Conservatory – Melbourne

UEM Sunrise Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, has commenced construction of Conservatory, its second project in Melbourne, Australia with residential apartment specialists, Hickory Group Pty Ltd (Hickory) appointed as the builder of choice.

Construction commenced following the completion of an archaeological dig on the site of Conservatory, 9-23 McKenzie St. The archaeological excavation conducted by consultants TerraCulture Pty Ltd uncovered over 250,000 fragments of artefacts in the former Mistletoe Hotel dating back to 1855. Treasures from Melbourne’s Gold Rush era such as a gold nugget, early silver coins, Rising Sun military badges and other artefacts were revealed, reflecting a time in Melbourne’s past that was full of wealth and opportunity.

Jeremy Smith, Principal Archaeologist at Heritage Victoria emphasised the importance of this excavation in unravelling a piece of Melbourne’s history. “A dig of this magnitude and significance only happens once every five years or so – it is a true enlightening moment, when we see things we have never uncovered before. These items signify the influx of wealth coming into Melbourne during the time of European settlement and the gold rush. We are incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity to uncover these artefacts.”

UEM Sunrise’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said the Company is thrilled to begin the construction of its AUD$330 million, 42-storey property which has had a take-up rate of 90 percent to date.

“Following the success of our first Australian project Aurora Melbourne Central, we are excited to fulfil our promise of delivering quality, luxury projects in Australia with Conservatory; and demonstrate our longstanding commitment to delivering living spaces that resonate with the rich Melbourne culture,” said Mr. Anwar.

Chief Operating Officer, Commercial of UEM Sunrise, Mr. Raymond Cheah, said “It is fitting that Conservatory’s history is rooted in the opulent Gold Rush era – positioned next to the lush Carlton Gardens, this project epitomises luxury, park-side living with its quality interiors and all the finer things in life such as a private Jacuzzi, observation skydeck, private cinema and golf simulator.”

Nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, as well as Melbourne’s CBD, Conservatory will offer direct access to and stunning views of the landmark gardens and Royal Exhibition Building.

Taking inspiration from the park, the exterior of Conservatory will resemble an elegant glass-house.

Hickory has been appointed to transform the design by Cox Architecture Pty Ltd into a sinuously curving glass façade which will change colours with the seasons reflecting the gardens below.

“It has been an incredible experience for the team to uncover the site’s historical significance during excavation and we are very excited to now see the project progress into the construction phase. Hickory is very proud to be delivering Conservatory, a landmark project in Melbourne. Conservatory will no doubt be an amazing place to live, even more so knowing that we are all contributing to the next chapter of the area’s already rich history,” said Mr. Michael Argyrou, Hickory’s Managing Director.

In paying homage to the site’s history, Hickory will incorporate some of the bluestone that was uncovered in the excavation into the building as a permanently installed piece of art, as well as craft purpose-built display cases that will display the selection of findings in Conservatory’s lobby.

Conservatory offers 446 units of one, two and three-bedroom residences and three (3) generous levels of residential facilities including a pool, gymnasium, yoga zone, BBQ pit, entertainment deck, private cinema and two (2) expansive Jacuzzi on the Level 42 Carlton Skydeck with amazing views over the Carlton Gardens.  Construction is expected to be completed by end 2018.

Limited apartment units are still available. Call Colliers International on +61 1800 666 888 for more information.