Malvern apartments

It was 2017 when prominent developer Kokoda Property swooped on what was an amalgamation of old brick buildings and warehouses.

Before they even purchased the site, which had been their largest acquisition in their 18-year history at that point, they knew the importance of what they were going to develop, and the impact it would have on the local community.

Kokoda appointed heritage consultant Lovell Chen early in the peace to work out exactly how they could keep the grandeur of the vast 4,720 sqm site.&nbsp;Some elements of what was on the vast development opportunity were almost as old as the suburb itself.

It was banker and pastoralist John Gardiner, among others, who settled Malvern back in 1835. The land was named Malvern by barrister and land developer Charles Skinner, after his ancestral home, Malvern Hills, in England.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/it-will-be-a-landmark-for-generations-to-come-how-jackson-clements-burrows-designed-malvern-collective">"It will be a landmark for generations to come"; How Jackson Clements Burrows designed Malvern Collective</a>

What was once known as the Gardiner Hotel was developed on the site some time before 1856.&nbsp;It was altered in the 1880s, and then in 1925 it was extensively remodelled to create the interwar Free Classical style façade which remains today.

Back in the 1860s, the licensee of the Gardiner Hotel was well-known Melbourne cricketer, William Greaves, who, as an added attraction or the hotel, built what is believed to be the first bowling green in Victoria.

Also on the site is Station Place. A collection of Victorian-era shops which were located at the gateway to Station Place, once the home of grocer and merchants Lindsay Bros.

<img alt="Lindsay Bros" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edba09ec-a2cf-4567-8b79-62023e6b2d36" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-10-18%20at%208.52.13%20am.png?VersionId=wnaGzox_jY5u9i314rHxdPILGs7JMHR2" />

In the late nineteenth century, Dandenong Road consisted mainly of residential buildings, with Station Place providing access for people between the street and Malvern Station.

"We’re really pleased to see this being reactivated aspart of Malvern Collective,"&nbsp;Lovell Chen Senior Associate John Statham says.

When Kokoda secured the site, only the former Railway Hotel, now known as the Angel Tavern, and two Victorian-era shops on Station Place, survived from the earliest period of development on the corner site.

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Statham says the style of the shops&nbsp;would be described as ‘polychrome Italianate’.

"Polychrome refers to the multi-coloured bricks used to create the decorative patterns around the windows and doors. Italianate refers to the revival of an Italian Renaissance style which was popular in the late nineteenth century."

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The shops have been restored, and will form part of the buzzing hospitality precinct Kokoda have put together. They've called the project a 0-minute neighbourhood, given the extensive amenity at the foot of two strikingly modern residential towers and its proximity to Malvern Station.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/how-kokoda-is-creating-a-0-minute-neighbourhood-at-the-malvern-collective">How Kokoda is creating a 0-minute neighbourhood at The Malvern Collective</a>

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Under construction with completion slated for early 2024, Malvern Collective comprises 205 apartments with interiors by Carr.&nbsp;

Residents of Malvern Collective will have private access to a&nbsp;co-working space, a cinema, a swimming pool, a wellness centre with hot and cold plunge pools, and a private dining area, bookable through the residents' app.

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Using the app, residents can order a coffee from their room&nbsp;and pick it up before jumping on the train, or have the concierge make dinner reservations, not only for the hospitality in Malvern Collective, but anywhere in Melbourne.

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Kokoda appointed heritage consultant Lovell Chen early in the peace to work out exactly how they could keep the grandeur of the vast 4,720 sqm site

Joel Robinson

The history behind the Malvern Collective apartments

The leafy suburb of Malvern was initially part of the Parish of Prahran until 1856 before it was established as its own suburb.

Named after Malvern Hill in England, Malvern's development was&nbsp;primarily driven by the arrival of the railway in the late 1850s. This transportation link connected Malvern to Melbourne, leading to increased settlement and growth.

One of the significant developments in Malvern's history was the land boom of the 1880s. During this period, grand Victorian and Edwardian-style homes were built, many of which still stand today, showcasing the suburb's architectural heritage. Malvern's tree-lined streets and spacious properties attracted affluent residents.

