Boutique developer MATCH has been given approval to transform Perth’s first concrete and steel structure, designed in 1927 by Oldham, Boas & Ednie-Brown, into a heritage sensitive development consisting of 30 warehouse apartments and 39 terrace houses on the adjoining site.
The building and adjoining land, on the corner of Milligan and Murray streets, was bought for $4.65 million by a syndicate of 12 investors in March this year.
A former storage facility, nightclub and roller-skating rink, the building is currently used as a car park, with $11 million of internal building upgrades undertaken in 2004.
The development will be launched this weekend and MATCH plans to invest a further $25 million in the project, which will be branded ‘HOME’.
Designed as a warehouse for former tobacco giant WD & HO Wills, the building has a suspended concrete slab and ‘mushroom columns’, and MATCH managing director Lloyd Clark said the Chicago-style building was rare in Perth, and that the structural integrity of the building was “extraordinary”.
“Oldham was a stickler for design, and renowned for over-designing and over-specifying, and as a consequence we can add another three levels on top of the heritage component, which is quite rare,” Mr Clark said.
“We are very much drawn to heritage buildings and believe they are a great springboard to create a sophisticated product. The additions we are putting on the building are very contemporary and glorify the heritage component of the building.
“Our project has been designed to reflect the culture and colour being created by places such as Bar One, King Street and Bocca – it is truly unique to Perth and introduces an environment, particularly to those working in the CBD.”
Architect John Colliere of Colliere Menkins Pickwell Architects has designed the project, with Rodney Thompson of Designlink in charge of interiors.
Having undertaken several heritage sensitive projects with MATCH, Mr Clark said purchasers were more than happy to pay extra for good design.
“We believe there is a need in the market for a true design-based company, and that is our point of difference. We are really passionate about design and focus on unique, well positioned sites,” he said.
MATCH has undertaken several projects in Mt Lawley and Inglewood, including the Civic Theatre Clock-tower, currently under construction.
“We are very keen to deliver warm, sophisticated apartments, and believe the Perth market has several years of strong sustained growth behind it,” Mr Clark said.
Construction on HOME is anticipated to begin in January of next year, with completion in July 2007.
