Two significant suburban projects break ground
Early works have commenced on two suburban Melbourne projects that promise to reshape their respective surrounds.
A precursor to construction proper, early works for both 62 Wests Road Maribyrnong and 719 High Street Epping are underway, with both developments set to comfortably become the tallest towers in their respective suburbs.
These new suburban high points will also further expand the grip of apartment living into relatively untapped areas, although Maribyrnong does have a growing catalogue of apartment projects found primarily within Edgewater Estate. Nonetheless, piling has begun on the site of Maribyrnong's tallest tower with developer JMC Group also acting as builder, although it's unknown if these current works will flow into construction proper.
The final and tallest stage of Marque Maribyrnong fronts Raleigh Road and Wests Road, and is surrounded by strategic development sites. Directly north lies the former munitions factory site which is earmarked for residential conversion, while land to the east has been subject to rezoning discussions which could see the precinct host multiple high rise towers in the future.
Early works for JMC Group's final phase of Marque Maribyrnong follow on from their second phase, which is dubbed Aspire. Nearing completion, Aspire and the already completed Calibre represent JMC Group's two shorter endeavours in the residential precinct, with the final phase set to span 18 levels or 56 metres.
Approval is held for 165 apartments within the final building.
While it will comfortably become Maribyrnong's tallest tower upon completion, the final phase of Marque Maribyrnong will likely be joined by a fellow high rise by way of Orion International Group's Summus which is also on Wests Road and recently went to construction tender. When delivered Summus will span 15 levels or 48 metres.
Meanwhile, heavy machinery is onsite at 719 High Street with the project looking likely to become Epping's first high density, high rise development.
Hand in hand with preliminary onsite works is the release of new imagery showing the mixed-use project which corners High Street and Wedge Street. According to construction and development company Pelligra, 719 High Street will include offices, apartments, a gym and shopping centre, medical facilities plus a multi-level car park within a building spanning 12 levels.
Initially approved during 2013, 719 High Street is poised to become City of Whittlesea's tallest building and the first manifestation of the Epping Central Structure Plan which promotes growth across Epping's central spine.
719 High Street's fresh design comes as Pelligra prepares to push through a fellow Epping project at 790 High Street. The more modest Alto Epping features 29 apartments across 6 levels, with C&K Architecture responsible for the design.
