Design-driven residential developer Milieu has always broken the mould when it comes to new homes.

Those who live in Melbourne’s inner north know when they’re walking past a Milieu development. Recently the developer branched out to Melbourne’s south-east, bringing their signature style to Plant Street Malvern. Now they’ve revealed their next development, and it’s probably one of the most unique they’ve produced since being founded 15 years ago.

Having secured the 11,740 sqm site of the former ABC Studios on Gordon Street in Elsternwick back in 2022, Milieu has spent the last two years working alongside Woods Bagot, OCULUS Broached Commissions and March Studio to create a garden-centric community they’re calling Elsternwick Gardens by Milieu.

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With nearly half of the site reserved for landscaping, Elsternwick Gardens, as the name suggests, will be a garden oasis. The project comprises six low-rise buildings, divided into three distinct interior design offerings. Milieu has assembled a stellar team of interior designers comprising K.P.D.O., Woods Bagot and Flack Studio.

One of the biggest considerations in the planning phase was how to not only incorporate, but celebrate and take advantage of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate, the landmark 19th century mansion surrounded by seven hectares of gardens that are deemed some of the best in the country. The estate is listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the finest examples of original suburban estates in Australia.

Future residents of Elsternwick Gardens will have direct access through a private, secure gate to Rippon Lea Estate. Another plus for those who will call Elsternwick Gardens home is that the head gardener of Rippon Lea Estate will oversee maintenance of the landscaping and gardens throughout Elsternwick Gardens, making sure the grounds essentially extend from Rippon Lea Estate through the new development.

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The Elsternwick Gardens site was previously part of the wider Rippon Lea Estate, before it was carved up and became the industrial production facility for ABC Studios with the advent of television in Australia. That building is currently being demolished ready for construction to commence.

The design process has involved extensive research and consultation with community groups and stakeholders to ensure the project positively contributes to the social fabric of Elsternwick.

Residents will have access to a lounge area at ABC Lane, the precinct's entry point, as well as health and wellness facilities including a fitness centre with sauna, steam room, mineral bath, cold plunge, yoga, pilates, and a simulation golf area. The precinct will also include amenities for pet care, car washing facilities and hobby workshops, as well as a hospitality offering.

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Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack said Elsternwick Gardens is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“The sheer scale of the project, alongside the historical and cultural importance of the site, renders this our most significant undertaking to date," McCormack says.

"Close to our hearts and planted firmly front of mind, it’s the project that we believe will define our legacy as a creative developer.”

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Progressive, sustainable design has always been central to Milieu’s creative development. Milieu’s buildings consistently achieve a NatHERS rating of at least 7.0 on average, and Elsternwick Gardens will be no different. There will be provision for EV charging, carbon-neutral energy supplies, solar power collection and cross-flow ventilation to the apartments. Every apartment will be completely fossil fuel-free and have no connection to the natural gas network. Homes can be powered with 100 per cent renewable energy. Water tanks will harvest rainwater for landscape irrigation minimising residents use of fresh water and impact on Melbourne's stormwater system.

Aside from being located next door to Rippon Lea Estate, future Elsternwick Gardens residents will be a short walk from the centre of Elsternwick to the south, with its train station, shopping precinct and range of restaurants and cafes and the vibrant village or Ripponlea Village to the northwest.

Milieu is currently fitting out an onsite display at 8 Gordon Street that will be ready for prospective buyers in late August.

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