Skyrise suites
Melbourne Central Tower
Challenge
Partnering with Plan Group for a full design and construct project delivery, WMK was invited to engage in a design competition to refurbish 6 suites across 5 levels of the GPT Group’s iconic Melbourne Central Tower. Known as the ‘Skyrise Suites’ the new workspaces were to occupy levels 17, 46, 49, 50 and 51, and be delivered on a constrained budget.
As Melbourne was fast approaching the most severe social restrictions in the southern hemisphere to combat the spread of the coronavirus, WMK drew upon our extensive design research to respond to the unforeseen market pressures and produced a thoughtful, considered, and winning design response.
Solution
Melbourne Central Tower at 360 Elizabeth Street is an iconic Melbourne address, the cut crystal design of the building has long been embedded in the city’s skyline. The Skyrise Suites journey up through the tower, rising to the full height of the 51st level, affording an aerial connection to the lands and waters of Melbourne and her surrounds.
The winning design concept harnesses this journey, beginning in the laneways of the city for Level 17, then travelling out through the suburbs for Levels 46 and 49, finally ending in Victoria’s coastal surrounds for Levels 50 and 51. Memories of place are presented through colour and texture, along with specially selected artworks anchoring the concept and site identity for each suite.
The contemporary aesthetic and overarching conceptual thread allows for a commercial point of difference in the competitive leasing market, while the flexibility within the planning of each workspace caters to a variety of needs of discerning tenants.
Outcome
As landlords seise new opportunities to answer the evolving needs of tenants in a post-pandemic world, the spec suite has become an attractive offer in an increasingly competitive market. WMK’s Skyrise Suites are a premium example of smart design providing cost effective solutions.
The project was awarded on the merits of a design competition, with WMK having the wherewithal to align our design thinking to a solid understanding of GPT’s brand. This not only allowed the marketing strategy for the suites to compliment the spatial identity of the building’s multimillion dollar refurbishment, but also sit comfortably alongside GPT’s other established and leading workplace offerings such as Space&Co.
The MCT sits at the heart of one of Melbourne’s iconic epicentres, where key transport hubs intersect with vibrant commercial, retail and cultural precincts. The addition of the Skyrise Suites broadens the reach of this commercial asset at a time when flexibility, variety and adaptability are key for market success.
