The Kensington: Developer TOGA Group reveals major development plan at 137-151 Anzac Parade, Kensington

A neglected stretch of road in the heart of Randwick is set to receive a mega residential development with aims to “rejuvenate” what could soon be a thriving hub. Get your first look at the plans here.

A $180 million mixed-use residential hub, with plans for 142 apartments and a collection of retail stores, will soon be part of Kensington’s rapidly transforming skyline.

Property developer TOGA has received approval for this ambitious residential project — dubbed “The Kensington”.

The project will be located at 137-151 Anzac Parade, Kensington — in Randwick Council’s Kensington to Kingsford (K2K) rejuvenation corridor.

The site lies sits than 200m from the Kensington light rail stop and is a 10 minute drive from both the CBD and Coogee Beach.

Speaking to the Southern Courier, TOGA’s chief executive of development and construction, Fabrizio Perilli, said this development is paving the way for “a massive rejuvenation” of the suburb.

Artist impression of retail premises on The Kensington’s ground floor.

“The rejuvenation and transformation of the Anzac Parade corridor will create a new vibrant eastern suburbs precinct,” Mr Perilli said.

“Kensington is one of those areas that hasn’t had much happen to it over the last decade or so, but I think people are going to see a very big change.

What it could look like … artist impression of The Kensington.

“What attracted us to this area is its location — there is the light rail, uni, hospital precinct, beaches, shopping centres — all so close by. And it has everything you could need in terms of public transport and social infrastructure.”

Speaking about The Kensington’s specific location, Mr Perilli added: “It’s not often you get a train stop right on your doorstep.”

When complete, The Kensington will feature 142 apartments, ranging in size from one to three-bedroom, as well as a selection of unique split level “small office/home office” — coined “SOHO” — terrace properties on the ground floor with private entrances.

Mr Perilli said these SOHO properties are not just geared towards the rapid working from home shift seen throughout Covid.

Artist impression of an apartment's balcony in 'The Kensington'.

There are two separate spaces in the SOHO properties, he explained, so they can be used by small business owners who want to have a clear separation between business and home.

“The collection of SOHOs (is) an offering for small businesses and entrepreneurs alike … investors and businesses are snapping up the retail spaces fronting Anzac Parade as they recognise the opportunity to be at the forefront of this key transformation corridor,” Mr Perilli said.

The Kensington will also feature a communal resident rooftop garden overlooking Randwick Racecourse and surrounding parklands, as well as shared resident lounges.

The existing businesses on this stretch of Anzac Parade are set to be demolished, but The Kensington will contain a range of retail stores on the ground floor. These stores will offer a variety of services, especially food and beverage businesses, for the growing number of local residents.

Construction is expected to begin later this year and is due for completion by the end of 2024.