Carpe Group secure green light for two Melbourne apartment developments

It can be a long and arduous journey for developers after they submit a development application to local councils.

They each have different criteria and move at different speeds.

Sometimes however, they can all come at once. That's certainly been the case for Tim Campbell and Stuart Kacir's Carpe Group, which has had two developments approved in the last few weeks.

Carpe, who develop for downsizers right across Melbourne, has secured approval for two projects in the Bayside suburbs of Hampton and Sandringham, and hope to secure one in Kew where they're currently developing The Walton.

Read more: How a property market shift triggered the founding of Carpe Group

In Sandringham, Carpe secured eight townhouses across two blocks which will make way for a Warren & Mahoney-designed building of 25 apartments.

They will be a mix of 11 generously sized two-beds, starting from 100 sqm, and 14 three-bed apartments which get as large as 190 sqm internally. The penthouses will have large rooftop terraces with the option to add a spa. Every apartment will have interiors by Lisa Buxton.

The project sits in a cracking spot at 49-51 Abbott Street, toward the western end of the street near Sandringham Station, the surrounding retail amenity, and Sandringham Beach.

Carpe's other Bayside project, in Hampton, is another that's all about the location. Strategically located one street back from the vibrant Hampton Street with all the retail, hospitality and Hampton Station. Carpe will launch 18 apartments at 8-10 Ocean Street, designed by Martin Friedrich Architects who will also handlethe interiors.

That building, with five two-beds from 113 sqm and 13 three-bed apartments, will replace an old house, which has already been demolished, and two side by side townhouses. 

The Ocean St development. Image supplied

Carpe will be developing Ocean Street alongside joint venture partner Icon Kajima. They're forecasting a spring launch after they complete their display suite on Hampton Street.

Carpe is hoping to get another project to get approved in Kew, where they're approaching completion on the nearly sold-out The Walton. They've grabbed a 3,709 sqm site at 85 Studley Park Road, near Studley Park, where they're planning 31 apartments.

Campbell says that while it takes more time than ever to put together a good site in a good location, it's always time well spent. 

"Both the Bayside projects are a short walk to train stations, without being right on top of them, and with the train stations come the activity centres of the suburbs. All the shopping needs are within a walk, and with Bayside, you've also got the beach and park reserves."

Campbell says Kew presents a different opportunity compared to the Bayside.

Stuart Kacir says you can't have all of the above in Kew, so you offer something different depending on where you're developing.

"With The Walton, residents will be closer to the centre of Kew, while the new project is more geared toward being a short walk to Studley Park, with the convenience of numerous bus stops on Studley Park Road. The centre of Kew and the shops are still only a kilometre away."

Studley Park will be the last domino to fall, with a launch expected later in 2024 after Carpe complete the display suite on High Street.