MAB responds to changing Australian workforce with latest mixed-use development
- Buyers offered a range of urban living opportunities including apartments, lofts and three-level home-offices
- Escala is comprised of four buildings with a mix of retail, hospitality, commercial and residential offerings
- Esteemed Six Degrees Architects take inspiration from Melbourne’s laneways and design culture using creativity as a strategic factor for a sustainable urban development in NewQuay, Docklands
MAB Corporation has launched its latest mixed-use development in Docklands, presenting lofts and apartments for flexible living, in addition to triple-level homes with a downstairs work studio for the new generation of workers.
The $130 million Escala, located on Docklands Drive, sees the Melbourne developer work alongside the esteemed Six Degrees Architects, to combine a collection of four buildings, encompassing residential, hospitality and commercial offerings in the eastern precinct of NewQuay.
Residential options include an evolution on the highly-successful loft designed apartments from nearby Elm & Stone, in addition to innovative triple-level ‘SoHos’ with direct street frontage and the flexibility of a downstairs work studio.
“We expect the variety of apartment sizes and shapes, not to mention the inherent flexibility of the loft and SoHo offerings, to appeal to young Gen Y’s and millennials that often work from home,” said MAB Corporation General Manager of Residential, David Allt-Graham.
A recent Polycom global survey of more than 25,000 workers around the world, The Changing World of Work, found that nearly two thirds of the global workforce take advantage of ‘anywhere working’.
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data supports this finding domestically, showing that almost a third (3.5 million) of all employed persons regularly worked from home in their main job or business.
“Thanks largely to digital transformation and tech-savvy millennials, flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm for most Australian businesses, and we were keen to offer a practical and inspiring place for people to live and work,” continued Mr Allt-Graham.
“However, we also feel the scale of the loft offering will attract young families seeking spacious inner city living. The mezzanine can be an elevated children’s play area and the living spaces are generous for hosting friends and extended family.”
Escala will comprise of a 20-level single tower and a collection of podium buildings over five levels to become a unique addition to Dockland’s skyline – and streetscape – with its unique T-shape formation.
“Unlike traditional apartment buildings, the tower is a T-shape design to maximise the northern light, city and water views, as well as create more corner apartments.”
He added: “Escala is the Spanish word for ‘scale’ – with lofty concrete ceilings and double height living spaces a signature of this development.
Six Degrees Architects are credited amongst the pioneers of Melbourne’s city living culture. Their expertise in creating sustainable, design-led environments comprising of work space, boutique apartments and hip restaurants and bars will bring to life the vision for this prominent site.
“In Melbourne’s CBD, you don’t see cafes, shops, apartments and offices divided – it’s all a big melting pot which gives the city its buzz. As a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and retail floor space interwoven in four buildings, we wanted to create a vibrant community with opportunities for people to come together,” explained Six Degrees Director, Mark Healy.
“An east-west laneway is a first for NewQuay and will bring a little bit of Degraves Street to the Docklands. Similarly, Escala embraces diversity on a scale reminiscent of Barcelona or Brooklyn as expressed in the uniqueness of each building’s character.”
“The red brick façade and arched windows of Escala reflect the charm of Collingwood warehouses, a striking gold art piece will weave through the centre of the buildings, while the lobby’s stained-glass windows will case soft hues over lush outdoor greenery.”
“The new piazza is a focal point for community life and a place where people will cross paths. The pool, gym and rooftop garden is shared by all tenants; while the library is reserved for residents to enjoy the double height windows and garden views,” added Mr Allt-Graham.
Reflecting on what will be the last stage of development in the eastern part of NewQuay, Mr Allt-Graham added: “As our 13th boutique apartment complex in NewQuay, we’ve learnt a great deal about apartment living. Undoubtedly, Escala is our most diverse and sophisticated project to date.
“Offering more lofts than any previous development, and a substantial live-work element, it reflects MAB’s commitment to create flexible spaces for busy people with changing requirements, and those who appreciate good design.”
Price and size range:
- Apartments
- 1-bedroom apartments range from 51-66 square meters and cost between $400,000 -$590,000
- 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments range from 64-73 square metres and cost between $603,000-$770,000
- 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments range from 83-97 square metres and cost $790,000-$880,000
- 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments range from 97-104 square metres and cost $1,090,000-$1,180,000
- Lofts
- 1-bedroom lofts range from 64-100 square metres and cost between $490,000-$690,000
- 2-bedroom lofts range from 88-111 square metres and cost between $780,000-$930,000
- SoHos
- 1-bedroom SoHos are 121square metres and cost $1,060,000
- 2-bedroom SoHos range from 88-132 square metres and cost between $785,000 -$1,210,000