Gensler to design $1.5B Collins Street tower

Together Gensler and Cox Architecture have been appointed to design a two-tower commercial office development for the corner of Collins and King streets in Melbourne CBD.

Developer Charter Hall has lodged plans for the $1.5 billion, monstrous 80,000-square-metre project with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

Regional development director of Charter Hall Simon Stockfeld said the design for the building takes a people-first approach. “We are committed to creating workplace experiences which are designed to foster community, an instinctive way of working and ultimately result in a better workday for our tenant customers,”

Simon then went on to say “The vision for the site is to create a workplace experience like no other, where people will feel connected, inspired and engaged with their working day, and we are excited by this innovative methodology and how this development will shape the future of workplace.”

The development is set to be completed in two stages with the 555 Collins Street tower being completed first including 45,000 square metres of office space across 35 levels.

The proposed design is said to include a ground level that connects Collins Street, King street and Flinders Lane to a shopping strip with restaurants, cafés, bars and a gym.

The development is set to become one of the city’s most sustainable office buildings with a 6 Star Green Star rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy and Platinum WELL certification.

A builder will be appointed this year, completion of 555 Collins Street is scheduled for mid-2022.