Laneway luxury sparks buyer intrigue in Melbourne’s sports and cultural centre

In today’s urban landscape, developers aren’t just building apartments, they’re creating entire precincts that integrate living, working and social spaces into cohesive environments.

In inner-city Melbourne, Richmond Square by Fortis is doing just that.

Combining two residential buildings and commercial spaces perched above a new laneway precinct, Richmond Square has been designed to offer not only luxury residences, but a vibrant neighbourhood within one of the city’s most sought-after suburbs.

Positioned just behind the corner of Swan and Church Streets, Richmond Square has been planned with walkability and connectivity to sports precincts, dining, arts, retail, the CBD and the rest of Melbourne in mind.

With public transport options, green spaces and cultural venues all within five minutes, Richmond Square offers everything a modern city lifestyle has to offer.

A fusion of heritage and modern living

Rising above the laneway precinct at the centre of Richmond Square are two architecturally distinct residential buildings designed by SJB.

Named Wiltshire House and Carmine House, the buildings reflect a balance between Richmond’s industrial heritage and the demands of contemporary urban living.

Beaudene Fulwood, director of SJB, says there has been a broader shift recently in urban development to prioritise long-term community outcomes over short-term gains.

“We’re seeing a revival of human-scale living—knowing your neighbours, knowing your barista,” Fulwood says.

“That kind of connection is becoming essential to how people want to live.”

The architectural approach draws from the textures and scale of the surrounding neighbourhood, with facades designed to reference local heritage while introducing modern elements—think red concrete facades and green tiles.

Manuela Millan, design manager at Fortis, says they’ve taken attention to detail to another level.

“Our approach at Fortis is to create places people can live a full life in—not just create beautiful apartments, but everything from the door handle to the laneway precinct tells a story,” Millan says.

Designed for comfort and liveability

Set behind the active corridors of Swan and Church Streets, the development’s laneway precinct does what Melbourne does best.

“Melbourne is a city of discovery,” Fulwood says.

“That’s why designing laneways that draw people in, not just pass through, is so important.”

Designed to provide a more intimate, pedestrian-oriented experience, this pocket of retail, dining and lifestyle offerings inspired by Melbourne’s rich laneway culture encourages local engagement and slower-paced interactions, providing a contrast to the busier main streets nearby.

“The laneway isn’t an add-on—it’s an extension of the residential experience,” Millan says.

“Safe, social and beautifully designed.”

Internally, the apartments are crafted to offer high-quality finishes and open-plan living with a focus on comfort, natural light, space, durability and a sense of retreat and quiet.

Above the residences, rooftop spaces designed by landscape architects Acre serve as communal green areas with views across the city skyline.

With a BBQ, pizza oven, kitchen, private bookable dining rooms, terraced lawns and wellness facilities on offer, these spaces are designed for residents to relax and connect.

Richmond’s stable and growing market

Richmond continues to be one of Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs, with realestate.com.au data reporting a median house price of $1.3 million—a value that has remained steady and shows little sign of decline.

The suburb’s appeal lies in its vibrant mix of local amenities, including a diverse range of dining options, close proximity to Melbourne’s renowned sporting precinct and easy accessibility to the CBD.

Residents also benefit from numerous parklands providing green spaces amid the urban environment.

Richmond’s strong public transport links further enhance its attractiveness, with East Richmond Train Station located just across the road from Richmond Square and a tram stop nearby.

These factors, combined with Richmond’s popularity as one of the most searched suburbs on realestate.com.au last year, underscore the ongoing demand and confidence in the area’s future growth.

Time to get your next move right

With move-in expected by Christmas 2026, buying at Richmond Square offers prospective residents the chance to plan ahead and choose from a range of options suited to different budgets and lifestyles.

Building on their work in Double Bay, Cremorne and elsewhere across NSW and Victoria, Fortis maintains a focus on creating neighbourhoods that blend modern design with carefully selected retail partners to make a meaningful contribution to the urban landscapes they inhabit.

For more information, visit the Richmond Square website.

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