Brunswick East's $215 million Tip Top bakery redevelopment sees settlements take place

Brunswick East’s formerly derelict, heritage listed, Tip Top bakery site is seeing settlement on properties as a $215 million rejuvenation nears completion.

The site, acquired by Little Projects in 2009, is separated out into six buildings, all with bakery-appropriate names: Stables, Seeds, Silo, Rye, Grain and Malt; Rothelowman are the architects behind the design.

Rothelowman have been active across Melbourne recently, shaping South Yarra boutique development Lex, 29-apartment Maribyrnong development Mosaica, the "piano" facade La Trobe Tower that is set for 2016 completion and Port Melbourne's Aqueous that has an appropriately bubble-themed building.

Heritage elements have been retained for the Tip Top site, including the art deco stables and brick façade.

The 1.2 hectare site is now a lifestyle precinct, including a childcare centre with 92 places in the Seeds building, that includes a specially designed rooftop outdoor space.

The base of the Seeds building will also house a new café and an office at its base, and there is a base site available in the Stables building for either a retailer or office.

Many of the buildings include large entertainer’s balconies and city views, while each has a separate street address and private access to their properties. The internal laneways were designed by Urbis.

Little Projects managing director Michael Fox said that the site is located between Edward and Weston Street and had been dormant for close to a decade.

“We have always seen Brunswick East as an up-and-coming suburb and we have now unlocked this potential through this project with settlements already underway. This is an exciting step forward for Melbourne’s North,” said Fox.

“We’re creating a community, so we consider the flow-on impact on the surrounding streets and wanted to create a precinct that adds value to the neighbourhood and that people want to be part of,” he said.

Settlements of the apartments commenced in April, with a few two-bedroom apartments remaining and some commercial leasing opportunities.

Two-bedroom apartments in Silo were selling for $539,000 plus.

Property Observer previously reported that some of the apartments were being offered for rent, with one-bedroom from $300 per week and two-bedroom from $420 per week, with a move-in from May.

The median price for Brunswick East units is $475,000, commanding a median advertised weekly rental price of $395, according to RP Data.