Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon

Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon
Laurence DragomirNovember 15, 2016

The first stage of Mirvac’s Wharf Entrance precinct within Yarra's Edge is nearing completion, with the $200 million Forge residential tower topping out recently. With Forge's topping out ceremony held in recent days, the event also represents a construction milestone for Wharfs Entrance in that it marks the beginning of the end of Mirvac’s Yarra’s Edge precinct.

Construction within the then new precinct began in the early 2000's.

The topping out of Forge is a significant milestone in this new landmark on Melbourne’s skyline. Forge anchors the Wharf’s Entrance at Yarra’s Edge precinct, providing a distinct new look and fostering a community of diverse residents who want to embrace waterside living.

John Carfi, Head of Residential, Mirvac

The 30-storey tower comprises 228 apartments, of which there are 29 different apartment types. Mirvac's design team were tasked with "designing something different" to what has come before at Yarra's Edge.

Employing concrete, steel and glass, Forge has been designed to respond to its context which has strongly influenced its form. Its location at the threshold between city and bay has resulted in the tower having a dual personality which addresses two distinct conditions.

Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon
The 30-storey Forge nears completion at Wharfs Entrance. Photo: Sydney Struwig

The river side of Forge responds to its immediate context via its sweeping curved glazed form reflecting the movement of the Yarra river as it rises and ripples, announcing the precinct to drivers approaching from the Bolte Bridge, while also acting as the terminus to the Bourke Street axis. Forge's southern side brings a strong urban element that responds to the bayside context of Port Melbourne with strong horizontal white bands.

The building's distinct curve, combined with floor to ceiling glazing allows for a range of expansive views that encompass the water, bright lights of the CBD and Port Phillip Bay to the south.

The 100 metre tall building sits atop a 5-storey podium that also includes 302 parking spaces, 84 bike spaces and 229sqm of retail at ground level, which interfaces with the new Wharf's Landing park. With over 75 per cent of apartments sold, Forge is attracting a broad range of residents through a mix of apartments that appeal to different interests.

This has been achieved with Forge introducing a variety of new apartment options to Yarra’s Edge including five one and two-bedroom artist studios, 10 one-bedroom lofts, 56 one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom maisonettes, 111 two-bedroom apartments, five three-bedroom terraces and 39 three-bedroom apartments ranging up to 150sqm in size.

Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon
Forge stands alone for the time being. Image: Mark Baljak

With full completion slated for early to mid 2017, Mirvac will turn its attention to Stage 2 of Wharfs Entrance, with the $128 million Voyager as its centrepiece. The 43-storey tower will rise 138 metres making it the tallest of all the Yarra's Edge towers and will feature 315 apartments with a mix of 62 one-bedroom; 186 two-bedroom and 67 three-bedroom apartments ranging from $495,000 to $2 million.

A rooftop resident's garden retreat called 'The Societe' will crown the tower.

Construction is expected to commence in March-April 2017, and with over 50% of apartments accounted for, completion of Voyager is expected during late 2019.

Mirvac's Forge tops out with Voyager on the horizon
Voyager marks the second stage of Wharf's entrance. Image courtesy of Mirvac

Laurence Dragomir

Laurence Dragomir is one of the co-founders of Urban Melbourne. Laurence has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience working in both the private and public sector specialising in architecture, urban design and planning. He also has a keen interest in the built environment, cities and Star Wars.

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