Landmark development opens in Footscray

Landmark development opens in FootscrayGrocon has partnered with the Victorian Government to launch a new commercial office development at 1 McNab Avenue, Footscray, part of a multimillion dollar initiative to revitalise Melbourne’s inner west.The transformation of what was a vacant lot into an inner-city office building is part of the Napthine government’s plan to strengthen Footscray’s economy and allow opportunities for growth. The 14-storey, Grade-A building will provide new headquarters for City West Water and State Trustees and will house the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It comprises 18,000 sqm of office space and ground floor retail.The rejuvenation of Footscray is a key aim of the Napthine government’s ‘Plan Melbourne’ city plan. The development and construction of the office building has created 1000 jobs in Footscray’s city centre and is expected to bring a further 1355 jobs, in addition to providing flow-on revenue to local businesses.Grocon CEO Carolyn Viney said the project has set a new benchmark in suburban office projects and investments. “The building has achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design rating and is industry-leading in relation to its adoption of innovative steel construction practices, recognised by the Australian Steel Institute, which have since been rolled out to other Grocon projects around the country, including Westpac’s new offices at 1 Collins Street and a 55,000 sqm commercial office tower in Brisbane.”According to Victoria’s Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, the City of Maribyrnong is expected to grow by 42,000 people over the next 15 years, with 65 per cent of the population of employment age.