Spotlight Series: The Marker, West Melbourne
The Marker
512-544 Spencer Street
West Melbourne
VIC
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The Purpose of this Spotlight
We’re sharing an insider’s glimpse into the process of developing The Marker. The cheers, and the challenges. It’s what we didn’t include in the pitch; but will always be proud of.
Setting the Scene
The Marker is located on the fringe of the CBD: 900 metres to be exact. Its West Melbourne locale provides exceptional connectivity to parks, education facilities and all that Melbourne city has to offer. Attracting savvy urban dwellers and investors alike; it’s a place where work, play and learning collide.
The Inspiration
Taking full advantage of the CBD fringe location, the brief was to develop a mixed-use project that utilises the perfect balance of inner and outer city living. Being only a 10-minute walk from Melbourne city, The Marker is out of the hustle and bustle of the CBD, yet offers easy access to workplaces, education, restaurants, and nightlife.
The Cheers
Our proudest moments were having all the design and workshops come to life and go together as planned. This was, in part, thanks to the success of The Eminence Project, another development by the same JV party. We worked together smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. Standout moments like the glass canopy that wraps around the building, as well as the detailed communal areas were a sight to see completed; after many, many workshops.
One of the most interesting features of the project is the unique façade and the different finishes used throughout – including window-wall, decorative precast panel finishes, and tiling. A close second has to be the two-level courtyard with its curved brickwork planters and timber decking in the shape of leaves. Organic, nature-inspired, always welcoming.
The Challenges
The Marker was constructed during COVID: say no more.
Like almost everyone in the industry, material and labour constraints were the biggest challenge of this development. Notably, the (nail biting) overseas procurement of the façade was a particular obstacle that we successfully completed. Cheers to that!
The Outcome
We delivered six retail spaces and 198 apartments between three buildings: Stanley, Spencer and Roden, each with their own carpark basement levels, lobbies, and communal areas. These three architectural elements – mixing graceful linear design with organic textures – house modern residences surrounding tree-lined boulevards and private gardens. A key retail provision was working alongside Aldi and their fit-out team to deliver a new supermarket for West Melbourne’s residents to use, along with street level cafes and retailers.
Noteworthy communal areas include a kitchen and dining area, an outdoor barbeque surrounded by a two level landscaped area, and a library/lounge area for guests to relax in front of the fireplace. Perfectly capturing the essence of West Melbourne, The Marker is a statement of quality, liveability, and scale, set to shape the urban fabric of a historic neighbourhood as it transitions into a new era.
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The Dream Team
Developer – JV with Crema Group, CDL and Lechte Corp
Architect – Plus Architecture
Structural Engineer – Webber design
Services Engineer – ADP Consulting