The neighbouring Malvern East began to evolve as a separate entity in the early 20th century, however it too experienced a housing boom during the interwar period. That saw Californian bungalows and Art Deco homes developed.

The establishment of prestigious schools and institutions in the vicinity such as Caulfield Grammar School and Monash University continued to drive the family demographic. The most recent ABS Census data shows around 60 per cent of residents in Malvern and Malvern East have children.

Both <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malvern-vic">Malvern</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malvern-east-vic">Malvern East</a> have managed to preserve their historical character. There's not been an overwhelming amount of new developments in either suburb of the past decade or so.

There are currently three high quality developments currently on the market in Malvern and Malvern East, and we've put together a bio on each.

<h2>Maléa</h2>

<h3>Developer: Abadeen Victoria</h3>

<h3>Address:&nbsp;94 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145</h3>

<h3>Price: From&nbsp;$2.6&nbsp;million</h3>

Luxury Sydney developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has branched out into the high-end Melbourne apartment market, revealing their parkside apartment development <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malea-94-burke-road-malvern-east">Maléa</a>, which will replace one of the last remaining homes to be redeveloped overlooking Central Park in Malvern East

Maléa, just seven apartments facing the 19-acre Central Park, is the result of a collaboration with Ewert Leaf as the architectural team behind its stoic, enduring form, featuring textural brickwork, layered concrete planes, and sleek metalwork, and John Patrick and Associates who took control of the extensive landscaping.

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These luxury apartments, available in two and three-bedroom configurations, feature a beautiful Calacatta Viola in the kitchen, dining area and bathroom, teamed with richer-toned porcelain slabs.

Maléa has been thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, aiming to achieve a minimum 6.5-star green energy rating. This commitment to environmental responsibility is evident through features like double glazing, concrete walls and floors, limited gas usage for hot water services, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and provisions for future electric vehicle battery storage in the basement.

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Abadeen Victoria is being led by former CBRE Residential Projects Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/urban-ceo-mike-bird-interviews-360-propertys-john-meagher-cbres-andrew-leoncelli-about-the-property-industrys-response-to-covid-19" target="">Andrew Leoncelli</a>, who says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malea-94-burke-road-malvern-east">Malea</a>&nbsp;is the culmination of many years of experience working in this community. He says to have secured a site directly opposite Central Park, one of the very final sites in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/malvern-east-vic" target="">Malvern East</a>, is a phenomenal opportunity.&nbsp;

"It's an amazing community hub at your doorstep and where we are opposite Central Park Road, which is one of the best in all of the Gascoigne Estate, is one of the last opportunities to secure a park fronted luxury residence, and we are very excited to be bringing this to the market."

<h2>Project: Plant Street by Milieu&nbsp;</h2>

<h3>Developer: Milieu</h3>

<h3>Address:&nbsp;1 Plant Street, Malvern</h3>

<h3>Price: From&nbsp;$1.25 million</h3>

The forward-thinking, design-led developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>&nbsp;took to Malvern for their debut south-east Melbourne project,&nbsp;which they are developing alongside partners Penfold and MaxCap.

Milieu has brought together a talented team, including architecture firm RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN, interior design practice Georgina Jeffries, and renowned landscape architects Acre, to create a harmonious living environment.

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Comprising just 21 generously-sized apartments, the design of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/plant-street-by-milieu-1-plant-street-malvern">Plant Street</a> revolves around the concept of connecting internal and external spaces, resulting in striking, textural architecture paired with warm, inviting interiors and integrated landscaping.

The use of natural materials such as honey timber joinery, brown ash brick, terrazzo, and natural stone creates an atmosphere of warmth and welcome throughout the apartments. Custom-made lighting by Volker Haug Studio complements the material palette, adding a touch of sophistication.

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The landscaping at Plant Street is dynamic, with deciduous plants and trees that evolve with the seasons. Ground floor apartments feature spacious landscaped gardens, while upper-level units boast planters and terraces adorned with lush creepers.

