Lowe Living Achieves Planning Permit for Redevelopment of Former Parkdale Hospital Site

Design-led developer and builder Lowe Living has achieved a planning permit to redevelop the former Private Hospital site located in Parkdale into 45 luxury residences.

The site, located at 152 Como Parade, was acquired in December 2023 will add $66 million to the developer’s current portfolio of $780 million and represents the 17th project for Lowe Living, who has made a name for itself developing high-end residences across Melbourne.

The former 4771sqm COMO Private Hospital site is one of the last remaining, significant developable sites in Parkdale. Lowe Living’s strategic acquisition comes at a critical time for Bayside’s housing supply, with the State Government suggesting the Kingston City Council dwelling numbers need to increase by 70 percent by 2051 in order to keep up with demand.

However, in FY23/24, only 787 new residential dwellings were approved, signalling a chronic undersupply in quality new housing in the municipality, which currently houses a population of over 102,000 people.

Lowe Living plans to create a low-density, sensitive and high calibre project designed with local downsizers and rightsizers who are looking for a contemporary home in this idyllic seaside location with easy access to transport and amenities.

Lowe Living has appointed Jackson Clement Burrows who has been briefed to create a scheme that sensitively heroes the area’s character while enhancing the residential offering through modern architectural sensibilities that harmonise with the local landscape.

This is Lowe Living’s 3rd development in Parkdale, with multi-award-winning development, Topaz delivered in 2023 and its development currently selling, and under construction, Kallara House, which both received positive uptake from local buyers, showcasing the developer’s depth of experience and local market expertise.

The planning permit was achieved in under six months, thanks to a collaborative process with neighbours and Kingston City Council.

The project is slated to launch to the public later on this year, and will include a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Construction set to commence in 2025.

Emma Lowe, Co-founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said,

” Our commitment to setting a new standard of luxury in boutique, medium-density living remains unwavering, especially in the Bayside area where we’ve played a significant role for close to 10 years. Melbourne’s most aspirational suburbs, including those in Bayside, epitomise the essence of premium living, and we take pride in contributing positively to the community through thoughtful and innovative developments.

“ Melbourne’s Bayside is experiencing unmitigated growth as economic factors and a lack of developable sites is pushing growth exponentially outwards. Parkdale is a well established location close to quality schools, existing retail and community amenities, and is the perfect location to welcome sensitive, yet quality new housing that can support a growing local population.

” The scale of the land afforded us the flexibility to deliver premium residences while maintaining a low-density profile. This is one of the last super-sites in the area, and we approached the design with both the community and the site’s potential in mind.

” Developing in Bayside has always been part of our DNA. It allows us to build lasting relationships with the community and deliver timeless residences that add character and desirability to the local area. We’re excited to continue elevating the standard of living in Melbourne through our upcoming projects including this one.

“ The project addresses a critical undersupply of high-quality, contemporary designed apartments in Bayside, and seeks to preserve the charm of Parkdale while introducing contemporary, lifestyle-driven living spaces.

For more information, visit www.loweliving.com.au.