This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
JUILLIARD Group's recent refurbishment of the St James office and retail building at 555 Bourke St in Melbourne's CBD is paying dividends.
Juilliard Group has signed global risks and insurance broker Willis Australia for 2,300 sqm of space, for the whole of Level 5 at 555 Bourke St, starting from April.
Jones Lang LaSalle leasing director Stuart Colquhoun said securing Willis Australia is an endorsement to the redevelopment and Juilliard Group.
“This project is leading the way with its building systems and end of trip facilities. 555 Bourke St is capturing strong leasing interest as tenantʼs can now see its quality as the refurbishment nears completion.
“Tenants like Willis have seen the benefits of the buildingʼs large floor plates, 100% fresh air systems translating into greater staff productivity and the quality amenities,” he added.
St James is one of the most significant city blocks to be reinvigorated within the rebranded St James Precinct. Located on the corner of William and Bourke streets, St James comprises over 46,000 sqm of office space and 3,000 sqm of retail and hospitality tenancies.
Willis Australia will join law firm Holding Redlich, which will occupy 6,500 sqm at 555 Bourke St. The smaller tower, at 535 Bourke St, which comprises 26,000 sqm is fully occupied.
There is also basement car parking for 387 vehicles, as well as 200 bike racks and lockers and individual club style shower change facilities.
Colquhoun said a huge draw card for prospective tenants is the building’s architectural provenance – and its present-day reincarnation.
“A former Skidmore Owings Merrill building and a fine example of late 1960ʼs brutalism, the former AMP Plaza has been refurbished and reskinned with a bold yet sensitive design by Andrew Norbury of award winning architectural firm, METIER3,” he added.
Norbury said the redesign of 535-555 Bourke St has introduced an entirely new ground plane.
“The new design has a much finer grain, more intimate spaces, weather protection and a diversity of retail spaces. The Plaza will become a hub and comfortable gathering space in Melbourne’s west-end finance and legal precinct.” He concluded.
Property Review