<h2>Malvern Collective</h2>

<h3>Developer:&nbsp;Kokoda Property</h3>

<h3>Address: 2 Station Place, Malvern</h3>

<h3>Price: From&nbsp;$555,000</h3>

Malvern Collective is the under construction masterplanned development by national developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property</a>.&nbsp;The innovative project introduces the concept of a "0-minute neighbourhood," ensuring that residents have every essential amenity right at their doorstep.

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Comprising over 200 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including a luxurious grand penthouse and sub-penthouses, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/malvern-collective-2-station-place-malvern">Malvern Collective</a> is perched above what will be a thriving hospitality precinct. This precinct, designed to enhance community life, includes a Woolworths Metro, six distinctive hospitality venues, and a dedicated concierge service that feels like a high-end hotel experience.

One of the project's unique features is its integration with the surrounding community. It will connect with Glenferrie Road via new laneways, providing direct access to Malvern train station, making commuting a breeze.

Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows, these apartments offer breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges, and Melbourne's CBD. With over 70 percent of units sold to owner-occupiers, it's clear that people are not only drawn to the stunning design but also the superior concierge service, accessible through a dedicated residents' app. From ordering morning coffee to making dinner reservations anywhere in Melbourne, the concierge service goes above and beyond to cater to residents' needs.

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Malvern Collective residents will also enjoy exclusive amenities within the project, including a co-working space, a cinema, a swimming pool, a wellness center with hot and cold plunge pools, and a private dining area – all bookable through the residents' app. The concierge will also collaborate with local businesses to offer services such as housekeeping, laundry, and even dog washing.

We've taken a look at the top three off the plan apartment developments selling in Malvern and Malvern East

How Malvern and Malvern East has preserved its historical character

A lot of developers have looked to try and develop the 15-minute neighbourhood, the term coined by French professor Carlos Moreno.

According to Moreno, each 15-minute city should fulfil six&nbsp;social functions—living, working, supplying, caring, learning and enjoying. It reduces residents’ environmental footprints by boosting green initiatives, creativity and wellbeing at a neighbourhood level and reducing travel, urban density, pollution and loneliness.

Longstanding Melbourne developer Kokoda Property, who have been synonymous for quality developments across the Victoria capital since 1997, have created an even more convenient neighbourhood at their new mixed-use precinct, Malvern Collective.

What they've put together they're calling a 0-minute neighbourhood, and it's hard to argue with.

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Their Malvern Collective project encompasses a number of apartments above a soon-to-be thriving hospitality precinct that will reshape the affluent suburb.

The middle of the one-acre Station Place site, opposite Malvern Station, was previously a laneway called Station Place. That's just been acquired from the local council, with the view to give that back to the public. It will offer future residents&nbsp;every convenience on their doorstep, from a Woolworths Metro, six hospitality venues, concierge, and a simple commute to the city. Above the precinct will be two striking glass buildings which will home a collection of apartments.

"Malvern Collective is a lifestyle and transported oriented development," Kokoda Founder and Managing Director Mark Stevens says.

"The project is one of the last urban infill apartment sites in Melbourne's east. It offers proper food and beverage options and transport links, which is uncommon for Melbourne."

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Stevens says the project will revolutionize the southern end of Malvern.

"While the number one priority is to cater for our residents, we're expecting the hospitality precinct to be popular with those who are commuting in and out of the city, hopping off the train at Malvern, wining and dining, and then continuing their commute home. Nowhere else in Melbourne offers that."

The station is a large commuter pass through and takes four train lines which go north, south and east.

The Malvern Collective apartments have been popular in recent months with owner-occupiers, who see a crane on site, and a clear timeline of construction.

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They've not only been drawn to the rare proposition of Malvern Collective and the design of the apartments, but also the superior concierge service, which acts more like a high-end hotel, and is managed in a residents' app. They can order coffee from their room and pick it up before jumping on the train, or have the concierge make dinner reservations, not only for the hospitality in Malvern Collective, but anywhere in Melbourne.

