Build-to-rent plan for 1041 Centre Road, Oakleigh South

An eight-storey development featuring a rooftop terrace and yoga spaces has been proposed for Oakleigh South — but there’s a twist.

A new build-to- rent project, where apartments are leased out to tenants and the developer remains the owner, is earmarked for Oakleigh South.

In a first for the City of Monash, a new eight-storey development featuring 172 apartments, rooftop terrace and shared working spaces, is set to be offered exclusively to renters.

Australian practice i2C Architects, in a global alliance with international design practice Ryder Architecture, has plans to deliver Monash’s first build-to-rent development at 1041 Centre Rd Oakleigh South, in what will become the final piece of the already-established retail and commercial hub, The Links.

Build-to-rent means all apartments are owned by the developer and leased out to tenants.

A development application has been submitted to Monash Council for the project, to be known as Fieldworks House.

Designed for developer Pellicano, it will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments across an eight-level, L-shaped building, with residents having access to recreation spaces and wellness facilities, a rooftop terrace with yoga lawn and barbecue areas, and a communal podium level including a multi-use conservatory.

It will also feature 217sq m of co-working space, in response to the increasing number of people working from home.

The development plan includes a rooftop terrace with yoga lawn and barbecue areas.

The development will also include a 1712sq m supermarket, on-site cafe, shops and restaurants.

Existing anchor tenants in the precinct include Woolworths, Snap Fitness, Bunnings, Australia Post, Kaizen Clinics and Chemist Warehouse.

Managing director of i2C Brian Jende said as build-to-rent continues to soar in popularity across the development spectrum, architecture was evolving to cater to rental-focused lifestyles.

The Links is already home to several big retailers, including Woolies and Chemist Warehouse.

“We have celebrated the industrial history of Fieldworks House — residents can look forward to a range of shared amenities including a residents’ lounge, indoor recreational spaces, a large private dining room, rooftop barbecue and relaxation areas, and a large co-working facility,” he said.

“In addition, there is an 1800sq m podium level that will provide a range of outdoor spaces curated to form the residents’ own urban parkland, featuring communal gardening facilities and large grassed areas for activities — all intended to provide a green oasis that complements the modern vertical-living community.”

The development includes space for yoga and other recreational activities.

Senior project lead at i2C, Marcus Greening, said the Oakleigh South project ticked many boxes.

“The past 18 months we’ve seen Australians spending more time at home in general, so we need to create homes that have amenities linked to mental wellbeing; large open spaces with expansive green views, yoga areas, vegetable gardens, and barbecue areas,” he said.

“The goal with build-to-rent is to create a vertical neighbourhood that encourages and enhances the social experience for residents and the wider community alike, not just apartments.”