Local developer Lloyd Nair has filed plans for a twin-tower project in the heart of the Darwin CBD in a joint venture with long-time business partner George Skyllas.
The $47-million Rossi Architects-designed towers are the third residential proposal filed for the 85 Mitchell Street site, which was previously a Hog’s Breath Cafe and the Fox Ale House.
Both were demolished in 2014 when the-then landowner, Nick Halkitis of the HB Group, planned to develop the 2030sq m site.
A permit was issued by the Development Consent Authority for a 23-storey, 141-unit residential tower that included four car park levels and retail and commercial space.
Another plan was put forward and received a permit in May, 2016—a 16-storey tower with 87 units and three above-ground car park levels.
Both plans were submitted to the Development Consent Authority via former Labor MP and town planner June D’Rozario.
Other plans have been submitted since but the site remained untouched since aside from paving work after a permit for an al fresco dining area and two food vans was granted in 2019.
In December, 2020, the freehold site was put up for sale with Nair and Skyllas setting up their joint venture in February 2021.
Corelogic data shows the site was sold in November, 2021 for $2.6 million. The site previously sold for $2 million in 1999.
Nair’s plans include 194 units plus two penthouses across two 27-storey towers on a shared podium with a restaurant fronting Mitchell Street.
The towers will be a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom units with landscaped communal spaces on levels six and seven.
It is proposed the project will be built over two stages—the first comprising the podium and one tower towards the back of the site.
This first tower will be wholly residential with 875sq m of public space, a restaurant, gym, barbecue area and pool.
The second stage will consist of the second tower fronting the street and comprise 108 single-bedroom serviced apartments for short-stay accommodation, a bar and a rooftop deck.
Nair and Costa Simeon founded home building firm Signature Homes NT in 2017, however, the 85 Mitchell Street project is a separate joint venture.
"We thought it was just the right time in the market for a project like this," Nair told The Urban Developer.
The plans are currently on exhibition with the territory’s Development Consent Authority due to make its decision later this year.
Darwin has seen a surge in investment recently with $50-billion pouring in during 2021. Landmark projects include a $250-million masterplan for Darwin’s waterfront unveiled earlier this year.
