M Group
Masterpiece takes FORM at Port Coogee
Construction has commenced on the highly anticipated 50-apartment marina-side complex designed by one of Western Australia’s most reputed Architects in collaboration with the cutting- edge style of boutique property company, Match.
Form is the creation of Geoff Warn of Donaldson & Warn, who is renowned for ‘looking outside the square’ and creating designs that really stand out.
It is located just 50metres from Port Coogee marina and waterfront, and comprises both single and double level, one, two and three bedroom apartments set within a striking façade that makes the most of the surrounds.
Match Managing Director, Mr Lloyd Clark, said the property is already over 70% sold out and believes that anyone who appreciate innovations within the context of a floor plan have found it hard to go back to a conventional boxed-in apartment.
“True to its name, Form makes a statement through creative use of space, light and features. It moves away from the traditional single level apartment to introduce diversity into the environment,” he says.
“The exterior is striking, which speaks directly to the local community and a demand for signature residences. Inside, however, restraint is shown with clean, white and timeless interiors. This is intentionally designed to create a blank canvas for buyers to individualise with furniture and artwork.
Geoff Warn has worked with Match on two previous developments; the highly acclaimed ‘Summer’ and ‘Tempo’ in South Beach. He says Form is blessed with excellent amenity, including a public landscaped space directly opposite and the beach very close, which was used as inspiration to realise the most architectural and lifestyle benefits available.
“Form employs a block formation in response to the site’s geometry and orientation. We have strived to maximise the views and benefits of orientation, and the “blocks” make for a strong clear form that is further distinguished by material differences to give the total development a definite sense of scale,” he said.
“The block arrangement also results in two main entries, and several benefits emanate from a single design strategy.”
Most apartments are north facing with many offer sweeping ocean views. As with all Match developments, each apartment incorporates signature large balconies and high ceilings – features that have become synonymous with the company and its designs.
“Geoff Warn and Match share a common design philosophy and extended design vision that ultimately looks to enhance the streetscapes, particularly in popular beachside suburbs. However, Form is ultimately about the end user and nothing has been spared to create an environment for individuals to put their stamp on and make it their own,” Mr Clark continues.
“Not everyone can picture a completed project from plans, so the construction phase is a great time for us to showcase our vision. We anticipate Form will attract increased community attention once it starts taking shape and people realise how unique it really is. It is truly a rare piece of work”
All apartments feature Bosch appliances and Rogerseller tap ware. Prices start from $375,000 for one-bedroom apartments, and $575,000 for two-bedroom apartments.
Completion of construction is scheduled for early 2018.
For more information visit www.formbymatch.com.au or contact Chris Balmont on 0432 066 066.
History Begets History as Landmark Renewal Gives Heirloom to Fremantle
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M Group
History Begets History as Landmark Renewal Gives Heirloom to Fremantle
Fremantle has a new Heirloom, following the completion of a monumental heritage rejuvenation project that was undertaken by boutique property company Match, together with joint-venture capital partner Sirona Capital, to transform the iconic and heritage significant Dalgety Wool Stores along Queen Victoria Street into Western Australia’s largest residential heritage renewal of its kind.
The opportunity to develop the 94-year old, three-storey structure into New York-style industrial warehouse apartments was identified by Match in 2007, following a string of successful and celebrated heritage renewal projects introduced by the company, including Home in Perth, Maymont in Maylands and The Clocktower in Inglewood.
Mr Lloyd Clark, Managing Director of Match parent company M/Group, said the “Heirloom” project was incredibly challenging but was just too important to Perth not to pursue.
“Match entered the Perth market in a period where apartment living was only starting to be recognised as a genuine lifestyle choice and people were only beginning to seek out signature residences as opposed to large-scale ‘cookie-cutter’ environments,” he said.
“The company’s propensity to take brave steps in development worked hand in hand with its mission to save Perth streetscapes from excessive repetitive structures. We grew a fascination for identifying and salvaging what we considered to be some of the City’s most treasured heritage buildings. We knew the risks involved in tackling these projects, but saw it as an opportunity and didn’t want to see amazing architecture be left derelict and eventually deteriorate, as is often the case. The Dalgety Wool Stores definitely fell into this category and its completion is without question our biggest achievement in the company’s 15 years history.”
