With Australia leading the way globally when it comes to hybrid work models, developers are reimagining the typical commercial office space to cater to a new way of working – one that minimises commute time, fosters connectivity and encourages wellness.
Catering to this shift is 94 Feet’s new Balaclava offering Open Court, a $70M commercial building that will deliver a new generation of office accommodation for progressive and forward-thinking businesses to maintain connectivity and flexibility in Melbourne’s inner southeast.
A recent report by global tech provider Adaptavist found Australia is leading the way when it comes to hybrid work, with 34 per cent of employees working partly from home and partly in the office, greatly surpassing other countries including the US, UK, and Canada.
Open Court presents itself as an ideal option that caters to both remote and in-person working styles due to its convenient location at 21 – 23 William Street, with over 6,000 sqm of premium office space across six levels, including flexible co-working options via Hub Australia.
Future tenants will get access to a wealth of amenities including a rooftop basketball court, produce garden, EV charging bays and five-star end-of-trip facilities, while everyday essentials are within walking distance via Carlisle Street. Located just 7km from the CBD and with direct access to Balaclava train station, commuting is a breeze.
Dean Rzechta, Managing Director of 94 Feet, said the way we work has significantly changed, unlocking new opportunities for developers to cater to this shift.
“It’s not surprising that Australia is leading the way in terms of hybrid work, we are a nation that values work-life balance, but studies have shown remote work can also lead to isolation, loneliness and increased workloads.”
“It’s about finding a middle ground, workers don’t want to spend a lot of time commuting, they want the comforts of home, yet they want to feel connected. There is a whole cohort of workers in the Bayside area who don’t want to commute to the CBD but want a well-designed office that is flexible, highly connected and offers a few extra perks in the form of amenities; this is the gap Open Court is filling.”
“Open Court is attracting an affluent professional workforce that would otherwise be attracted to competing CBD fringe suburban office precincts such as Cremorne, Richmond, Abbotsford and Collingwood.”
JLF Group will move its Melbourne office to Open Court next year, with GM of Developments Alex Fitzgerald stating the project’s location, alongside its unique amenities and design, all played a pivotal role when exploring new offices.
“Open Court ticked all the boxes in addressing our needs as a growing business – the convenient location allows the team to stay close to our appointments in the CBD while also catering to our hybrid working model. The focus on wellbeing, including the rooftop basketball court, is a further incentive for team members to come into the office – it will be a great way to break up the work day.”
Designed by WMK Architecture with interiors by Technē, Open Court’s architecture featuring exposed steel structures, warm timbers and plenty of light greatly captures Balaclava’s industrial history, whilst drawing inspiration from the energetic multiculturalism of Brooklyn, New York. A captivating blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication that permeates every facet of the building, the design element creates an environment that not only pays homage to the past, but also embraces the dynamic spirit of the present.
Open Court is currently under construction and is due to open its doors in March 2024. The project is listed with Vincent Tran and Ben McKendry of Cushman Wakefield, in conjunction with Matt Cosgrave and Lachlan Fitzpatrick of Colliers.
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