Multistorey ‘landmark’ $10m apartment complex proposed for Highton

A $10m “landmark” apartment complex, set to transform two ageing houses into a modern multistorey development, is being proposed for a prime location in Highton.

Renders prepared by Watson Young for the proposed apartments for 78-80 Barrabool Rd, Highton.

A $10m apartment complexed proposed for a prime suburban area in Highton has been described as a “landmark development”.

The applicant, MFD Barrabool Pty Ltd, is seeking to transform two houses on Barrabool Rd, opposite Highton Reserve, into a multistorey apartment building.

James Morphy, the developer behind the Miramar tower and director of MFD Barrabool, said he believed they had developed a “landmark design” for Highton.

The three-storey apartment block would feature 21 units on the 1259sqm site, and would have two one-bedrooms units, 18 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit.

“When the blocks became available I thought we needed to be there,” Mr Morphy said.

Renders prepared by Watson Young for the proposed apartments for 78-80 Barrabool Rd, Highton.

“It’s an absolute hidden gem, it’s fantastic.

“The target market are the people who are downsizing and moving closer to the shops and close to the bowls, tennis club and park.

“You’ve got a beautiful vista over the oval.

“It’s close to the Ring Road, and the site is an absolute winner.”

The basement would consist of 23 carparking spaces, while the ground floor would include six two-bedroom apartments and a single one-bedroom apartment.

Developer James Morphy.

The first floor includes seven two-bedroom apartments and a single one-bedroom apartment, and the second floor of the building would include five two-bedroom apartments and a single three-bedroom apartment.

“It goes from two fairly run-down houses to 21 dwellings and offers a diverse range of housing options in the development,” Mr Morphy said.

“It is a more condensed style of living, but it’s an efficient style with all the modern benefits of a new home.”

Renders prepared by Watson Young for the proposed apartments for 78-80 Barrabool Rd, Highton.

There has been a number of recent approvals in the area, including a three-storey apartment block on 54 Barrabool Rd, as well as a complex at 16 Duggan Crt.

Mr Morphy is also behind the three-storey, nine-unit development at Duggan Crt and said construction would likely begin in the first half of 2025.

If approved by Geelong council, construction of the Barrabool Rd development would likely begin in the second half of 2025, and it’s estimated that the project would be completed within 18 months.

Members of the public will be able to have their say on the development with public comment open on council’s website until December 5.

Originally published as Multistorey ‘landmark’ $10m apartment complex proposed for Highton