The four-storey building will be located at 21 Cityside Drive opposite Merrifield City shopping centre as part of QIC’s vision for a thriving commercial and lifestyle hub in one of Melbourne’s key growth corridors. The new A-grade office accommodation is expected to attract small- and medium-sized employers to the area, enabling locals to work close to home and reclaim time otherwise spent commuting to the inner city.

Designed by innovative Melbourne studio NH Architecture, the 5870sqm of workspace will be complemented by childcare facilities, medical services and a gym to enable seamless transitions between home and work life for the young and ambitious residents of Merrifield. In addition to the existing retail and hospitality offering on the site, a swim school is also slated for construction, further enhancing the wellbeing opportunities available to local parents.

Daryl Stubbings, QIC’s Director of Australian Investment Management, said: “Turning the sod to begin construction on 21 Cityside Drive is an exciting point in the execution of the vision that we share with Merrifield master developer MAB Corporation for a new style of suburban living complete with best-in-class workplace solutions, ultra-convenient lifestyle amenity and vibrant neighbourhood culture.”

He continued: “This CBD-standard office development will complement the existing Merrifield Business Centre in elevating the appeal of the suburb among Victorian businesses that wish to take advantage of its proximity to both the CBD and Melbourne Airport, while bringing new daytime vitality to the area and new customers to the doorstep of Merrifield City.”

Similar to the all-electric office tower currently under construction at Eastland, the energy-efficient commercial building will comprise a range of sustainable and wellness-oriented design features including a state-of-the-art water management system, full-wall windows to maximise natural light and electric vehicle charging stations within its 150-space carpark. 

A joint venture between QIC, MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation, Merrifield is located 30km from Melbourne’s CBD with strong connectivity to the Hume Freeway as well as the planned Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and Donnybrook train station.

21 Cityside Drive is due for completion mid-2024. Find out more at merrifieldcitydevelopment.qicre.com >