Time to make a thread, by the looks of Capital Gain, it's fairly obvious AXA's gearing up to sign a leasing deal that will get another new office tower up.

The front runners are:

- Grand Central site (tipped to be favourite)
- 120 Collins Street (E&Y will be moving out soon), and
- Batman's Hill (Grocon).

AXA's one of three large tenants still looking for space in Melbourne, and from memory they're looking for in excess of 30,000sqm! That's no pissy figure by any means.

____________________________

we've not seen any probably lodged for any potential Batman's Hill site, but here's noping they're looking for larger floorplates and 120C gets struck off the list.

538 Bourke Street (Grand Central) - 27L / 130m - Bates Smart

http://www.thehoddlegrid.net/projects/renders/cbd/538b/538b-se.jpg

I suppose 565C would be a possibility too (but going by what Capital Gain's saying, it's the three listed above).

How good would it be if the current AXA HQ (447C - old National Mutual) was converted into apartments (or at least the top level opened as a restaurant which I'm positive there is up there anyhow!)? I'd buy that for a dollar! :)

This thread of course will mean nothing if they decide to stay where they are, or sign a lease in 120C, but anyhow, you get the idea :P

it's approved, I guess they could go higher as H***y Seidler had a ~250m (spire) building approved there a few years ago.

I'm not too fussed about it actually - having 10 levels (joking :D) built on the site would be better than what's there now :)

Yeah, more office building for Melb!

Compared to Gateway Plaza what a shit offering. If i wanted a head corporate office Gateway Plaza would be my first choice - I didn't know AXA's HO was based in Melbourne?

I am sick of short fatty boomba buildings with large floorplates.

I am sick of short fatty boomba buildings with large floorplates.

That is sooooooooo funny!! Thank you for making me laugh. I needed that.

/me high fives avatar

http://afr.com/premium/articles/2004/09/27/1096137167438.html [Premium]

City rents predicted to boom in 2005
Tina Perinotto
28 September 2004

The office markets have been taking a real beating lately. Vacancies are too high, rents are too low and demand from the white-collar employment market looks like a fragile commodity.

But at least one defender of the sector is sticking to his guns that the office market will soon turn and reward the true believers.

BIS Shrapnel chief economist Frank Gelber has consistently predicted that by 2005 there will be a surge in office demand and that the market will shift from the tenants' to the landlords' favour.

Yesterday he repeated his assertion and was adamant that the negativity had gone too far.

Gelber was particularly peeved at the Urbis JHD report unveiled at the recent Property Council of Australia Congress that said office markets were facing more than cyclical oversupply problems, and structural changes in demand were under way.

Among these changes were the increase in productivity, technology making work elsewhere possible, shrinking workspace ratios and the never-ending urban sprawl drawing companies away from the CBDs.

Gelber, who has never shied away from making dramatic predictions, disputes these trends and says that within three years rents will shoot upwards: Melbourne by 68 per cent; Sydney by 53 per cent; Perth by 54 per cent; Brisbane by 49 per cent; and Canberra by 17 per cent.

This is despite even the leasing agents admitting that a lot of the much-hyped leasing activity, especially in Sydney, has been like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic as tenants are seduced by incentives to sign up for better not more space.

But Gelber cites several reasons. First is that the arguments on growth projections need better qualification. These usually centre around expectations in the stand-alone office workforce (SAOWF) and changes to workspace ratios (WSRs), which measure average space used by each employee.

The SAOWF, says Gelber, has over the long term grown far more quickly than the office workforce, white-collar workforce and total employment because it is a "reflection of the changing nature of employment in the Australian economy".

But this type of employment has been badly hit by the domestic downturn of 2001 and the world recession, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) and the drought.

Gelber's point is that when the SAOWF recovers, it will impact on the office market.

Another problem Gelber has is the belief that we will continue to cram more people into lower WSRs. Instead he says many buildings cannot accommodate more people per floor because they lack the capacity for more intensive services such as lifts and air-conditioning.

He also tips that more space per worker will soon be used as a lure to attract staff as the skills shortages start to bite over coming years.

Another danger is to extrapolate past absorption rates, he says, because in the early 1990s companies took far more space than they needed and used this to grow before taking on more space.

"That's why we can't use the net absorption of the 1990s to understand what will happen over the next decade," he says.

On the suburban question, Gelber concedes demand is moving out to where the workforce lives though this is partly because, he says, CBD site consolidation takes an age.

Put that together with the current market weakness, which means rents are not high enough to underwrite new construction, and you see why he remains bullish.

"We'll need to see a firming of the market before financial feasibilities will stack up for new construction." Gelber says. "And that will happen."

FYI:

AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited

ACN: 069 123 011 D-U-N-S: 752106567 ABN: 78069123011
Year Established: 1995
Formerly: National Mutual Holdings Limited
Street Address: 447 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal Address: 447 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000
Registered Office: 447 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9618 4972
Fax: (03) 9618 4950
Toll Free: (1800) 500 045
Internet: http://www.axa-asiapacific.com.au

Gateway's probably just a back office with a nice big signage bill lol :)

LOL well it's (gateway plaza) a bloody nice back office :P esp when it's better than their proposed new "Australian HO"

This new building reminds me of Angie on Australian Idol, big, ugly and should have been voted out in the 1st week - in Angie's case she was, why is this ugly design sticking around?

If it were three times taller it would likely look stunning but not as it now stands.

go back and read the first post.

BTW what is that white glass?

http://afr.com/premium/articles/2004/09/30/1096527859437.html [Premium]

Super trust leads Axa pack
Karina Barrymore
1 October 2004

Industry Superannuation Property Trust has emerged as the preferred buyer for the Axa head office building in Collins St, Melbourne, in an estimated $84 million deal.

A shortlist of three bidders for the landmark property, which also included Macquarie Bank and Grocon, was cut back this week to just ISPT.

It was understood that the property trust had made an offer valuing the Axa property at about $84 million, which was in line with market expectations for the historic CBD office building.

However, in a twist to the sale process, property developer and adviser Australian Property Network was also understood to have had a last right of refusal to make a counter-offer to buy thebuilding.

APN, run by Chris Aylward and Andrew Cruickshank, was believed to have an option to match the final offer made for the property as part of its long-term association with Axa over initial plans to redevelopment the site.

In another spin on the negotiations, Grocon, as a significant shareholder of APN, could still be involved in the final agreement.

Axa is selling its headquarters in the lead-up to relocating to a new building, which was also down to a shortlist of about four possible locations, including proposals for two new office towers, one through a Grocon consortium at Docklands and one through superannuation fund Cbus and its subsidiary, Australian Super Developments.

In another twist in the negotiations, and to round out the increasingly small world of the property industry, Cbus is also a shareholder of ISPT, which means that even if ISPT loses out on the purchase, it may still have a connection to building the new headquarters.

Axa's head office building at 447 Collins St had been quietly marketed through agent Jones Lang LaSalle for several months.

The landmark property and its large forecourt was expected to sell for just over $80 million.

A final decision, or a final offer from ISPT, was not expected for at least another month as it completed an indepth due diligence.

Any sale would then depend on what APN decided to do with its option whether it would match the deal or leave it to the superannuation trust to purchase.

The Collins St building was being sold with a three-year lease-back to Axa, so that there would be time to sit out the construction period of a new head-office building.

The historic building offers a variety of options for an eventual purchaser.

It takes up the whole of a unique island site bound by Collins, William, Flinders and Market streets.

The existing building was constructed by National Mutual, Axa's previous incarnation, in the 1960s. It was also the site of National Mutual's first rented office, which it used from 1869 to 1893 during the formation of Melbourne.

