Investa and Oxford Properties Group (‘Oxford’) yesterday celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Indi Footscray, its first Build to Rent (BTR) development in Melbourne and the largest project in its substantial BTR portfolio. 

This is the latest milestone achieved by the Indi BTR platform, owned by Oxford and developed and  managed by Investa, which has reached nearly 1,400 apartments across three assets in Melbourne and  Sydney and aims to transform the experience of renting. It follows on from the recent opening of the  platform’s flagship BTR asset, Indi Sydney, a 234-apartment tower directly above the recently opened  Gadigal Metro Station and the first purpose-built BTR asset in Sydney’s CBD. 

Built by Roberts Co, Indi Footscray comprises 702 apartments, with a mix of studios, one, two and three  bedrooms, that will provide homes for over 1,200 residents. The project is conveniently located adjacent to  Footscray train station, providing direct access to Melbourne’s CBD within 12 minutes.  

The construction milestone sees the building achieve its maximum height of 70 metres (20 storeys), offering  City, Bay and district views from level three up across all buildings, particularly from the rooftop garden  terraces. 

Mark Tait, Head of Development, Investa said, “Investa is delighted to celebrate this important milestone  with Oxford and our project team. Indi Footscray is our first and largest BTR project in Melbourne, and the  largest Living Sector project in our portfolio. 

“Our goal is to transform the rental experience in Australia with residents at Indi Footscray enjoying a  contemporary lifestyle in a vibrant neighbourhood, with abundant amenities, convenient access to transport,  and easy access to shops and dining.” 

Indi Footscray sets a new standard of living in the area, offering residents an inner-city lifestyle in the heart of the west with its vibrant café, bar and dining scene, and local attractions including the Footscray Markets, great parks and the recently upgraded Whitten Oval. 

Residents will enjoy a curated Indi experience, with access to a range of shared spaces; tailored resident  events; a rooftop barbecue and dining area; co-working spaces; a fitness centre; cinema; and a centrally  located public piazza with retail. 

The project milestone was celebrated with a formal tree topping out ceremony attended by representatives of Oxford, Investa, builder Roberts Co, architect SJB, and other project partners.  

Ian Lyon, Vice President, Head of Development Asia Pacific, Oxford said, “Topping out is an important  occasion for Indi Footscray and we would like to acknowledge and thank all our project partners and the  workforce who have contributed to this milestone.  

“Oxford is a high conviction investor in BTR globally, and we find market fundamentals in Australia  particularly compelling. Strong rental demand, population growth, and evolving lifestyle needs continue to  drive demand in the living sector and we look forward to our Indi product continuing to set a new  benchmark for the rental experience in Australia.”

Mark Tait said: “Investa’s BTR management platform Indi, will bring to life a market-leading portfolio of  nearly 1,400 apartments with an end value of ~$1.0 billion. Indi Footscray follows the successful opening of  Indi Sydney, the city’s first purpose-built BTR tower in November 2024.” 

Matt Bourne, Chief Executive Officer, Roberts Co, said: “Roberts Co is proud of our partnership with Investa,  and we appreciate their trust in us to build a project of this scale and significance. This milestone reflects  our shared commitment to delivering a high-quality, sustainable project that sets new standards not only in  lifestyle but also in environmental responsibility, ensuring that Indi Footscray contributes positively to the  community and its future.” 

Indi Footscray will boast smart building and sustainability features including meeting the Residential Low Carbon Building Criteria under the Climate Bonds Standard. Indi Footscray is fully electric with all common  areas powered by 100% renewable electricity, has achieved a 7 Star average NatHERS Energy rating and is  targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating. 

Indi Footscray is forecast to complete in Q3 2025, with the first residents moving in shortly after. 

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