55 Collins Street
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Client
Mirvac
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Architect
Grimshaw
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Project Manager
Turner & Townsend
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Consultants
NDY
NDYLIGHT
BG&E Consulting Engineers
4D Workshop -
Location
Melbourne
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Status
Completed in 2025
Designed by the legendary I.M. Pei and opened in 1981, Collins Place became a landmark at Melbourne’s prestigious “Paris End” of Collins Street. This world-class complex included two office towers, 35 and 55 Collins Street, a 5-star hotel, flexible office spaces, professional suites, premium retail tenancies, a vibrant food and beverage precinct, and an entertainment hub with a cinema. Spanning 193,000m², Collins Place stood as one of Australia’s most significant developments.
Building Engineering was engaged by Turner Townsend on behalf of Mirvac to deliver a transformative redevelopment of the lobby, End-of-Trip facilities, and Levels 1 & 2 of 55 Collins Street. The project redefined the tower’s ground plane, creating an inviting, modern environment that attracted new tenants and visitors, reinforcing Collins Place as a premier work and lifestyle destination. The tower itself rose over 45 levels, offering 53,000m² of floor space.
The redevelopment centred on openness, connectivity, and functionality. Key outcomes included:
– A revitalised façade celebrating the new spaces within
– A newly revealed upper façade showcasing double-height coworking areas
– A transformed Great Space with a vibrant café and social hub
– New collaboration zones for networking and relaxation
– Increased daylight penetration and visual connectivity to Collins Street
– A modern workplace environment with enhanced accessibility
– A brand-new food & beverage precinct
The scope of works delivered included:
– Comprehensive lobby refurbishment, with substantial structural modifications
– Major façade demolition and reconstruction, aligned with 35 Collins Street
– Full demolition and fit-out reinstatement on Levels 1 & 2, creating a Cold Shell for The Commons tenancy
– Significant building services upgrades
– Expansion and modernisation of the End-of-Trip facilities
Given Collins Place’s active environment, meticulous planning ensured minimal disruption to tenants and visitors. Building Engineering worked closely with Mirvac, Turner Townsend, and the consultant team to uphold exceptional safety standards while maintaining seamless operations.
Key stakeholders included:
– Existing tenants at 35 & 55 Collins Street
– The Sofitel Hotel, Kino Cinemas, and The Great Space retail & F&B precinct
– Professional office suites, retail tenants, and their customers
– Neighbouring hotels, residential apartments, commercial properties, and The Melbourne Club
The redevelopment was delivered alongside other major capital works at Collins Place, requiring close coordination to achieve a smooth and cohesive modernisation process. Through innovative design, expert planning, and precise execution, Collins Place evolved into a dynamic, thriving destination at the heart of Melbourne’s commercial and cultural landscape.
Photo credit: Jack Lovel Photography
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