The heritage listed Dalgety Wool Stores was originally designed in 1922 and constructed in 1923. The building received a single storey extension along Beach Street in 1942, with a three-storey structure and extension to raise the entire floor level in 1944. This included the infamous saw tooth roof structure, which has been restored in the heritage renewal process. The building was subject to some additional works leading up to the completion of the main structure and sunroof in 1950-52.
To support Match’s $68million refurbishment, Sirona Capital was invited to join the endeavor as joint-venture capital partner in 2014 and the project emerged as a key development in the City of Fremantle’s $1billion investment plan that would open activity onto Beach Street and extend the City’s life-centre along its gateway.
Sirona Capital’s managing director Matthew McNeilly said the partnership with Match had delivered an outstanding residential development that was both unique to Fremantle and in keeping with the city’s character and history.
The Heirloom renewal retains much of the building’s original historic features, such as the century-old jarrah beams, brickwork and the infamous saw tooth roof structure. An original wool press has been restored and is displayed as an instalment, and homage is payed to the building’s importance to the wool trade in murals and artworks throughout.
The new apartments vary in size and configuration with a starting price of $495,000. The residential complex is already 80% sold out with sales expected to escalate now that people can see the end product.
“Heritage fabric is invaluable and sales have reflected the fact that these apartments cannot be replicated. This translates into specialised boutique product that can often withstand varying market conditions because demand is isolated,” Mr Clark said.
“Heirloom has been a mammoth undertaking and we consider it a highly successful restoration of a magnificent building that frankly deserves a new life.”
The Heirloom renewal is designed by project Architect, Dominic Snellgrove from Cameron Chisholm Nicol, who is a recognised Australian leader in integrated architectural and recipient of Australia’s most prestigious architectural award, the AIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture. It was constructed by top tier-tier construction company, Built, which has worked on some of the country’s most high profile heritage projects, including the Old Treasury Buildings (WA), QT Sydney (NSW), Queen Victoria Building refurbishment (NSW), Art Gallery of NSW (NSW), and the Melbourne GPO and H&M flagship store (Vic).
Heirloom will be officially opened in the coming weeks with residents expected to move in in early January 2017.
Powerful Launch for New Fremantle Apartments.
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M Group
Powerful Launch for New Fremantle Apartments.
Another famous Fremantle heritage property is to be reborn with the release of 40 boutique apartments surrounding the original Fremantle Power Station building at the former Fremantle electricity substation in Parry Street.
M/27 is a concept development by boutique property company Match, that includes a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments located at the rear of a large 2,800sq.m historic site.
The apartments are strategically positioned to create an intimate setting for residents, and designed as a complementary backdrop to the renewed heritage centerpiece, which will be transformed into a trendy ‘Bread & Common’ style food and beverage venue, and accessible from the apartments via a private cobble landscaped laneway.
Managing Director M/Group, Match’s parent company, Mr Lloyd Clark, believes the development screams lifestyle and investment.
“This is a beautiful location set amongst an intensely character-filled environment. It includes north facing apartments with views over a large reserve, and others overlooking the heritage fabric and Fremantle vista,” he said.
“The Fremantle electricity substation is one of the City’s most significant heritage properties and it is made even more attractive to residents with the prospect of a popular food and beverage venue at their doorstep. This concept development will introduce a touch of Melbourne urbane to a heritage inspired setting and is likely to appeal to owner-occupiers and investors alike.”
The boutique, heritage and unique nature of the M/27 apartments represent a limited supply and good capital growth potential, in contrast to large-scale ‘cookie-cutter’ apartment projects. It was designed by the award winning Cameron Chisholm Nichol (CCN) Architects, who are also behind Match’s neighbouring Heirloom development of the Dalgety Woolstores.
“The City of Fremantle has earmarked this area as a key pathway for expanding the City’s character and energy into its eastern gateway. It will create an living environment unlike any other in the area and emerge as an important part of the central Fremantle hub,” Mr Clark continued.
