Melbourne buyers are showing renewed interest in lifestyle-led, low-maintenance homes close to Port Phillip Bay, driving fresh momentum along key coastal strips such as St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street.
Long known as one of Melbourne’s most culturally expressive neighbourhoods, St Kilda has benefited from substantial new investment in recent times, especially along the celebrated Fitzroy Street.
“Fitzroy Street is experiencing a significant resurgence, as new residential, hospitality, and retail investment flow into the precinct,” says Jordan Winada, head of commercial acquisitions for Victoria and South Australia with developer Fortis.
Fortis has joined forces with businesses ERDI, Ondas and the City of Port Phillip to form the St Kilda Collective, together investing $196 million into a series of developments that prioritise thoughtful design, community outcomes and long-term placemaking.
“This renewed confidence reflects a shared vision for its future, one that honours its heritage while embracing contemporary energy.
“With multiple design-led projects emerging, the precinct is entering its new golden era. It is once again becoming a destination for community, culture, and coastal living.”
As one of the first projects to signal the next chapter for Fitzroy Street, The Gild sets a new benchmark for design quality, amenity and retail, cementing the precinct as a thriving beachside destination.
The Gild is a bold new chapter for Fitzroy Street, St Kilda's iconic main street.
Inside The Gild
Positioned along the bay-end of Fitzroy Street, The Gild comprises 45 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, with a limited series of penthouses.
Designed in collaboration with Melbourne‑based architecture and interior design studio, Telha Clarke, and with landscape architecture by Florian Wild, The Gild takes a strong note from the Riviera, but in a distinctly Melbourne way.
“The Gild has been designed to reflect St Kilda’s heritage while introducing a contemporary approach to living,” says Mr Winada.
“The architecture draws on the area’s historic forms, while modern planning and materials ensure the building meets today’s expectations for comfort and convenience.”
Stretching 65 metres along Fitzroy Street, Fortis will leverage its experience in placemaking to deliver a retail boulevard featuring artisanal retailers and hospitality outlets.
Fortis has previously created activated precincts in Double Bay and Cremorne, bringing big names like Neil Perry’s Margaret, Baker Bleu, adidas, and Suupaa to its precincts.
“The mixed-use nature of the project brings new activity to Fitzroy Street, with retail and hospitality at ground level supporting a more connected and vibrant precinct,” says Mr Winada.
“Above, residents enjoy privacy, security and well-considered amenity that supports everyday living.
“The Gild is designed to contribute to the street, while offering a calm, refined home environment for its residents.”
With Riviera-inspired design and modern apartments, The Gild offers something special to St Kilda buyers.
Riviera-inspired residences meet coastal grandeur
The design takes cues from the relaxed elegance of the European Riviera, expressed through scalloped detailing, greenery-softened façades, and a strong connection between the indoors and the outdoors.
Interiors continue this coastal influence with calm, understated finishes, including stone benchtops, warm timber flooring, and integrated appliances.
The palette is intentionally simple and refined, creating homes that feel easy to live in and closely tied to their beachside setting.
Generous terraces and outdoor spaces further reinforce this connection, offering residents a natural extension of their living areas.
The penthouses offer signature burgundy accents, expansive layouts and a sculptural staircase leading to private rooftop terraces, with views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne's city skyline.
“These outdoor spaces are designed for flexible use, from quiet retreat to open-air entertaining,” says Mr Winada.
Select penthouses include the option for a private plunge pool, a rare find in this beachside locale.
Inside, the layouts prioritise natural light, storage, and generous proportions, creating a home that feels both practical and elevated.
Everyday lifestyle
The Gild’s wellness offering centres on its rooftop, which provides an open, elevated space where residents can enjoy sunrise yoga or quiet time outdoors.
On the ground floor, amenities include a sauna, steam room, cold pail, bookable dining room, and adaptable yoga studio, as well as a private, landscaped courtyard at the rear of the building.
“Living at The Gild places residents within walking distance of the beach, local cafés, dining, parks, and cultural venues,” says Mr Winada.
“The precinct offers a balance of activity and calm, with the ability to enjoy St Kilda’s energy while returning home to a private, well-designed residence.
“Daily needs are supported by nearby transport, retail, and hospitality, making life convenient and connected.
“It’s a lifestyle that suits those who value both coastal living and urban access.”
Living at The Gild puts residents in the heart of an elevated, carefully crafted lifestyle precinct.
Melbourne buyers are taking notice
Slated for completion in the first half of 2028, The Gild is attracting strong interest from DINKs (double income, no kids), local downsizers, families and city-pad seekers.
Local buyers who recognise the value of thoughtful placemaking, elevated amenity and design‑driven residential offerings are also proving keen.
“Many are long-term St Kilda residents seeking to remain in an area they know well, while benefiting from the broader regeneration of Fitzroy Street and its proximity to the beach, including the recent revitalisation of St Kilda Pier,” says Mr Winada.
Interested buyers are encouraged to enquire early to secure their preferred floorplan and outlook, and to make an appointment to visit the Fortis display gallery at 440 Toorak Road, Toorak.
Residences with Fitzroy Street frontage are expected to be among the first to sell.
“The Gild balances beachside living and everyday convenience,” Mr Winada says.
“With the foreshore, transport, dining, parks, and community amenities all close by, the location suits a wide range of needs and life stages.”
English (US) · 