The land was then used as the Western Markets before National Mutual was given a 99-year lease over the site in the 1960s.

This lease was subsequently bought from the Melbourne City Council for about $15 million and freehold title was granted in 1992.

The existing office building, of almost 31,000 square metres, was refurbished several years ago.

The property includes a significant redevelopment potential, with a permit in place for a new office tower on the building's forecourt fronting Collins St.

The permit allows a 36-level tower on seven-storey high metal legs to raise the bulk of the building above the forecourt one of the only open spaces remaining in the prime Collins St location.

APN, which was involved in the permit application and development work at the site, has had a long involvement with Axa as an adviser on the disposal and future use of the property.

___________________

looks like a move to 120C is looking less likely!

*rubs hands together*

Fuck that.
Don't build it at all. I like the hole in the ground, its better than this piece of shit.
haha - agree here!

startlingly (just thought i'd invent a word there) bland

I thought there was a more recent proposal for the Grand Central site? The latest I heard was John Wardle was doing a scheme for an apartment tower there, with a new super-green office tower adjacent....not sure if the office tower was still a Bates Smart design...

Gday Guys,

I have the pictures i took from my apartment at watergate last nite ! Bloody Spectacular !

Can i email them to someone ( CUL , GROLLO, TAYSER , A- BRAIN ) etc , and can you please post them on the watergate thread ?

Please send me yr email if u would like to assist !

cheers

Lozza :grouphug:

shit !

ISNT ANYONE OUT THERE GOING TO HELP ME ???? HEHE !!

LOZZA !

Pleazzze someone help him!

Check your private messages Lozza!

You can send them to me at stuart.kortum@gmail.com and I will post them up for you if you wish.

Alternatively you can open a photobucket or such free image hosting account and post the links to the pics (with [IMG] tags) in a post.

stu

Gday Sakor.

i have emailed u the pictures to post on the watergate thread

cheers

Lozza

PS~ thanks heaps !

Gonna have to reduce size a little bit to get them all up (and save our dial-up friends). I'll make them 1024 x 768 which will keep aspect and everything. Will be up in a min.

stu

sakor, could u pls post them in the other official watergate thread .

cheers

Lozza

just hurry up and post them!...please...drool 8)

Speaking of which , where is the official bloody watergate thread ??? :rant:

hehe !

Lozza :bowtie:

All done guys, in the official (now archived) Watergate thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=2365074#post2365074

stu

Turf the pricks out Lozza - I want to move in

hey I like that! It's stark and startling alright, but hardly bland! Imagine what it would look like at dusk! I hope the Grand Central proposal gets up.

Blue

Australian Financial Review
Grocon wins Axa office tender
Karina Barrymore
2 December 2004

Grocon has won the race to build Melbourne's next new office development, snaring financial-services giant Axa as the tenant for a new low-rise office project at Docklands.

The deal is expected to be announced in two weeks at an event involving the Victorian government, Axa and Grocon.

It is understood that Grocon's $150 million proposal was chosen by Axa as its new Australian headquarters on Friday and that the losing bidders were notified earlier this week.

The 35,000 sq m building is to be constructed on the Collins Street extension into Docklands. It is on the northern edge of the site once earmarked as the location of Bruno Grollo's world's tallest tower.

Axa has been in the hunt for a new head office for several years but intensified activity earlier this year.

Axa yesterday announced the sale of its historic headquarters building at 447 Collins Street to Industry Superannuation Property Trust for $81 million, in the lead-up to the confirmation of its planned relocation and the new development.

The other options Axa had been weighing up included a move to 120 Collins Street, which has had an exodus of tenants recently. Axa had also considered a new purpose-built tower on the Cbus-controlled former Grand Central site in the Melbourne CBD.

The short list came after years of wavering over the future of its office requirement, which at one stage included erecting a new building on stilts above the forecourt of its existing Collins Street address.

As part of the recent sale of its headquarters and in line with the new development proposal, Axa will remain where it is for the next three years, during which time Grocon will undertake the Docklands development.

The building will be Melbourne's 11th new major office project in this construction cycle.

It follows Grocon's QV development, which includes the new BHP and Sensis head office buildings, and its RACV headquarters in Bourke Street.

Other buildings include the former HWT tower at 8 Exhibition Street, the Mercer building at 11 Exhibition Street, the first tower of the twin-tower Southern Cross office development at 113 Exhibition Street, Urban Workshop at 50 Lonsdale Street, NAB's new Docklands headquarters, 700 Collins Street, Freshwater Place at Southbank, and the Australian Wheat Board building at 380 LaTrobe Street.

Unlike the bulk of the new towers, however, Grocon's latest Docklands proposal is to be fully leased to Axa and will be purpose-built.

Although the other 10 office towers have also had pre-lease commitments, none is fully leased.

Of the other new buildings under construction and completed in Melbourne, the average pre-commitment is between 65 per cent and 70 per cent. The remaining space is still in need of tenants.

The surge of office space coming onto the market during the next few years led property commentators to forecast a vacancy rate for the Melbourne CBD of about 15 per cent. However, discounted rents and increased white collar employment have pushed up demand and vacancy forecasts are starting to ease.
________________________

w00t more commercial activity
dang not high-rise :(

please oh please oh please be a Katsalidis Commercial!!!

How tall?

Dissapointing, expect a 10-15 storey campus style building similar to NAB@Docklands.

Yep, very dissapointing to see a low rise building ina prime inner city location. Lowrise office buildings belong in the suburban office parks not in the inner city!!

Bah. I'd rather a campus in Docklands built than the proposal on the Grand Central site built.

And besides, Katsalidis haven't done a campus before, and Grocon have previously expressed how much they like working with them, so - all is by no means lost.

*crosses fingers and runs* :)

posted in Vic Point thread by duke:

http://www.vicpoint.com.au/update/november05_large.jpg

sounds good!

look at it this way - the more low rise campus stuff that is built, the more city space taken up, which means the greater likelihood we will get some tall stuff!

"The deal is expected to be announced in two weeks at an event involving the Victorian government, Axa and Grocon."

Suprise, suprise, danielson the deal maker with his best new buddy stupid steve!

Another photo opportunity for the spring st fallacy machine.

Wait for the news and the papers tomorrow, Stupid Steve the hometown hero in Ballarrat for the Eureka festivities, championing the cause of the workers and the struggle of blue collar voters, talking to the appropriate Union heads and local identities, before jetting back to Urban Steve and making another deal with Danielson that will see 200 MCG grollo workers looking for a job over christmas.

Flashback to last week, DS & SS on top of Eureka, fast forward to next year, paying more tolls to drive to work to pay more tax.

Bring on the reds Tayser, public transport and communism in general might be a good idea after all.

The building is being designed by Cox architects, and should be very high tech....I heard it has a floorplate shaped like a comb (fingers protruding out from a spine), but I hav'nt seen the design.

Docklands needs to become a good mix of innovative low-medium rise and high rise. You can't have high rise everywhere....how boring would that be? besides, there are plenty of sites left in the docklands for the next 20 years for towers, what it needs now is to develop an urban denisty

At least building at Docklands will go some ways to filling up the land site further. AXA get to keep their Collins Street address and have close proximity to Spencer Street Station which is now a good thing - lol I think whatever goes up at Grand Central needs to be super tall 60 or 70 stories. Build one of the plans for either Church Place or that proposed AMP building that never got off the ground. I have a feeling that hole in the ground might be there for awhile. My only worry is that all this interest in Docklands will shift high rise office buildings towards Spencer Street, Lonsdale. Still, I can't imagine Bourke Street will ever go out of style. God, could you imagine if Spencer Street one day becomes the prime business location? Talk about change! Glad that street is finally getting the facelift it needed.

