The mixed-used development known as ‘Pantscraper’ at Melbourne’s 447 Collins street has commitment from three major legal firms to its office space within 12 months of commencing its leasing campaign.
King & Wood Mallesons was the first to commit, securing 8,345 square metres, and was quickly followed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers for 6,500 square metres across three levels, and Gadens for 5,000 square metres across two-and-a-half levels.
Gadens Chief Executive Officer Grant Scott-Hayward said moving into 447 Collins Street was a significant step toward the company’s future, demonstrating its commitment to being “a pre-eminent and independent Australian law firm”.
“This development offers the unique opportunity to truly align our work space with our work ethos, in line with our focus on being an employer of choice with a high-performance culture for our clients,” he said.
“It will enable our people to collaborate more widely in a work environment designed specifically for our needs, complemented by first-rate facilities.
“The WELL rating, together with carefully considered amenities, will unequivocally support the health and wellbeing of our people and makes Collins Arch an opportunity we simply couldn’t look past.”
Sole leasing agent Colliers International is seeking other top-tier financial-sector tenants to fill the vacancies, as 447 Collins Street is currently 60 per cent leased.
“We have only four low-rise floors and three high-rise floors left to offer,” Colliers International’s Andrew Beasley said.
447 Collins Street also contains a residential component marketed as Collins Arch, which comprises 202 luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments positioned across the building’s highest floors and oriented to maximise panoramic views of the city.
The development’s defining feature, the sky bridge – which connects twin towers giving it the name ‘pantscraper’ – will house the residential amenities, including a statement pool with views from the 34th floor to the city below, a gym, wine cellars, residents’ lounge and two private dining rooms with a catering kitchen, accessed by residents from both east and west towers.
Penthouse residents on levels 38 and 39 will occupy some of Melbourne’s most covetable residences, with lavish indoor and outdoor living spaces.
“The idea of a city-within-a-city drove the design – we wanted to create a new amenity for Melbourne that will be an amazing place to live, work or play,” SHoP Architects principal William Sharples, said.
Construction on 447 Collins Street has commenced and completion is anticipated for late 2019.