The concierge will connect with locals businesses to create new services, anything from housekeeping to laundry services and dog washing.

As well as the hospitality precinct downstairs which will be shared with the local community, Malvern Collective residents will have exclusive amenity within the project. There will be a co-working space, a cinema, a swimming pool, a wellness centre with hot and cold plunge pools, and a private dining area, bookable through the residents' app.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=217249]

Kokoda held a design competition for Malvern Collective, selecting Jackson Clement Burrows to collaborate with Carr who have handled the interiors of the project.

Construction on Malvern Collective is well advanced, with completion slated for H1 2024.

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How Kokoda is creating a 0-minute neighbourhood at The Malvern Collective

The forward-thinking, design-led developer Milieu has launched its latest project.

It's already been met with significant demand given Milieu's standing as one of the most design-focused developers across Melbourne.

They've started taking enquiries for Plant Street, their first project in the bluechip suburb Malvern, which they are developing alongside partner Penfold.

Plant Street will comprise just 21 generously-sized apartments, with an equal focus on architecture, interiors, and landscaping.

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Milieu Director and Head of Development Shannon Peach said the approach to design starts with an ensemble who can understand a project’s context and respond to it, which is what they do in all of their projects.

"It’s part curatorial process and part innovative exploration."

Milieu assembled a collaborative team of architecture firm RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN, interior design practice Georgina Jeffries, and esteemed landscape architects Acre.

Peach said that while&nbsp;Plant Street represents a new location for a Milieu project, their approach remains the same.

"We’re curating a building that sits comfortably within its setting, using enduring materials like concrete and brick that will age gracefully."

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RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN Co-Directors Gilad Ritz and Jean-Paul Ghougassian said the project filters the streetscape without creating disconnection from the neighbourhood, while&nbsp;Georgina Jeffries says the interiors are warm, inviting and elegant.

“We want these homes to feel like sanctuaries”, Jeffries, the Creative Director at Georgina Jeffries, said.

“The intuitive and adaptable design of the interiors means residents can really make these spaces their own. The considered layouts, natural materials and varied textures are there to serve as backdrops for the residents’ belongings and personalities."

Penfold Co-Director Dave Penfold said a&nbsp;great deal of thought went into ensuring the design was distinct, contemporary and progressive while remaining considerate of local sensibilities.

"The strong architectural response, warm and functional interiors, and generous landscaping ensure Plant Street will be a timeless addition to the neighbourhood."

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Milieu Head of Sales Patrick Cooney says he's expecting most of the buyers to be downsizers within the area who want to lock up and leave home.

"This might act as their Melbourne base, and they have property elsewhere either coastal or in the country where they split their time," Cooney says.

Every thought has been considered for the downsizer market.

"We've created a product that still offers all of the home comforts those downsizers want in their next home" Cooney says.

"The expansive dining space can cater for over 10 people for dinner parties, or host the family over Christmas. The kitchens have too been designed to be large enough to cook and entertain for large groups, with large island benches and include space for wine fridges in every apartment."

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Milieu will soon be hosting a VIP launch for those who first enquired on the project, as they draw the curtains on the display suite located at 8 Otter Street, Collingwood.

The Northside display location will give prospective purchasers the opportunity to tour Milieu’s portfolio of completed developments within the inner north.

Milieu is currently working on their largest development offering to date in Elsternwick, due to launch early in 2024.

Last year they secured the site of the former ABC Studios, some 11,000 sqm on Gordon Street, and plan six different buildings, which they've just received their planning permit for. They're only covering 50 per cent of the site, with the idea to create a community address.

"There will be plenty of separation between the six buildings given we're keeping 50 per cent of the site to landscaping and walkways," Cooney says, adding that they'll be developing three individual parks through the project.

"The intention is to create a community rather than a high density project," Cooney said.

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Plant Street will comprise just 21 generously-sized apartments, with an equal focus on architecture, interiors, and landscaping

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