The postive thing is that companies are moving to Docklands rather than the suburbs. For the same rent and the same style of office space would you rather have an office in Docklands or in North Ryde in Sydney?

Does anyone know where on Collins Street it will be built?

Gday

So am i correct in saying that the site for this building will either be at Docklands or Collins St and it still hasn't been decided on yet ?? or has it been decided ? if it is at Docklands , does anyone know the exact location it will be at ? i.e What Precinct ?

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

your answers are located in the article loz.

Fountainhead: I agree, I'd rather see campuses predominantly in Docklands with a few scattered signature towers (the one which is rendered at Bourke & Collins, Shangri-La, Victoria Point and the one or two in Newquay East and West). Comb sounds good! If it's a step above NAB, then I don't care!

Leave the big shit for Spencer Street I say :banana:

It's in the Docklands along Collins Street.

Yes, I understand its on Collins Street in the Docklands, but where???

I guess it has to be on the South side of Collins Street, either the blue or yellow sites shown below, because the red square is 500 BoM.

http://img18.exs.cx/img18/6754/ef-CollinsStreet.jpg

Thanks Aussie Steve,

Sorry Tayser , i sometimes don't have time to sift through entire articles ! :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: :tongue: hehe !

Cheers

Lozza :rock:

It's on the north side of Collins Street, next to the left over half of goods shed number 2, across from Watergate. I'm not sure how much of that (huge) site it's going to fill, stage one of a larger development with a 180m+ tower hopefully

So it will be the purple site that AXA will take over. That is great news, cos then there are only 2 more sites (black & green) facing Bourke Street around the northern end of the old railway shed to develop.

In the long run increasing land values and population density must make highrise more viable and with controls on suburban land likely to tighten CBD, Docklands and Southbank must receive the bulk of this development. Having watched multi story buildings going up since the late sixties I know many of them have come down again and replaced by bigger developments. So even if Docklands doesn't boast a super tower yet I imagine in 20 to 30 years time it will.........You young guys don't realise how short a time that is !!!! I can only try to imagine this City in future years.The mind boggles.With the wish of Peace and Prosperity !

I hope to F***N God its not that sight ! Not the southern end anyway. I hope its on the Bourke Street end !!

Thats going to impede my view ! It better not be there or i will protest big time ! it better not be over 10 stories or i will stack the shits big time ! Surely they would take into account that watergate is a residential development over the road !

Cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

Iozza....with many towers in the 8 to 16 story height range with large floor plates the chances are many will not have views, as sites are built on even less views will be available except overlooking the water. That's where slim taller towers give more windows a view and light even if buildings are across from each other. I wonder how many developers design their buildings just by their site controls or take the wider area into account.

Views are not an argument you can use to object to a development. No one is entitled to a view.

i dont mind if a bit of my view is taken , but the fact is , its over the road from a residential development. All i am saying is that commercial developments should be built on the right part of the block envelopee so everyone is happy. Surely they can compromise :rant: :tongue: :rant: :tongue:

cheers

Lozza :bowtie:

I actually would of thought that the developers and designers of watergate would of checked to see what zoning was around them to ensure they used their site to its full advantage i.e. no commercial properties looking into residential properties... It may be a case of pity trees dont grow 10 stories, sorry :<(

All I can say is Docklands = "Mixed Use Zone".

VIEWS ARE A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!!
In the city at least. :sly:

The site has been zoned for at least 60m high towers well before Watergate was even proposed.

Has Grocon Jumped the Gun ?http://www.propertyreview.com.au/archives/2004/01122004/headline/03122004001.html

Noice research Marky Mark, Noice indeed.

I thought it was a bit strange that AXA released this press release and then the next day it was reported that Grocon had won the tender:

1 December 2004
AXA ASIA PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED
447 Collins Street, Melbourne
AXA Asia Pacific Holdings (AXA APH) has completed the sale of its 447
Collins Street head office premises, known as the AXA Centre, to Industry
Superannuation Property Trust (ISPT) for the sum of $81 million.
The sale is part of AXA’s ongoing strategy to reduce its direct property
holdings in Australia.
447 Collins Street will remain AXA’s head office for the foreseeable future
and the sale has no impact on our occupancy.
We are reviewing longer term occupancy options, in Melbourne, at the
present time but at this stage no decision has been made.

:lol: and round and round we go

From "The Age" today:

Grocon to build AXA office at Docklands

"Grocon construction has won the right to build insurance group AXA Asia Pacific's new Australian headquarters, with a proposal for a $250 million green office development.

Grocon has agreed to build a ten storey, 36,000 square metre campus-style building on a Docklands site it owns on Batmans Hill at 800 Collins St.

The building to be designed by the Cox Group, will achieve a green rating of four stars under two separate energy and environmental rating systems."


(There is a render of it - it looks like NAB campus but without the "lego-look"

Shit Shit Shit! Another year to wait before the next big office tower goes up so they can build more campus crap :-(

They should force them to have at least a 5 star energy rating.

What has caused campus style office development to become popular?

Energy efficency probably: campus buildings need less energy for lifts, the large floor plates means that there is reduced solar loads on the facade and more protected building mass to maintain temperatures etc.

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/axa2.jpg

Eek

Energy efficency probably: campus buildings need less energy for lifts, the large floor plates means that there is reduced solar loads on the facade and more protected building mass to maintain temperatures etc.

Also improves interactivity and communication between different business groups. I can tell you it is really annoying having to travel up and down in the lifts when you have to meet up with someone on a different level. This also allows for more centralised socialising spaces, to improve worker morale and interaction.

If its on Collins Street, and that render is correct, then it can't be between Spencer & Docklands Blvd beacuse Collins St is not that flat in that location.

ooh steve think about it now, if 700 collins is on the bridge, 800 collins would be further away from the CBD so its on the flat part of Collins st and Batman drive opposite watergate, hence the tram out the front.

another nothing design, how hard is it to give an office tower a little bit of character? - the proposed SCS office campus is a decent example. at least they aren't going to waste grand central just yet, and 447 collins is up for redevelopment when AXA move out

good news is it will only take up less than 1/3 of the site, so there will be plenty of room left for a 180m+ tower or two:-)

Its a very tight site between the northern end of #2 Goods Shed and Stadium Drive (or whatever its now called!)

You would think with the savings of not having to go above ten floors that the designers could come up with something a bit more innovative and radical than that render!.

http://www.melbournephotos.net/misc/axa2.jpg
Looks like it belongs in Burwood. :(

I agree with Grollo. If you're going to call it "green" then that should be minimum of 5 stars. 4 stars is cop out just so they can say "look we've done a psuedo green building".

I recently went to some of the conferences at EcoEdge, and I hear the guy that designed NAB HQ. He said that all the money was spent on the iside. And apologised for the outside.

Campus style buildings are being built, cause people are happier working in a building that has natural light and air. Has a sense of "community". An office tower doesn't offer these. Now I want a green skyscraper :)

I thought someone said they had seen an advance render of this prject and that the building was meant to be "comb-shaped"!

I thought that sounded pretty unusual ("noice !").

And what you end up getting is that!

Great news ! perfect ! the best news i hve heard all day in fact ! now it wont impede my view from my watergate apartment ! :rock:

lozza :bowtie:

Great news ! perfect ! the best news i hve heard all day in fact ! now it wont impede my view from my watergate apartment !

*GASP*


NIMBY!!!


BURN HIM!

Aren't you all a predictable lot - it's not a skyscraper, whinge whinge, bitch bitch, moan moan, wang wang.

