)
Construction of an eight-story mixed use precinct with 195 apartments spread across two buildings has been completed on 512-544 Spencer Street in West Melbourne, featuring landscaped upper levels, an enclosed courtyard with native rainforest plants as well as a private club and library lounge designed for cocktail parties and business meetings.
Designed by Plus Architecture and developed by Lechte Corporation which invested $87 million into the project, the precinct goes by the name 'The Marker' and includes a ground floor retail component including an ALDI supermarket and a selection of speciality cafés and retailers.
The development was aligned with the 2018 West Melbourne Structure Plan aimed at transforming the suburb from its industrial roots to become a buzzing community with residential offerings, service-based businesses, green space, walking and cycling routes.
"Our design for The Marker seeks to provide not only a home for its residents but to become a thriving village-like destination that deeply connects and respects the heritage and future direction of West Melbourne," says Plus Architecture director Ian Briggs.
"Our granular design is both aspirational and familiar; a place to call home, experience the city and build community."
The architects behind The Marker have sought to emulate Melbourne's "laneway and courtyard culture" through the precinct's private common areas and internal passageways between the two buildings 'Roden' and 'Spencer & Stanley', while the mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units draw inspiration from nearby homes and warehouses.
"The Marker is poised to be the face of a new, revitalised West Melbourne and will drive a more socially diverse and culturally inclusive neighbourhood that extends the limits of the CBD," says Lechte director Christopher Paul.
"With a key focus on sustainability and community, the site will act as a landmark for a hub of social activity and fervour underpinned by a strong sense of place."
)
)
)
)
)
