Melbourne-based Built to Rent platform and certified B Corp company Local: Residential has partnered with Australian brand and fellow B-Corp company Koala.
The partnership will see Koala furnish numerous apartments in Local’s inaugural Build to Rent development – Local: Kensington – in Melbourne, to be ready for renters from August this year.
Over 100 of the 477 apartments will be available to rent fully furnished, including beds, mattresses, side tables, bedside tables, couches, dining tables, chairs and entertainment units. This will provide convenience for tenants and remove the hassle of moving furniture from place to place. Residents at Local: Kensington will also receive exclusive deals on Koala products.
“Our partnership with Koala is a natural fit and grounded in our shared values and ethos of being good for people and the planet. This exciting B-Corp partnership will make moving convenient and seamless for many of our renters once Local: Kensington is complete later this year.”
Matt Berg, Founder and Co-CEO, Local: Residential
Located on the corner of Macaulay Road and Stubbs Street, Local: Kensington will include amenities such as a pool, lounge, co-working space, private dining rooms, gym and wellness studios, a big screen room, artist’s studio and dog friendly outdoor spaces.
Reflecting Local’s ESG commitments, each building is designed to be Net Zero in operations and fully electric. Local: Kensington also delivers on the company’s impact housing commitment, with 42 apartments being allocated to key workers, specialist disability accommodation and housing for women over the age of 55 at-risk of becoming homeless.
Both Koala and Local: Residential are certified B Corp businesses, sharing the mission of building a sustainable future. Koala partners with 1% for the Planet and the WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), donating from most product sales. The company also uses 100% Forest Stewardship Council-certified Timber and 100% Responsible Wool for their products.
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Local: Kensington. This collaboration represents more than just a business partnership; with Local’s commitment to quality and community and our innovative and sustainable furniture solutions, we’re excited to create homes where comfort, style and environmentally conscious living thrive.”
Vicki Slavina, Chief Operating Officer, Koala
Local: Residential has two more Melbourne Build to Rent projects underway in Box Hill which was acquired in November 2023 and a 406 unit project in South Melbourne. The company also recently announced that it had reached final close on its inaugural managed venture, the Local: Residential Turnkey Venture I.