:)

Lemme ask you this: what would have everyone said 120-130 years ago when all those Victorian facades were going up on Collins Street - the part of Collins that we all know and love? hrmmm? they would have said the same thing: IT ALL LOOKS THE SAME!

I for one am happy that something with this sort of bulk throws its weight around - think about it, Collins Street in the low to mid riase range is probably the most 'dense' (there's that word again) street of any in the country - they're simply moving the same thing (albeit with a modern edge) to the 'Venice' (*cringe*) end of Rue Collins.

boo hoo :)

:runaway:

Yes but it's another big Yawn of a building on a landmark site, one of only two sites in docklands where you can go up to 180m+. Nobody is complaing about the way cool ARM office blocks at Digital Harbour or a quality, cutting edge enegy efficient building like CH2.

meh still though - you could easily say the same about Collins Street between Queen and Swanston :) In the long run I think you're all shortchanging development like this (Excluding the 180m factor - but it only takes up 1/3 of the site as you said! :))

Well how about if somebody proposed this for the Grand Central site or the old power station site? This area of Docklands is supposed to be CBD like density, the more low rise neighbourhood is Victoria Harbor.

yeah but that's slightly different - Grand Central's a part of an area that has existed for 150 plus years - 800 Collins didn't exist 10 years ago and seeming as though the campus fad is relatively new - this development fits with Docklands IMO. I dunno bout anyone else, but I was well prepared for a lack of 'talls' in Docklands - I'd rather see things kept on the human scale, and I'd deem this to be more human scale than a 40 level building stuck in the middle of no where! Keep the big shit for the Hoddle Grid!

yeah but that's slightly different - Grand Central's a part of an area that has existed for 150 plus years - 800 Collins didn't exist 10 years ago and seeming as though the campus fad is relatively new - this development fits with Docklands IMO. I dunno bout anyone else, but I was well prepared for a lack of 'talls' in Docklands - I'd rather see things kept on the human scale, and I'd deem this to be more human scale than a 40 level building stuck in the middle of no where! Keep the big shit for the Hoddle Grid!
Im not worried about the lack of talls at Docklands but please let us have some style on this important site.

It's one small render from The Age - no-one's been to see the plans (and post them here) - not a good idea to just completely write it off without seeing everything...

writing off shitty projects is what we excel at here on the forum tays

further to our chat last night Grocon does own the land on Batman's Hill. assuming they will eventually develop the land, all is not lost for 2-3 180m talls behind 700/800 collins and with the new Hilton over 100m directly opposite; could be a good outcome

I guess this is what you could call Collins Street "filler" - In retail terms this building has all the appeal of a 'power centre' in a skyscraper form. Still at least its glass (not concrete shelter) but some detail be nice. This building would be the pride of Sunshine or Dandenong but in Melbourne its nothing more than a "molar" with a pretty good address. Imagine in 100 years people fighting to keep this facade...ahh No. AXA has gone for a building that will be good for its stockholders but will be invisible to the people of Melbourne. Dare I say even the Medibank building on Collins has more character. God, what a horrifying concept. Melbourne architecture is best when its daring for better or worse. This is just functional. The Resi buildings so far really are Docklands best feature. Environmentally friendly buildings needs not be dull.

true, but eh - firms want profile rather than status now. And just thank your lucky stars AXA aren't doing a Shell and deserting the city all together - just look at Optus, they've deserted the most prominent building in North Shagney for some campus in the Sydney Hills district.

This is the 2nd Financial / Insurance / Wealth Management firm to do the change from high to mid rise - there's going to be many more, I remember reading John MacFarlane was so impressed with the ANZ Back Office on Dorcas that he wants to do the same with the HQ - National moved down the same street - ANZ could move down the same street as well.

As long as there are HR reps & the likes talking up the advantages of campus over skyscraper, we're going to see a lot more of them.

Another to think of: Expanding Financial / Wealth Management firms (NAB and no doubt AXA have expansion options) requires more legal and consultancy services from other firms which need to grow together (maybe not 100% in synch), case in point, when BHP Billiton moved out of 600B, legal firms moved in. And just look at the consultancy expansion underway (E&Y, PWC).

My tips for the next cycle:

Major reshuffle revolving around ANZ.
They currently have all of 200Q (HQ), they lease about 15,000sqm of 530C, cnr of Collins & Elizabeth and a large chunk chunk of CP - not to mention Esanda finance (Spring Street & Collins & Elizabeth afaik)).

I agree with what Tays said earlier.

I work in Urban Design, and think Docklands isn't CBD. And should not be built with skyscrapers everywhere. I think CBD and Southbank are well suited for this. Docklands has a completely different feel, and it's not just an extension of the Hoddle grid (Spencer St Station pretty much prevents that).

The design looks a little uninspiring on the outside, but I have no problem with the height. I think Docklands should be low to mid rise but dence.

Wonder if they'll exercise an option for more space in future?

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Business/Looking-up-down-under-for-AXA/2005/02/21/1108834729303.html

Looking up down under for AXA
By Duncan Hughes
February 22, 2005

Axa Asia Pacific, the nation's fourth-largest insurer, yesterday reported an 18 per cent lift in full-year operating earnings to $354 million, outlined plans to crack two of the world's most populous markets, and said its troubled Australian equities performance was on the mend.

Investors - possibly expecting an even stronger result after AXA's French parent withdrew a $3.4 billion offer for the 48 per cent of AXA Asia it did not own after independent directors rejected the bid as too low - marked down the stock 12 ¢ to $4.14.

Operating earnings in Australia and New Zealand rose more than 30 per cent to $192 million. In Hong Kong, which accounts for about half AXA Asia's profits, operating earnings were up 2 per cent to more than $160 million.

"This result confirms us as a strong player," said group chief executive Les Owen. "But we need to do more to go from being a player to being a leader, so, hopefully, this is not as good as it gets."

Booming stockmarkets boosted investment earnings in Australia and NZ by more than 150 per cent to $114 million. In Hong Kong, investment earnings fell 48 per cent to $143 million, largely due to the strength of the previous year's figure.

Full-year net income fell 42 per cent to $540 million, from $926 million, after the sale of AXA's health insurance, and its half-stake in Members' Equity boosted 2003 earnings.

AXA announced a 30 per cent franked final dividend of 6.5 ¢ a share, payable on April 4. It takes the year's total dividend to 11.75 ¢ a share, up 15 per cent on the previous year.

Investment bank ABN Amro's insurance research director, Nick Caley, said the results, while broadly in line with expectations, "provided a foundation for better results ahead".

Mr Owen said the Australian and NZ focus would be on building the advice businesses both organically and by acquisition, increasing scale in platform operations, achieving re-ratings for its Australian equity products, and boosting penetration of approved product lists.

Depending on new capital requirements from local regulators, $150-$300 million could be allotted to funding acquisitions in Asia, where total premium income last year was up 37 per cent to $455 million, with the prospect of a joint venture in India, possibly with a bank that could provide distribution for products.

Mr Owen said AXA was in talks with several potential partners and expected the current equity stake limit of 26 per cent to rise to 49 per cent soon.

AXA recently won approval to open an office in Beijing this year.

Came to thread late but my take on this is: it's not environmentally friendly enough (agree with Grollo on this - 4 stars is a cop-out), it's not an archiwonder, but instead it's an archilimpdick, and if we don't maximise our use of space in the CBD including Docklands it's a wasted opportunity that goes against the grain of the central melbourne 2030 blueprint. it belongs in burwood alright (together with good public transport links to burwood), and would be lower cost for axa too. finally, how is it going to be judged in the future given that it will be there for the next 50-100 years?

It's a wasted opportunity as usual, and it has nothing to do with the fact that it's not a skyscraper. What are we building...an Adelaide?!

