Marina Views

The Age

Saturday March 15, 2008

Katherine Townsend

It's time to rediscover Maribyrnong River, writes Katherine Townsend.

MARIBYRNONG has a delightful river flowing through its centre but when the area was developed in the mid-19th century almost everything but housing was put on the waterfront.

The Maribyrnong River was the focus of industrial, commercial or sporting activities but five years ago Delfin began the Edgewater estate on 95 hectares of former industrial land.

It has changed the residential face of the area and, because the project also included the development of a new lake and marina converted from a section of the Maribyrnong River valley, it has changed the recreational focus, too. The river has extensive wetlands, and walking and bike paths, which run from Footscray to Essendon.

Now, a waterfront development of two-bedroom, terrace-style apartments with sweeping views across Edgewater Lake and marina has been announced and will soon be offered for sale.

Lakehouse is developed by GRD, which bought the land from Delfin. It has plans for a five-storey development with 55 apartments sitting above shops, restaurants and cafes.

Only seven kilometres from the city, the Edgewater estate will be home to 1100 people and the Lakehouse development will begin when much of the surrounding hard work is done. Shops have already opened towards the Gordon Street end of the estate and many residents have moved in.

GRD's Lakehouse project was designed by Mills Gorman and will offer a range of two-bedroom apartments with spectacular water views. Some will overlook the lake and marina while others will look back up the Maribyrnong River.

The apartments begin at $465,000 and the designs include a large terrace overlooking the water. The architects have tried to maximise the water views and useable outdoor space and many of the designs merge the terrace with the indoor space through the clever use of retractable walls of glass.

Avion Properties marketing agent Nick Cartledge says there has been a great deal of interest in the apartments from investors and retirees. Almost one-third of the apartments have received "expressions of interest", he says. The dearest properties on the top floor will be close to $900,000, Mr Cartledge says.

A display suite is open at 33 Cumberland Drive on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 2pm.

Name: Lakehouse at Edgewater

Address: 33 Cumberland Drive, Maribyrnong

Price: $465,000-plus

Private sale

Agent: Avion Properties, 9370 0300

Melway: 28 B12

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Name: Apollo Five to Nine

Address: 5-9 Nelson Street, Apollo Bay

Price: $495,000-$890,000

Private sale

Agent: Great Ocean Road Real Estate, 5237 6258

VicRoads: 264 C9

Golf-loving, Catholic, fishing fans are natural buyers for these apartments in one of Apollo Bay's best streets. The 15-unit, three-level development in Nelson Street is opposite the golf course, next to the Catholic church and above the pier. With north views over the sea to the hills, Apollo Five to Nine captures the holiday escape's appeal.

Designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall, it's built across a wide block with a curved timber and glass facade. There are four one-level, ground-floor flats and the others have ground entry, with living areas on the first floor and bedrooms up top. All have two or three bedrooms and the ground-floor units have a study. Many on the upper floor allow the third bedroom to be a second sitting area.

It's developed by Caltrano on land once owned by the Catholic Church. Three apartments have sold and construction is expected to begin later this year. -- KATHERINE TOWNSEND

© 2008 The Age

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