Managing Director of QIC Global Real Estate (QIC GRE), Michael O’Brien, announces that construction has commenced on eastern Melbourne’s newest commercial building, EastCo, in Ringwood, delivering A-grade office facilities and an economic boost to Melbourne’s burgeoning outer-east. EastCo will deliver 14,000m2 of A-grade commercial space as part of the evolving town square and office precinct adjoining Eastland shopping centre.
This project represents a piece of QIC GRE’s total ~$200m investment to enhance Eastland’s mixed-use offer over the last three years, following the delivery of the $700m Eastland retail redevelopment project in 2016.
Reflecting Ringwood’s status as a key suburban centre, the EastCo development is fully pre-committed to the Victorian Department of Transport, with the Department set to occupy all six levels of office space once construction is complete.
“The redevelopment of Eastland in 2016 catalysed a building boom in Maroondah, and we are now proud to be moving forward with the creation of a thriving business hub at the centre of this burgeoning region,” O’Brien said. “We are progressing our long-held vision for Ringwood’s commercial and civic reinvigoration, which we have cultivated with local and state government partners over several years.”
Designed by leading Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, EastCo promises to be a distinctive feature on the Ringwood skyline
With construction expected to be completed in early 2022, EastCo will boast a 5-star NABERS Energy rating, along with 360-degree views that stretch to the Yarra Valley from the upper levels.
Providing unrivalled convenience, civic amenity and connectivity, EastCo will sit adjacent to Eastland, the recently redeveloped Ringwood train and bus interchange, the Realm library and community centre, the Sage Hotel, and the soon-to-be-completed Maroondah City Council office.
To that end, EastCo’s addition enhances QIC GRE’s abiding mixed-use vision for the site, which incorporates Town Square – a vibrant dining destination that brings some of Melbourne’s biggest culinary brands to Ringwood and was awarded best shopping mall exterior in the APAC region by the prestigious Prix Versailles – as well as the 120-room Sage Hotel.
Furthermore, the development will play an important role in the outer east region’s post-pandemic economic recovery, creating approximately 200 jobs during construction, and providing support to local businesses via the Department of Transport’s 1000-strong personnel pool, once open.
EastCo will deliver 14,000m2 of A-grade commercial space as part of the evolving town square and office precinct adjoining Eastland shopping centre
Designed by leading Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, EastCo promises to be a distinctive feature on the Ringwood skyline. Comprising a striking glass façade designed to harness an abundance of natural light, the building’s dynamic interior spaces will incorporate premium end-of-trip facilities and an inviting double-height lobby.
“We aim to raise the bar for considered workplace design while collaborating closely with our pre-committed tenants, and we look forward to delivering a future-ready facility to the Victorian Department of Transport in EastCo,” O’Brien said.
Interior design will foreground COVID-safe working practices, with contact tracing technologies and hands-free bathroom amenities among the additions.