SX, Urban Workshop and Freshwater Place all achieve a 4.5 star energy rating while NAB Docklands and AXA only achaive 4 stars, so the latest campus style office buildings are less energy efficient than the latest office towers in Melbourne. Most people think the opposite is true.

^^ You tell them Grollo! :bash:

5 stars means nothing....

SX, Urban Workshop and Freshwater Place all achieve a 4.5 star energy rating while NAB Docklands and AXA only achaive 4 stars, so the latest campus style office buildings are less energy efficient than the latest office towers in Melbourne. Most people think the opposite is true.

^^ That is a shame. I agree with Tays tho - Docklands should be a breeding ground for next generation office buildings and campus style is the way to go. It would make a great contrast for the Melbourne CBD and set a visible example to outsiders that Melbourne is visionary in its planning. But there's definitely a lot of half-baked ideas out there and it is opportunities going to waste. 4-star rated buildings is a joke. Why bother building when you have to make cut backs to design and function.

docklands is dependant on middle to high income earners...

thats why it doesnt have a vibe about it....

^^No offence Plotty, but what a stupid statement!
New Quay on any night of the week has a great vibe.
As for the rest, well you need a lot more density in order to have more people to create a vibe. Just give it 10 more years and then will see.
If one follows your conclusion, then Chapel St and High St shouldn't have vibes either. :)

New quay is great and many nightclubs such as the watermark, cargo give the place a great vibe.

^^No offence Plotty, but what a stupid statement!
New Quay on any night of the week has a great vibe.
As for the rest, well you need a lot more density in order to have more people to create a vibe. Just give it 10 more years and then will see.
If one follows your conclusion, then Chapel St and High St shouldn't have vibes either. :)

if i remember correctly there are commission flats 100m from chaple...

not that i love them ;)

worth reviving a thread

St Hilliers have started construction on the final phase of watergate, Site One (office space)

worth reviving as it'll be some of Docklands more outlandish architecture to date as the building slants out over street level and is covered by suspended cables

the building
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/s1.jpg

the site, dont know why they went to the cost of slanting the precast panels when its going to be covered
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wts200504.jpg

anyway another step forward for docklands

Maybe you might be able to still see the concrete SilverMB... There might be a courtyard at the back of site one between it and Watergate. None the less, its going to add value and character to the area

cheers

lozza :rock:

Well, from memory, isn't it like a long-term temp set-up. So if ever they did pack up and go home, there would be the featured concrete?

http://img41.echo.cx/img41/6544/dsc000925xi.jpg

http://www.hansenyuncken.com.au/files/entry%2072.jpg
Automotive Centre of Excellence - Kangan Batman TAFE
Value at Completion: $14 million
Completion Date: May 2006
Awards: World Environment Day Awards 2005 - Green Building Award - Special Commendation

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/map_overall_full.jpg

Stages of Development (http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/stages/)

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header7.jpg

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header6.jpg

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header9.jpg

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header10.jpg

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header11.jpg

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header14.jpg


Aerial view
http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/g_overall_f.jpg

Collins Street view
http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/g_collins_f.jpg

South east corner
http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/g_se_f.jpg

North east corner
http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/g_ne_f.jpg

Great building, but not there!!!!!! It would be a waste of space.

It's bigger than I thought it would be. It's under construction. I think it's a great location to throw some education facilties into the Docklands mix.

Great building, but not there!!!!!! It would be a waste of space.

good to diversify the area

any1 know who the contactor is?

quite a sexy little building for something that i was expecting to be very plain and boring.. + it will add to the mix of people having students around the docks not just corporate people everywhere.

Ok I have looked into it more and realised it's location! I have changed my mind, I like it!

the design looks just as crazy as the model i made for my SOSE assignment :) [ANZAC memorial]

very swish.

a TAFE which does research? reckon Kangan Batman will become the next tech Uni?

I agree with Grollo, need more students.

^^^

Very nice ! Just another development that will add to the value of property down at Docklands !

If anyone is interested , i know where u can buy one of the last few apartments at Watergate ! - Believe me , Get in now before it all goes through the roof ! :rock:

CHeers

Lozza

^^^

Very nice ! Just another development that will add to the value of property down at Docklands !

If anyone is interested , i know where u can buy one of the last few apartments at Watergate ! - Believe me , Get in now before it all goes through the roof ! :rock:

CHeers

Lozza

hey aren't you on level 9 lozza? just thinking when Kangan build their last stage in front of Watergate there goes some of your views

http://www.kangan.edu.au/ace/staging/images/header11.jpg

and when AXA build on Collins there go your city views?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/kangan1206.jpg

coming over the Charles Grimes bridge from the Westgate, this building will be pure sex. Docklands is slowly starting to explore the possibilities of being a genuine urban architectural wonderland. Now if we can just get a decent proposal for the peninsula in the middle of Victoria Harbour....did someone say Guggenheim?


Blue

^^^

All low rise silver mb , all low rise ~ hehe !

cheers

lozza

Photos from yesterday:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/kang07101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/kang07102.jpg

Wish Building 8 at RMIT was that cool, I would've turned up to a lot more lectures. Hope Peter Corrigan doesn't hear of that, he he.

demolition has begun of the try hard shed ( not the impressive one ) so maybe a couple of weeks before the pile drivers arrive.

axa site, Quest at vic point looks semi respectable now. one thing ive noticed of late is the increased amount of traffic (auto and pedestrian) transiting docklands, no longer that feeling of desolation down there
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axa200509.jpg

Yeh, I did notice plenty opf action on the AXA site over the weekend. Graet news. Pitty about the campus style :(

Mmmh...Archibomber no like...I hope the design has changed but probably unlikely.

Is there a render for this project? Looking through the thread can't find one...

Stu

one thing ive noticed of late is the increased amount of traffic (auto and pedestrian) transiting docklands, no longer that feeling of desolation down there

Yeh, I agree, I was there a number of weeks ago, at night (was about 10:30PM from memory) and there was a lot of cars driving around compared to what I have seen, few people walking around as well.

Yeh, I agree, I was there a number of weeks ago, at night (was about 10:30PM from memory) and there was a lot of cars driving around compared to what I have seen, few people walking around as well.
I went down there for a drive a while ago to see how it was progressing and the boat show was on and the roads couldn't handle the traffic, it was practically grid locked, which makes sense because the new quay section only has one way in. Still I doubt it would matter especially since the need for a car is very little down there

There may be little need for a car at docklands, yet apartment towers continue to have massive car parks in the podium. It's as if they are encouraging traffic.

silvermb, your construction shots are sublime. :master:

Where are the renders of this stupid thing? What does it look like?It looks like its going to be positioned right up the collins street end of the vacant block next to BOM. How tall is it exactly ? :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: :rant: hehe

Lozza

Here is a map showing the development site, which is on the corner of Collins Street and Batmans Hill Drive:
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/axa.jpg

To the right of the lot is Village Street which runs next to the old good shed number 2 which is to be retained.

There is also another big site left directly across from the stadium where hopefully a nice big tower will be built ;-)

Sorry Grollo. I can't see the pic above. :(

D'oh!

Forgot to add it in? i'd like to see it too (the render)

Double-b0rked - even going straight to the URL is a 404:

http://services.land.vic.gov.au/output/gda94report_SERVICES132003100183.png

Not Found

The requested URL /output/gda94report_SERVICES132003100183.png was not found on this server.

Apache/2.0.42 Server at services.land.vic.gov.au Port 80

this what you were looking for?

http://thehoddlegrid.net/dump/docklandsvicgov.jpg

here it is:
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/axa.jpg

Moving along fairly quickly...

http://static.flickr.com/30/47093801_6c83f64111_o.jpg

An excellent automobile in front of the Automotive Centre of Excellence, well done Mugley.

