Demand to call Melbourne’s CBD ‘home’ is growing – but not all brand-new residential opportunities are equal.
Many high-rise developments are still dominated by studio and one-bedroom apartments, short-stay rentals, or investor-grade quality, which can be limiting for buyers seeking permanent homes.
A new development, 640 Bourke Street, is taking a different path, with its premium Eliza Collection designed for buyers seeking long-term liveability, stability, space and privacy.
“It’s the most premium collection featuring two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms,” says Lauren Sheldon, Director of Sales & Marketing, Far East Consortium.
Accessed by a private lift and with exclusive amenity, the Eliza Collection apartments – developed by Far East Consortium and architecturally designed by Rothelowman – have as few as five homes per floor.
“In terms of the whole development, there’s no studios and will be a ban on short-stay apartments. You still get that feeling of having your own private space, even though you’re in an apartment,” says Sheldon.
640 Bourke Street's Eliza Collection offers an exclusive range of two- to three-bedroom residences in the lively Melbourne CBD.
Inside the new city homes designed for space, privacy and calm
As a premium niche in the 640 Bourke Street offer, the Eliza Collection is located from level 45 and above. The apartment layouts feature larger floor plans and views across Melbourne.
“The Eliza Collection apartments were designed to feel generous and enduring,” says Jackie Johnston, Design Director of Interiors at Rothelowman.
“Large floorplans, expansive glazing and features such as butler’s pantries allow the homes to function more like traditional residences, while framing sweeping views across Melbourne.”
Residents can enjoy the privacy and security of their private lift and having just a few neighbours on their floor.
Step inside the homes and Johnston says buyers will immediately notice the build quality.
“There’s a strong emphasis on materiality and craftsmanship throughout the interiors,” says Johnston.
“Natural stone, integrated appliances, feature lighting and bespoke joinery were all selected to create a sense of warmth, refinement and permanence within the residences.”
With interiors by Rothelowman, each Eliza Collection residence has been expertly designed for privacy and sweeping city views.
Peace and privacy in exclusive amenities
Overall, 640 Bourke Street features more than 3,000sqm of amenity across four levels.
This includes a bathhouse with a pool, sauna and steam room, a gymnasium, multiple dining spaces, generous co-working areas, a library, and sports and a whisky lounge.
In addition, Eliza Collection residents have the privilege of exclusive use of the amenity within the restored Eliza Tinsley House on the first and second floors of the building.
“The restoration of the Eliza Tinsley building became an important part of the project narrative,” says Johnston.
“We wanted the heritage spaces to feel immersive and character-filled, while introducing amenity that supports wellness, creativity and connection in a meaningful way.”
Inside, residents can enjoy a therapy room, a salon with a grand piano, additional dining spaces, a mindfulness room and outdoor areas that provide a blissful retreat from everyday life.
Eliza Collection residents will have access to their own exclusive amenities in the historic Eliza Tinsley House.
Is a low-maintenance CBD base the next move for downsizers?
For those seeking the best of everything at their doorstep, but who don’t want to sacrifice a feeling of permanence, Sheldon says the Eliza Collection offers the right balance.
“The Eliza Collection is getting noticed by local downsizers from large homes in Melbourne suburbs as well as people from regional areas keen to have a city base,” she says.
Right outside 640 Bourke Street, residents can walk to city retail, theatres, sports stadiums, restaurants, bars, cafes and more.
The vast tram network and trains from Southern Cross Station can take people all over Melbourne and beyond.
For buyers needing more incentive, Sheldon notes that they may be eligible for an off-the-plan stamp duty concession.
“You could get quite a large concession, but you will need to act before construction starts soon,” she says.
With an ideal CBD location, 640 Bourke Street puts buyers in the heart of all the art, culture and, entertainment that a city lifestyle has to offer.
Experience a fully built luxury apartment before you buy
With FEC Constructions appointed as builders and set to be onsite later this year, 640 Bourke Street is expected to reach completion in 2029.
Prospective residents don’t have to imagine the finished product however.
Three Eliza Collection apartments have been fully built and are open to view at the Display Gallery for a limited time until construction commences.
“Eliza Collection buyers get a beautiful apartment, with all the things that living in the city has to offer,” says Sheldon.
Buyers can also look to the track record of Far East Consortium, with 640 Bourke Street the firm’s 15th tower development in Melbourne over the past 30 years.
“They also get the benefit that they don’t need to put up with the short stays and the studios that you normally get living in the city. That’s what’s really defining 640 Bourke,” she says.
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