Essendon 100-apartment development plans lodged
Essendon, the cultural hub of Melbourne's north-west, is set for a new mixed-use residential and commercial apartment tower.
The $26 million development 881 Mt Alexander Road is located within the Essendon Junction Activity Centre, adjacent to the Essendon Railway Station.
Essendon Junction is identified as the “cultural, entertainment and transport hub of the neighbourhood.”
The 17-level tower, designed by IN8 Architects, has an impressive, red brick, five-level podium, which will home glass shop fronts. The tower element of the proposal, from levels six and up, is set back, and has been created with darker coloured glazing, providing a contrast with the red-brick podium.
The tower has been designed so most apartments take in city views.
In their Urban Context Report, IN8 suggest that the scale and design of the building will provide for a high-quality urban design outcome that reflects the strategic opportunities of the site within an activity centre.
"The development will provide for a new landmark form within Essendon and allows for the current under-utilised site to be developed appropriately in order to reflect the aspirations of the City of Moonee Valley and provide for commercial and residential opportunities in a strategic location well serviced by public transport, facilities and services."
The town planning report by GrayKinnane noted four reasons why the proposed development provides for an acceptable planning outcome and provides for a net community benefit:
- It provides for additional commercial uses and housing in a strategically appropriate location to assist in meeting housing objectives and providing for the efficient use of urban land;
- It provides for a landmark development of architectural excellence and responds to the urban design objectives of the Planning Scheme
- It provides for a development that minimise off site amenity impacts and provides for an appropriate level of onsite amenity of future occupiers;
- It provides for acceptable access from the Road Zone and appropriate vehicle access and parking