M/27 is priced from $450,000 for one-bedroom apartments and $550,000 for two-bedroom apartments.
For more information contact visit www.itsamatch.com.au or contact Chris on 0432 660 066.
South Terrace Upgrades to Benefit Match Projects
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M Group
South Terrace Upgrades to Benefit Match Projects
Boutique property developer, Match, has received development approval for a 22 apartment mixed use complex located on the former Volvo Pentra site at 284 South Terrace, Fremantle.
The site falls within the development zone of a recently approved street upgrade and revitalisation of South Terrace by the City of Fremantle, which incorporates additional trees, landscaping and upgrade to footpaths between South Street and Douro Road.
Managing Director of M/Group, parent company of Match, Mr Lloyd Clark, said the development site is well placed in the City and compares favourably to a long list of strategic sites the company has acquired and developed over its 15-year history.
“Identifying and securing strategic locations for development has been key to Match’s success since the company cut out teeth on the inner city Perth market over a decade ago,” he said.
“In isolation, the South Terrace site was identified as a great location and excellent opportunity for a mixed use facility. However, as the City of Fremantle’s street upgrades directly impact the project and its exterior, this adds weight to the investment proposition. We consider it to be an enormous opportunity to leverage from expanding interests in Fremantle.”
The project, named M/28, was subject to an oversubscribed development fund; one of many oversubscribed funds released by M/Group over the last a few years.
The 1,617 sq.m 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 80% of apartments pre-sold.
“We are working on a number of Fremantle projects at the moment, as the market responds well to our approach to design,” Mr Lloyd continues.
“This particular development is located in an established part of the City and it is therefore important to respect the existing culture of the area and introduce a design that contributes to the activity of the high street and the lifestyle of the residents. We believe we have achieved this in our design.”
Designed by local Fremantle Architect, David Barr, in collaboration with Cameron Chisholm Nichol (CCN) Architects, the development will accommodate shops on the ground floor and one and two bedroom apartments above.
M/28 is scheduled for market release in October 2016 and will be constructed by M/Group building firm, M/Construction.
Home Amongst Fremantle History
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M Group
Home Amongst Fremantle History
Boutique property company, Match, is breathing new life into some of Fremantle’s most beautiful and significant heritage buildings, while helping to expand the character and activity within the City’s eastern gateway.
The heritage rejuvenation of the Dalgety Woolstores, Heirloom, and former Fremantle Substation, M/27, are central to a new heritage precinct planned for the area.
While Heirloom towers along Queen Victoria Street to create a grand entrance to the City, Parry Street is a boutique ‘village’ environment that incorporates heritage sympathetic apartments surrounding a central ‘Bread in Common’ style food and beverage facility located within the original PowerStation building.
Mr Lloyd Clark from M/Group, parent company of Match, believes both projects are extremely important to the fabric of Fremantle.
“The City of Fremantle recognises the importance of nurturing Fremantle’s unique character, and ensuring its heritage properties are protected is a big part of this,” he said.
“The City has some $1billion of planned investment in the pipeline and, as a company that made its mark in WA from successful heritage renewals, we are really excited to be part of the changing Fremantle landscape.”
Both Heirloom and M/27 are designed by project Architect Dominic Snellgrove from Cameron Chisholm Nicol (CCN), who is a recognised Australian leader in integrated architecture.
Heirloom comprises of one and two bedroom New York-style warehouse apartments; all developed using original roof space and strategically designed dividing walls, with high ceilings and exposed century old wooden beams.
M/27 includes one, two and three bedroom apartments within a private landscaped setting with views over the Fremantle skyline or north facing over recreational space.
“Heritage fabric cannot be recreated or duplicated. This means that our apartments represent a limited supply and, as such, offer inherent value that is likely to stand the test of time in contrast to other ‘cookie-cutter’ environments,” he said.
“The market appeal for these apartments is evident in our Heirloom renewal, which is now 80% sold out, together with a number of successful heritage projects Match has been involved with over 15 years in the sector. Fremantle is a special place and we are confident these projects will emerge as City icons.”
