Setting a new standard of living for renters

LIV Munro, Queen Victoria Market

The landmark build-to-rent tower has been designed to foster a strong sense of community by offering residents new ways to live, work and play.

LIV Munro is the first stage of the broader Munro development, incorporating community spaces, hotel, affordable housing, city library and activated laneways. Sited within the Munro precinct delivered by PDG in collaboration with the City of Melbourne, the residential tower is designed by Bates Smart architects for Mirvac.

Fundamentally of the market, the LIV Munro tower draws on the energy and vitality of the area’s heritage architecture and fine-grained spaces. The brick and concrete detailing of the podium respects the traditional language of the market shopfronts, while active frontages along the façade act in dialogue with public spaces. Multiple pedestrian linkages are also introduced throughout the site.

The hotel-occupied podium’s double lobby adds a complimentary ground level activation to the apartment tower and works in partnership with the Six Degrees community hub to create a sympathetic, human scaled and textured interface.

The tower’s cylindrical form is conceived as a building in the round at the intersection of the Hoddle and Northern grids. Perceived at all sides, LIV Munro stands out amongst its rectilinear neighbours and the lower scale of the market.

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Featuring 490 apartments designed exclusively for renters, a mix of housing stock and amenities appeal to a range of demographics. These generously proportioned residences with warm, neutral tones suit a variety of household configurations and allow tenants to add their own sense of style and décor to the design.

The building is fully accessible to residents, with a premium rooftop terrace offering views over the market and Flagstaff Gardens. Shared amenity includes cinemas, games room and dining, as well as a health and wellness centre, co-working facility and even a professional quality recording studio. The building’s dedication to communal spaces, including adjoining garden terraces and dog park at the top of the podium foster a strong community sentiment. A connection to nature is emphasised by integrated landscaping on every level and a green spine which defines the building.

 

 

Cian Davis

Director, Bates Smart

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Details

Client

Mirvac

Collaborators

  • Six Degrees Architects

Location

Melbourne | Wurundjeri and Bunurong Country, Australia

Year

2022

Status

Completed

Area

87,304 sqm

Sustainability

  • Targeting 5 Star Green Star rating
  • Targeting 8 star NatHERs rating for apartments
  • Rooftop solar panels, high-performance façade and energy-efficient facilities

Awards

  • AIA Architecture Awards, Urban Design, Commendation, 2024
  • Melbourne Awards, City Design, Finalist, 2024

Photography

Peter Clarke