Building 3 Botanicca
Richmond, Victoria
Project Description:
Owned by Growthpoint Properties, the Building 3 land parcel was the last remaining and most prominent site to be developed at the Botanicca Corporate Park in Richmond. The land owner’s vision was to develop a landmark office building capable of attracting tenants of corporate headquarte status.
A detailed analysis of the existing planning permit, approved in the overall Development Plan for the Corporate Park campus, was the prerequisite activity to formulating a development strategy and approval process to enhance the investment potential for development of this unique site. The resulting development approval added significant value, effectively increasing the original approved Development Plan GFA from 10,000 sqm to 18,000 sqm and varying the building height level control over the site from 3 levels to a mix of 5 and 6 levels. The project is due for completion in early 2020.
Role:
Phase 1 involved a detailed analysis of the current planning status for the site, preparation of development feasibility studies for several design alternatives and the provision of a recommended planning pathway that would best achieve Growthpoint’s objectives.
In Phase 2, DPS provided Growthpoint with a completed development strategy including recommendations on design development, the lodgement of a planning application together with the required statutory amendment to the Development Plan.
The DPS recommendation was adopted by the client in 2015.
Challenges:
The challenge was to create a building footprint that would deliver a large floorplate, capable of easy subdivision both vertically and horizontally to ensure leasing flexibility. The site also had major basalt outcrops just 1-2 metres below ground level, requiring provision of substantial above ground car parking.
Gaining the increase in height was achieved through negotiation with the State planning team based on the merits of locating a landmark building on the prominent corner of the campus and the need to optimize an above-ground carparking solution.
