Local: South Melbourne is a trailblazing Build-to-Rent (BTR) project redefining urban living. Designed by LIFE Architecture, the development positions the firm at the forefront of Australia’s emerging BTR sector. The design prioritises community and supports a modern live-work-play lifestyle, with thoughtfully integrated amenities.
Communal spaces include a café, co-working areas, and meeting rooms on the ground level, while the podium level features wellness-focused facilities such as a gym, yoga studio, and outdoor play areas. Aligned with Local’s ethos of hassle-free rental living in Melbourne’s most connected neighbourhoods, the project reimagines rental living as flexible, convenient, and community-centered.
The architectural concept of Local draws on Fishermans Bend’s rich aviation history, especially its technological advancements during the 1940s. Inspired by aircraft production and aerodynamic testing, the building’s aesthetic evokes memories of aircraft forms and fluid air movement, resulting in an exterior that appears to subtly shift with light and shadow. Functional design elements, including deep cuts for increased natural light and extensions for passive shading, enhance both performance and privacy, creating a visually dynamic structure.
Situated at 245 Normanby Road, Local: South Melbourne offers easy access and integrates commercial spaces at ground level beneath a sleeved podium. This podium and a 35-story residential tower include a mix of one- two- three-bedroom apartments. Communal areas are strategically distributed, with spaces above the podium on Level 5 and additional facilities in the mid and upper levels, ensuring a connected and supportive environment for residents.