A Rare Development Opportunity with a Remarkable Architectural Legacy
Opportunities to secure a development site of this calibre in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held inner-city locations are exceptionally rare.
Occupying a commanding corner position just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, 1/342 Dandenong Road presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire an approximately 626sqm development site with an impressive 21.35m frontage to Dandenong Road and 35.33m frontage to Wando Grove.
Recently subdivided from a larger holding, the site offers exceptional scale, flexibility and a clear pathway for development, with plans currently in place for a boutique four-unit project. The rear component is already under development for three architecturally designed three-bedroom boutique townhouses, creating an exciting opportunity to continue an established vision within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-city neighbourhoods.
A Property Designed by “The Architect Who Built”
Adding a rare layer of history and distinction is the property's original residence, Broxted, designed and built in 1918 by renowned Melbourne architect, builder and developer Howard R. Lawson.
One of Melbourne's most prolific early twentieth-century designers, Lawson was responsible for more than 200 buildings and became known by the distinctive title “the architect who builds” — a reflection of his hands-on approach to both architectural design and construction. His work demonstrated a progressive understanding of building efficiency, thoughtful design and craftsmanship, with his architectural legacy extending across some of Melbourne's most notable interwar residential developments.
Broxted is particularly significant within Lawson's body of work. Heritage research identifies the property as a locally significant example of his architecture, noting its distinctive Arts & Crafts character, original detailing and contribution to the historic streetscape. Lawson's association with this particular stretch of Dandenong Road runs even deeper, having designed and built a number of surrounding properties during the late 1910s, including 344 and 346 Dandenong Road.
More than a century after its construction, the presence of Lawson's work provides the site with a tangible connection to an important period of Melbourne's architectural and residential history — an element that sets this opportunity apart from conventional development land.
Development Potential in a Blue-Chip Location
Zoned General Residential Zone – Schedule 1 (GRZ1), the substantial corner allotment provides an exceptional foundation for development, while its Heritage Overlay recognises the site's architectural and historical importance.
The combination of generous proportions, dual street frontages, prominent exposure and plans already in place presents an opportunity to deliver a considered boutique residential project while respecting the property's established architectural legacy.
The location is equally compelling. Positioned within easy reach of Melbourne's CBD, Chapel Street, Carlisle Street, Alma Park and St Kilda Beach, the property is surrounded by leading schools, renowned cafés and restaurants, vibrant shopping precincts, parklands and excellent public transport.
For developers and investors seeking a substantial inner-city landholding, this is an opportunity that combines development potential with genuine architectural provenance — a rare proposition in today's market.
