Foodies fuel push for communal kitchens

By William Arnott

Docklands’ love affair with food has started changing how property developers are designing kitchens and dining areas.

Shared outdoor cooking spaces and private areas to dine are considered two of the most important things to “foodies” looking for an apartment.

Head of Apartments for Lendlease’s urban regeneration business, Ben Christie, said there was a strong trend towards buyers seeing shared, professional kitchen spaces over the past ve years.

“Modern kitchens are no longer a room just for family meal times – they’re for entertaining guests and exploring culinary passion,” Mr Christie said.

“Cooking appeals to every age group and

demographic and our apartment designs take into consideration these practical and functional spaces to ‘feed’ our customer’s love for home cooked food.”

“Younger generations are more accustomed to using shared cooking and kitchen amenities not just for socialising but to help cut down on cost of living expenses.”

Mr Christie said shared dining spaces helped people transition from the hustle and bustle of the city into their homes and helped build a sense of shared ownership, belonging and community.

“A sense of community is the most powerful driver of satisfaction within apartments and is fostered through shared spaces where residents can relax over a glass of wine and shared a meal together,” he said.

“ is exible amenity makes a huge di erence in resident’s lifestyles and in the future leasing potential of a property.”

“Developments like Melbourne Quarter are catering to these needs with a diverse o ering of sophisticated, professional communal dining facilities,” Mr Christie said.