Merrifield – Our kind Of city

The MAB Corporation Newsletter September 2012
www.mab.com.au
Merrifield –
Our kind
of city
FEATURES
02> out and about / Home away from home 03> Merrifield at Mickleham master plan
06> A new boost for NewQuay 07> GREAT PROGRESS at THE QUAYS 08> NIKE EXPANDS / Shell confirmed at
West Gate Express 09> University Hill update / A fresh look at Oscar’s 10> Our Personnel - Fiona Grogan
Out and about
MAB in the community
Docklands canoeing
The team at MAB Corporation is an active
group, with a strong culture of participating in
a range of community and sporting activities.
This year, Chief Operating Officer David Hall
participated in the third Victorian Vinnies CEO
Sleepout held at Etihad Stadium. While the
weather on the night was particularly punishing,
Mr Hall said that the stories from homeless
Victorians had the greatest impact. “It was quite
a confronting experience and one that resonated
with the whole team,” said Mr Hall.
2012 Vinnies CEO Sleepout
In addition, the team has volunteered their time
to assist a number of charitable organisations
including the Property Industry Foundation Wrap
Night for its Winter Woollies Campaign where
the team donated and wrapped winter socks,
scarves and other merchandise to be distributed
to youth living on the streets.
MAB staff have also participated in a wide
range of sporting events including the Herald
Sun Run for Kids, BRW Triathlon and Medibank
Melbourne Marathon Festival.
BRW Triathalon
On a lighter note, the organisation’s sport and
recreation committee has also coordinated
several social activities for the team to enjoy
ranging from cooking classes, wine and cheese
nights to canoeing at Docklands.
“We work hard during the working week but
also like to remain active and contribute to our
local communities outside of work,” said Mr
Hall. “I am proud of the team’s commitment.”
Home Away from Home
Business Travellers
Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure continue
to attract a large number of corporate guests
travelling to Melbourne, particularly those
planning to stay more than just a day or two.
Accounting firm Pitcher Partners certainly sees
the value in using Docklands Apartments Grand
Mercure for its International Secondment Program.
Sarah Lamb, HR Manager at Pitcher Partners,
said that 10 to 15 secondees move to
Melbourne each year as part of the program,
requiring up to three months accommodation.
“We need accommodation that is a ‘home away
from home’,” said Ms Lamb. “Guests need the
convenience of a hotel with all the space and
comforts of home, so a fully self contained
apartment, allowing them to cook their own
meals and do their own washing, is ideal.
“They love that they have the ability to entertain
and cook meals for each other. They are close to
The Victoria Market and can easily pick up fresh
produce or if they don’t feel like cooking, they have
so many dining options right on their doorstep.”
2 MAB September 2012
“Secondees are here for work but also enjoy
being able to experience the best of what
Melbourne has to offer – the apartments
and location have the right balance between
corporate and tourist.”
Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure
is located on the waterfront at NewQuay
and offers contemporary designed, fully
self contained Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom
apartments, with fully equipped kitchen
and laundry, private balcony, spectacular
views and access to a meeting room, business
centre, undercover car parking, pool, gym and
countless dining and shopping opportunities.
ideal for self-catering
Apartments are within walking distance of the
CBD, Queen Victoria Market, Harbour Town
Shopping Centre and Etihad Stadium.
For further information, to view
any special offers, log onto the
Docklands Grand Mercure’s website
at grandmercuredocklands.com.au
or phone Carolyn Smith on 9641 7508.
Fully self-contained apartments
3 MAB September 2012
4 MAB September 2012
Merrifield
a new 24-hour city
MAB’s Merrifield team on-site
Victoria’s largest fully masterplanned, mixed-use
development – Merrifield at Mickleham – has been
approved by the Victorian Government.
A joint venture between MAB Corporation
(MAB) and Gibson Property Corporation (GPC),
Merrifield will see the transformation of over
900 hectares into a bustling 24 hour city,
creating up to 30,000 new jobs and providing
new homes for more than 20,000 residents.
MAB General Manager, Residential Land, Luke
Noonan, said the approval of the Melbourne
North Growth Corridor Plan and the Merrifield
West Precinct Structure Plan was a key milestone
in delivering the overall Merrifield masterplan.
“We are now a step closer to fulfilling our vision,”
said Mr Noonan. “We already have planning
approval for the Merrifield employment precinct
and now with the Victorian Government’s
announcement, we can complement this by
delivering a new residential community close to
jobs, retail, parks, sporting ovals and facilities,
schools and community services.”
Situated along Donnybrook Road between
the Hume Highway and Mickleham Road in
Mickleham, Merrifield will set a new
benchmark in shaping Melbourne’s future.
Mr Noonan said the announcement also
confirms the Merrifield City Centre
(Mickleham Town Centre) as the new
heart of Melbourne’s rapidly expanding
northern growth corridor.
