West Melbourne build-to-rent development reaches “topping out” milestone

Sentinel Fund Manager Australia has celebrated the “topping out” of its first Victorian build-to-rent apartment development The Briscoe ahead of its scheduled March 2023 completion.

The estimated $150 million West Melbourne build is a collaborative project with Melbourne family-run construction partner Crema Constructions and project architects Rothelowman.

The milestone to celebrate finishing the project’s structural phase was commemorated on August with Lord Mayor Sally Capp saying on a site tour that it would only add value to Melbourne’s housing landscape.

“I welcome more quality housing supply in our city, especially when it is combined with community facilities and environmental outcomes,” Cr Capp said.

“Melbourne is Australia’s most liveable city, and it is projects like The Briscoe by Sentinel that continue to strengthen that title.”

As the Australian branch for leading American development and real estate investment firm Sentinel Real Estate Corporation, the project will be the developer’s third completed build-to-rent in Australia.

The West Melbourne development will be home to 172 premium apartments with one- to three-bedroom layouts available across its seven levels.

Its design has also significantly leant on goals of being the most sustainable and environmentally conscious it can be, with Sentinel aiming for a carbon neutral certification and a five-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia upon completion.

The build will consist of a green power supply, embedded network metering, electric vehicle charging, 121 bicycle parking spaces, carbon neutral flooring and surfaces, and full, high-efficiency Fisher & Paykel appliance packages in all apartments.

Careful thought has also gone into ensuring The Briscoe is a space with a connected community, with facilities such as a gym, a rooftop terrace, a residents’ lounge and dining area, and a landscaped, green inner courtyard at the building’s centre.

Managing director of Sentinel in Australia Keith Lucas said he hoped all the elements would empower residents to live greener lives.

“It will offer residents a refined, highly sustainable and community-focused lifestyle, creating a sense of place within and adding to West Melbourne’s existing character,” Mr Lucas said.

“The Briscoe has been thoughtfully designed outside and in for a renter-oriented living experience. The design draws heavily on the eclectic industrial heritage of the site and Art Deco influence of the iconic Briscoe and Co signage.”

The signage and name of The Briscoe pays homage to the Briscoe & Company Limited warehouse that formerly stood at the Roden St site – moulding contemporary architecture with the site’s established history. •