Melbourne's Docklands precinct booms
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27 November 2007
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More than 3000 workers from Ericcson and AXA are set to join the 7200 already at Docklands as more and more businesses flock to Melbourne’s newest major business precinct.
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“Not only are we seeing an increase in the number of businesses putting down roots in the Docklands but there is also a great deal of innovation in terms of sustainable building design such as the solar energy panels and wind turbines for renewable energy on the ANZ building,” Victorian Planning Minister, Justin Madden, said during a tour of the Waterfront City construction site today.
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Waterfront City will also be the home of ANZ Bank – which is set to become the largest single tenant office building in Australia, adding more than 5,500 employees to the precent when it is completed in late 2009.
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ANZ is also vying for the highest environmental rating currently available from the Green Building Council of Australia.
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By June 2009, the Docklands precinct will by home to 19,000 workers. By 2020, when the $10 billion Docklands development is completed, it will house 40,000 employees.
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“With a number of other major business premises currently under construction, and the continuing emergence of retail, entertainment and residential developments, Docklands is firmly cementing itself as a key place to work, live, invest and visit,” Mr Madden said.
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“Importantly, this commercial growth places environmental sustainability front and centre with innovative design features.”
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Buildings in the Docklands precinct include the following sustainable features:
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• Large campus style buildings with open floor spaces and natural light;
• Rainwater capture and re-use;
• Using space for cooling, fresh air circulation and ventilation;
• River cooling and underfloor air conditioning;
• Solar and wind power; and
• Storm, grey and black water re-use.
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Retail giant Myer has also recently confirmed it will be basing its corporate support staff headquarters in Docklands, with an estimated 750 employees to move in early 2010.
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Other businesses to make the move to Docklands include major corporations such as National Australia Bank, National Foods, Bendigo Bank, the AFL, VicTrack, Telstra, Lend Lease and the Australian Customs Service – all of which have chosen the unique waterfront location with easy access to the CBD to base their offices.
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Waterfront City will also feature the 120 metre high Observation Wheel, due to open to the public before Christmas next year.
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