Australian Unity's Sydney and Melbourne projects in focus
Australian Unity's trio of major projects across Sydney and Melbourne have all reached interesting junctures of late.
After the Sydney Central City Planning Panel granted Australian Unity the right to develop a new office complex on Parramatta's Valentine Avenue, the project has re-entered planning with City of Parramatta in the last week, sporting a number of design enhancements.
Architect in charge Fitzpatrick + Partners' latest design iteration sees a modest overall height increase, additional vehicle and motorbike parking, an additional lift, revised floor to ceiling heights, revised internal layout over certain levels and an enhanced facade over the tower's podium.
The existing 5 level par park across 10 Valentine Avenue will be amalgamated into the development, with a revised car park 'veil' facade part of the updated planning set.
Australian Unity's Valentine Avenue tenancy amounts to 8,515 square metres of Net Leasable Area.
Meanwhile, work has progressed rapidly on Australian Unity's new headquarters at 271 Spring Street at the top end of Melbourne's CBD. ISPT is developing the new $110 million office tower; the A Grade building will include 15,612 square metres upon completion, allowing Australian unity to expand their workforce.
The purpose-built tower is the work of John Wardle Architects with head contractor Probuild currently advancing the floorplates beyond the inverted podium, with the first facade panes now in place. "This project is aimed at delivering a building and head office solution that both resonates with the 175 year history of Australian Unity while providing a contemporary and productive environment for its planned CBD operations."
Australian Unity has taken a 15-year lease term over the entirety of 271 Spring Street which is due for completion in mid-2019.
In South Melbourne, Australian Unity's Albert Road development is coming together, with a new tower at 126-130 Albert Road approaching structural completion at the hand of builder Watpac.
The retirement living tower spans 18 levels and includes 79 purpose designed apartments and communal facilities. Upon the completion of Australian Unity's new headquarters on Spring Street, their existing head office at 114 Albert Road, and adjoining 126-130 Albert Road, will be converted to accommodate further retirement living apartments.
The above and other projects have been financed by Australian Unity's multiple capital raising campaigns that have successfully funded a variety of projects in recent years.