Little Projects' Lorimer Approved

Leading developer Little Projects has today received approval for an apartment development at the Lorimer Street, South Wharf site it purchased for $18.5 million from a local investor in February 2014.

Intended as a flagship development that will define the Fishermans Bend precinct, the $300 million project will feature 940 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, designed by leading architecture practice Elenberg Fraser.

Elenberg Fraser Director Callum Fraser said he was delighted to be working with Little Projects and that the building, now in its third design phase, would define the entrance to the Lormier precinct of Fishermans Bend.

Little Projects Managing Director Michael Fox said the project transforms multi-residential living.

“The re-submission of our plans for the South Wharf site has given us the ability to design a development that will contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic skyline,” Mr Fox said.

“We’ve identified South Wharf as a key area with potential for growth, as it is evident that Melbournians enjoy living on the fringe of the CBD, with immediate access to the best cultural and lifestyle precincts, including Melbourne’s new financial district, which is only 1km away.

“Through this project, and its thoughtful design considerations, the team at Elenberg Fraser and Little Projects has a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape and elevate the liveability of this city for future generations.”

In response to Minister for Planning The Hon. Richard Wynne MP’s new height limits for the precinct, Little Projects has reimagined the original single-tower development into a grand twin-tower design.

“The oval-shaped towers maximise the amount of natural light entering the apartments’ interiors and bring spectacular bay and city views inside,” Mr Fox said.

“Pure, liveable design has been incorporated into every aspect of the architectural planning of this development, which manages to avoid borrowed light bedrooms and orientate living rooms towards the skyline.”

Premium retail spaces will be stationed on the ground floor and there will be two floors of communal facilities, one of which will be accessed via high-speed lifts.

The proposed communal spaces include a gymnasium with park views, multiple dining and business areas, steam rooms, pools, a cinema, games room, library, pavilion, karaoke room, sky terrace and conservatory.

According to Mr Fox, expectations for multi-residential living are at unprecedented levels, with residents not only part of the suburb they reside in but also the physical building in which they inhabit.

“This is a driving force behind the incredible communal spaces on offer at South Wharf,” Mr Fox said.

Following extensive negotiation with the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA), Melbourne City Council and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Little Projects will build a 2100sq m park at the site and set aside land for a potential future tram corridor.“This parkland consideration has inspired our revised design plans and presents an opportunity to thoughtfully link our apartment residents to the wider community, and leave a legacy for this emerging suburb,” Mr Fox said.