Construction is underway on CDL Australia’s first build-to-rent project in Australia, which is set to bring more than 237 new units to Melbourne’s Southbank.

The groundbreaking ceremony at the Normanby Road development site marks the commencement of works by Crema Construction on the Hayball-designed BTR project, slated for completion in 2025.

“It is very exciting to see our vision for this wholly-owned BTR project in Melbourne start to take shape. “Following the construction sign-off, demolition was completed in September, making way for the commencement of piling and our official ground-breaking ceremony this month,” said Mr Cameron Laird, head of development at CDL Australia.

The project will include a range of apartment sizes, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Amenities will include a mix of health and wellness facilities, podcast rooms, cinema room, outdoor BBQ terrace and collaborative working spaces.

“Normanby has been designed with a modern lifestyle in mind, and in a thriving location that is only two kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. As more and more young professionals switch to remote working arrangements, we have also included co-working areas so residents can work from home in a dedicated space, or students can easily collaborate together,” said Mr Laird.

The Southbank project is the first of two BTR projects in the pipeline for CDL’s subsidiary in Australia. The second development planned is a 320-plus apartment project in Brisbane’s inner west suburb of Toowong.

CDL Australia has also recently commenced works on a second build-to-sell project, Fitzroy Fitzroy.

Earlier in October, the group announced its $130 million residential development, Brickworks Park, saw 95% of construction waste from demolition at the former Newmarket Brickworks site declared recyclable.