A Toyota dealership just outside Melbourne’s CBD is set for a four-tower apartment project.
Designed by SJB, the development which has an estimated construction cost of $208 million stretches over Toyota's dealership and car yard along Elizabeth Street and will contain more than 1000 apartments.
If approved, the towers will range in height from 39 to 59.5 metres, with the tallest being 19 storeys.
“Creating a series of buildings that were diverse yet connected by some strands of DNA was key to ensuring individuality was achieved, but not at the expense of the buildings appearing ad hoc and competing,” says SJB Director Tristan Wong.
“Modulation in the façade created a sense of depth to the buildings and allowed a more dynamic play of light across the external skin.”
The buildings will incorporate a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom dwellings and studio apartments. The project will also contain amenities such as a supermarket, gym and offices.
“[The brief asked for] a project that would consist of a variety of housing options, sizes and typologies – including a considerable offering of student accommodation to support the established education and university precinct,” says Wong.
Heritage approval has been given to incorporate Melford Motors, a historic building at 615-645 Elizabeth Street, into the proposed design.
“The Melford Motors was a highly sensitive part of the site,” says Wong. “The facades and roof were key elements that were to be retained and brought back to life through restoration and minimal intervention.”
The proposal will now go to the state government for final approval.
