Balaclava in Melbourne’s East welcomes a new commercial offering with the unveiling of ‘Open Court’ by 94 Feet, a property developer known for innovation. This project represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainability and well-being in the community.
Open Court, a six-level commercial building topped with a rooftop area, stands out as Balaclava’s first-ever office development of its kind. Tenants can look forward to a range of amenities, including a rooftop basketball court with NBA themed murals, a produce garden, EV charging stations, and top-notch end-of-trip facilities.
Designed by WMK Architecture with interiors by Technē, Open Court’s design combines exposed steel structures, warm timbers, and ample natural light. This blend pays tribute to Balaclava’s industrial heritage while drawing inspiration from the multicultural vibe of Brooklyn, New York. The result is a harmonious mix of tradition and modernity that runs through the entire building.
Located at 21-23 William St, Open Court is just 7km from the CBD, offering easy access to Balaclava train station and the vibrant Carlisle Street, which is home to cafes, restaurants, bars, banks, fitness studios, and supermarkets. The project has a value of $70m, with an NLA of 6000 sqm.
Dean Rzechta, Managing Director of 94 Feet, emphasized the project’s goal of creating a valuable space that serves the community and contributes to the area.
“There are no commercial buildings of this calibre in Balaclava and its surroundings, making it an ideal location for professionals in the Bayside area,” he explained.
Open Court’s design promotes collaboration through co-working spaces, an auditorium, and a communal rooftop with a basketball and pickleball court. This aligns with the trend of creating workplaces that foster social connections. Beyond the building’s occupants, 94 Feet envisions Open Court as a space accessible to the broader community, allowing local residents to enjoy its amenities and reserve it for special events.
The project is represented by Vincent Tran and Ben McKendry of Cushman Wakefield, along with Matt Cosgrave and Lachlan Fitzpatrick of Colliers. They highlighted the growing demand for workplaces that offer employees convenient access to public transport and quality amenities outside the CBD.
Future tenants will have the option to care for their garden plots, and there will be community benefits, including a partnership with Helping Hoops, a charity providing disadvantaged children with access to basketball training opportunities on the rooftop half-court after hours. The local community will also benefit from a large-scale artwork by Melbourne-based artist Kevin Gold, prominently displayed on the rear of the building’s exterior.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Open Court has achieved a 5-star Green-Star benchmark rating, along with power savings for tenants through rooftop solar panels and EV charging bays in the basement. Flexible floorplans ranging from 130sqm to 2500sqm are available to suit various business needs.
Open Court is poised to bring a new dimension to the commercial landscape in Balaclava, offering sustainability, well-being, and modern amenities to businesses and the community. Construction is due for completion in March 2024.
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