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ClarkeHopkinsClarke architecture firm is set to transform the former Bundoora mental asylum into a new residential, retail and community hub in Melbourne. The revitalizing of the site that has not been used since the late 1990s, is set to bring vibrancy to the area, while respecting the its historical values. The design incorporates five of the original red brick buildings that will be repurposed into residential buildings and one community center.
From ClarkeHopkinsClarke:
Currently under construction in Melbourne’s north is ‘Polaris 3083’– a vibrant new residential, retail and community hub designed by ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC) with developer Deal Corporation.
The Polaris 3083 mixed-use development is set to revitalise the former Larundel Psychiatric Hospital, a site that has been famously uninhabited since closing in the late 1990s. For over 15 years the neglected mental asylum site had been a stomping ground for trespassing urban explorers, intrigued by the history of the abandoned buildings.
This historic site bounding La Trobe University and abundant parkland has a unique sense of character that will be reimagined in an exciting new context and richly woven into a contemporary urban fabric.
– Robert Goodliffe, Partner at ClarkeHopkinsClarke
Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke
Designed with the intention of preserving the heritage value of the former hospital, Polaris will retain five of Larundel’s original red brick buildings. Four of the buildings will be repurposed as apartments, with the remaining building readapted as a community centre.
The presence of the former Larundel buildings has inspired architects at CHC when designing the project’s masterplan, recognising the need for functionality and liveability, while preserving and celebrating the existing architecture and a number of established trees.
Preserving the heritage buildings and existing trees has been important for lending a sense of an established neighbourhood to what is essentially a brand new development.
– Robert Goodliffe, Partner at ClarkeHopkinsClarke
Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke
Stage one of Polaris –‘The Village Centre’– was opened in 2014 comprising 64 one, two and three bedroom apartments over five buildings. The apartments are located over cafes, restaurants and retail outlets on the ground floor. A full line Woolworths supermarket and Dan Murphys store complete the current retail offering.
Further expansion to complete the village centre is currently underway with additional retail, allied medical and apartments currently under construction or due for commencement shortly. Childcare and recreational facilities will complete the core development.
Development of the ‘Stellar Townhouses’ and ‘Capella Apartments’ are nearing completion. Marketing is progressing very successfully on the ‘Aspire Precinct’ which includes the first heritage apartments within the historic buildings together with three level townhouses, all with secure basement car parking. The townhouses will have outlook to the picturesque village green style community park.
Up to 1100 townhouses and apartments will feature in the development when Polaris 3083 is fully completed. Environmentally sustainable design initiatives in excess of those mandated by authorities are being incorporated, resulting in the development as a whole being awarded UDIA enviroDEVELOPMENT certification.
Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke
With census forecasts predicting a 48 per cent population increase for Bundoora over the next 12 years, Polaris will help ease the pressure of population growth on the area’s property market and amenities.
The population of the City of Darebin is projected to grow significantly over the coming years. Infill projects such as Polaris that provide high quality medium density housing are part of the council’s sustainable growth strategy.
– Robert Goodliffe, Partner at ClarkeHopkinsClarke
Polaris residents will benefit from the established conveniences of the region, particularly education facilities such as RMIT and La Trobe university campuses. By retaining the historical significance of the Larundel site and encouraging a more inclusive and collaborative community, Polaris is set to become a leader in forward thinking community design and sustainability.
*All images and information courtesy of ClarkeHopkinsClarke.
