Geelong's first residential high-rise completed
Geelong’s first residential high-rise has celebrated completion and will next month welcome the first of its 250-plus residents to inner-city harbourside living.
The Mercer, at the prime Western Beach location, is a critical early player in the revitalisation of central Geelong - creating a grand gateway to the CBD, boosting city dwellers and
catering to dramatic population growth.
The realisation of all this lies in the award-winning design by internationally-acclaimed Peddle Thorp Architects and the vision of Geelong developer Matthew Sun, CEO of the BCC Group.
The Geelong business leader has gone from strength to strength since settling here in 1992, when Geelong was at a low point. He backed his confidence in the city, firstly by establishing the BCC computer group before computers were commonplace, and now by investing in the untested high-rise residential market.
Mr Sun said it’s been a passion of his to give back to his hometown and has been swamped by locals who share his enthusiasm for harbourside living in Geelong.
“The architect was also a local and it was very important to both of us to contribute something of beauty to our city – something we would be proud of.” Mr Sun said.
With Geelong now a designated UNESCO City of Design, the focus on creating a design solution tailored to the street, bay and urban settings, has established The Mercer as a stand out addition to Geelong’s emerging highrise skyline.
The building’s bespoke design extends to the internal layout too with floor plans tailored to maximise apartments with bay outlooks, in all 100 of the 123 apartments have water views.
Apartments feature cantilevered balconies with views, floor-to-ceiling windows, timber floorboards, wool-fibre carpets, stone surfaces, European Miele appliances, generous walk-in robes and ensuites, frameless showers and timber cabinetry.
“BCC stands for Better Customer Care,” said Mr Sun. “This philosophy is demonstrated in our flexible approach to delivering to our purchaser’s needs.”
Apartment floor plan modifications at The Mercer range from minor configuration tweaks through to combining apartments to create large lifestyle spaces.
“At one purchasers request, water facing apartments on levels four and five were combined into a stunning double storey apartment boasting water views from all bedrooms and living areas.” said Mr Sun.
At completion, the building has 43 different floor plans across the fifteen levels.
The Mercer is also designed to create a sense of community among neighbours – including a fully equipped communal gym and 500sqm garden terrace complete with entertaining areas, putting green, timber sun deck and uninterrupted 180-degree bay views.
In line with the building’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance, the terrace also features a DDA accessible barbeque.
Street level includes three retail spaces for the convenience of residents and Western Beach locals. A café and fine food grocer is at the design and fit-out phase in readiness for a New Year opening. Discussions are also underway on the other two spaces.
In addition, there’s a private lobby, lifestyle manager, secure basement parking and lift access to all levels. Residents will also have access to business graded technology through a partnership between BCC Group and Lightning Broadband.
Plus, the nearby waterfront promenade and walkability to restaurants, retail, transport, entertainment and world-class healthcare.
General manager asset management Ann-Marie Hardwick of selling agent Oliver Hume says The Mercer will have a great resident mix of owner-occupiers with the majority being local down-sizers, empty nesters and local professional couples.
“The purchasers are all excited about moving in and have all commented on the high-quality finishes, with the large open plan garden terrace being a huge draw card.” said Mrs Hardwick.
“The passion of the Mercer team is reflected in the result which is a community-focused landmark residence unrivalled in Geelong.”
Home-hunters will need to be quick to snap up the last six remaining apartments going on sale prior to Christmas, including a penthouse boasting 270 degree panoramic views, marble floors and high ceilings.
More information: themercer.com.au