If you know the Melbourne food scene, then you’ll be well aware of the culinary accomplishments of The Press Club on Flinders Street, and if you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll know its executive chef, George Calombaris (of MasterChef fame).

Well, it has just been announced that Calombaris will be opening a new restaurant at Fridcorp’s lilli South Yarra apartments development, due for completion in early 2011. Located in South Yarra, the innovative, organic design of the lilli apartments complements Calombaris’ approach to food perfectly.

“We plan to deliver something very different for South Yarra and are really excited to be part of the new Claremont Street precinct which is becoming an important addition to Melbourne’s food scene,” Calombaris says.

“lilli will have all the ingredients we need to create a successful establishment where locals and the wider community can catch up over great food in a great space.”

For Fridcorp, this collaboration reflects their vision to create a “style-driven space with personality and creative flair”.

“We are thrilled to welcome George and The Press Club Group to the lilli laneway and we’re confident it will add to the area’s reputation as an emerging food and retail hub,” Fridcorp founder, Paul Fridman says.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, lilli is “wrapped in a series of banded elements”, creating its organic, flowing form.

The interiors of the lilli have been designed by Hecker Phelan and Guthrie to create flow and consistency from inside to out, helping the apartments to connect with the environment of the South Yarra area.

The mixed-use development comprises 2000m2 of retail space, 2500m2 of office space and 154 one and two bedroom apartments.

lilli South Yarra
lillisouthyarra.com.au