Former leather factory stitched into residential development
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The former Joshua Pitt leather manufacturing site at 52-79 Gadd Street, Northcote, is being turned into 123 one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses and 53 apartments. The Cotery, seven kilometres from Melbourne CBD, is being developed by Melbourne property company Glenvill and designed by architectural firm Rothe Lowman.
The development is designed to be in keeping with the existing factory and will emcompass the factory smokestack as part of the central hub. The Cotery's exterior will feature a mix of concrete, glass, metal and timber in a sympathetic addition to the site's industrial past.
“Externally, the use of contrasting textures and materiality, together with eclectic sculptural forms, delivers awarm earthy palette and timeless design. The seamless transition of this palette indoors delivers a development with individual character and style,” managing principal of Rothe Lowman Kim Lowman says.
Glenvill managing director Len Warson says the aesthetics of the building were a key consideration from the beginning.
"We told the architect go for broke, make it as beautiful as you can, and we’ll make the cost work," he told Property Observer.
"It’s a beautiful development aesthetically, the fittings are beautiful and include things that you would never normally get in townhouses."
After being listed with $13.5 million plus hopes in 2010, it was speculated Glenvill paid about $15 million for the 13,450-square-metre site through DTZ marketing agent Patrick O'Callaghan and Richard O'Callaghan. The site spreads over two streets.
Northcote is known for its bohemian atmosphere, funky cafes and art scene, and The Cotery is within walking distance of the suburb's retail and entertainment hub.
“The market it Northcote is very creative, and very particular, so we needed to create a product that didn’t take shortcuts, that creatively was strong and responded to what the local audience wanted," Warson says.
"What is available in Northcote is mostly apartments, whereas this is mostly townhouses. We are more architectural."
"It’s far more contemporary than other developments we’ve done in recent times. Because it’s Northcote, that’s what the audience wants. We respond to the environment rather than having a formula."
Joshua Pitt was based at the Gadd Street property for 121 years. Manufacturing at the building ceased in 2004.
One-bedroom townhouses, which are 80 square metres, start at $495,000 in the development. The 63 two-bedroom, 120-square-metre townhouses begin at $640,000, and the 30 three-bedroom townhouses, which have a minimum of 165 square metres, range from $725,000.
The 12 apartments within the original leatherworks building will range from 70 square metres to 120 square metres and will start at $575,000.
