#100: Tim Price from Time & Place talk to the vision for Park Modern, South Melbourne

By
Michael Bird
July 7, 2025
10
min read
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Park Modern, South Melbourne: A Design-Led Vision Five Years in the Making

In this milestone 100th episode, Time & Place Director Tim Price joins Urban.com.au CEO Mike Bird to discuss Park Modern—a bold, design-led residential project in Melbourne’s Domain precinct.

Park Modern is a landmark addition to South Melbourne’s revered Domain Precinct, a suburb long known for its elegant residential towers, lush parklands and deeply ingrained community character. In this exclusive video, Tim Price, Director of Time & Place, shares the long-term vision behind the development and why this project represents a high point in the firm’s legacy of design-led delivery.

A Personal Connection to Place

Tim Price’s history with the Domain Precinct spans decades. From working on neighbouring towers like St James with Multiplex to admiring iconic addresses like the Melburnian and Domain Tower, Park Modern is his opportunity to leave a lasting imprint in one of Melbourne’s most sought-after residential pockets. As Tim says, “You’ve actually got to work through exactly what it is that people are really going to be interested in living in.”

And he would know. His hands-on, life-stage mindset—imagining what it would be like to live in each project—has helped Time & Place craft a product tailored to real residents, not just theoretical buyers.

Designed for the Owner-Occupier

One of the defining features of Park Modern is its dedication to owner-occupiers. But this isn’t simply a building for downsizers. Instead, it’s a response to changing lifestyle demands—lock-up-and-leave convenience, generous living zones for entertaining, and proximity to Melbourne’s iconic parklands.

From expansive dining areas to open terraces that celebrate natural light and views, Park Modern offers a design philosophy rooted in aspiration, lifestyle, and spatial generosity.

Architecture by Bates Smart

With Bates Smart as the lead architect, the development pays homage to the site's context and heritage. The architectural language of the building, including the form and dual-tower orientation, reflects both the physical and emotional qualities of its surrounds. In fact, the design draws on a unique full-circle moment: Bates Smart also designed the historic heritage podium opposite the site over 150 years ago.

Working collaboratively with the Time & Place team, Bates Smart brought forward a detailed design response that prioritises sightlines, spatial planning, and future-proof living. As Tim describes it, “They crafted the shape and orientation of the building as a real credit to their experience.”

A Rare Island Site Surrounded by Green

Situated on nearly 2,400 square metres of land and bound by Middleton Lane, Dora Street and Well Street, Park Modern benefits from the kind of aspect and access most developers only dream of. Every apartment is designed to maximise light, views, and connection to either the city skyline, bay, or surrounding parklands.

This rare positioning is enhanced by thoughtful inclusions on the ground floor. The lobby experience seamlessly integrates landscaping and biophilic elements, a nod to the nearby gardens. A traditional concierge is complemented by co-working spaces, a wellness studio, and a series of magnesium plunge pools, saunas, and fitness areas. It’s a holistic wellness precinct, not just an amenity add-on.

A Development That Reflects Its Community

Park Modern is more than a collection of apartments. It's a continuation of the Domain Precinct’s legacy—a place for those who value location, lifestyle, and longevity. It’s designed for residents who want to remain connected to community, green space, and a walkable lifestyle.

As Tim notes, the building welcomes everyone from active professionals to lifestyle-focused downsizers, offering a flexible mix of layouts and price points.

A New Chapter for South Melbourne

With a legacy of collaboration between Time & Place and Bates Smart on past projects like Collins House, Opera, and Ace Sydney, Park Modern represents a culmination of that experience—offering something iconic, enduring, and deeply integrated into one of Melbourne’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Time & Place’s commitment to placemaking, design excellence and human-centric development is evident throughout every aspect of Park Modern. This isn’t just a new address—it’s a new standard for living in South Melbourne.

Urban Communities
Michael Bird

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