First look exclusive: Fortis lodge St Kilda precinct plans
High-end developer Fortis have submitted plans for a new project in Melbourne's St Kilda.
Fortis, who operate in Sydney and Melbourne's most sought-after areas, is seeking to create 39 apartments at 61-73 Fitzroy Street, a 2,661 sqm amalgamated site secured last year.
Fortis said they've long been interested in St Kilda, and in particularly Fitzroy Street.
"St Kilda has a colourful history, character & charm and a unique position within Melbourne – immediate proximity to the CBD, parks and unrivalled amenity, yet distinctly coastal featuring one of Australia’s most well-known beaches," Fortis Director Charles Mellick, who co-founded the company in 2016 alongside Patrick Keenan and Dan Gallen, told Urban.
"Fitzroy Street is one of Melbourne’s most historic grand boulevards which has admittedly seen better days, but here lies the challenge and opportunity to breathe new life into the precinct."
Fortis have had Woods Bagot design the Fitzroy Street project, which will also reinvigorate Fitzroy Street and benefit the local community.
Fortis called it a "precinct defining opportunity."
The site has a 65 metre street frontage, and a strategic location, at the mid-point of Fitzroy Street.
"Our proposal will be a catalyst for rejuvenation," the documents submitted to Port Phillip Council noted.
"This opportunity is to redefine the local area and play a key part in the Fitzroy Street’s return to former grandeur.
"The extensive frontage to Fitzroy Street offers immense opportunity for activation in what is currently a run-down retail strip."
There will be around 950 sqm of hand selected retailers, likely to be a providore, a bakery, or a signature food and beverage venture.
"[The retailers will cater] to the daily needs of surrounding residents, provide passive day and night activation and give everyone a compelling reason to visit Fitzroy Street."
The 39 apartments will be located above and behind the retail, focusing on "quality not quantity."
"Lucky future residents will enjoy refined common amenity on the ground floor, the retail experience, beachside living and everything St Kilda has to offer on their doorstep," the documents stated.
There will be just three one-bed apartments, 19 two-bedders, and 10 three-bedroom units.
Two three-bedroom duplex penthouses will be on offer, as well as five three-bedroom penthouses.
The plans have 100 parking spaces, and 39 bike spaces.
Fortis say the existing architecture in St Kilda influenced the design of the project.
"Victorian Grandeur is a prevalent motif and its contribution to the character and charm of St Kilda is apparent through the use of refined fretwork and double columns," the design statement noted, citing St Kilda's Linden Gallery as an influence.
"This former grandeur has become a recognisable feature of current day St Kilda. Our proposal seeks to rejuvenate this charm through its façade articulation, balustrades and generous planter boxes. The intention is to add a further layer of contemporary charm and character to St Kilda."
Cobild Construction have already been appointed as the lead construction partner on the project, having already been appointed to 10 of Fortis' projects since teaming up together in 2018. Local landscape designer Florian Wild are in charge of the landscaping.