Urban village

As developments gradually integrate office space with residential apartments and a broad range of retail activities, many of our city centres are starting to hum again. Not so long ago, these areas largely emptied at the end of the day, with life only returning the next morning as workers arrived at shops and offices.

Melbourne's Freshwater Place, developed by Australand, is a good example of this trend. With its inspiration drawn from the famous urban spaces of Europe, the precinct of Freshwater Place combines residential, commercial and retail activities with the civic Queensbridge Square.

Australand and its subsidiaries have been involved in property development for about 80 years, with projects ranging from residential land sales, housing and apartments to commercial and industrial facilities.

With a value of $800 million, Freshwater Place is a benchmark project for Australand, and its largest undertaking, establishing the company as a major player in the development of large-scale commercial projects, says project director Cris Johansen.

"We purchased the land about four-and-a-half years ago, and in that time have overseen the design, construction and tenancy of the towers."

Freshwater Place is built around lanes, squares, restaurants and meeting places, creating the experience of a neighbourhood in the centre of the city. A broad choice of shops, including a grocer and other convenience stores, cafes and restaurants, brings life to the area, making it attractive to both residents and office workers.

At street level, Freshwater Place's internal piazza creates an inviting meeting place for residents, workers and visitors. Laneways radiating from here are home to a variety of stores. These provide convenient shopping opportunities for the practical day-to-day needs of workers in the commercial towers and for permanent residents.

Because of its prime position on the banks of the Yarra River, Freshwater Place is only a few minutes' walk from the CBD. It also has good access to public transport and to the city's freeway networks.

As well as the 63-level apartment tower, the development includes a 38-storey tower providing 50,000m² of high-rise office accommodation, a podium level offering around 5000m² of low-rise office space, and secure car parking.

One aspect that sets Freshwater Place apart from similar projects is its environmentally-friendly design and technological advances. As a smart building, its high-tech services emphasise energy efficiency.

Security is equally state-of-the-art, with a continuously manned control room to protect tenants. The integrated system combines access control, intruder detection, close circuit television, intercommunication and photographic identification, as well as interfaces with the lift and fire systems.

For more information, contact Australand, Building 1, L5, 658 Church St, Richmond, Vic 3121, phone (03) 9426 1000, fax (03) 9426 1050. Email: info@australand.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas