QIC Kick Off Construction at Eastland

QIC’s new commercial tower development, set to house up to 1000 public service workers near one of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres, has kicked off construction.

The 11-storey commercial tower, located at 110 Maroondah Highway in Ringwood, is fully pre-committed to the Victorian Department of Transport, with plans to occupy all six levels of office space once construction is complete.

Eastland shopping centre owner, Queensland Investment Corporation’s property arm is driving the project as part of its $200 million spend over the past three years into the Eastland’s mixed-use scheme in Melbourne’s outer east.

The commercial project's construction, known as EastCo, kicks off as Covid-19 puts the future of shopping centres under the spotlight. EastCo's development follows on from the $700 million retail redevelopment at Eastland in 2016.

The Fender Katsalidis-designed project will comprise 14,000sq m of A-grade commercial space as part of the town square and office precinct which adjoins the major Eastland mall.

QIC managing director Michael O’Brien says the $60 million development will house up to 1000 staff from the Department of Transport.

“The development will play an important role in the outer east region’s post-pandemic economic recovery, creating approximately 200 jobs during construction,” he said.

Fender Katsalidis director Craig Baudin said the project would be a “distinct fixture” in the local skyline, in line with Maroondah Council’s Ringwood masterplan for a mixed-use centre.

“It will complement the existing buildings at the ground level while offering a more sculptural podium above,” he says.

Builders Maben have begun construction, with the commercial project expected to be completed by 2022.