Time & Place Receives Approval for New $500m Residential Development Overlooking Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens

21 January 2025

Time & Place, a diversified property developer with a national presence, has today received development approval from the Victorian Planning Minister for a large-scale mixed-use development that will occupy one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD periphery and add another $500 million to the developer‘s portfolio once complete.

The Minister for Planning of Victoria, Sonya Kilkenny, today announced the project’s planning approval in person at the South Melbourne site.

The DFP pathway was introduced to fast-track the delivery of much-needed housing and has been a pivotal tool in enabling the approval of Time & Place developments, including today’s announcement and their $150m mixed-use Glen Iris development in partnership with Woolworths Group which was approved in October 2024.

By providing reduced approval timeframes and greater project certainty, the DFP pathway has enabled Time & Place to confidently advance projects that meet community needs in a timely and efficient manner, strengthening project viability.

“This accelerated approval process is enabling us to better deliver thoughtfully designed places while supporting local economic growth and job creation. We commend the Minister and the Victorian Government for their leadership and commitment to facilitating impactful developments that benefit the community and economy,” said Tim Price, Founder and Director of Time & Place.

After initially acquiring a single site at 11-17 Dorcas Street, Time & Place has spent the past 18 months gradually acquiring four additional sites bordered by Dorcas and Wells Streets and Middleton Lane. This strategic expansion paves the way for a substantial 2,398 sqm island precinct, resetting the Dorcas St & St Kilda Road corner vicinity.

These four additional acquisitions have allowed the development team to double down on the South Melbourne location, creating a renewed vision for a true urban neighbourhood.

The development will feature 243 residences and introduce a village-style look and feel that integrates dining options, amenities and a community activation that will link directly with South Melbourne. The project will comprise one, two-, three- and Penthouse apartments (penthouse will feature 4m ceiling heights), in addition to a diverse ground-floor retail offering.

Designed by the renowned Bates Smart studio, the distinctive project is designed to feature two boutique sculptural towers connected via a central garden bridge, an architectural standout from the typical landscape synonymous with the area.

The towers are conceived as a pair of elegant forms that rest on a refined garden podium, celebrating the Parkside address and surrounding Domain precinct.

The façade’s articulation, of the overall sculptural design, is an exercise of maximising quality of light, views and experience for the apartments.

The façade design, with generous floor to ceiling glazing, strategically frames direct and peripheral views of the Botanic Garden, Shrine of Remembrance, and surrounding civic features; seamlessly integrating the architecture with the location’s historic and urban context.

Tim Price, Founder and Director of Time & Place, said acquiring the sites allow for the introduction of a superior design and place-making outcome for this corner of South Melbourne, reinforcing the developer’s conviction in the area and the city-fringe residential market.

” In this vibrant corner of South Melbourne, seamlessly connected to South Yarra and the Botanic Gardens and just 1.6 km from the CBD, we envision an innovative, amenity-rich village that fosters community engagement with the Domain Precinct. Our goal is to provide sophisticated yet attainable residential designs that complement the prestige of this remarkable location.

“ After exploring the opportunities presented from a larger, amalgamated site, Time & Place has been able to unlock further design and amenity opportunities, evolving our original idea for the site into a true urban precinct that feels incredibly authentic to our brand and values.

” This thoughtfully designed development will cater to the evolving lifestyle needs of our diverse demographic, who value connectivity and innovative design in amenity-rich apartments, that not only provide exceptional views of the Botanic Gardens but foster a sense of belonging and enrich residents’ lives.

“ In South Melbourne we’re dedicated to redefining inner-city living. Embracing the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, we’re amplifying the local dining and lifestyle amenities, addressing many longstanding gaps felt in the location, and infusing the suburb with economic vitality and social vibrancy.”

Cian Davis – Director Bates Smart said:

“ Melbourne’s great parks and gardens are much loved for the experience of natural beauty, lifestyle amenity and desirability of living on their perimeter. We have embraced the experience of living on the gardens as the inspiration for a contemporary architecture that respects the quality of this special setting.”

Sales will commence on the yet to be named project later in 2025, with construction set to follow shortly after.

To read more on Time & Place’s projects, please visit: https://timeplace.com.au/projects/.