Lurking in the shadows - 555 Collins Street
Late last year, we penned a piece highlighting the changing nature of development and application activity within the Melbourne CBD. This followed from the announcement that Charter Hall had secured 555 Collins Street from Fragrance Group for a lazy 140 million dollarydoos, adding it to its portfolio which also includes the adjoining site at 55 King Street, resulting in a development site of 4,627 sqm,
As indicated in the article, applying a Plot Ratio of 18:1 would allow for a developable Gross Floor Area of 83,286sqm or approximately 67,000sqm NLA.
Property development and project management consultancy Armitage Jones announced via its Instagram account that it had been appointed to manage the design and build of 555 Collins Street on behalf of Charter Hall. Armitage Jones is also working with Charter Hall on its Wesley Place precinct in the CBD's north-eastern end.
"WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE - arriving in 2022!
We are beyond excited to have been appointed to manage the design and construction of 555 Collins Street - @charterhallau ‘s largest office development and what will be a landmark tower of the world. Our appointment as Project Manager and Superintendent demonstrates the depth of experience and design and construction expertise across our team. #insafehands #design#construction #architecture#propertydevelopment #realestate#skyscraper #Melbourne"
For the purpose of the study below I initially used the maximum height of Fragrance's residential scheme designed by Bates Smart at 142m. Shadow testing indicated an overall height of 160m was achievable to the highest point with a sloping roof form.
I eventually landed on a dual tower scheme comprising;
- A 19-storeys (80m) to 55 King Street with floor plates of 1,980 sqm to podium levels and 1,490 sqm to tower levels. Total GFA ; and
- a 38-storey (160m to top of slope) tower to 555 Collins Street with floor plates of 1,960 sqm to podium levels and 1,100 sqm to tower levels
- A north-south laneway 6m wide along the western boundary
This yields a GFA of 83,290sqm which isn't far off the 18:1 ratio.
The final outcome will eventually reveal itself when Charter Hall submits a revised application for the site. With Cbus Property and Bates Smart submitting an application for 435 Bourke Street just prior to Christmas one would expect 555 Collins isn't too far behind.