Dynamic atmosphere

For a development to be successful, a number of key ingredients are required. Proximity to public transport, a diverse range of amenities, public space, and the development of community all combine to bring people in and encourage them to return.

These ingredients create a sense of place, an important feature in all Equiset developments. Equiset, in partnership with VicUrban, Victoria's sustainable urban development authority, is involved in developing two prime strategic sites within the Batman's Hill precinct of Melbourne's Docklands.

The new headquarters of National Foods at 737 Bourke Street and the refurbishment of the historic Goods Shed North contribute 30,000m² of commercial office and retail space to the area. To help develop a sense of place, Equiset plans to link these buildings through the creation of Village Street, which will be the first alfresco dining street in Docklands. Commencing at Bourke Street, the bluestone-paved street will cover 150m, and include taverns, cafes and restaurants, with the heritage Goods Shed to the east and the contemporary National Foods building to the west.

The 10,000m² historic Goods Shed, to be occupied by VicUrban, the Building Commission and the Plumbing Industry Commission, is planned to be completed by late 2009. As well as office space, the two-level building will include retail space, large, modern workspaces, a vast central galleria under a 12m ceiling, and more intimate, semi-private bays around the side walls.

In contrast, Equiset is also developing a contemporary office building at 737 Bourke Street, which will be the headquarters of National Foods. With a Bourke Street frontage and within walking distance of the CBD and major transport hubs, occupants of this building also have easy access to Docklands' amenities the extensive parklands, water frontages, restaurants, sports facilities and car parking.

In developing these buildings, Equiset has worked closely with tenant companies to ensure the outcomes will be successful from both a business and staff perspective. At 737 Bourke Street, communication between staff and easy interaction between various groups is enhanced by the provision of open zones, break-out areas and flexible hubs. A connective staircase intercepts each of the floor plates, creating a terrace space for employees on the third level of the building.

Equiset, a local, privately owned developer, builder and building owner, emphasises the importance of placemaking in all its projects.

"We achieve this through practical strategies that embrace the relationship between people, buildings, the public and the local community," says Jon Purcell, senior development manager of Equiset.

"These principles can be applied to civic, office, education and mixed developments, and they allow us to work with our clients to create developments that minimise environmental impact and are truly sustainable."

In keeping with its business principles, Equiset's refurbishment of the historic Goods Shed will enable it to obtain a 5-star Green Star rating, the first of its kind in Melbourne.

Equiset sees its business success as a result of its personalised approach to each development.

"We provide one point of contact and responsibility for the creation, delivery and ownership of each of our properties. Value, rather than just cost, drives our business, and this is often achieved by thinking creatively and acting efficiently to find new ways of developing, building and owning properties," says Purcell.

For more information, contact Equiset, Level 37, Rialto South Tower, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000, phone (03) 9620 5999, fax (03) 9620 5977. Email: jon.purcell@equiset.com.au, or visit the website: www.equiset.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas