M Group
Sublime Innovation Converts Retail to Studio
In a landmark decision by the City of Fremantle, a design innovation introduced by boutique property company, Match, will enable four street frontage studio apartments to be used for either residential or retail/commercial purposes within the recently completed Sublime apartment complex.
Sublime is a mixed-use concept development located on Lime Street in the heart of North Fremantle. It is walking distance to the North Fremantle train station, Leighton Beach and Swan River, as well as metres from the cliffs of ‘Rocky Bay’.
The development sold over 80% of the one and two bedroom apartments prior to completion just weeks ago, with the four remaining dual-use studios held back from the market pending approval from the City of Fremantle.
Mr Lloyd Clark, Managing Director of Match parent company, M/Group, said the City’s approval of this new zoning is significant, and will provide property owners with the flexibility to follow property market trends or lifestyle preferences.
“The decision to allow for dual usage in the Sublime studio apartments is a planning first and will introduce a level of investment security that has never been possible before,” Mr Clark said.
“This opportunity has only been achieved by the introduction of an innovative ‘loose fit’ design installation that can easily allow for conversion from a studio apartment to a shop and back with little intervention. It is of enormous significance to investors or first home-buyers looking to live in a prime location with future prospects.”
Sublime is designed by award-winning Architect, David Barr of David Barr Architect, in collaboration with Oldfield Knott Architects. The structure creates a striking streetscape statement with oversized balconies and vivid red sunscreens, intensified against a neutral colour scheme. The building takes on a modernist industrial feel, with a colour palette inspired by the neighbouring ‘Dingo’ flourmill.
Internally, the studio apartments are understated with clean white interiors, cabinetry, walls and stone bench tops. All apartments are fitted with Bosch appliances and Rogerseller tapware
Architect David Barr believes the duel function tenancies provide an affordable opportunity for people looking to live, invest or establish businesses in North Fremantle.
“The studios are designed to deal with the constraints of a modest scale, through the use of borrowed internal space for cooking, living and outdoor entertaining. Two large translucent sliding screens are strategically placed to open up and incorporate the courtyard space providing an expanded sense and function of space. When closed, the screens provide privacy and light within the living room. Each apartment also contains cleverly located storage that functions as both storage and division of space between bedroom and living zone. The units are unique and very efficient,” he said
“The studios are incredibly well located in North Fremantle, 200m from the river, 300m from the Indian Ocean, 400m to the Fremantle / Perth train line and less than one kilometre to the North Fremantle strip.”
The Sublime studio apartments are sized at 55sq.m and with the capacity for disability compliance bathrooms that support residential or commercial usage such as shops, cafes or offices.
They are attractively priced from $375,000 and scheduled for release in late February.
For more information or to submit an Expression of Interest prior to release, contact us on 0432 660 066 or info@itsamatch.com.au
Sophistication Fit for Como
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M Group
Sophistication Fit for Como
Understated elegance and direct access to the life-blood of Como provided inspiration to boutique apartment developer, Match, when introducing its first Como apartment residences to the market.
M/26 is located in the quiet side street of Mary Street Como, just metres from the Preston Road shopping and restaurant strip, cinema, and just one block from the Swan River.
Match Managing Director, Mr. Lloyd Clark, said Como is such a tightly held environment, that the company wanted to appeal to those already living in the area, as well as those who aspire to do so.
“Como is an established community dominated by large residential dwellings in a location that leaves residents wanting for nothing,” he said.
“Everything, including the beautiful Swan River, is within walking distance of this site and, when reviewing opportunities for development, we recognised a need for residences that could accommodate people wanting a lifestyle change without leaving Como, as well as those eager to own a piece of this special location without the capital required to secure a large residential home.”
M/26 is a boutique 40-apartment project based on a contemporary open living design. They feature Match’s signature high ceilings and large balconies and are meticulously designed to maximise light and airflow.
Designed by award winning architects, Cameron Chisholm Nichol Architects (CCN), the apartments are sophisticated and timeless, with some affording views of the Perth city skyline and Swan River.
“The understated style intrinsic to this property is evident as soon as you enter the stone entry lobby. The facade creates a distinguished first impression and the high standard of finish is maintained throughout,” Mr. Clark said.
“The location is well-serviced by public transport and within walking distance to the cinema, supermarket and the Swan River. Properties like these are extremely rare in places like Como and, based on the limited supply of apartments available in the area, we expect a great deal of interest from the local community.”
Apartments range in size from 56 sq. m to 88 sq. m, with secure basement parking and large courtyards on the ground floor garden apartments.
Each apartment is fitted with Bosch appliances, Roger Seller bathroom fittings and double glazing. Prices start from only $485,000 for a one-bedroom and $625,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Construction is scheduled to commence in April 2016 by M/Construction; a company recently named Best New Builder at the MBA Awards.
The property is due for completion in May 2017.
Statement
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M Group
Statement
Comments by Managing Director of M/Group, Lloyd Clark
Is supply outweighing demand?
There is and will continue to be strong demand for apartment product – this is evidenced by the global trend towards apartment living. What we are currently experiencing in the Perth market, however, is an emerging differentiator between high-density and boutique product.
Quite simply, not all apartment product is the same and the influx of off-shore developer interest and large-scale apartment approvals represent a completely different proposition to well-placed boutique product specifically designed for the local market.
The divide between these development styles will continue into the future with increased capital gain on unique and limited-supply product.
What the customer needs to be aware of is that?
Consumers need to be aware that most apartment developments must secure over 60% in pre- sales, which has the potential tie up a person’s investment that ultimately never gets off the ground.
This investment would be better served in a boutique product that will endure changing market conditions due to proximity to infrastructure and unique design. Never before has a developer’s credentials been more critical, as there are a lot of speculators in the marketplace at the moment and a good track record speaks for itself in the current market conditions.
Who are buying the apartments?
Match Apartments has always worked on a model of providing boutique product designed for the owner-occupier. As a result, however, we attract investors drawn to the same personalised attributes that will ultimately make the apartment attractive to investors.
What are key factors to being a successful development (location, affordability, developer’s track record, finishes, inclusions)?
While buyers certainly want to be close to amenities together with being within walking proximity to key community and city infrastructure, attractive streetscape and strategic coastal locations also play an important role. While price will always be a factor, the cheaper product often doesn’t represent long-term financial returns.
Can this level of apartment development keep going at this fast rate or will it stagnate?
There is unquestionably a structural change occurring in terms of accommodation, whereby more people are opting into apartment living and this is only going to continue to grow.
The reality is that the market has a way of leveling itself and, if people do not respond to product available on the market, it simply won’t get off the ground. The lesson for consumers is to stick
with reliable developers that build ‘living spaces’ rather than cookie-cutter investment product. Our apartments are testament to this.
Match Acquires Volvo Pentra Site in Fremantle
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M Group
Match Acquires Volvo Pentra Site in Fremantle
Boutique apartment developer, Match, has acquired the 1,617 sq.m former Volvo Pentra site located at 284 South Terrace, Fremantle.
The site was purchased for just over $3million and follows a string of successful Fremantle development projects for the company, including the high profile heritage renewal of the old Dalgety Woolstores, Heirloom, which is currently under construction with 75% of apartments pre sold.
Match Managing Director, Mr. Lloyd Clark, said the company’s latest acquisition demonstrates its confidence in Fremantle as an emerging cultural hub and believes the area is a good fit for Match’s style of boutique development.
“What Match brings to Fremantle is a considered approach to enhancing the streetscape to reflect the culture and environment,” Mr. Clark said.
“Properties that appeal to the Fremantle market are unique and quite different to those we would propose for Perth’s inner city environment. This is part of the reason we have been so successful in the area, where buyers tend to be design focused and looking for signature properties close to the amenity that Fremantle offers.”
Local Fremantle Architect, David Barr, has been appointed in collaboration with Cameron Chisholm Nichol (CCN) Architects. David has now collaborated on a number of Match’s Fremantle projects, with CCN Architects behind the design of Heirloom and the recently approved Fremantle Electricity Substation heritage projects.
The South Terrace site was purchased through a development fund, which was oversubscribed within weeks of its release. The success of this development fund follows a series of oversubscribed funds released by the company over the past 18 months.
“Our formula is based on a solid track record of securing strategic sites and producing boutique and distinctive designs amidst a somewhat cookie-cutter apartment environment,” Mr. Clark continued.
“The South Terrace site is prominent and within the heart of the cafe strip that stretches from the Fremantle centre to South Fremantle, and we are confident the product will have broad appeal.”
The proposed development for the South Terrace site includes a boutique mixed-use project comprising of shops on the ground floor and apartments above.
It is anticipated the apartments will be released to the market early 2016.
