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27 August 2008
Evolutionary Workspace Officially Opens
The Gauge, the evolutionary workplace by Lend Lease, was officially opened today by Victorian Treasurer John Lenders. The 10,363 square metre development sets a new benchmark in workplace innovation and represents the most progressive, sustainable office building in the Australian market.
Lend Lease has integrated a range of initiatives into The Gauge to deliver the next chapter in the evolution of the workplace. It combines a new benchmark in sustainable building at development costs typical for a standard A Grade building, with an approach to the workplace that responds to employee needs in ways that encourage creativity and innovation.
“It is with great pride that we officially open The Gauge today; a benchmark building that has drawn extensively on the cross business synergies and capabilities of Lend Lease. This building is a true reflection of our commitment to sustainable design,” said Mr Ross Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Lend Lease.
The Gauge has been recognised for its sustainability initiatives with a 6 Star Green Star - Office Design Certified Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, recognising world leadership. The certificate was presented to Lend Lease’s Chairman, Mr David Crawford, at today’s ceremony by Green Building Council of Australia Chairman, Mr Tony Arnel.
It is also the first building to be awarded the ESD Award of Excellence by VicUrban, which signifies World’s Best Practice in Ecologically Sustainable Development, under the Melbourne Docklands ESD Guide.
With inclusions such as chill out zones, a fireplace, barbecue areas and a living green wall that greets visitors upon entry, The Gauge encourages creativity and innovation and addresses the need to attract and develop employees from across generations. At the same time, its open plan style fosters business growth and performance and has the flexibility to respond to changing organisational needs.
Mr Ross Taylor, said The Gauge builds upon Lend Lease’s impressive history of market leading commercial developments.
“The Gauge is a prime example of the Lend Lease integrated delivery model. It is the result of extensive employee and organisational research and draws on the experience, knowledge and techniques we have collectively learnt as an organisation over the last 50 years in Australia, as well as our commitment to sustainability,” Mr Taylor said.
“We saw the development of The Gauge as an opportunity to showcase best practice in all aspects of development, design and construction and to raise the standard for the industry as a whole. The result is a building that responds to the needs of the organisation and our employees and reinforces our commitment to the environment and innovation.
“Already the benefits of our innovative new workplace are evident – from the indoor comfort levels and the shared spaces, to the overall efficiency of the building. We’ve had wonderful feedback from our people and visitors alike,” he said.
Located at 825 Bourke Street in Victoria Harbour, in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct, The Gauge was developed by Lend Lease Development, with project and construction management by Bovis Lend Lease and architecture by Lend Lease design. It is owned by the Lend Lease managed Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial.
Construction of The Gauge commenced in early 2007 and was completed in April this year. Lend Lease consolidated its existing Victorian businesses at The Gauge in July; for the first time bringing Lend Lease Development, Bovis Lend Lease, Delfin Lend Lease, Vivas Lend Lease, Lend Lease Retail and Lend Lease Ventures to a single location in Victoria. The remainder of the building has been leased by Fujitsu.
Victoria is leading the way in terms of sustainability in the property sector, with three 6 Star Green Star Office Design Certified rated buildings. The certification of The Gauge puts Victoria ahead of the other states in this category.
“The Gauge demonstrates that ecologically sustainable development and commercial viability are achievable,” Mr Taylor said.
The name of the building communicates its status as a measure of Lend Lease’s progress in sustainable development. The design of The Gauge required an uncompromising commitment to sustainability to respond to its positioning within Victoria Harbour at Melbourne’s Docklands, a precinct which embraces and promotes ecologically sustainable development. The Gauge builds on and further pushes the boundaries in Victoria Harbour, setting a benchmark for world class development.
The finished product is the best example of sustainable office development not only in the emerging sustainability precinct of Victoria Harbour, but across Australia.
For more information contact:
Rachel Endean
Corporate Affairs Manager
02 9277 2525 / 0434 604 590 media
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