The best apartments on Melbourne's Flagstaff Gardens
Flagstaff Gardens, located in the north-west corner of the Melbourne's CBD before moving into North Melbourne, is one of the city's oldest and most significant public parks. Its history is closely tied to the early development of Melbourne.
The gardens were established in 1862, making them one of the city's earliest public spaces. However, the area that now comprises Flagstaff Gardens has a longer history.
When European settlers arrived in the 1830s, the area around Flagstaff Gardens became part of the rapidly growing city of Melbourne.
The gardens were named after the flagstaff erected on the highest point of the site in the 19th century. The flagstaff was used for signalling shipping activity in the Port of Melbourne. Today, a replica flagstaff stands in the gardens as a historical reminder.
Over the years, Flagstaff Gardens has undergone several transformations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the gardens were enhanced with pathways, ornamental plantings, and recreational facilities. The park's design evolved to reflect changing trends in landscape architecture. The park features walking paths, open lawns, and various mature trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Flagstaff Gardens is a sought-after park for those who either live, or work, or both, in the city. There's only been a few occasions over the last decade that apartments have been available to those looking at living both in the city and near a park.
We've looked at the best apartment projects near Flagstaff Gardens.
Project: Parkhill Apartments
Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Developer: Central Equity
Central Equity's completed Parkhill Apartments is just up the road from Flagstaff Gardens, toward the northern end of Spencer Street near Festival Hall.
One and two-bedroom apartments remain in the building which the Urban Community has said, above all other features of the development, is in a great location.
The 20-level tower has attracted both first-home buyers and investors. Central Equity Marketing Manager Jeremy Vile says the location is one of the key drivers in buyer demand.
"While we're a CBD address, we're at the north end of Spencer Street, next to Flagstaff Gardens, which brings with it a quieter lifestyle than being in the heart of the city."
Residents are just a three-minute walk from Flagstaff Gardens. The famous Queen Victoria Market is also located within a short stroll, allowing residents to indulge in a variety of fresh produce.
The spacious homes include long-lasting features, such as the Miele cookware in the kitchen and tapware with a 15-year warranty.
There was even consideration to make the balconies as useful as possible. Every apartment has an expansive balcony, located off the living space, which can fit a table and chairs enabling alfresco dining.
A prominent feature of Parkhill is the resident rooftop terrace, which has a walking track that weaves around the whole roof. There is also a gym, barbecue facilities, seating, and stunning views toward the Bay, Docklands, and back to the city.
Project: Aspire Melbourne
Address: 295-309 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Developer: ICD Property
Offering some of the city's most sought-after views, ICD Property's completed Aspire Melbourne soars 208 metres above Flagstaff Gardens, one of the closest apartment towers to the green space.
It features uninterrupted views of Flagstaff Gardens, the Docklands waterfront, and the Melbourne CBD.
The Elenberg Fraser-designed tower brought a much-needed supply of 565 apartments to the Melbourne market.
Crowning Aspire are a collection of three-bedroom penthouses, known as the Aspire Residences, a creation of the internationally renowned architect David Hicks.
The apartments feature natural material selections with light and restrained colour palettes, which allow residents to connect with the delicate forms and textures.
At its core, Aspire Melbourne is a haven of world-class amenities, offering residents an indoor pool, spas, a gym, multiple private dining and lounge areas, a library, meeting rooms, and co-working spaces.
Only a handful of one, two and three-bedroom residences are remaining in the development, with prices starting from $564,500.
The three-bedroom apartments at Aspire are the only offering to include a car space. They start from $1.675 million.
Project: West Side Place
Address: 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Developer: Far East Consortium
It was a decade ago that Far East Consortium signalled their intentions for the $2 billion-plus West Side Place development, securing a prime Spencer Street site in 2013.
Slightly further down Spencer Street than Parkhill, West Side Place, designed by Cottee Parker, encompasses four residential towers and the prestigious Ritz-Carlton and Dorsett Hotels, all interconnected by a vibrant central laneway.
Located within the coveted University High School Zone, the development is just a short walk from Flagstaff Gardens, Southern Cross Station, and the Free Tram Zone. This translates to the ultimate city living experience, where everything the residents need is right at their doorstep.
Towers one and two combine thoughtful, lifestyle-focused design with breathtaking views across the Docklands and Port Phillip Bay, while towers three and four offer spectacular views across the CBD and Flagstaff Gardens.
Inside West Side Place, residents can choose from a one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus study, and multiple two-bedroom configurations. The apartments start at $550,600 for the 60 sqm one-bedroom and $708,000 for the over 70 sqm two-bedroom apartments.
The amenity, both in and out of the building, has been a major driver at West Side Place.
Within the development, there's a swimming pool with a steam room and sauna, a gymnasium with an open terrace, function and meeting rooms, open terraces with seating and BBQ facilities, a private cinema, and even karaoke and virtual golf facilities.
The on-site retail arcades at West Side Place also offer convenience and a diversity of shops and services at the residents' doorstep.