Melbourne-based architectural developer Orchard Piper has received a planning permit for a 9- storey mixed-use development at 364 – 370 Albert Street, East Melbourne, fronting Fitzroy Gardens.
The deal to acquire the amalgamated 1,200sqm East Melbourne site was put together off-market by Orchard Piper’s Directors over a period of 12 months. One of the last developable parcels fronting the Fitzroy Gardens, Orchard Piper negotiated the acquisition of the three-adjoining park- front sites which had been held by the same family for over 40 years.
The site, its largest to date, will add $120m to the developer’s growing pipeline which now represents a total value of over $750m across completed and future projects.
The project will be anchored by a 3-storey grand Victorian townhouse which will be restored to its original form and include connecting basement car parking and a lift. The plans also include, private offices and 6 residential levels, housing 14 contemporary residences in total, all boasting direct views of Melbourne’s CBD or the Fitzroy Gardens.
Remaining boutique in design, no more than three apartments will occupy each floor. Plans also include a multi-level basement for ample underground parking, with 2 – 5 spaces available per apartment and 4 spaces for the Grand Victorian townhouse. Orchard Piper will again collaborate with long-time design partner Jolson
Architecture and Interiors, marking their sixth project together.
Located near the corner of Lansdowne and Albert Street, Orchard Piper’s move into the area reiterates East Melbourne’s reputation as a sought-after location for the city’s luxury market, with the suburb median house price sitting at $3.3m.
Having established a reputation as a discerning luxury developer whose highly considered works punctuate Melbourne’s inner south-eastern suburbs, this project represents an expansion and diversification of the Orchard Piper brand, marking a natural evolution into larger, mixed-use ventures within its growing development pipeline.
Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie said the strategic site acquisition and planning permit represented a significant step forward for the brand, and the next phase of the Orchard Piper story.
“ We have been actively acquiring sites through COVID with a view to significantly bolstering our pipeline as we move into more substantial projects in Melbourne’s best locations.”
“ This East Melbourne project has been designed in direct response to more than 13 years of market feedback from our local owner occupiers. Living spaces will be ample, with home offices and master suites just as you would expect in a detached house” adds McKie.
“ This is our sixth project with our long term design partners, Jolson. The collective knowledge from this partnership places our projects in rare territory where historic feedback from our residents continues to shape our future offerings.”
Source: Orchard Piper