^^LOL Mugley, excellent timing. :)

This one was taken last week (forgot all about it) not the best of photos but meh.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/1885/kanganinstitute7mb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Same as the KANGAN photo I forgot I took these last week.

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/7492/axadocklands6zc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/6673/axadocklandsii4ff.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

i like, but it's being built in the WRONG PLACE...why waste another site that should be earmarked for high rise???!!! THAT'S IT - MELBOURNE IS GOING TO THE DOGS!!!! (still the best city this size in the world, but). :D

does anyone know how tall this "poofter" is going to be?

Lozza :bowtie:

^Too close to the Yarra for real highrise. I disagree with this, I believe it will be a good marker for the corner, more interesting than a medium rise or campus style building.

i believe in CBD & southbank = highest density, st kilda rd & docklands = medium high density, suburban transport hubs = medium density, and low density everywhere else.

campus style anything at docklands is a major mistake. plenty of room for that elsewhere. why are we "defending" the waterfront from tall developments...it's not like it's sydney harbour...we're talking vicki harbour...as long as there are appropriate setbacks, good podium development and overshadowing is avoided, why not go tall on all of docklands? seems to work in southbank...

Tall's fine on the South Bank, because it doesn't cast shadows, but the north bank of the yarra in Docklands would overshadow the southbank (yarras edge) with High rise, and turn the whole river bank into a cold wind tunnel. I agree that central areas of docklands, such as the vic harbour (north facing) and batman's hill should be fairly high, but the south side of VH should be lower. On the other hand, the low rise along Yarra's edge will be a complete mistake, because over the top of it, you'll see the freeway and industrial areas. This area should be a dense highrise wall the whole way along to block the freeway and some of the wind, similar to southbank.

well, the biggest mistake IMHO was building the docklands stadium where they did...perhaps they should've put it where yarra's edge are instead, next to jeff's shed...or where commtechport is...or better still, ON TOP of the rail yards (or even on top of what was then spencer st train shed).

40m, tall enough to take care of your apartmrnt views

^Or in the rail yards north of Dudley st/Footscray rd. Such a waste of space and such an ugly "face" to Melbourne from the water.

Good !

My apartment is up 45 m !

hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehbehehehehehehehehhe ! !!

hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!

lozza !

could have sworn you've said many times you're on L9

Good !

My apartment is up 45 m !

hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehbehehehehehehehehhe ! !!

hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!!

lozza !

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

That's the sound of the aircon unit that'll be outside your window then ;)

Just went back through the thread and the render that uewepuep posted is now :redx:

Also searched emporis but only the 447 Collins St building is there.

Anyone got the render/s to post?

In the meantime, here is a recent article from The Age on Grocon and the project: Grocon plans trust for Docklands asset (http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/grocon-plans-trust-for-docklands-asset/2005/10/02/1128191609247.html)

Ahh sorry Muse, reorganised the site a while back.
Here it is again.
http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/axa2.jpg

^ hear hear. actually i don't like YE becos it "strains" the skyline's defined cluster of central melb high rises...i like well-defined clusters of towers, and YE clearly goes beyond anything that can be described as a central cbd-southbank-docklands cluster

YE's riverfront and northfacing orientation would also have lent it more suitable to some medium or low rise development - especially institutional buildings or public-space uses like a convention centre, stadium, commtechport, campus-style offices like NAB etc

Looks like a couple of little Urban Workshops just like 360degrees which looks like a really little SX (same architects though).

Looks like a couple of little Urban Workshops just like 360degrees which looks like a really little SX (same architects though).
I think it looks shit too.

:D

^^Lol.

As the Bette Midler song goes.. "from a distance". Oh, and Eifel in background :)

http://homepage.mac.com/jbadcock/Melbourne/misc/P1000059.jpg

From today's Hun (possibly not the most appropriate thread, mods feel free to move)...

http://img495.imageshack.us/img495/317/sheds8rz.jpg

About bloody time, it's a shame they don't just pull the damn thing down, damn these heritage wankas.

get out of here, there's seldom few pieces of history in docklands. the goods shed, Mission to Seaman and Grand Hotel provide contrast to all the modern stuff down there

I agree, I hate that shed.
What's the use keeping it if they chopped it in half? At least bulldoze one side.

I agree with Silver Surfer. We would lose a piece of history, something Docklands needs to keep. The area wouldn't have as much character if it was just modern buildings. Need a good balance.

I hope they are forced to restore the northern elevation and not just build something modern. The poeple who want to demolish this have no appreciation of architecture, history and the Docklands itself!

Yeah balance is good. A sense of history is important.

Definately keep this shed. I hate the one on central pier. How did *that* survive?

I'm not sure what heritage restrictions are in place with the remaining Central Pier sheds but I hope they do something similar (if possible) to the one in Woolloomooloo (spelling?) or Walsh Bay in Sydney, which would be nice.

Definately keep this shed. I hate the one on central pier. How did *that* survive?

I agree keep the railway shed. I've only seen it from the Collins Street bridge and the brickwork, the iron/steel roof/skylight structure, slate roof and columns are unique and very high quality.

The central pier structure is pretty ordinary by comparison and seems similar to those on the river bank near the Exhibition Centre.

they can't lift up the shed and stand it on its end could they ? Might get another 500 footer that way...... ;)

^ Anything's possible. :D

The goods shed is a fantasic piece of history. If it could be incorporated in a similar way to the shot tower in Melbourne Central would be ideal

The thing I don't like about History is that it's in the past. Who gives a flying tossbag if some shed in a developing part of town was the first place to use electric sheers to cut wool from a sheep? Knock it over and get on with it.

The thing I don't like about History is that it's in the past. Who gives a flying tossbag if some shed in a developing part of town was the first place to use electric sheers to cut wool from a sheep? Knock it over and get on with it.You're absolutely right. Now when oh when will the Egyptians knock down those ratty old pyramids and put up some shiny new carparks, condos and campus buildings? :runaway:

The shed would make a great market similar to Vic Market/Prahan for all the newcomers living at Docklands.

The shed would make a great market similar to Vic Market/Prahan for all the newcomers living at Docklands.
you mean it will make a good market, I believe that's what they have planned for it... mind you it's a little close to vic markets

The thing I don't like about History is that it's in the past. Who gives a flying tossbag if some shed in a developing part of town was the first place to use electric sheers to cut wool from a sheep? Knock it over and get on with it.You should move to Perth. They've knocked down just about everything old there.

You're absolutely right. Now when oh when will the Egyptians knock down those ratty old pyramids and put up some shiny new carparks, condos and campus buildings? :runaway:

Comparing some shed in the shitty old Docklands to the magnificance of the Pyramids, or even some of Melbourne's more prestegious buildings is ludacris. There is a place for historical buildings, such as Churches and other assorted architecture, but this? Surely not.

Comparing some shed in the shitty old Docklands to the magnificance of the Pyramids, or even some of Melbourne's more prestegious buildings is ludacris. There is a place for historical buildings, such as Churches and other assorted architecture, but this? Surely not.No comparison was made. I was addressing your point about history.

Oh yes, and I believe the word you're looking for is ludicrous - unless you mean to say that a rapper is doing the comparing? :)

No comparison was made. I was addressing your point about history.

Oh yes, and I believe the word you're looking for is ludicrous - unless you mean to say that a rapper is doing the comparing? :)

Word.

As an example of what I find acceptable to keep, I use Flinders Street Station as an example. If this was ever to be redone, the original building should remain, but the platforms would need to complement the original, or vice-versa. As it stands, wanting to keep that shed for it's history is like keeping the Flinders St. platforms.