“Located conveniently near homes, jobs and
the proposed Merrifield Park, the Merrifield
City Centre will provide wide ranging social
and community facilities to meet the needs
of residents and workers within Merrifield
and beyond,” said Mr Noonan. “This includes
opportunities for higher education, public and
private schools, regional sports, health and
medical facilities.
The approval of the Merrifield West Precinct
Structure Plan provides for in excess of
7,000 new homes, three mixed-use local
town centres, community facilities, two
secondary and four primary school sites
and over 100 hectares of public open space
towards the greater Merrifield masterplan.
“We are building the foundations for a truly
sustainable community - new jobs and
new homes linked to high quality transport
infrastructure,” said Mr Noonan. “This is our
most visionary development to date.”
Mr Noonan added that at the core of
sustainable masterplanning is proximity
between employment and where people
choose to live. “Until Merrifield, we have not
seen a plan in Melbourne’s growth areas that
includes such an integrated approach – a
thriving community with connections to existing
and planned transport infrastructure,” he
said. “We will deliver new homes, jobs and an
opportunity for business to prosper.”
At completion, Merrifield is expected to
comprise in excess of 5,000 homes and
a 300 hectare, purpose-built commercial
and business precinct that has the potential
to create up to 30,000 new jobs.
“With Merrifield’s strong strategic location
- just 30 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD
and with direct access to Melbourne freeway
network - we see a large number of jobs for
the transport, manufacturing, freight and
logistics industries,” said Mr Noonan.
“Merrifield is poised to become Victoria’s new
heartland of business activity.”
For further information, contact MAB
Corporation on 8681 2222 or visit
www.merrifieldmelbourne.com.au
MAB September 2012 5
A new boost
for NewQuay
Artist’s Impression
Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy
has approved the NewQuay Development
Plan at Docklands.
The underutilised land at the former Waterfront
City site will be transformed injecting life and
activity into the precinct.
This includes:
• A new 5,000 square metre landscaped
public park; and
• Five residential buildings, including the
possibility for a serviced apartment hotel.
MAB Corporation Chief Operating Officer David Hall
said the plan was one of the first projects approved
as part of the Second Decade of the Docklands
development phase, which was all about people.
“The plan will revitalise business and the
6 MAB September 2012
community by attracting more visitors, more
workers and permanent residents to the
area,” Mr Hall said. “The park will be one of
the largest green open spaces in Docklands
and will offer a tree-lined grassed area to
ensure a safe and relaxed new public space for
Docklands’ residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The approval of the NewQuay Development Plan
follows 18 months of planning and consultation
with the community, Places Victoria, the
Department of Planning and Community
Development and the City of Melbourne.
“MAB has developed a plan which revitalises a
hard and uninviting space,” Mr Hall said. “This
includes areas for public events, more green
open spaces and a diverse range of architecture.
“We want to ensure NewQuay is a visual landmark
for Docklands and a new community hub.”
Over 800 new apartments will also be
constructed over five buildings.
“It is anticipated an additional 1500 new
residents will be welcomed into the precinct,”
said Mr Hall.
The buildings will be designed by three leading
Melbourne architects to offer diversity in
architectural styles.
NewQuay is conveniently located
on Victoria Harbour, in the heart
of Melbourne’s Docklands.
For further information call
8681 2222 or visit www.mab.com.au
THE QUAYS
GREAT PROGRESS AT LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT
For further information:
Phone: 1300 137 590
Online: www.the-quays.com.au
Visit:
Display Suite
24 NewQuay Promenade
Docklands
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Excellent progress has been made at The Quays
Construction is progressing at a great pace
on The Quays development at NewQuay.
Chief Operating Officer David Hall said a
number of key construction milestones have
been achieved including slab work for the North
and South towers and work commencing on the
development’s stunning swimming pool.
The South Tower lift core is currently at level
eight and the North Tower life core is at level
four. The Podium life core is at level three. The
first columns for the building were poured in the
South Tower ground floor earlier this month.
The ground floor will include a Health Club
with a 25 metre swimming pool, spa, sauna,
gymnasium and a yoga studio.
On level one, residents will be able to work,
relax and entertain in the Residents’ Club with
exclusive access to a library, business centre,
private dining room and cinema lounge.
The podium will be crowned with an expansive
roof top garden adjacent to a tennis court,
clubhouse and barbeque facilities.
“Brookfield Multiplex has made excellent
progress on site,” said Mr Hall.
“This is an iconic address, offering an amazing
lifestyle,” said Mr Hall. The Quays is designed by
award winning architects McBride Charles Ryan.
The Quays is on schedule for occupation
by Christmas 2013. The landmark development
comprises 617 apartments and features a podiumbased twin tower with a striking glass façade.
