Project Better opens Prahran gym at Banco's Cecil Place precinct

The report says architects JAM are fitting out the gym. Related coverage: Victoria’s retail property sector and investment settings.

The numbers

The Herald Sun says Project Better has more than 2,000 members across its four operating locations, and that two more gyms are planned after Prahran.

The Urban Developer reported in March 2023 that the City of Stonnington approved the Banco Group scheme at its February meeting. It put the site at 1,861 sqm across 236-238 and 244 Chapel Street and 1-5 Cecil Place, Prahran. That article does not state a project cost.

According to The Urban Developer, the approved plans cover four buildings:

• the former Union Bank building at 236-238 Chapel Street, retained and refurbished as office and retail space;
• the Corder building at 240-244 Chapel Street, with its facade kept and a five-storey addition behind it;
• a new seven-storey office building at 1-5 Cecil Place, with ground-floor retail;
• a new nine-level office building at the rear, with a ground-level piazza linking Cecil Place to a laneway.

The same article says the existing buildings at 1-5 Cecil Place will be demolished and that three basement levels will provide parking for 61 cars.

What’s next

Project Better’s Prahran gym is due to open on 28 November, according to the Herald Sun. The report does not say which building in the precinct houses it. It also does not say whether the office buildings approved in 2023 have been built, and this story does not state their status.

Source: Herald Sun via realcommercial.com.au; The Urban Developer. Reported by The Australian Developer.