This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
RMIT University has appointed Brookfield Multiplex as the contractor for its landmark $200 million Swanston Academic Building development at the northern end of Melbourne’s CBD.
The 11-storey building will be the new home for RMIT’s College of Business and will wrap around the historic Oxford Scholar hotel. Designed by Lyons, the 35,000 sqm building is the University’s biggest investment in an academic building.
RMIT vice-chancellor and president professor Margaret Gardner AO said the appointment was another great step forward in the transformation of the RMIT Quarter.
RMIT has sold a portion of the site to Grocon.
“As the centrepiece of our $600 million investment in the RMIT Quarter of the CBD, the Swanston Academic Building sets the standard for innovative design that supports teaching and learning through new collaborative pedagogies.
“Together with the nearby Design Hub, currently under construction at the former CUB site, this building is set to continue RMIT’s renewal of the top end of Swanston Street through exciting architecture that fires the imagination of students and the wider public alike,” Professor Gardner said.
The project is expected to create 800 construction jobs.
Brookfield Multiplex Construction Victoria managing director Dean Lockhart said Brookfield Multiplex is collaborating with RMIT on this project, which presents an exciting opportunity in bringing to life a leading educational facility that will enrich our community.
“On many levels, there is a personal attraction to contributing to a project like this; many of our staff completed their tertiary studies at RMIT and so are eager for the opportunity to give something back to the University,” he added.
Key features include a stunning two-storey cantilevered student social space overhanging Swanston Street, a further nine double-height student portals for informal study and collaboration, more than 80 diverse teaching spaces and a minimum 5-star environmental design under the Green Star Education Rating Scheme.
Australian Property Journal