Cool, so you're essentially making two points:

1) Historical considerations should be over-ruled by aesthetics
2) Aesthetically speaking, the shed isn't worth keeping

I can't say I agree with either of these, but since they're both very subjective matters there's probably little to be gained by arguing over them.

Since there are plenty of people here who are more than happy to debate history and aesthetics, I'm just going to sit back for a while and watch :)

Meh, I'm not fussed if dynamo doesn't like it, not much I can say. He's entitled to his opinion. Maybe he'll come around when they do both halves up.

Had anybody who says they should demolish the number 2 goods shed actually seen inside the shed before it was cut in two?

It was an amazing structure, 385 metres long and beautifully constructed of brick, glass and iron. It was almost surreal inside that shed, especially at night, it was just so bloody long.

It was a disgrace that they cut it in half for the Collins Street Bridge, the could have just cut a section of the roof out but couldn't be bothered with the extra effort that would have involved :-(

They should most definately save what is left as a reminer of the importance of railways in Victoria.

Here is a pic of what is left of the northern half of the shed:

http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/shed.jpg

It is a beautiful Victorian structure not some tin box, and will look fantastic when restored:
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/docklands.jpg

Not so bad on the outside either (posted this ages ago in Random Photo, seems a good time to bring it up again)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/mugley/wgshed.jpg

A little birdy told me that the former Shell House stands in the way of a Melbourne construction giant building a 450m giant that is to rival the world's best scrapers as it is Heritage Listed because it has connections to petrol...

A building is a building. I know a lot of people here appreciate good architecture etc, but when a goods shed is getting in the way of the evolution of our city, it doesn't speak volumes about our culture etc. 90% of our listed buildings are eye-sores, and if you ask the next person in the street what they think about half of them, they would say, "knock them over and build something of better use or something of better design".

International tourist: What's the building of historical importance?
Local: Um, it's a goods shed. Something about importance of railways.
Tourist: Sorry for asking.

If we go around listing buildings like this then one day there'll be an argument for listing a former site of a former petrol station that was the first store to sell petrol... It is seriously rediculous.

Both the former Shell House and the former, former shell House (next door) were demolished to make way for Grand Central in the late 80's and the site is still vacant!

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sjones/0/0/0/im/sj000357.jpg

The were going to demolish half the shed for Grollo Tower which is fari enough, a fair swap, but since they are no longer building a supertall in Docklands and there are many other sites still available for development why knock it down?

^^ There's my knowledge of skyscrapers there. I'm talking about the dreaded Harry Building. You know, that concrete monstrocity.

The Seidler former Shell House is not heritage listed :-) You could never build a 450m tower on that site anyways because it is not big enough and it would overshadow the Yarra something shocking.

The shed could easily be converted into apartments or offices. Its a great design which lends itself to conversion and reuse.
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/docklands.jpg

Pics from today...

http://static.flickr.com/24/65040985_d24964f1ec_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/29/65040395_4b812c8f16_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/32/65040061_9c95ab4b55_o.jpg

Please not apartments. They'd either be dingy or need a large amount of glass installed in the roof to let light in - it'd make the place look like a big commercial greenhouse. A market, gallery or showroom would be perfect.

Here are some pics from today...

http://static.flickr.com/29/65045180_1b2e8185cf_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/33/65045179_57fe373f08_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/30/65045177_ea4ae62f19_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/30/65045176_884252703e_o.jpg

The thing I don't like about History is that it's in the past. Who gives a flying tossbag if some shed in a developing part of town was the first place to use electric sheers to cut wool from a sheep? Knock it over and get on with it.

agree 99.9% on that, the other .01 percent is reserved for certain instances.

The shed could easily be converted into apartments or offices. Its a great design which lends itself to conversion and reuse.
http://web.aanet.com.au/nmharrison/docklands.jpg

Quite a lot of change here since I last visited ... but I can't actually envisage tourists, photographers or students flocking here to see this. Keep the shed! ... and where is the tree?

Pier today makeover tomorrow (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17364763%255E2862,00.html)
Herald Sun (www.heraldsun.com.au)
Ellen Whinnett
26 November 2005

DOCKLANDS' historic Central Pier will get a $3.5 million makeover in time for the Commonwealth Games and Volvo Ocean Race.

Premier Steve Bracks yesterday said the pier, built in 1914, would be transformed into a waterside entertainment venue.

One shed has already been demolished and cafes and restaurants are likely to be built inside the other old sheds.

Yacht berths will be added at the side of the pier. The work will be completed by early January, in time for the Volvo Ocean Race.

Several of the yachts will be based at Docklands between January 16 and February 12.

A Melbourne Commonwealth Games youth cultural festival will be held in one of the refurbished sheds from March 16 to 26.

Looking good.

agree 99.9% on that, the other .01 percent is reserved for certain instances.
A city without its history on display is souless EG: The Gold Coast.

If i'm not mistaken, wasn't their supposed to be a structure at the end of the pier, or is this just a quick fix for the comm games?

Just a quick fix... something more permanent will come along for it, it is supposedly going to be a centrepiece to the docklands development.

Stu

A city without its history on display is souless EG: The Gold Coast.


Yes I know that, but what's the difference between keeping some ugly and something beautiful looking, but then again heritage doesn't always have a pretty face....

one of crane base was poured yesterday,crane going up in weeks to come

second crane base poured 380D,and 1500 going up soon

'bout time the balance went up, too many coming down for everyone's liking, lot's of kiddies going hungry over Christmas...........

I can't be stuffed posting a comment with this photo, pretty much speaks for itself.

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/6958/craneaxa7wj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

and this morning, new road behind axa leaving a very big development site behind. would be nice to see a 200m tower there opposite Outrigger
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axa200512.jpg

almost back to ground. might get a bit of attention if a tower crane gets up?
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wts200512.jpg

concreting is a massive effort, they would have been there for a while, all by hand.

Yes I know that, but what's the difference between keeping some ugly and something beautiful looking, but then again heritage doesn't always have a pretty face....

Yeah like the AMP Building (Only my opinion)

When will construction start on the Outrigger Hotel? I havn't looked into that much.

^^I think someone heard June.

1500 favco on 440towers going up today

shiny . . . repaint or new?
http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/axa20051210.jpg

Beautiful work oh learned one.

Old, around 1982/83, repainted, heavily modified (fixed counterweights, split deck, transition piece downsizing)

Second last 1500 Favco made.

Last time I saw this it was on the "Emporio" job in Sydney. Can tell it has been in NSW because of the last line under the serial numbers, the ID No. is a NSW requirement.

You should be in the plumbers union SMB........

Nah, shit spot.

Who in their right mind would buy here???

You should be in the plumbers union SMB........

yeah, good luck with that

^^ :lol:
Now let's not get too nasty Favco750. ;)

I think this thread should be renamed to Batmans Hill as that is the name of this precinct and it should also include
Village Docklands which is also in the Batmans Hill precinct.

Gotham city? :p Yeah that would work. theres too many docklands threads. should be waterfront city and studios, central pier & vic harbour, batmans hill. meh, what can i do?

Are there any renders of the AXA building floating around????? How large are the floor plates, height, etc???

http://www.melbournephotos.net/images/.misc/axa2.jpg

cheers tays

OK as requested we now have a common Batman's Hill thread consisting of

> AXA @ 750 Collins
> Automotive Centre of Excellence
> Site One @ Watergate
> Goods Shed redevelopment into offices
> AGE complex on Collins - incidentally had site drilling during december so its one step closer

renders/post moved from Stadium thread by Grollo, apparently Bates Smart design now coming

Site 7 office building by Elenberg Fraser Architects:

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00002.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00004.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00005.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00006.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00007.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00009.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00010.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00012.JPG

will also cover 3-4 other development sites around the Collins st extension but not Village Docklands for the time being - its big enough to warrant its own thread

effort :applause:

Concrete pumping at Site One yesterday

http://static.flickr.com/31/89593029_b712a1c9fd_o.jpg

Kangan and some rroad works happening at Village Docklands in particular Village Street.