More than 80 percent of apartments have
now been sold. Superb one, two and three
bedroom residences are still available with
prices starting at $421,000.
MAB September 2012 7
Nike
expands
Shell confirmed at
West Gate Express
The excitement around the success of Uni
Hill Factory Outlets continues with retail
giant Nike relocating to a brand new position
within the outlet centre.
The new outlet makes Uni Hill home to the
biggest Nike Factory Store in Melbourne.
Nike Pacific Retail Director Dallas Boland
said, “We are delighted to open Melbourne’s
largest Nike Factory Store at Uni Hill Factory
Outlets. We have moved from a 400sqm
store to a new 1,037sqm location so at
approximately 2.5 times its size, this delivers
a bigger and better range of product to
enhance our consumer experience.”
Uni Hill Factory Outlets Centre Manager
Marina Vitali said Nike has been one
of the most popular outlets amongst
shoppers in recent times.
“When shoppers visit Uni Hill Factory Outlets,
they will find an impressive line-up of
international, national and local brands. Having
Melbourne’s largest Nike Factory Store at the
centre further strengthens the line up.”
Big brands such as Decjuba, Politix,
Birkenstock, Simone Perele, Tony Bianco,
Skechers and Jetty Surf are also playing
their part in attracting shoppers to the
factory outlet in Bundoora.
Uni Hill Factory Outlets can be found at
the corner of Janefield Drive and Plenty
Road in Bundoora and is open 10am – 6pm,
seven days a week.
Visit www.uhfo.com.au for further details.
Artist’s Impression
Global energy company Shell with Coles
Express has announced its latest location at MAB’s
West Gate Express development in Port Melbourne.
Located at the West Gate Freeway / Cook Street
off-ramp, the architecturally designed service
station will provide a striking entry to Melbourne.
MAB General Manager - Commercial and
Industrial, Richard Johnston said “The opportunity
arose for fuel suppliers to select the best site along
the West Gate Freeway and we are delighted that
Shell has chosen West Gate Express.”
“We have been working closely with the
City of Melbourne and government authorities
to ensure the development complements its
strategic location adjacent to the West Gate
Freeway,” said Mr Johnston.
With Shell now secured, MAB is now in a position
to offer West Gate Express’ remaining four fast
food tenancies to the market. The leasing agent
for the development is Jones Lang LaSalle’s
Director of Retail Leasing, Jaycen Willox.
West Gate Express will service inbound
commuters, the wider Port Melbourne area
and the future population of Fishermans Bend.
“Not surprisingly, with Shell confirmed, the
site’s high exposure and direct access to
160,000 vehicles on the West Gate passing
each day, West Gate Express is seen as a
valuable and highly strategic addition to any
retail network,” said Mr Willox.
Uni Hill Factory Outlet
8 MAB September 2012
“Initial discussions have been very positive with
one of the two drive-through tenancies already
close to being secured. I would expect that if the
fast food market is able to meet the expectations
of such a premium site, we will be looking at a
fully leased facility in the very near future.”
Construction of the service station is expected
to commence in late 2012.
West Gate Express is at the eastern most
corner of MAB’s Expressway Business Park.
“Expressway has been a great success,”
said Mr Johnston “It was sold out quickly
and we expect construction to be completed
by September this year.”
For further information,
contact MAB Corporation
on 8681 2222 or visit
www.mab.com.au
University Hill update
Oscar’s
Minister Guy launches 240 UNI HILL
A fresh look
Planning Minister Matthew Guy with Andrew Buxton
Victorian Planning Minister, Matthew Guy,
joined small businesses to celebrate the
opening of University Hill’s latest commercial
development – 240 UNI HILL.
Managing Director Andrew Buxton and Chief
Operating Officer David Hall took the Minister on
a walking tour of University Hill, Bundoora before
returning to 240 UNI HILL for the official launch.
The $22 million development is the third
commercial building at University Hill with a
potential of 300 jobs for the City of Whittlesea.
Minister Guy said University Hill is an example
of a well-planned, mixed-use development
that has already delivered 1,500 jobs by
attracting information technology, research
and development businesses as well as regional
headquarters for leading corporations.
“Providing local jobs in the growth areas
and new suburbs where our workforce is
increasingly opting to live is an integral part of
managing Melbourne’s growth,” Mr Guy said.
The recently refurbished Oscar’s Table
providing inner city convenience in
a well positioned suburban location.
“The location of 240 UNI HILL is ideal, close
to public transport, major arterials and a short
stroll to the University Hill Town Centre.”
The development provides office
accommodation for 39 small businesses,
with≈secure undercover car parking, additional
at-grade parking, landscaped garden entryway
and a corporate lobby.
Tenants have also been attracted to two onsite facilities – a leading cafe and dedicated
conference facilities.
