Little Projects: Crafting Extraordinary Communities in Melbourne and Beyond

Introduction

In the heart of Melbourne’s affluent suburb of Malvern, Victoria, lies Little Projects, a dynamic property development firm that has been redefining urban living since its inception in 2006. Founded by transport magnate Paul Little AO, the company has evolved into one of Australia’s leading private developers, with a portfolio exceeding $3.5 billion in delivered and sold properties. Today, under the stewardship of co-directors Leighton Pyke and Paris Lechte, Little Projects continues to blend innovation, quality, and community focus to create spaces that enhance the way people live, work, and connect.

Nestled in Malvern, a leafy enclave known for its heritage homes and proximity to Melbourne’s CBD, Little Projects draws inspiration from its surroundings to deliver projects that honour design excellence while prioritising sustainability and functionality. From boutique residential apartments to large-scale commercial hubs, the firm’s diverse offerings span residential, commercial, industrial, aviation, hotel, and student accommodation sectors across Australia and New Zealand.

A Legacy of Innovation: The Company’s History

Little Projects was established by Paul Little, a prominent figure in Australian business, best known for his leadership at Toll Holdings. Leveraging his entrepreneurial acumen, Little founded the company to pursue high-quality property developments that transform underutilised sites into vibrant communities. Over the years, the firm has grown exponentially, completing projects that range from intimate boutique developments to ambitious mixed-use precincts.

In a strategic evolution, ownership transitioned to Leighton Pyke and Paris Lechte, who bring complementary expertise to the helm. Pyke, with 17 years in the property industry—including nine with Little Projects—drives acquisitions and design processes with a creative, strategic lens. Lechte, boasting 23 years in corporate governance and legal fields, ensures meticulous construction standards and operational excellence. Paul Little remains involved as a key advisor and investor in select projects, preserving the company’s foundational vision.

This ownership model fosters agility and collaboration, allowing Little Projects to maintain its reputation as Melbourne’s premier private developer. To date, the company has delivered over 1,777 apartments and townhouses in inner-city Melbourne alone, alongside a broader portfolio that underscores its commitment to quality and innovation.

Mission and Values: Building for the Future

At its core, Little Projects is driven by a mission to elevate everyday experiences through thoughtful development. The firm specialises in repurposing strategic sites in prime locations, creating outstanding built environments that prioritise lifestyle and commercial viability. Their vertically integrated approach—encompassing acquisition, feasibility studies, design, sales, marketing, and project management—ensures seamless execution and high standards.

Key values include design excellence, buildability, value for money, and unwavering quality. Little Projects emphasises collaborative partnerships and in-house expertise, fostering a culture where every project is a testament to refined craftsmanship. Sustainability is woven into their ethos, with developments often incorporating eco-friendly practices and innovative design to minimise environmental impact.

Showcasing Excellence: Key Projects

Little Projects’ portfolio is a showcase of diverse, award-winning developments that reflect their adaptability and commitment to excellence. Here are some notable highlights:

Residential Masterpieces

Viridi, Prahran: This multi-residential gem in Melbourne’s prestigious Prahran suburb exemplifies sustainable innovation. Featuring award-winning brickwork and design, Viridi received a High Commendation in the 2023 Think Brick Awards for Roof Tile Excellence and was a finalist in The Urban Developer Awards for Design Innovation. It blends modern aesthetics with eco-conscious construction, offering residents a harmonious urban retreat.
Hedgeley, Malvern East: A boutique residential project that captures the essence of suburban elegance, Hedgeley combines luxury living with thoughtful landscaping in one of Melbourne’s sought-after areas.
Dux Richmond Hill, Richmond: This development reimagines inner-city living with stylish apartments that prioritise comfort and connectivity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Richmond.
Tip Top Brunswick East: A standout conversion of a historic industrial site into contemporary residences, this project earned the title of Best Residential Development in Australia at the 2016 Asia Pacific Property Awards, highlighting Little Projects’ prowess in adaptive reuse.
Lorimer, South Wharf: Approved for development, this apartment complex on a prime waterfront site promises luxury living with stunning views, acquired for $18.5 million and set to add to Melbourne’s skyline.

Commercial and Mixed-Use Ventures

Dover House, North Cremorne: Dubbed Melbourne’s ‘Silicon Valley’, this nine-level office building offers cutting-edge workspaces designed for modern businesses, fostering innovation in a dynamic precinct.
Coburg Industries, Coburg North: Spanning 18,986 square metres, this integrated business park features 70 office warehouses and 93 storage units, with potential for an on-site café. Its strategic location, just 9km from the CBD, makes it ideal for versatile commercial operations.
Seaford Industries: Currently under construction with an expected completion in late 2025, this project showcases efficient industrial design, with rapid progress on structures and mezzanine offices.
Melbourne Jet Base, Melbourne Airport: A luxurious VIP terminal completed in 2018 at a value of $80 million, this aviation hub elevates private flying with premium facilities.

Hospitality and Student Accommodation

Hyatt Centric Melbourne: Little Projects’ foray into hospitality, this $105 million hotel in Melbourne’s CBD marks the city’s first Hyatt Centric, blending urban chic with comfort. Construction was awarded to Hickory Group in 2019.
Little Hall, Carlton: Setting a new benchmark for student accommodation, this project near the University of Melbourne includes generous bedrooms, ensuites, recreational facilities like a cinema and gymnasium, and a scholarship program funded by the Hansen Little Foundation. With $30 million in seed funding, it promotes education and community.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond Victoria, Little Projects has ventured into Queensland with projects like Signature Broadbeach, a $210 million luxury apartment tower that achieved $140 million in sales and transformed the Gold Coast skyline. Following its success, Aperture in Broadbeach offers another premium residential option, underscoring the firm’s national ambitions.

Other collaborations include townhouse developments in Box Hill and Kew East with Freemasons Victoria, and a proposed 30-storey hotel on Downie Street in Melbourne’s CBD.

Achievements and Recognition

Little Projects’ dedication has garnered international acclaim, including awards for design and development excellence. With over $3.5 billion in property delivered, the firm has not only achieved commercial success but also contributed to urban revitalisation. Their projects often win accolades, such as those for Viridi and Tip Top Brunswick East, affirming their status as industry leaders.

Looking Ahead

As Little Projects looks to the future, the focus remains on sustainable, community-oriented developments. With a pipeline of upcoming projects like Little Hall and Seaford Industries, the company is poised to continue its legacy of transforming spaces into extraordinary places.

Contact Details

For enquiries about current or future projects, contact Little Projects at:

Address: 1B, 1250 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9234 0000
Email: info@littleprojects.com.au
Office Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Website: www.littleprojects.com.au

Whether you’re an investor, potential resident, or industry partner, Little Projects welcomes the opportunity to collaborate on creating the next generation of exceptional communities.