MAB announces new $250mil Docklands development
Leading Melbourne-based property developer, MAB Corporation, has announced a new $250 million, circa 35,000 square metre, commercial development which will bring a further 3,500 office workers to NewQuay at Docklands.
Occupying an entire block on Docklands Drive, the development – The Quarter – will comprise four buildings of between 6,000 and 11,000 square metres on individually shaped allotments separated by interconnecting laneways.
Designed by the architectural firm Hassell, the environmentally sustainable buildings have been planned to achieve a 5 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS rating.
MAB’s General Manager Commercial and Industrial, Richard Johnston said the new development was unique in that it provided an opportunity that some organisations would not have considered possible at Docklands.
“The Quarter provides an opportunity for tenants from 4,000 square metres to pre-commit and launch a new building, designed to an organisation’s exact specifications, right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD with the additional advantage of exclusive naming rights.
“It’s a highly flexible arrangement to suit the tenant’s requirements and, importantly, one that can be delivered within a 15 month timeframe,’’ Mr Johnston said.
He said the project masterplan had taken inspiration from Melbourne’s laneways and would include an intimate central piazza, similar in scale to Madame Brussels lane, designed to deliver CBD amenity to staff and a vibrant heart to NewQuay.
“This area will fast become a highly visible and active community space which will be easily accessible via pedestrian friendly laneways,’’ Mr Johnston said.
The central piazza will be completed in stage one and will be the major focal point of the development featuring small retail spaces that will accommodate cafes, fashion and specialty retailers, landscaping, fixed seating and public art.
Mr Johnston said he was delighted to announce that renowned café operator Cafenatics was already confirmed in the development.
Spokesman for leasing agents, Savills Australia’s Head of Division, Office Leasing, Victoria, Nicholas Farley, said pre-marketing had revealed strong interest from a wide variety of organisations including those in the education, IT, energy and engineering sectors.
“We have spoken to several prospective tenants including those currently based in Melbourne’s CBD, city fringe, and suburbs as well as interstate operations, which have all been impressed by the CBD fringe location, the abundance of quality amenities, the public transport links, the close proximity to freeway access, and of course the superior parking availability,’’ Mr Farley said.
Mr Farley said the first stage of the development would comprise an 8,500 square metre building suitable for one or two tenants looking for a 4,000 to 8,000 square metre space, with the added ability to cater for future expansion.
He said the highly efficient construction timeline – the first stage is likely to be completed within 15 months – was also attractive to organisations planning a move in the near future.