Sapphire by the Gardens welcomes its first residents
The latest addition to Melbourne’s skyline has just wrapped completion, with the first crop of residents already making their way into the 215-metre tall tower.
In what’s been a five year process for international property developers, SP Setia, Sapphire by the Gardens attracted a number of buyers during the early stages of construction, with the prime address the main driver.
Located directly opposite the never-to-be-built-out Carlton Gardens and the UNESCO world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the tower sits just minutes from the bustling CBD, while benefiting from the tranquil garden surrounds.
Over 97 per cent of the 325 apartments have already been sold, with buyers particularly interested in the park side address, near to the best Melbourne has to offer and being in an architectural landmark building alongside the flagship Shangri-La.
Sapphire by the Gardens during construction. Image supplied.
Managing Director for Colliers Residential Victoria, Tim Storey said Sapphire by the Gardens has appealed to a broad pool of buyers, both locally and internationally.
“It’s rare to see a residential offering of this calibre brought to market, which savvy buyers have recognised. Seeing the return of international buyers post the pandemic has also given more confidence to the Melbourne property market,” said Storey.
The apartment tower includes an activated podium and two floors of amenities exclusively offered to residents, including an infinity edge swimming pool, a gym, sauna, sky lounge, a cinema, a karaoke room, a chef’s kitchen and a lounge with a fireplace.
Designed by award-winning Australian architects, Fender Katsalidis and COX Architecture, the 60-level residential tower also connects to a 62-level 5-star flagship Shangri-La Hotel.
“The sky bridge on level 47 that connects the two towers is a striking architectural feature, unlike anything Melbourne has seen before. Residents will be able to enjoy premium amenities, with 360 degree city, bay and park views,” Storey added.
The 500-hotel room, Shangri-La Melbourne, will be one of the brand’s four flagship hotels globally, with a range of rooms suited to guests’ different needs, a range of restaurants and bars, and the largest ballroom space in Melbourne’s CBD.
Inside one of the apartments at Sapphire by the Gardens. Image supplied.
Cox Director, Phillip Rowe said they worked with construction giants, Multiplex to tackle some challenging designs along the way, including the sky bridge.
“The striking façade featuring champagne gold fins stands out from other buildings, and the unique sky bridge truly makes it one of a kind,” said Rowe.
“The residential apartments have been well-appointed with a spacious open plan design, floor-to ceiling windows, including modern timber veneer, opulent marble, stone and porcelain tiles and dark bronze details,” Rowe added.
The first residents of Sapphire by the Gardens moved in during October 2022, while the hotel expects to welcome its first guests in 2024.
The limited stock currently available from $1,210,000 with two and three-bedrooms available.