PDG’s Boyd Village development is more than just a high-rise, it’s a thoughtfully designed ‘vertical village with a green front door’ that brings together heritage, housing, and community infrastructure in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank.

With a population forecasted to grow by 68% by 2043, Boyd Village directly responds to the area’s increasing demand for high-quality, community-focused housing.

“We wanted to create a residential community that integrated physically and culturally with the surrounding area,” explained Josh Griffiths, PDG Construction Director. “That meant ensuring the design didn’t just sit beside the Boyd Community Hub, but became part of it.”

Designed in collaboration with DKO Architecture and delivered by Hamilton Marino, Boyd Village comprises 434 spacious build-to-rent apartments under Investa’s Indi Southbank brand. Each apartment features light-filled interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous balconies. Across the building, residents have access to premium amenities including co-working spaces, private dining rooms, a pool and outdoor terrace, and even a dog run.

Balancing the modern with the historic was a central design challenge. “We integrated Hawthorn-style brickwork and red metal finishes to reflect the heritage of the JH Boyd Girls’ School and the industrial character of Kings Way,” Josh said. Internally, colour schemes and materials mirror those of the historic community hub, creating a cohesive experience from the footpath to the top floor.

The project was not without its challenges. Construction began in 2022, a time marked by post-COVID industry uncertainty and rising costs. “Collaboration was crucial,” Josh noted. “Working closely with the City of Melbourne, State Government, and Investa, we overcame those hurdles and kept the project on track.”

Boyd Village has also set new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation. The building is targeting 5-Star Green Star Certification and boasts a 7.5-Star average NatHERS rating, with a minimum of 5.5 Stars across all residences.

Notably, the development has been designed with no gas services—every appliance and hot water unit operates using 100% renewable electricity, contributing to the building’s Net Zero base certification. A 10% improvement on NCC Section J compliance across both commercial and residential common areas further demonstrates the project’s commitment to exceeding energy efficiency standards.

The site incorporates best practice water-sensitive urban design and effective stormwater pollutant removal systems, supporting both environmental responsibility and long-term operational efficiency.

Solar panels with more than 25kW capacity have been installed to service both residential and Council tenancies, further reducing the precinct’s carbon footprint. An innovative e-diverter waste system allows residents to conveniently separate general waste, recycling, glass, and organic materials in alignment with the City of Melbourne’s advanced waste collection services.

To encourage sustainable transport, Boyd Village includes ample bike storage facilities and access to car-share vehicles, reducing reliance on private car ownership. Beyond environmental initiatives, the development also embraces a strong social ethos.

Communal areas are designed to promote health, wellbeing, and meaningful social interaction among residents, reinforcing the project’s vision of a connected, future-ready community.

Stakeholder engagement was central to the project’s success. “Whether consulting with the Southbank Residents Association or council departments, we aimed for open communication and community-driven outcomes,” Josh said. “Boyd Village is proof that when developers, government, and the community work together, the result can be greater than the sum of its parts.”

For more information contact PDG, 17/501 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, phone 03 9662 9996, email
info@pdg.com.au, website www.pdg.com.au