Residents prepare to move into first stage of Greaton's West Franklin development

Residents prepare to move into first stage of Greaton's West Franklin development
Laurence DragomirFebruary 25, 2019

The first stage of one of Adelaide CBD's largest urban renewal projects - West Franklin - has been completed, with the first residents set to begin moving into Greaton's $140m twin-tower project.

Located on the corner of Elizabeth and Franklin Streets, Stage One sees the transformation of the former Balfours Bakery site into two residential towers of 17 and 19-storeys, designed by Brown Falconer.

97% or 264 of  272 apartments in West Franklin have been sold, with Greaton expecting Stage One of the development will become home to over 500 people.

Residents prepare to move into first stage of Greaton's West Franklin development
The dual towers of Stage One rise 17 and 19-storeys respectively. Image: Supplied

West Franklin’s 17-storey southern tower features 150 apartments, while the 19-storey northern tower includes 122 apartments, and a separate rooftop club-style lounge with adjoining alfresco entertaining space. 

The towers sit atop a shared six-storey podium that includes 16 two-storey townhouses and loft-style dwellings, built from red brick, paying homage to and celebrating the retained heritage Balfour Bakery building. 

The podium also accommodates 230 car parking spaces over four levels, as well as communal amenities, including a 25m heated infinity lap pool, fully-equipped gymnasium, sauna, steam room, twenty-person cinema, library and conference area, and even a golf driving simulator room. 

An adjoining outdoor pergola-covered podium provides communal BBQs, an indoor kitchen and shared lounge, and internal and alfresco entertaining spaces.

In another major boost for the area, West Franklin will also include 1,245 sqm of retail space, creating a new shopping destination in where a proposed supermarket, cafe and smaller retail outlets will feature. providing a major retail boost to Adelaide’s west end.

Residents prepare to move into first stage of Greaton's West Franklin development
The towers sit atop a landscaped podium. Image: Supplied

What they say...

West Franklin’s Stage One was released to the market in 2015 and there are only six apartments and two of the four penthouses left for sale. We’ve found that buyers have been impressed with the considerable amenity offerings and vibrant lifestyle the precinct offers, with around 70% of sales made to owner-occupiers.

These residents will be within a short walking distance to CBD offices, Adelaide Central Market, private and public schools and universities, trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, while the North Terrace cultural precinct and the Rundle Street and Gouger Street restaurants are also on the doorstep.

As such, West Franklin couldn’t be better located and offers a unique lifestyle our buyers were quick to take advantage of.

Our buyers have covered the spectrum – West Franklin is perfect for single owners, such as Jessie, or families. It’s also pet-friendly, which has been well received. West Franklin is particularly appealing to tertiary students studying on North Terrace, given its proximity and the range of lifestyle offerings within a short walk.

The value for money, amenity offering, high quality architectural design and build quality is exceptional at West Franklin and our clients have acknowledged this.”

-  Nicho Teng, Greaton Managing Director

 

“I was first attracted by West Franklin’s location, which is just a seven-minute walk to my job at Bendigo Bank’s Grenfell Street head office. I love running along the Torrens River, which will be only ten minutes away. I also go to the gym every day and will now have one in my building. 

West Franklin will provide me with a convenient and quality lifestyle, with basically everything I need in one place – there’ll be a supermarket and café downstairs, and even events held on the podium.

In terms of affordability, and the fact that everything I need is within walking distance, West Franklin can’t be beaten."

- Jessie Tafur, Middle Market Officer at Bendigo Bank and purchaser/resident at West Franklin

 

“It’s been exciting to deliver this project for Greaton and we think it’s a highly desirable project that’s unique to Adelaide. We had in excess of 320 workers on site at its peak, with more than 2,000 individual workers, representing 60 subcontracting firms, contributing to the project.

The delivery of West Franklin’s Stage One is another milestone for our business and is something we will be celebrating. The project was completed 3 weeks ahead of contractual completion!

This has been a highly desirable project for Greaton and their ability to work dynamically with us and other project stakeholders is a credit to them.  We look forward to working with them again.”

- Daryl Young, Built Environs Managing Director

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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