In this first of our Developer Profile series, Jonathan Hallinan of BPM Construction and Development Group talks with TheUrbanDeveloper.com’s Georgie Cameron.
BPM Construction and Development Group one of Melbourne’s leading residential boutique property developer within the Bayside area of Melbourne, known for its quality, design and market knowledge. The founding director, Jonathan Hallinan, with his exceptional knowledge and experience of the property industry has significantly contributed to BPM’s success and impressive portfolio. To date Hallinan and his team have developed a number of properties worth $350 million in total. He has taken the time to share some insight into himself, BPM and the property industry with TheUrbanDeveloper.
1. How did you get started in property?
I first began to have an interest in the building industry from a very young age around 13-14 at which point I began to save for my first home. My first property purchase was at the age of 19 in the sort after suburb of East Bentley, Melbourne. Once acquiring the site I renovated the existing structure and subdivided the plot in order to build an additional block of units. In conjunction with this venture I was also undergoing an apprenticeship in carpentry. Following the completion and sale of both properties I returned to study a Bachelor of Construction Management at university via night courses. Whilst undergoing my studies I continued to purchase and develop more properties and units situated in the Bayside area of Melbourne, leading to the founding of BPM Construction and Development Group and its current success.
2. What sort of projects are you focused on?
We have a major focus at BPM on residential designer living, which involves engaging with the best architects, interior designers and landscape architects in Australia. BPM has two main project focuses; the first being within the Bayside area and the development of ‘luxury living’ style housing with a higher socio economic target market. The other focus of BPM’s ventures is the provision of affordable, contemporary, edgy apartments in the Inner City areas of Melbourne and Brisbane.
3. How do you approach design in your projects?
The design elements of BPM’s projects are heavily focused on the areas where our developments are located. Our Bayside area projects differ greatly from our Fitzroy developments in design style as they mirror their surrounding culture. The designs of the buildings are dependent on the buyer target market and location, as BPM aims to attract buyers who appreciate creative architecture and design. BPM’s designs, however affordable, are created to be admired and last and sustain through the years, with an aim to be withstanding of changing trends.
4. In your opinion, what is BPM’s point of difference?
BPM largely stands out from its competitors due to the process and time aspect associated with the intuitive architecture and interior design that goes into our projects. The intention of creating beautifully designed structures is to establish the buildings as a specific brand associated with its leading architects and designers in order to withstand the test of time. BPM’s focus on quality of design and branding are crucial factors in order to provide confidence in maintaining the company’s property growth and success.
In addition, BPM is committed to retaining a minimum of 20% of all developments we are involved in and have done since our founding. We believe this builds confidence in our projects due to our continued and lasting presence at Body Corporate meetings and input on future design changes and alterations. BPM believe this commitment adds value to the sustainability of our developments and shows our faith in completed projects.
5. What’s your outlook on the Melbourne market?
The current down turn in Melbourne’s property market is largely unreflecting of BPM’s boutique market focus consisting of apartment blocks offering no more than 100 units. BPM aims to develop in areas surrounded by great culture and steeped in historical meaning as they believe people are naturally attracted to areas such as these. This provides a positive outlook for markets offering a European style food, wine and coffee culture upon which we establish and integrate our projects within. The broad range of demographics drawn to areas with these post-World War II immigration communities, enable a viable market option for BPM to establish their boutique style design-heavy developments within an area of promising growth.
6. What other projects are you currently working on?
BPM have currently just sold out of our North Fitzroy development ‘Graphite’ consisting of 46 apartments within a short 10 week time frame. We have also recently acquired a site in Essendon consisting of 106 apartments and 6 shop fronts, slightly outside our preferred development areas but a viable project option nonetheless. In keeping with BPM’s emphasis and integration of food and wine cultures the shop fronts will be carefully selected in order to reflect and build on that style of community.
7. What is your approach to environmental sustainability within your projects?
As far as environmental sustainability goes it is not one of BPM’s key concentrations at present to go beyond what is required by government policy and regulations. Having said that there is scope for improving this aspect of our business in future by looking at project efficiency and continuing to build on our already 6 star energy ratings and sustainability in design.
