Lendlease and Kapitol Secure Major Melbourne Projects: The Fox - NGV Contemporary and Innovative Residential Development
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Lendlease and Kapitol have successfully secured contracts for two major projects in Melbourne, valued at over $147 million collectively.
Development Victoria has appointed Lendlease as the construction partner for The Fox: NGV Contemporary, set to be Australia's largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design. This 30,000sq m facility, a part of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, is slated to begin construction this month.
Designed by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, the gallery will feature more than 13,000sq m of display space, including exhibition galleries and a rooftop terrace with a sculpture garden. The centrepiece of the landmark building will be a striking 40m-high spherical hall, promising a remarkable architectural experience.
Bill Alexandrakis, Lendlease's executive general manager for Victoria construction, expressed enthusiasm for delivering this significant project, saying Lendlease shared “a long-standing partnership with Development Victoria and are ready to deliver […] the centrepiece of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct transformation”. Alexandrakis said Lendlease will “create a celebrated, city-shaping cultural landmark that will create a new global destination for the arts”, working with the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Creative Victoria, Development Victoria and a design team led by Angelo Candalepas.
In a separate venture, Kapitol has been chosen as the builder for developer Assemble's build-to-rent-to-own project at 511-537 Sydney Road, Coburg.
This development, featuring two towers of 15 and 16 storeys and 326 apartments in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations, has received fast-track planning approval. Its estimated end value is $147 million.
Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, the project emphasises affordability with 60% of the apartments designated as such, exceeding government requirements. The public development will include office space, public open space, a café, 156 car parking spaces, as well as 610 bicycle storage spaces.
The build-to-rent-to-own model will offer tenants the opportunity to lease properties for five years while saving towards ownership. The Sydney Road site is close to tram stops and the Coburg Station.
With a focus on sustainable practices, Kapitol director Andrew Deveson highlighted the utilisation of digital engineering and prefabrication specialists to enhance efficiency and minimise waste.
Despite initial height concerns, the Coburg development showcases innovative design elements such as a green spine for improved light and ventilation, communal spaces, and sustainable features, positioning it as a modern and community-focused residential project in Melbourne.
Source: The Urban Developer
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