Leading law firm Maddocks has signed a 10-year lease at Walker Corporation’s premium Collins Square Development, one of the largest mixed-use commercial and retail developments ever undertaken in Melbourne’s CBD.
The firm’s announcement to relocate to Tower 2 within the development follows a comprehensive 12-month scour for new premises.
Two of the five towers have been completed, along with the former Good Shed and Lantern buildings, and the development is now 100% leased.
Maddocks’ CEO
Michelle Dixon told
Australasian Lawyer that the firm has been at its current premises – at 140 William Street - for almost 20 years, and with the lease coming up for renewal, Pepper Property Group were commissioned to search for an alternative.
“Collins Square presents an exciting opportunity to create a collaborative working environment on larger and more efficient floor plates. It will also provide premium, modern features for our clients and teams that are not available in older buildings,” she says.
The new premises will extend across three floors and provide the opportunity to connect floors through bespoke double storey winter gardens, along with atria stairs.
The location will also put the firm in a prime position says Dixon, because it will bring it closer to a large number of clients that have already moved into that area of the city.
Maddocks will be moving in with professional services firm, KPMG.
“The building will also meet high environmental ratings providing a healthier working environment for our people. Important considerations for us also included ease of access by road, bike tracks and public transport. We are very excited to be part of what will definitely be the benchmark for commercial space in the future,” says Dixon.
The firm will work alongside architects Bates Smart to explore ways of using the space innovatively in order to promote new and efficient ways of working that are supported by technology.
The outdoor space will be available for the use of both clients and the teams, and the firm hopes to come up with a range of design solutions that will enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration, allow for more flexible working arrangements and encourage communal dining.
Dixon says the stand out features will the the visual connectivity of the space and the outdoor terrace: For the latter, she is strongly championing for the inclusion of a barbeque!
“Increasingly our people are working flexibly, including to work at our client’s offices or in alternate spaces to the traditional office or work station. The flexibility offered by technology - and certainly taken up by our younger team members - means that we can now offer a range of workspaces that best accommodate how people want work, whether in quiet private spaces or noisier 'campus' style spaces. We want to meet the needs of our teams to ensure that we continue to attract the best people, and to promote collaboration between them,” says Dixon.
She adds that the Collins Square space is designed to be flexible, and the firm will be factoring future growth into the initial planning of the fit out.
