The Briscoe by Kinleaf launches in West Melbourne, adding 172 new rental homes

Sentinel Fund Manager Australia, the Australian branch of the global real estate and development firm Sentinel Real Estate, has officially opened its latest Build to Rent project, The Briscoe by Kinleaf, in West Melbourne. The inauguration of the 172-apartment sustainable community was celebrated with Michael Streicker, President and Director of Sentinel Fund Manager Australia, and Melbourne’s Acting Lord Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Reece, highlighting the significance of the development in the context of Victoria’s burgeoning Build to Rent housing sector.

At the event, the Acting Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, emphasized the importance of Melbourne keeping pace with the demand for high-quality Build to Rent options. “As Australia’s largest capital city, it’s essential Melbourne keeps up with demand for attractive Build to Rent offerings, and The Briscoe is doing just that,” Reece stated. He further noted, “With premium apartments and amenities like a fitness centre and rooftop lounge, all just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne CBD, there’s no doubt that The Briscoe will be a valuable addition to West Melbourne.”

The Briscoe marks Sentinel Australia’s third Build to Rent venture in the country, following the success of The Elements by Kinleaf in Western Australia. “The Briscoe has delivered a boost of high-quality rental supply to Melbourne’s housing market at a critical time,” said Michael Streicker, Sentinel’s President. He added that this development is a testament to how well-designed Build to Rent products can meet the evolving housing needs and preferences in Australia.

The complex is designed specifically for the rental market, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom sustainable apartments across seven floors. Managed under Sentinel’s Kinleaf platform, The Briscoe boasts a range of amenities, including a resident lounge, fitness center, rooftop lounge, and a pet-friendly environment.

Drawing on the site’s history as an iron yard operated by Briscoe & Company Limited, the development incorporates parts of the building’s heritage facade and original brickwork, enhancing its unique character.

Will Gibby, Fund Director at Federated Hermes Limited, expressed pride in partnering with Sentinel to add The Briscoe to their Australian residential portfolio. “We were able to draw on our extensive experience of delivering to-let residential properties in the UK to support the development of The Briscoe, ensuring it embodies Federated Hermes’ Responsible Property Investment agenda and is aligned with our Net Zero Carbon Pathway,” Gibby remarked.

Sentinel Australia aims to expand its Build to Rent portfolio to 5,000 units over the next five years, amidst a national housing deficit forecasted at approximately 175,000 homes by 2027. The Briscoe, aspiring for a 5-Star Green Star rating and carbon neutral certification, offers a modern, sustainable living environment.

Nigel Hobart, Managing Principal at Rothelowman, spoke about the project’s design, stressing the balance between heritage and contemporary living, “Taking the rich heritage of the site and re-interpreting it to create a contemporary, aspirational residential project has been a challenging and rewarding process.”

The Briscoe is strategically located near Melbourne CBD, offering easy access to public transport, shopping, and educational institutions. Apartments are available for viewing by appointment or drop-in during business hours. For more information, potential renters are encouraged to visit the official website.