to-rent and build-to-sell apartments, a retail and hospitality precinct, a four-star short-stay hotel of about 100 rooms and a premier five-star hotel of more than 250 rooms with state-of-the-art conference facilities, a business club and hospitality offerings.

The futuristic theme of the Elysium Fields development, which is designed by Fraser & Partners, has been captured in a “self-contained biosphere-like design”.

The aim is to “instill a sense of true tranquility" that Gurner says will make residents "feel like they could by anywhere in the world as they enter the pristine, futuristic and inspiring oasis in the heart of Docklands”.

The concept is said to bring together Gurner’s own personal wellness journey by offering the latest in science-backed health and wellness to deliver “a regenerative anti-ageing and wellness experience”.

“Our aim for this project is to completely transform and revitalise the Docklands, re-energising it with public gardens, greenery and an unprecedented connection to health and wellness,” says Gurner.

“There will be absolutely nothing like this in Australia; this precinct will need to be seen to be believed and we can’t wait to launch it to the market later this year.

“When you enter Elysium Fields, you will be stepping into another world – one that is serene, clean, vibrant and grounding, and when you’re amongst the project’s forest and landscape you’ll feel like you could be anywhere in the world, while being right on the doorstep of the CBD.”

Gurner says Elysium Fields will be akin to a “Utopian community, where residents can access the world’s best reverse ageing and health treatments".

“We now have a huge amount of data and research about anti-ageing and optimal health via Saint Haven, Elysium Fields will see us execute this on a residential scale, meaning our community won’t just have access to the best treatments, they will be living and breathing it in their own homes, too,” he says.

Advanced anti-ageing facilities to be made available to residents include cryotherapy, IV infusions, dry and infrared sauna, red light therapy, grounding and PEMF beds.

The project will also host the Elysian Reverse Ageing Medical Clinic, providing medical-grade treatments such as MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans, blood testing and personalised health plans. 

Gurner Group’s Saint Haven club will be among the lifestyle offerings, with the Docklands site to be the largest in its portfolio at 5,000sqm, along with another Gurner initiative, the Haven Ancient Baths.

Approvals for the Elysium Fields proposal have previously been secure, but Gurner says the latest planning application has been lodged to provide improved activation across the public spaces with a focus on better pedestrian access, public amenity and connectivity to nature.

The masterplan incorporates a pedestrian-focused “path of life” through the podium offering a running track with the space including yoga, meditation, training, exercise and recovery spaces in addition to a rooftop sports court, a private wellness club, a pool club and 5,000sqm of retail, dining and public amenity.

The precinct will feature its own botanical gardens while also being geared for a 24/7, interactive retail, dining and entertainment experience.

The first stage of the project will comprise three towers totalling 640 build-to-sell apartments. The first tower of 231 apartments is proposed to be launched in the third quarter of this year, with the launch expected to coincide with a start to construction.

“We want to create a destination for flagship retail and transform the entire precinct into a premium and immersive extension of the CBD - a place where live performances, gallery exhibitions and public events can come together with a permanent focus on wellness, holistic health, greenery and connectivity to nature,” says Gurner.

“We are re-greening Docklands and revitalising it as a place to visit, live, and focus on unlocking your best self via health and anti-ageing treatments.

“Our brief was to create Australia’s largest Utopian wellness precinct surrounded by a living, breathing, green environment that promotes our grounding to nature.

“We would not come to Docklands for a small site where we could not have an impact. At over 27,000sqm of land, we are creating our own city within a city, a sanctuary at the gateway to the CBD for our residents to live in luxury and privacy where they can have the best of both worlds, with access to the best Melbourne’s incredible city has on offer on their doorstep.”

Approval for the Docklands project now vests with the Victorian Government.