The revisioning of 35 Collins Street retains the best aspects of the legacy scheme while providing strategic, considered interventions to ensure the iconic workplace remains a valued part of Melbourne’s civic and commercial fabric.

Designed with the next generation of tenants in mind, a revitalised 35 Collins Street features a highly detailed lobby interior that provides a welcome engagement with the podium and streetscape, flexible forecourt, and retrofitting of levels 3 to 21 lobbies. A series of co-working and flexible workspaces feature bespoke joinery and furniture to further elevate the experience. There are new amenities and services throughout and a new secondary entrance to the Great Space, the iconic retail court of the broader precinct.

A series of considered interventions opens the inward-looking building podium to the street, creating a flexible civic-focused work space within one of Melbourne’s great public rooms. There are additional collaborative spaces within openable and outdoor environments, and the new feature stair has enhanced health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the improved at-grade access provides a welcoming invite for all to experience.

Previously obtrusive escape stairs have been repurposed as landscaped beds with built-in seating, providing a protected edge to Collins Street and enriching the city’s ecological offer. Architecture, interior design, product design and urban design services have facilitated the design of the forecourt, lobby, podium and on-floor fitout. Local furniture designers and product suppliers form a part of the sustainability ambition for the project, with consideration given to environmental, social and economic benefits. Natural materials have been used, and will patina over time to add warmth and texture, and enhance the unique character of the work spaces.

The design seeks to blur the segmentation of work, rest and play to offer a truly enriching work-space experience.

Furniture: Keith Melbourne, Ross Gardham, Schiavello, Tom Fereday, external furniture custom designed by Grimshaw, manufacturer by Street Furniture, Polytec. Lighting: custom Grimshaw, Electrolight manufacturer Artefact Industries, Nocturnal Lighting. Fittings & Fixtures: Caroma.

Photography: Peter Clarke, Derek Swalwell