After one of the most challenging times to face the building industry in recent memory, it’s no small achievement to bring an ambitious, carbon neutral apartment build to fruition. For OP Properties, the symbolic sod turning ceremony at Fremantle’s Montreal Commons on November 22 was more than just the first step in the building process.
Nic Osboine, Director of OP Properties said that the landmark day was the culmination of over two years of hard work from stakeholders and the OP Properties team.
“It’s gratifying to see our vision to provide exceptional apartments that embrace the values that make Fremantle one of the most desirable places to live come to fruition,” said Mr Osboine.
Luke Parker, Director of OP Properties said that the team were delighted to have awarded the building contract to Northerly Group Australia.
“Northerly are an extremely capable builder very experienced in the delivery of innovative and high end residential projects, ideally suited to deliver Montreal Commons,” he said.
“After so much work and such huge support from our buyers, we’re thrilled to continue the strong momentum with Montreal Commons.”.”
Over two-thirds of apartments have been sold before the build commenced, an extraordinary trajectory for the five storey apartment complex, located at DevelopmentWA’s East Village at Knutsford’s precinct.
Michael Lawson, managing director of Northerly Group, was particularly delighted to be involved with such a progressive and innovative project.
“We strive to be class-leading as a design/construct builder so being able to deliver a project like this reflects our mantra,” said Mr Lawson.
“In light of COP26 too, it’s pleasing to be working on a project which will resonate with the younger generation who are pushing and agitating for action around environmental issues.”
The shared vision displayed by OP Properties and Northerly is something Mr Parker is proud to promote.
“The land was bought before the pandemic began and we have had to be innovative and nimble in our approach to keep everything moving forward
The importance of Montreal Commons’ green credentials is impressive. According to Professor Peter Newman, John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute said that OP Properties was taking “a globally significant step”.
In addition to its carbon neutral status, buyers have been attracted to invest in an apartment where owners receive a 50% strata levy offset from the internal embedded power network – with savings they make paying dividends for the hip pocket.
DevelopmentWA has played an important role in the project’s development, and as Montreal Commons is in one of the organisation’s precincts following a successful bidding process by OP Properties, they are watching the eco-friendly build with interest.
“Development WA is excited by OP Property’s commitment to quality design and sustainable development. We strongly commend their resilience and commitment in the face of a challenging market to deliver the next chapter in the East Village at Knutsford vision,” says Frank Marra, DevelopmentWA’s CEO.
“The last 18 months have provided the opportunity for innovative new thinking around the way we live and work, with a strong focus on access to quality amenity and green spaces as well as the opportunity for working and exercising close to home. Montreal Commons helps set new benchmarks in sustainability and liveability.”
Equally, Fremantle’s ex-mayor and now member of the WA State Parliament upper house Brad Pettitt has been an early supporter of eco-friendly projects..
“Montreal Commons is a development that raises the bar for what urban infill should look like if we want a sustainable, liveable, carbon neutral future,” said Mr Pettitt.
“It shows that new buildings can be an essential part of the shift to net zero carbon, but Montreal Commons is not just about lowering energy and water use; it’s also a development that is inclusive, accessible to people at all stages of their lives, and is designed to build community and connection.
“Montreal Commons is an exemplar of density done well and I hope this kind of development becomes the new normal in Fremantle and beyond.”
Bioregional Australia Foundation’s chief executive leader Phil Donaldson is an enthusiastic supporter Australia’s first carbon neutral residential community in Fremantle. It’s a significant achievement for Montreal Commons to be recognised by the organisation, attaining compliance with the One Planet Living green framework.
“Montreal Commons sets a new national project benchmark in innovation in One Planet Living in Australia,” said Mr Donaldson.
“As one of the first carbon neutral certified apartments in Australia, it demonstrates that the vision for a decarbonised built environment is both affordable, achievable and commercial. OP Properties approach has been to showcase to the world a project where people everywhere lead happy and healthy lives within the environmental limits of our one planet.”
Since the project’s inception some 18 months ago, the building environment has been particularly affected by the turbulent global situation, impacting economies, supply chains and labour availability not only in Western Australia but around the world.As that first sod was turned, the entire OP Properties team can now look forward to the next stage – bringing the vision to life as bricks and mortar replace page plans.
“It’s taken a vast amount of research, time, investment and creative thinking to produce this first-of-a-kind operating model,” said Mr Parker.
“With Northerly as our building partner, we’re extremely well-placed in the next 18 months to deliver to our buyers a high end, carbon neutral addition to Fremantle.”.
