Cbus Property’s 311 Spencer St office tower reaches practical completion, signalling new era for Victoria Police

OCTOBER 2020

The newest addition to Cbus Property’s commercial office portfolio, 311 Spencer Street in Melbourne, has reached practical completion, signalling the start of a new era as the headquarters of Victoria Police.

Owned in partnership with Asia-based Keppel REIT, designed by Woods Bagot and constructed by Probuild, with interiors by Uni Space, the $650 million 40-level office tower will be known as the Victoria Police Centre. It sits adjacent the City West Police Complex at 313 Spencer Street, also developed by Cbus Property and completed in 2015.

Together, the two buildings occupy the north-west corner of the Hoddle Grid in Melbourne’s CBD and comprise the Victoria Police Centre precinct, with almost 7,000 police officers and support staff to be based between them.

Cbus Property’s chief executive officer, Adrian Pozzo, said the completion of 311 Spencer Street provided a spacious and versatile precinct for Victoria’s policing headquarters, with its city-edge location and striking design a reminder of the constant presence of the police force.

“Cbus Property is proud to deliver a modern, purpose-built facility for Victoria Police with state-of-the-art technology to ensure the police force is in the best possible position to serve the community and improve the safety of all Victorians for decades to come,” he said.

“311 Spencer Street connects to 313 Spencer Street via five connection points, including bridges and pathways, consolidating all of Victoria Police’s CBD operations into one highly secure location, enhancing the ability to efficiently dispatch police services to the community.”

Paul Tham, chief executive officer of Keppel REIT Management Limited, the Manager of Keppel REIT, said the company was delighted that 311 Spencer Street had achieved practical completion.

“Designed to be an eco-icon in Melbourne, the sustainable Grade A office tower augments Keppel REIT’s sterling portfolio of commercial assets pan-Asia,” he said.

“Together with Cbus Property, we welcome Victoria Police to its new headquarters as the 30-year lease for the office tower commences.”

311 Spencer Street has a rooftop helipad for the Police Air Wing and encompasses a new Police Operations Centre, media centre and Victoria Police Museum featuring historical displays.

The rich history of Victoria Police is also celebrated in the expansive new foyer, with a large-scale police badge inlaid in the floor and an honour and valour board.

Woods Bagot principal and project leader, Simon Dick, said that the completion of the Victoria Police Centre marked a significant milestone in the history of the police force in Melbourne’s CBD.

“From the outset, the Victoria Police Centre was designed to create a new law enforcement precinct for Melbourne, strategically located to serve the city. The completion of 311 Spencer sets the master plan in motion – giving the Victoria Police a dedicated, purpose-built headquarters for the first time since 1943,” he said.

“Architecturally, the new building speaks not of any current style but instead seeks to project itself confidently and assertively in the city – recapturing some of the symbolic success of the original headquarters in Russell Street.”

In line with Cbus Property’s commitment to net-zero emissions across its portfolio by 2030, 311 Spencer Street has obtained a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built (Design Review) rating.

From its first day of operation, 311 Spencer Street will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy as part of Cbus Property’s involvement in the City of Melbourne-facilitated second Melbourne Renewable Energy Project. The building’s suite of environmentally sustainable design and wellness features includes highly efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems; a solar-boosted heating system to reduce energy; rainwater and greywater recycling to reduce water consumption; and responsible construction materials and practices. In addition, approximately 90 per cent of construction waste has been recycled.

Victoria Police employees started moving into 311 Spencer Street from the current headquarters at the World Trade Centre on Flinders Street in July 2020. More than 5,300 employees, comprising 26 commands and departments, will eventually be housed in 311 Spencer Street.

The official opening of the Victoria Police Centre was celebrated on 25 June 2020, with a plaque unveiling by the Chief Commissioner of Police, Graham Ashton, and Minister for Police, Lisa Neville.