Leonard Design are proud to be part of the group of developers and designers that have developed plans to revitalise Melbourne’s Jam Factory precinct. The 18,000sqm site is to be transformed from a solely commercial setting to a high-end luxury mixed-use development.
The development group includes Newmark Capital, GURNER and Qualitas along with lead architects Bates Smart, Townshend Landscape Architects and Leonard Design Architects. The aspirational plans look to convert the site to a mixed-use precinct, spanning retail and entertainment, office and residential towers, an ultra-luxury hotel and a new public realm.
The proposed scheme includes:
- A new public civic space in the form of a 1,700sqm, two-level plaza and amphitheatre
- Four luxury residential towers totalling over 400 ultra-luxury residences
- A 5-star hotel totalling around 180 keys
- A commercial floorspace totalling 22,500sqm of NLA
- Three levels of experiential retail and entertainment totalling 21,000sqm NLA, including the retention and redevelopment of the existing cinema offering
- A series of integrated laneways, based on the area’s original 1864 master plans
- A new split-level central public space bathed in sunlight, with a large open staircase creating an amphitheatre for events will become the centrepiece of the precinct.
Newmark Capital Director, Chris Langford said, “Our vision is to revitalise the Jam Factory, while celebrating its rich character and history. The heritage facade on Chapel Street has been degraded over time. We will refurbish it, bringing back the detail and original character.
“The offices will be compellingly different to the other isolated buildings on the market. Here we are making a statement, creating an environment. It’s not just a building on Chapel Street, it’s got these features that make it more energetic, more vibrant and connected to its community.
This is an exciting evolution of our vision for the Jam Factory, creating a great shared precinct, an asset for the community.It will be a thriving, integrated, shopping, working, living and entertainment precinct, the perfect place to live, work, play and stay.
GURNERTM CEO Tim Gurner said the residential component would create a new benchmark for the prominent location and deliver a new luxury landmark befitting of its South Yarra locale.
“Our vision for the residential offerings is to set the bar higher than any other residential project in Australia. We will be taking cues from the luxury penthouses of New York and London and offering a level of customisation not seen before.
“The depth of the ultra-high end of the market is certainly there and we believe there will be significant investment from wealthy expats and global investors returning to Australia after considerable time abroad, along with a doubling-down of local luxury buyers.
Simon Swaney, Bates Smart said, “This is a significant mixed-use development, because the combination of its components – hotel, retail, residential, cinemas and commercial – create a greater whole. Together there is a multiplier effect. This will be an extraordinary place to work, visit and live.
“It is a key Melbourne cultural site, a part of urban life in South Yarra, a very significant artefact of the industrial heritage of this area.
“The high-quality residential component will offer outstanding views to surrounding districts and even toward the bay.
The development is expected to create 1000 jobs during construction, 3200 ongoing jobs at capacity and £265M annual ongoing GVA to the Victorian economy. The Jam Factory is estimated to be completed in 2025. For more information on the Jam Factory development or if you wish to contact to the team to discuss the project, please click the links below.
