Melbourne’s real estate landscape is continuously evolving with new developments catering to the diverse needs and lifestyles of its residents. Off-the-plan (OTP) townhouse and apartment projects contribute to this evolution, providing exceptional living spaces that redefine what it means to live well in the Victorian capital.
In this feature, we spotlight two OTP developments: Blackburn Quarter in the eastern suburbs and Hampton Ltd in the Bayside. Though different in location and style, both projects are transforming Melbourne OTP living by providing remarkable homes and contributing to the vibrancy of their respective neighbourhoods.
Blackburn Quarter: Community-centric townhouses in the East
Location and vision
Blackburn Quarter is nestled in the verdant heart of Blackburn in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. This development offers a boutique collection of 39 artfully designed townhomes that epitomise contemporary style and refined living. Developed by MunCorp, Blackburn Quarter addresses a significant gap in the local market for high-quality, affordable townhouse products.
“With a median house price of $1.65 million, many inhabitants of the immediate area have been priced out of the market,” said Jake Munday, Managing Director of MunCorp.
“We were very eager to bring a quality product to market and offer it at a price point that the Blackburn area is in desperate need of.
“The area has established amenities with Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill city centre, and Box Hill High school all within walking distance – this site had so much to offer the potential purchasers.”
Local amenities and lifestyle
The location of Blackburn Quarter puts residents close to a wealth of amenities and recreational activities. The nearby Laburnum Station and easy access to the M3 Freeway make this an ideal spot for families and professionals alike. Residents can also enjoy the picturesque Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and City Oval nearby – the perfect places for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or a Sunday afternoon picnic.
“Blackburn Quarter is a dream location for those who love to shop with Box Hill Central, Westfield Doncaster, and Blackburn North shopping centres all within close proximity, offering a vast array of fashion, homewares, and fresh food retailers,” Jake added.
The area’s educational institutions are another significant draw. With top-tier schools like Box Hill High School and Laburnum Primary School within walking distance, the development is perfect for families looking to settle in a well-serviced educational precinct.
Design and community appeal
Designed by the esteemed architectural and interior design firm Cera Stribley, each residence at Blackburn Quarter feels unique and considered, embodying understated luxury. The townhouses feature expansive open-plan living spaces with timber flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, and seamless outdoor connections, with most homes including a well-sized backyard.
The development’s design includes three- and four-bedroom homes, each with multiple bathrooms and two living areas. This thoughtful layout appeals to a wide range of buyers, from first-home buyers to downsizers and investors, ensuring something for everyone.
“They really are designed to ensure there is something for everyone at all price points,” said Jake.
“This has resulted in such a strong sales result and great feedback from the community.”
Construction and sales update
Construction at Blackburn Quarter is progressing smoothly, with civil construction due to be completed in Q4 2024. Following this, the construction of the townhomes will begin in January 2025.
“The strong sales response reflects the community’s positive reception, confirming MunCorp’s vision of meeting the local demand for family-friendly homes within a desired school zone,” said Michael Zhang, Senior Sales Executive at Eton Property Group.
Three- and four-bedroom townhouses are still available at Blackburn Quarter, with three bedrooms priced from $999,000.
Hampton Ltd: Boutique luxury by the Bayside
Location and vision
Situated in the coveted Bayside suburb of Hampton, Hampton Ltd is Spyre’s inaugural venture in Victoria. This project aims to redefine luxury living by blending aspirational lifestyle elements with unparalleled convenience in one of Melbourne’s finest locations. Nestled moments from the picturesque Port Phillip Bay, Hampton Ltd offers a serene suburban setting with exceptional living spaces across 20 apartments and three townhomes.
“With an ambition to expand and bring our unique touch of luxury further afield, Hampton Ltd marks our first Spyre venture in Victoria,” said Daniel Laruccia, Managing Director of Spyre.
“Not only important for Spyre, but also a deeply personal achievement for me as a native Victorian.”
Local amenities and lifestyle
Hampton Ltd benefits from its proximity to various amenities on Hampton Street, just a five-minute walk away. This vibrant shopping village includes boutiques, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and other everyday conveniences. The nearby Hampton Railway Station and convenient bus routes enhance connectivity, making it easy for residents to access Melbourne’s city centre and other key areas. Additionally, Church Street Brighton, a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, is within convenient reach.
The Bayside location offers a lifestyle that celebrates wellness and the great outdoors. Residents can enjoy leisurely walks to Hampton Beach, Alexander Park Playground, Peace Park, or Trevor Barker Oval.
“A desirable location for families, there are public and private schools of great repute, for the youngest tot to the high schooler,” added Daniel.
“Haileybury College (Brighton Campus), St Leonard’s College, St Mary’s Primary School, and Hampton Primary School are all within easy reach.”
Design and boutique appeal
Architecturally designed by MLD Studio, with interiors by renowned Studio Brent Lee, Hampton Ltd’s interiors are personal sanctuaries inspired by its coastal setting. The refined and generous living spaces feature muted tones, sophisticated palettes, oversized ceiling heights, and superb craftsmanship. Outdoor spaces are a highlight, with terraces and private gardens offering quiet, sunlit sanctuaries.
Spyre has adopted a philosophy of reduction and deconstruction for this project, moving away from the common idea of maximising density. The boutique development comprises a series of standalone buildings interspersed with landscaped greenery, featuring a private communal space with BBQ amenities and outdoor seating. This design approach creates a limited collection of individual homes, each contributing to the diversity of choice and promoting the idea of a “personal sanctuary.”
Construction and sales update
Hampton Ltd has made significant progress, with the demolition of existing structures completed and ongoing works on the substation. The design team is finalising Protection Works Notices and Stage 1 Building Permits.
With the project’s new display suite arriving on-site, prospective buyers are encouraged to make private appointments before the current suite closes or register to attend the Display Closing Event on 1 August.
Two- and three-bedroom residences are still available at Hampton Ltd, with two bedrooms priced from $1,290,000.
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