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Joanne Sim looks into conscience-friendly accommodation

Environmentally-conscious city dwellers and investors will now have the chance to put their money where their mouth is.

Property developer FDG has launched its six star energy efficient 41-storey Bank Apartments in City Road, Southbank, created by architects Urban Design.

Urban Design also created the striking  Verve apartments and in-built rock climbing gym on the corner of Franklin and Swanston Streets.

Bank apartments are named after the restored two-storey heritage Bank of NSW building which sits at the foot of the tower.  The historic bank was designed by Godfrey and Spowers and opened its doors in City Road in 1932.

The Bank Apartments tower will house 268 two-bedroom apartments, 11 three-bedroom apartments and 81 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

As one of Victoria’s first six star energy efficient apartment towers, the building features low-energy lighting, heating and cooling and solar panels and rainwater tanks on the roof.  The rainwater is used for toilet flushing, watering the landscaped terrace and filling the 25-metre swimming pool.

There will also be two share cars available to residents and many more secure bike racks for those quick hops in and around the city.

FDG director Mario Salvo said the six star energy efficiency rating was a great selling point.

“Everyone is very conscious about saving energy… and now that it is commercially viable, a lot of people are going in that direction.  It is considerably more expensive (to reach six star status) but because we have360 apartments, the economy of scale worked for us, so it didn’t make a big difference.”

Salvo said Southbank was well established as a great place to live and would hold its value.  “The Bank Apartments’ eco-friendly design embraces contemporary urban living in the heart of vibrant Southbank,” he said.

There are still 120 apartments for sale, ranging from $275,000 to $966,000.  For more information visit www.fdg.net.au

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