Saxon Street by Milieu to bring new housing and urban design to Brunswick’s cultural core
Prominent Melbourne apartment developer Milieu is back in Brunswick for its latest project, Saxon Street by Milieu.
Milieu has matched its design-first ethos with a prime location that will put future Saxon Street residents in the heart of Brunswick’s growing cultural hub, adjacent to the Brunswick Baths and library, and neighbouring the new Balam Balam Place arts precinct—part of a broader vision by Merri-bek Council to reshape the area into a cultural and community destination.
Saxon Street by Milieu, which will be the developer’s fifth project in Brunswick and will replace the former Brosnan Centre, will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from $575k. Milieu is working in collaboration with architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows, interior designer DesignOffice, and landscape architect Oculus.
The nine-level building, which received more letters of support than objections during the planning process, has been designed to respond to both the fine grain of the surrounding streetscape and the cultural institutions that define this part of Brunswick. The lower levels follow the street line, while the upper storeys step back, softening the scale and improving solar access. Curved balconies and detailing reference the neighbouring heritage architecture, while materials and finishes adopt a restrained, urban palette.
Floorplans are oriented around flexible living, with interiors favouring open layouts and high solar access. In line with Milieu’s development pillar of Sustainability as Standard, the average energy rating across the building is 7.5 stars under NatHERS, all homes will be powered by an all-electric infrastructure supported by solar PV systems and the building is EV Charging ready.
Shared spaces will include a landscaped communal rooftop with barbecues and two covered dining spaces, designed to encourage passive social interaction and support more sustainable lifestyles.
Brunswick’s Major Activity Centre designation has attracted steady development interest in recent years, and Saxon Street sits squarely within its most active precinct. Balam Balam Place, adjacent to the site, will further anchor the area’s transformation into a civic and cultural cluster, alongside the library, baths, and town hall.
Milieu, founded in 2010 with 24 completed projects and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.
Saxon Street is one of three developments Milieu is currently progressing. They will complete Plant Street Malvern later this year, and are soon to begin construction on Elsternwick Gardens, their nature-based neighbourhood in Elsternwick.
