New Market Apartments – Melbourne
Located at the corner of Racecourse Rd and Nottingham St in Kensington, this project has presented an opportunity to explore the directives set out by the Victorian State Government in developing higher density residential buildings on major transport corridors. This increase in density is vital if the state of Victoria is to accommodate predicted population growth and to encourage the resultant enhancement of local infrastructure. As one of the first developments under this scheme in the Kensington area, and more particularly on this segment of Racecourse Rd, its outcome will go a long way to setting a benchmark for further anticipated residential work in the immediate area.
The 53 unit development is comprised of one and two bedroom apartments with generous balconies and excellent views. Spread over ground plus 5 levels, with 2 levels of basement parking, the scheme includes retail activation along Racecourse Rd and around the corner onto Nottingham St. The modern design, with a strong horizontal composition, begins to separate the mass of the ground retail tenancies from that of the apartments above, visually reducing the appearance of the overall size of the building. The dramatic contrast of dark and light façade elements reinforces the white ribbon that traces its way elegantly across the building.