Construction Commences on Leederville Icon
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M Group
Construction Commences on Leederville Icon
Leederville is set to have new icon architecture as early as December 2016, following the commencement of construction on the unique boutique mixed-use apartment development, M/24.
M/24 is located in Carr Street and is the latest inner city project by boutique apartment developer, Match. It was designed in collaboration with Melbourne Architect firm, ARM, and inspired by the site’s former occupant, the soft drink manufacturer that became an iconic brand through the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, Golden West Aerated Water Company.
Match Managing Director, Mr. Lloyd Clark, said the market has really responded to the design, which is evident in rapid apartment sales that have exceeded all expectations.
“We really wanted to do something different to reflect the cutting edge environment, but also honor the area’s history,” Mr. Clark said.
“We engaged ARM to really challenge the design provisions and offer something iconic. The results are nothing short of fantastic, and have been welcomed by the community and buyers alike.”
M/24 comprises of only 39 one and two bedroom modern apartments behind a living façade of shapes and colours, designed to reflect aerated bubbles, accentuated by a vertical garden.
The property’s courageous and striking facade features soft-drink inspired lattice screens that extend to the ground at the foyer entry, creating a sense of entering a bubble matrix, with
500 sq.m of shop space on the ground level.
In just a few months on the market, some 60% of apartments sold off the plan, together with 50% of the ground level retail space.
Mr. Clark said while the design creates a talking point from street level, the property provides a private oasis towards the rear.
“The mix of one and two bedroom apartments are configured to maximise natural light and airflow through living areas and bedrooms. The balconies and outdoor entertainment areas are all connected to both living spaces and bedrooms,” he said.
“While ‘street-side’ apartments benefit from abundant northern light and the street life atmosphere, the other side of the building facing Newcastle Street overlooks a linear communal area for a more private, quieter hangout zone with views towards the City skyline. It is a clever use of space that will no doubt appeal to potential residents, as well as honor the history of the site.”
Golden West Aerated Water Company was established around 1902 by Mr. J.J. Wallis and produced soft drinks of various kinds, such as ginger beer, lemonade and kola beer.
The M/24 apartments comprise of stylish interiors with quality fixtures and fittings, intentionally designed to create a blank canvas for residents to personalise and individualise.
M/24 is scheduled for completion in December 2016 with one-bedroom apartments starting from $450,000 and two bedroom apartments starting from $595,000.
For more information visit www.m24apartments.com or contact Chadd Boucher on 0432 660 066.
Development Approval for Fremantle Substation
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M Group
Development Approval for Fremantle Substation
Development approval has been received by boutique apartment developer, Match, to develop the former Fremantle electricity substation site located in Parry Street into 40 residential apartments and a central food and beverage facility within the original heritage listed substation building.
The site will accommodate a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments located at the rear of the property, accessible by a private cobble landscaped laneway. The apartments will overlook either parkland to the north or towards the historic Fremantle backdrop.
Match Managing Director, Mr. Lloyd Clark, said the plans for the site are in keeping with the character-filled environment being earmarked for the eastern gateway of Fremantle and will contribute to the culture evolving in the area.
“The Fremantle environment provides Match with the opportunity to ‘push the envelope’ and create environments people don’t just want to live in, but places that define them and their tastes,” Mr Clark said
“The Parry Street site will allow Match to introduce a touch of Melbourne urbane to a heritage inspired setting, and we are currently in discussions with a number of potential operations to establish a ‘Bread & Common’ style venue within the central substation building.”
Designed by Cameron Chisholm Nichol (CCN) Architects, who are also behind Match’s neighbouring Heirloom development of the Dalgety Woolstores, the 2800 sq.m Parry Street site will reactivate another important Fremantle landmark and aims to appeal to owner-occupiers and investors.
“The boutique and unique nature of the project represents limited supply and good capital growth potential, so we expect to see interest from a mix of owner occupiers who value good design and a heritage flavor, as well as investors looking to take advantage of the high demand of renters seeking the same attributes,” he said.
“The development is in keeping with the City of Fremantle’s plans to expand the character and energy into its eastern gateway. It will create an intimate living environment unlike any other in the area.”
The Parry Street apartments will be launched into the market in early 2016 with prices starting from $450,000.
Construction is scheduled to commence around Easter 2016 and will be undertaken by M/Construction; the recent recipient of the MBA Award for Best New Builder.