One-bedroom apartments in Heirloom start from $495,000, with two-bedroom loft apartments priced from $695,000, while one-bedroom apartments in M/27 start at $450,000.
For more information visit www.heirloombymatch.com.au or contact Chris on 0432 660 066.
Changing Perths Streetscapes One Block at a Time
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M Group
Changing Perths Streetscapes One Block at a Time
All quotes can be attributed to:
LLOYD CLARK, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF M/GROUP (Parent company of Match)
THE FOUNDATIONS…
The foundations of M/Group were established in 2001 on a mission to improve Perth streetscapes, which at the time were in grave danger of becoming dull and lifeless through extremely conservative developments.
The urban environment was effectively being swallowed by ‘cookie-cutter’ apartment designs, and the market was not being given any choice.
Match, M/Group’s apartment development company, was the inspiration of directors Lloyd Clark and Cameron Barr, who shared a genuine passion for Perth’s streetscapes and urban living. They knew their products would not suite everyone, but the appeal for others would be enormous.
By following the global trend towards apartment living, and determined to change the way the City approached the inner city environment, the company cut its teeth in suburbs such as Inglewood and Mount Lawley and developed a knack for identifying and securing strategically located sites with enormous design and lifestyle potential.
They took on projects, such as heritage sensitive developments, that larger companies would see as too complex. Nobody seemed to be doing this in Perth at the time, and they really believed in the approach.
CREATING A FOLLOWING…
The company’s bold approach to development and strong design focus quickly attracted a following of both investors and buyers starved of unique product.
The company was committed to delivering boutique product that carries inherent value. Such product cannot be replicated and will always create market demand due to the limited supply and key locations.
Landmark projects, such as the reputed heritage renewal Home, set the bar for both design and heritage renewals in the City, and Match’s apartment developments began to sell out prior to official market release.
M/Group continues to push boundaries with daring designs, such as M24 in Leederville and the heritage renewal and repurpose of Fremantle’s Dalgety Woolstores, Heirloom.
As market demand for apartment living increases, the company remains true to its design focus while taking cues from the surrounding environment.
THE MARKET APPEAL FOR APARTMENT LIVING
M/Group believes that apartment living is entirely about lifestyle and that apartments represent low maintenance environments often located at the doorstep of great cafes, bars, parks, beaches and restaurants. They provide security and generally offer some of the best views in the area – outlooks that are typically out of reach to conventional homes.
Some of the world’s most famous cities, such as New York, Barcelona and Paris, are renowned for an energy that can only be created through density and constant activity. They believe that ‘life creates life’, which is already evident in some of Perth’s inner city environments, such as Mount Lawley and Fremantle.
In recent years, Perth has embraced apartment living, which has paved the way for a good selection of boutique designs that consider the lifestyle of the end user and integrate this into the design outcome.
While M/Group believes there is still a potential oversupply of ‘cookie-cutter’ projects, the company have played a significant role in demonstrating that demand for unique, boutique apartments remains strong, and has effectively contributed to a improving Perth’s streetscape and creating a legacy for the City.
FILLING IN THE GAPS…
As the company evolved and grew in terms of scale and success, the directors identified gaps in the development process leading to a project’s delivery.
A vertically integrated business model was adopted to fill those gaps and de-risk investments by retaining control of every aspect of the development process, from design, development, building and delivery.
Construction firm, M/Construction, was introduced in 2010, together with real estate and property management company, M/Property, and finance broking company, M/Finance.
By replacing all outsourcing with skilled and handpicked key people, the company has been able to maintain a high level of quality control and value-add throughout the whole process.
In 2015, M/Group introduced M/Land, with a view of applying the company’s boutique development ethos into the land subdivision space. This was followed earlier this year, by the launch of an income fund division, M/Assets, with a focus on building a portfolio of high yielding properties.
M/Group is today a diversified property company that also includes the in-house provision for income fund management, incorporating corporate governance, compliance, strategic direction and capital raising for its group of companies.
As a company, M/Group has grown consistently and organically over 15 years from a clear vision and passion for good design. It is anchored by a sound foundation to accommodate future expansion into the next decade.
For more information visit www.mgroup.com.au