At Fortis, we believe developments should do more than provide a place to live—they should enrich the fabric of a neighbourhood and create spaces where people feel connected. Richmond Square embodies this vision, blending residential, retail, and community amenities in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most vibrant suburbs.
To share what this means from a purchaser’s perspective, we spoke with Jason Souter, founder of Nose To Tail. Having lived in Richmond for more than three decades, Jason brings a deep understanding of the area with a discerning eye for quality. In this testimonial, he explains why Richmond Square stood out, how Fortis’ approach gave him confidence in buying off the plan, and what excites him most about being part of this landmark development.
Q—Before purchasing, what was your knowledge of Fortis?
A—I have followed Fortis for quite some time, and I am familiar with their work, particularly in Double Bay. I saw how they transformed the area by creating places that felt sophisticated, urban, and magnetic. It was because of that; we already had a strong sense of the brand and the quality they deliver. This is what led us to the Richmond Square development.
Q—What other properties did you research before purchasing Richmond Square?
A—My wife and I briefly scanned the market but couldn’t find anything of this scale in Richmond. A new build in the area is rare, and nothing else offered the same integration of residential and retail. We’ve lived in Richmond for over 30 years, with 16 of those in a family home, and more recently in an apartment. Moving to an apartment made us appreciate the amenities and security that come with it, and we wanted something that combined convenience with a great location. Richmond Square stood out because it sits right in the heart of the suburb, it’s a stone’s throw to Swan Street and a short walk to Bridge Road. It really feels like the centre of the neighbourhood; I like to describe it as “the yolk in the Richmond egg.”
Q—Why did you choose Richmond Square?
A—Expanding on my previous response, it was the location, scale, and the way Fortis integrates retail and residential in a way that feels natural and vibrant. In my opinion, there is no one in Melbourne who can deliver what Fortis does.
Q—Were you unsure or sceptical before purchasing a Fortis apartment? Why?
A—The only hesitation was that we had never bought off the plan before, but the Fortis team made the process easy. They kept us updated, explained each step, and really took us on the journey. I walk past the site almost every day, so it’s been exciting to watch the progress. We chose level 7 deliberately, as it’s also the level our nearby office is located, and we’ve always thought of it as the “Paris level”. There’s something a little special about it.
Q—What do you think Richmond Square has, that other options you looked at didn’t?
A—The location is truly unique. Having seen what Fortis achieved in Double Bay, along with other Melbourne developments, we felt confident that no one else could deliver something of this calibre here.
Q—How would you describe your dealings with Fortis?
A—Our dealings have been excellent. The team has been fantastic to work with, and because we’ve been in the same professional circles for years, there’s already a sense of trust. We’ve even discussed the possibility of looking at a commercial strata office within the development, which shows the confidence we have in the project.
Q—What are the amenities that drove you to Richmond Square?
A—The morning sun and south‑east views were a big drawcard. Beyond that, the mix of amenities, including the rooftop, wellness space, retail offering and strata offices make the building feel like a small city in itself. We like the idea that it will be active at different times of the day, attracting a variety of people and creating a real sense of community.
Q—What was your knowledge of the architects before purchasing?
A—We know SJB well and have always admired their work. Their buildings are distinctive and have a strong presence. We’re pleased that Richmond Square will stand out, it feels right for the location.
Q—Would you recommend Fortis?
A—I would absolutely recommend Fortis. We don’t think anyone else is delivering this type of project in Melbourne. In fact, I took my wife to Double Bay to see one of Fortis’ completed developments so she could experience first-hand the quality and vision behind their work.
Q—Do you have anything else that you’d like to add?
A—My wife and I are really excited about watching the building come to life and moving in. It feels like the start of something special for Richmond, and we are proud to be a part of it.
