Work begins on city’s tallest building
GEELONG’S tallest building is becoming a reality as work begins on the 21-storey skyscraper Miramar.
A luffing crane has been installed and currently stands at 40 metres but will climb to more than 80 metres as building progresses, which will also make it the tallest crane in Geelong.
Geelong’s James Morphy joined forces with Morris Property Group to develop what was called “Geelong’s best block of land” — located in Cavendish St, off Mercer St — into an 112-apartment development.
“I was told it was the best block in town and it was suggested I should do a residential build on it … it has proven to be incredibly successful,” Mr Morphy said.
So successful that there is only one townhouse and seven apartments left for sale.
Whitford Newtown agent Andre Veronie said the apartments met the market well.
“Eighty per cent are owner-occupiers and the majority are local, with a lot of downsizers,” he said.
Mr Morphy is the former owner of the Winter and Taylor car dealership but sold the business to Blood Motor Group. However, he has retained ownership of the site.
He said the move into developing apartments was exciting, despite not having any experience.
“(Morris Property Group) have done 66 developments; they bring the expertise and I bring the land,” he said.
“We studied all other sites in town, we didn’t want to make any mistakes and I don’t think we have.”
Miramar joins The Mercer and G1 Apartments, both of which have cranes installed, as central Geelong apartment developments currently under construction. It is expected to take 13-14 months for Miramar to be built.