How Yarra One apartments fit in to South Yarra's Forrest Hill Precinct
South Yarra’s once hidden industrial area, known as the Forrest Hill Precinct, has undergone a complete transformation into a microcosm of a cosmopolitan city.
While a City of Stonnington Council masterplan only came into effect in 2008, development was in the works as early as 2005/2006. In 2005, just over 100 homes adorned the streets between the South Yarra railway station and Chapel Street, with a local council report forecasting an extra 350 homes by 2015.
That was until 2008 when the precinct - strategically important in the context of the Melbourne 2030 Plan - was designated as a key area within the surrounding City of Stonnington for higher density housing, mixed use and intensive built form.
The masterplan for the precinct’s street level development included the widening of footpaths and new paving materials, vibrant colours and patterns, landscaping treatments, the development of east/west pedestrian links, pedestrian priority, under grounding of power lines and installation of public art.
The former industrial area, bounded by Toorak Road, Chapel Street, Alexandra Avenue and Yarra Street, is now not only a high-density residential area with retail offerings, it has been directly connected to Chapel Street, Yarra Street and the station.
Developer EcoWorld took advantage of the burgeoning area, and created their $250 million apartment tower, Yarra One.
To fit in with the cool-vibe of Chapel Street, architect Fender Katsalidis created a luxury atrium entry from Claremont Street, reminiscent of the bustling laneways that Melbourne is famous for.
Residents also get access to Yarra One's exclusive resident only app Lifestyle One, an all-round app which allows residents to do everything from making massage appointments to hiring a butler.
In partnership with Scarisbrick International, a Singapore-based company that developed a new concept in luxury retirement living, the monthly subscription-style service fee, brings a different level of service to residents of all ages, Yarra One General Manager Jeffrey Ong says.
“By offering our residents 6-star services 24 hours a day, we aim to further amplify the Yarra One living experience as a beautiful, luxurious home that pampers, comforts, and inspires our residents," Ong says.
“People often associate apartment living with a compromised lifestyle, but our vision is to provide residents both convenience and lifestyle under one roof.
“EcoWorld is excited to be one of the first developers to bring apartment residents a premium resort lifestyle in Australia and hopes to explore similar initiatives for future projects.”