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2123/kangan4bh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7125/vdocklandsroadworks6de.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3081/villagestreet7vf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SILVERMB LADIES AND GENTS, SILVER MB

Hey mate, you gotta love all the action at Batmans Hill ! Especially Site One ! Watergate will F***N Rock when that is finished ! Its easily one of the best buildings at docklands by far !

cheers

Lozza

OK as requested we now have a common Batman's Hill thread consisting of

> AXA @ 750 Collins
> Automotive Centre of Excellence
> Site One @ Watergate
> Goods Shed redevelopment into offices
> AGE complex on Collins - incidentally had site drilling during december so its one step closer

renders/post moved from Stadium thread by Grollo, apparently Bates Smart design now coming

Site 7 office building by Elenberg Fraser Architects:

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00002.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00004.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00005.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00006.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00007.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00009.JPG

http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00010.JPG http://www.e-f.com.au/images/00012.JPG

will also cover 3-4 other development sites around the Collins st extension but not Village Docklands for the time being - its big enough to warrant its own thread

Cladding going on Kangan.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2773/kangantafe2cd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

why is docklands getting so many lashings of ellenberg fraser?! it's a nightmare!!!!!!!!

Morry Schwartz of Pan Urban is a relo of Zahara Elenberg (silvermb knows the specifics). Someone, can't remember who, said that the Site 7 design would be done by Bates Smart now, that's one less EF building for you to have nightmares about Blabby.

Kangan and AXA today...

http://static.flickr.com/38/98574199_244f208238_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/37/98574200_27a71a830a_o.jpg

http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/fairfax-looks-at-new-hq-for-age/2006/03/01/1141191732576.html

Fairfax looks at new HQ for Age
By Cameron Houston
March 2, 2006

NEWSPAPER publisher John Fairfax Holdings could be the next major company to move to the Docklands — and there is speculation it is poised to announce the acquisition of site 7 on the south-west corner of Spencer and Collins streets.

The Fairfax board met in Melbourne yesterday and finding a new headquarters for Melbourne newspaper The Age is believed to have been on the agenda.

Fairfax went to the market last year with a space requirement for 15,000 square metres and have an option on the vacant site opposite Southern Cross Station, which is owned by the Docklands management authority, VicUrban.

It is believed Fairfax is negotiating with government agencies and rail companies to minimise the chances of the site-access problems that have plagued the neighbouring Spencer Street station redevelopment.

According to a property source, Fairfax has appointed architect Bates Smart to design the building, which will include an airspace development above the former Spencer Street rail-yards.

Despite industry speculation that Grocon had been appointed to build the new headquarters, the development contract is expected to go to public tender, probably to be run by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The fate of The Age's existing headquarters on the corner of Lonsdale and Spencer streets remains unknown, but could feature in negotiations with developers. PwC is expected to also run the sale process for the existing site.

A Fairfax spokesman said the company was considering its options, but no decision had been made.

With ROYCE MILLAR

Good news, renovating the existing building on Spencer Street would have been a very short sighted decision.

Great news! now lets have the ugly brown building razed to the ground asap. Happy now mugley? :)

Great news! now lets have the ugly brown building raised to the ground asap.Yes, it looks totally wrong below ground level and should be raised as soon as possible :)

And whats more..

the old mail centre needs to be redeveloped to actually work instead of sitting there like a Galapagos tortoise that sticks its head out every 100 years
The Southern Cross, Bourke-Lonsdale frontage would better shake off this "not quite industrial, not quite southbank, not quite new city centre, not quite anything" syndrome.
Mail Centre would make a good mail museum, add an Australia Post Centre, inject some life into it.

I really wonder what these Spencer street sites will do in the next 5-10 years if something big doesn't happen, oh i know, a brady building!

The Mail Centre on Spencer Street is no longer in use, and there is already a post office museum at the Australia Post HQ in La Trobe St (cnr Exhibition St).

The City of Melbourne really need some kind of plan for the area between King and Sepncer Streets now that the Flinders Street Overpass is down and Southrn Cross Station is almost complete. The area is desperately in need of streetworks and a sense of direction.

The Age and Power Stations sites are the biggest redevelopment opportunity the CBD has ever seen so the City of Melbourne should have some idea of what it wants for the sites and not just responed to every proposed development scheme.

i can't wait till the age gets a new home. a good newspaper needs a good home.

Indeed. The trash has a nice home - quality news deserves a palace!

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/02/06/svDIARY_wideweb__470x263,0.jpg

A couple from Kangan.

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/kangan%203-4-2006/IMG_15531_f.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/kangan%203-4-2006/IMG_15541_f.jpg

Wow. It may be short but it already has the "wow factor" about it. Love the glasswork

Hi People, I work at AXA and have more renders of what the new AXA HQ will look like, but I have no idea how to post photos. Can someone help!

Try uploading them with imageshack (http://imageshack.us/). Then just copy the link and paste it.

Thanks for that Archibomber... Here are the pics...

http://img313.imageshack.us/img313/7277/snapshot041tj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6841/snapshot013lb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/2923/snapshot115zf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cool thanks for that. They give you a better idea of what it looks like now,the scale of it and how the interior spaces are to be used.

Yeah the other little one didn't really do it justice... It's not the most exciting or daring of projects but for us at AXA it's going to be a dream working there. 447 Collins Street is a dump, it's a real pain to work in this building, about the only good thing is the Plaza and even that is an eyesore.

Cool, thanks Shumway. Gives us so much a better idea of the scale of the AXA project. Sorry to hear about your current facilities.

I like the southeast perspective.
Nice renders, thanks for posting them.

looks like a big turd, daring architecture at its best!

I'm sure it will be a fantastic building to work in, pity it won't be a fantastic building to lok at. Not bad, just uninspired, Vicurban are supposed to have higher standards than this.

When are we going to get somenthing (anything!!) in Docklands that really excites us?

Tower 5 is about the only one so far that comes anywhere near the standard that new buildings going up in this supposed 'showcase' new development should be at. Vic Point is allllriiihgt...but everything else is pretty bloody ordinary.

Docklands really needs the Central Pier development to give it the wow factor.

^^You're really hard to please you know that? :lol:. I mean there's all this negativity surrounding Docklands and people are quick to criticise but I have not seen an urban renewal project of this magnitude that has been developed better than our Docklands and no one has shown one. It'll take time, people have to be patient. The precinct isn't even half developed yet. You have to realise with building's like NAB and AXA that most of the budget is spent on the interior, because they have to meet the needs of their clients and not a group of skyscraper nuts on a forum.

When are we going to get somenthing (anything!!) in Docklands that really excites us?

Tower 5 is about the only one so far that comes anywhere near the standard that new buildings going up in this supposed 'showcase' new development should be at. Vic Point is allllriiihgt...but everything else is pretty bloody ordinary.

Docklands really needs the Central Pier development to give it the wow factor.

Conder, the ARM buildings at Comtechport and Kangan TAFE are all excellent buildings.

The only real dogs so far have been 700 Collins Street and Docklands Stadium.

You have to realise with building's like NAB and AXA that most of the budget is spent on the interior, because they have to meet the needs of their clients and not a group of skyscraper nuts on a forum.LOL Yes, we are a breed unto ourselves.

...