A new $360 million luxury residential and executive serviced apartment development has been unveiled, heralding the evolution of St Kilda Road into a preeminent dining, shopping and residential precinct with the genteel atmosphere of a tree-lined European boulevard.

Melbourne developer Woodlink has worked closely with architects Bates Smart to ensure the 163-apartment ‘Illoura House’, located at 424-426 St Kilda Road, will restore the grandeur of Melbourne’s original grand boulevard to its earliest days as the city’s most coveted address.

Aimed at the downsizing owner-occupier market, its design prioritises space and views and includes five penthouses and nine sub-penthouses in an L-shaped tower overlooking an expansive formal garden on the rooftop of a seven-level podium.

Woodlink Project Director Antonio Tarros said Illoura House would make a distinguished addition to the illustrious boulevard, in the vein of The Melburnian and 150 Clarendon and was destined to become one of St Kilda Road’s most desirable residential addresses.

Part of this would be achieved by the vibrant activation of Australia’s first five-star Marriott Executive Apartments, which will be co-located on the site, coupled with an extensive retail forecourt adorned with canopies and earmarked for a statement café and dining facilities.

Marriott Executive Apartments is a luxury brand catering for long-stay guests, which will operate 176 serviced apartments rooms located on levels 1 to 5, providing separate lobby and concierge services, as well as extensive amenity for guests and residents.

“Beautiful and thoughtful projects such as Illoura House are driving a new dawn for St Kilda Road, which in 10 years we believe will be a luxury shopping, residential and dining district with the feel of a Parisian boulevard,” said Mr Tarros.

“We have a lot of confidence in this vision for St Kilda Road as does Marriott International, which recognises the continued evolution of this area.” Located at the birthplace of Melbourne’s prestige apartment market and off-the-plan sales,

Illoura House reflects St Kilda Road’s return to the top end of the market after a brief hiatus when less ambitious projects were on offer.

This ‘Golden Mile’ is now a magnet for the city’s affluent downsizers attracted by the boulevard’s historic charm and close proximity to the CBD, arts precinct, sports precinct, dining destinations, markets and elite private schools. It is well-serviced by public transport with easy access to trams on St Kilda Road, while the planned ‘Anzac’ Melbourne Metro station near the intersection of Domain Road will provide further connectivity.

Woodlink acquired the prized double-block St Kilda Road site, on the corner of Kings Way, in 2015 and has since invested three years finessing the project to ensure it fulfilled its bold vision before going to the market.

“The aim of this project has always been to create a true landmark building for this prominent Melbourne location that emulates the grandeur of the St Kilda Road boulevard from its early days when it was lined with opulent mansions,” said Mr Tarros.

“Illoura House will be a coveted Melbourne address that appeals to downsizers from the city’s exclusive suburbs as well as city executives with an appreciation of extraordinary design who are seeking a venerable St Kilda Road residence.”

Bates Smart’s stately design, with signature grid lines on the Illoura House facade, is destined to create a stately legacy building on the prominent site. Bates Smart Director of Architecture Kristen Whittle said Illoura House was designed with “classical restraint and meticulous attention to detail to create a timeless building with an air of permanence”.

“The Illoura House design salutes St Kilda Road’s distinguished past while adding a robust and enduring modern building with classical lines that enhance the boulevard’s architecture,” Mr Whittle said.

“The centrepiece formal garden and podium roof garden will amplify the best attributes of Melbourne’s finest suburban homes allowing Illoura House’s residents to enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful garden without any of the maintenance demands.

“With a strong focus on materiality using natural stone, timber and metal, Illoura House has an understated sophistication and a tactile appeal that we anticipate will be appreciated by those with a strong eye for design.”

The project is at the centre of three prized parks: Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park. Residences will enjoy views over St Kilda Road’s leafy canopy towards the city skyline and Shrine of Remembrance or Albert Park Lake and Port Phillip Bay.

Elegant hotel-style amenities at ground level include a 20-metre pool, gymnasium, spa and sauna. A residents’ lounge, private dining room and wine cellar will complement the formal rooftop garden.

Click here to view Woodlink's official website.

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