Designed by Watson Young architects, the
development has quickly become a signature
building in the north.
“240 UNI HILL has incredible street presence
at the gateway to University Hill,” said Mr Hall.
“We look forward to welcoming businesses to
their new offices.”
MAB Chief Operating Officer David Hall said the
development is a great success, with a range
of Government services and private enterprises
locating their businesses at University Hill.
Restaurant owners Matt Walsh and Brett
Thomas said that Oscar’s Table is inspired
by the European cafés and restaurants of
the 19th century. “We are proud of the warm
and inviting atmosphere at Oscar’s Table
including the centrepiece – the long table
which provides the opportunity for communal
dining,” said Mr Walsh.
With a strong focus on delicious ‘share
plates’ and hearty mains, Chef Phong Nguyen
embraces cuisines from around the world
- from Thai and Vietnamese to French and
Spanish. Tuna tataki; honey and soy glazed
pork ribs; thrice cooked potatoes and vanilla
panna cotta are all firm favourites on the menu.
“Our dishes are truly mouth watering,” said
Mr Walsh. “We are committed to the dining
experience and making the most of our
superb, waterfront location.”
Oscar’s Table is also available for functions,
tailoring packages for a variety of different
style events and size groups. “We aim to
create a unique and memorable experience
for guests,” said Mr Walsh.
“University Hill has become the business hub of
the north with 100 businesses and 100 retailers
in the Town Centre,” said Mr Hall. “We continue
to work with a range of organisations to attract
their business to University Hill.”
Mr Hall said that 240 UNI HILL represents a
new-generation business environment,
The recently refurbished Oscar’s Table
combines the best local ingredients with
culinary expertise to create an exceptional
dining destination in the heart of NewQuay.
Oscar’s Table is located at 50 NewQuay
Promenade, NewQuay, and is open for lunch
and dinner seven days from 11am and for
breakfast Friday - Sunday from 8am.
240 Uni Hill is now complete
Visit www.oscarstable.com.au or phone
9642 4242 for information and bookings.
MAB September 2012 9
Our Personnel
Fiona Grogan – Senior Asset Manager
Fiona currently manages two key
MAB assets - Uni Hill Factory
Outlets and University Hill Town
Centre in Bundoora - as well as
MAB Diversified Property Trust’s
six retail and commercial assets
located throughout Australia.
“From negotiating a deal, agreeing
on strategies and driving the dayto-day management of a centre,
each day is varied which l really
enjoy,” said Fiona.
Since commencing at MAB in
2005 Fiona has experienced a
number of great changes, both
professionally and personally.
“I have been provided with a
number of great opportunities
at MAB, including the chance to
recently expand my role which has
been very satisfying,” said Fiona.
“I thoroughly enjoy juggling my
role as mum to three beautiful
children with a challenging role
in the Funds Management and
Corporate Assets team.”
One of Fiona’s key achievements
has been securing ALDI as an
anchor tenant at MAB Fund
Management’s Mornington Village
Shopping Centre.
“Adding value to a tenancy mix
and finding creative solutions to
improving a centre are key drivers,”
said Fiona. “Seeing a centre thrive
is a satisfying feeling and ALDI was
a great example of that.”
Fiona has always loved
architecture and the property
industry. “I really enjoy all
“I have been provided with a
number of great opportunities
at MAB, including the chance
to recently expand my role
which has been very satisfying”
aspects of the industry from
design and marketing, through
to fund modelling and strategic
development,” said Fiona.
After completing a Bachelor
of Business (Property) at RMIT
University, Fiona began her career
at Hamilton Lawson overseeing
80 warehouse properties in
Melbourne’s South East. “It was
a small organisation so a great
role to cut my teeth,” said Fiona.
From Hamilton Lawson, Fiona
joined the Jones Lang LaSalle
team to manage a portfolio of
CBD office buildings. “Moving to
a large, international organisation
was a complete change for me,”
she said. Fiona made the most
of the opportunity, moving to
London to take up a Property
Manager role. “My time in London
was fantastic,” said Fiona. “And
when it was time to return home
to Australia, l was able to secure
a role at Jones Lang LaSalle’s
Melbourne office once again.”
Fiona lists the culture and positive
atmosphere at MAB as key strengths.
“As we all know, the property
cycle experiences its ups and
downs,” said Fiona. “However,
the team at MAB have always
dealt with challenges well. I have
always felt supported and valued.
It is a great team.”
CORPORATE RATES FOR ‘THE VISION’ SUBSCRIBERS
Docklands Apartments
GrandMercure offers short and
long term accommodation for
corporate and leisure travellers.
Fully furnished studio, 1, 2 & 3
bedroom apartments with spacious
interiors and private balconies.
For special rates or to have a
private apartment tour contact
Carolyn Smith on 1300 789 200.
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