Williamstown's Waterline Place moves into full development mode

Williamstown's Waterline Place moves into full development mode
Mark BaljakAugust 28, 2017

One of Melbourne's larger infill developments is progressing somewhat under the radar in Williamstown.

Mere kilometres from the CBD, Waterline Place within the bayside suburb is gathering momentum as developer AV Jennings pushes through with the delivery of near on 600 townhouses and apartments in total. Holding a nominal value of $450 million, Waterline Place marked the traditionally greenfield developer's push into Melbourne's apartment market.

Having acquired the sprawling site which was formerly the Port Phillip Woollen Mill and historic Oriental Hotel. AV Jennings now has Waterline Place in full development mode.

First residents were onsite last month within Rosny. The SJB Architects-designed apartment building of some 71 apartments was completed by builder LU Simon at the turn of July, with an adjoining townhouse aspect all bar complete.

According to AV Jennings' recent ASX release, Rosny achieved total presales for the 71 apartments of $42 million, with "the mix of predominantly 1 bedroom plus study and 2 bedroom apartments sold for between $355,000 and $1,200,000."

Williamstown's Waterline Place moves into full development mode
Rosny apartments at the point of completion

With Rosny complete, AV Jennings will shift focus to Gem apartments at Waterline Place and further townhouses fronting Kanowna Street.

Gem shapes the precinct's largest development to date, incorporating 92 new apartments and penthouses. The work of design practice Elenberg Fraser, Gem spans 10 levels and includes 28 single, 36 dual and 28 three-bedroom apartments, with the largest spanning 132sqm.

The building garnered its name from the Gem paddle steamer that ferried people from Williamstown to Port Melbourne during the mid to late 1800's. 

In terms of construction, contractor Buildcorp Commercial has carried out early works for Gem.

Williamstown's Waterline Place moves into full development mode
Gem is the latest building at sales. Image: AV Jennings

In line with their work upon Waterline Place's masterplan vision, Elenberg Fraser is also responsible for Lot 8 which shapes as the next apartment building in waiting within the precinct. 

Incorporated are 62 apartments within the building which carries a NSA of 5,081sqm. In the project's current configuration, apartments are split between 8 single, 41 dual and 13 triple bedroom apartments, and are supplemented by 83 car parking spaces and 62 bicycle spaces.

From a design perspective, Elenberg Fraser has referenced nautical shapes and strong horizontality above the podium to create an undulating outcome.

A communal rooftop terrace is included in order to take full advantage of the unimpeded views directly east over Port Phillip Bay.

Williamstown's Waterline Place moves into full development mode
Lot 8 is currently at planning. Planning image: Elenberg Fraser

Beyond Lot 8 above, 15 townhouses are also in the pipeline for Lot 4 which fronts Nelson Place. Adjoining the Titanic theatre at 1 Nelson Place, the townhouses span three levels and provide a lower interface to the immediate surrounds.

Furthermore, Hobsons Bay City Council has lots 5,6 and 7 at 3-39 Nelson Place as still at planning. Combined theses future buildings are slated for a further 200 dwellings.

Mark Baljak

Mark Baljak was a co-founder of Urban.com.au. He passed away on Thursday 8th of November 2018 after a battle with cancer. He was 37. Mark was a keen traveller, having visited all six permanently-inhabited continents and had a love of craft beer. One of his biggest passions was observing the change that has occurred in Melbourne over the past two decades. In that time he built an enormous library of photos, all taken by him, which tracked the progress of construction on building sites from across metropolitan Melbourne.

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