The Goldfields Centre is a mixed use concept of shops, bar, cafes, parlours and linked open air courtyards on the ground floor with residential accommodation on 3 split levels built above. This exciting concept in the very centre of Castlemaine has reached a point where expressions of interest are invited to purchase the 3 residential apartments currently under construction.
Offering a considered and nuanced approach to inner town living, the Comma’s collection of five unique homes is discreetly located on Castlemaine’s doorstep in a prime street. Set on the main road access from Melbourne with spacious rooms and handsome views, this is the ultimate private sanctuary in the vibrant heart of Castlemaine Town.
Each dwelling offers functional living space with two bedrooms enhanced by a refined material palette, a secure individual street address with lobby and lift access. A walkway above the courtyards provides an exciting access experience to each apartment. The apartment’s split 3 level adventurous layout is underpinned by sustainable design; impressive use of natural light, cross-ventilation, passive solar water heating and exceptional acoustic and heat insulation provided as standard.
Conceived as a total precinct, the final stage planned for the site of the former bottleshop will provide more ground floor commercial space, 1 more residential apartment all surrounding two linked landscaped private courtyards. This ‘plaza’ provides a place for gathering, entertainment and interaction with the local community through the ground level cafes, bar, eateries and browsing shops. Close to the Theatre Royal’s cultural activities, the retail spaces of Mostyn Street, and the low key cool of Hargraves Street’s bar and café culture, this position encourages easy access to social engagement.
A feeling of ‘spaciousness’ is not just a question of the number of rooms or the overall floor area of a home. Factors such as levels of daylight and vertical connections between different internal spaces can be an often overlooked dimension that also tends to be much reduced in newer properties. One of the recurrent issues encountered on the project is the tendency for new homes to be categorised and marketed in terms of the number of bedrooms rather than the quality of the living spaces provided.
We believe that businesses should place greater value on positive social and environmental outcomes, rather than focus solely on profits. We also believe that property development should prioritise sustainability wherever possible. For us, this means using materials of the highest quality and utilising passive design principles to minimise dependence on unsustainable energy sources.
The present owners are re-visioning the whole site as a mixed use precinct that combines residential apartments with complimentary ground floor commercial amenities. The renovated ground floor now contains four separate businesses comprising a corner ice cream parlour/diner, a separate Asian style cafe, a recycled fashion clothing store and a fully fitted bar/restaurant premises.
The exterior façade was renovated to its original condition in August 2018 and preserves the vintage simplicity of early 19th century building proportions. The apartments are architect-designed to compliment the character of the building whilst providing light filled spaces and modern facilities with views to the eastern ridges and the Burke & Wills memorial.
Stage 2 comprises the building of 3 residential units on 3 split levels over the existing ground floor incorporating a small extension at the rear.
The next part of stage 2 is the release of apartment 5, located on the corner of Hargraves and Forest streets. This unit is larger containing 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, study and spectacular rooftop terrace/garden. Completion is scheduled for September 2022. This stage also includes the completion of the entrance lobby.
The 5 apartments preserve the classic features of the Victorian era including the high ceilings, elegant two metre tall sash windows and well proportioned spaces. Extra space is created by extending at the rear of the existing building on two levels that will include an entry porch on the first floor and a master bedroom on the second floor. Each unit has a balcony or patio looking East and the corner unit has a rooftop sundeck with views South West over the local park.
The developers intend to build a final stage containing one more residential apartment and ground floor commercial premises on three levels commencing in 2022. The building will be sited on adjacent land that was previously occupied by a drive-in bottle shop. Two courtyards will be created between the Stage 3 building and the existing heritage building that houses stages 1 and 2, and a first floor terrace garden will provide privacy and relaxation for residents separate from the commercial activities. A lift will be included in stage 3 providing access to all 6 apartments.
This last stage completes the vision of a ‘residents’ precinct’ for this prominent corner and will add to the amenities of the town at this high profile intersection.
1 & 2 bedroom multi-level residencies in a rejuvenated 1800’s heritage building int he heart of Castlemaine.