Initially, Mr Abraham approached us to study the possibilities of a site which was re-zoned to 18m height restriction and 2:1 FSR (floor space ratio).

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The building falls under the classification of "shop top housing" and formerly having a fruit shop at ground level and two apartments on the first floor.

 

After several iterations of the design, we came up with a scheme for ten apartments around a central courtyard; retail at ground floor and a garage at the basement.

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We jumped into negotiations with Council but could not reach alignment as parking objectives would require our client to pay excessive contributions and would turn the project into a loss.

 

We found an alternative approach.

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First, our real estate signed a deal with CBA for a 10+10 year lease; this could be obtained by-passing Council.

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The new scope for CDC involved fireproofing, internal de-guttering to give an open canvas to the CBA and a new suspended concrete floor able to withstand the load of the vault and bank equipment.

After a successful construction and subsequent CBA fitout, the next step is to add two new levels above the existing residential tenancy including 5 apartments following the initial courtyard scheme. A DA, already lodge is still under assessment.