“Pioneers of amenity spaces”: Far East Consortium doubles down on facilities at 640 Bourke
In today’s competitive apartment market, especially in inner-city precincts, developers are being pushed to think far beyond square metre rates and finishes.
Residents now expect their homes to support every part of their day — from Zoom meetings and fitness routines to rooftop entertaining and mindfulness breaks. This shift has turned modern apartment buildings into vertical communities, complete with shared spaces that blend work, leisure, and wellbeing.
While the level of amenity within a building has increased dramatically over recent years, developer Far East Consortium has been providing a heightened level of amenity for years. The developer boasts 14 towers delivered in Melbourne alone, as well as the likes of the recently completed of the recently completed Queens Wharf Residences in Brisbane and Perth Hub in Perth, to name just a few.
Far East Consortium recently launched 640 Bourke, in the heart of Melbourne CBD at the western end of Bourke Street, with all of the bells and whistles new apartment owners want in their building. They have carved out over 3,000 sqm of private resident facilities throughout the 68-level, RotheLowman-designed tower.
Jessica Campbell, Director of Projects Victoria at YPM Avanti who is overseeing the sales campaign, says Far East Consortium are “pioneers of amenity spaces.”
“One thing Far East Consortium has done is delivered exceptional amenity over many many years,” Campbell says.
“Having the experience of knowing what residents want, they’ve delivered over an acre of space just around the corner at Upper West Side, and then more recently at West Side Place. They have hands down delivered the best quality amenities within Melbourne, and I would go as far as to say Victoria and even Australia.”
Campbell says there’s no doubt there will be something for everyone in the shared spaces at 640 Bourke. Future residents will have private access to a luxury wellness centre with a carefully designed swimming pool and gym space.
RotheLowman Associate Jun Chang says the team wanted to make the gym and the pool area “an absolute destination.”
“When you traverse across this space, there’s a gentle familiarity to beautiful notions of the Hamamm and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history.”
Chang says there are a few “hidden gems” located on each amenity level, from the art therapy room to a piano salon.
"They are highly considered spaces to each function," Chang explained.
"The private dining rooms are a gentle nod to the speakeasy culture of Melbourne.”
Spaces to socialise and entertain guests was a high priority, so FEC and RotheLowman came up with several spaces for residents to gather, like a whisky lounge, mindfulness lounge, games room, movie theaters, and a library.
Despite its proximity to Melbourne’s commercial district, working from home is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Residents will have access to meeting rooms and private working rooms, on level 11.
The glass tower of 640 Bourke will rise from the iconic Eliza Tinsley building. The adjacent Langs Lane will be widened and home shopping boutiques and cafes, providing the ultimate convenience for those who will call 640 Bourke home.
Buyers only have until October 2025 to take advantage of the VIC Government's generous stamp duty concessions announced late last year.
*Renders shown are artist's impressions correct as at March 2025.
