The new Myer National Support Office is to be officially opened on Wednesday 19 May.

Influenced by one of retail’s great classics, the Chanel perfume box, the new Myer workplace is contained in a simple, timeless box.  Inside the building tells a story of 100 years of retailing whilst providing a 21st century environment for all the idiosyncratic activities a great retailer undertakes to satisfy their customers.

James Grose, National Director of BVN Architecture sought a contrast to the many shapes and colours of new buildings crowding around Melbourne’s docklands.

‘Myer needed a strong identity – not one that competes with its surroundings but one that stands in contradistinction,’ said Mr. Grose.

‘We set out to design a precisely detailed building that was silky smooth and razor sharp in its language of minimalism, modernity and elegance,’ he said.

Myer Chief Executive Officer Bernie Brookes said it was important that the building’s design encouraged even more interaction among Myer Team members.

‘Myer’s vision was to create a light, flexible, connected and productive working environment for our Team Members.’ 

‘This feature is captured throughout the building where the amount of open and shared spaces will help foster a greater sense of community among Myer Team Members.’

The building acts as a gateway to Victoria Harbour which surprisingly now includes the intersection of Collins Street with Bourke Street.

Inside 1,000 staff navigate their way around 10 floors that visually recall the history of Myer from 1900 to the present day.

For instance Level 1 includes the Sidney Myer room which is immediately visible on entering the reception area.  It contains furniture from Sidney Myer’s former office at the Lonsdale Street store.

Buro North worked closely with BVN to develop the lift lobby way-finding and finishes, for example on level 6 where the 1950-60’s are featured there is a focus on abstract expression and the heightened level of creative expression in the arts.  It was also the decade of Dior and Balenciaga.

An outdoor terrace on the top level gives staff the opportunity to get some fresh air whilst enjoying views over the revitalized Melbourne Docklands.

Sustainability initiatives for the building include an east facing atrium with connecting stair, maximizing natural light penetration and reducing lift use.  There is also a gas fired cogeneration plant which will produce about 30 per cent of the base building electricity requirements.

These have resulted in the Myer National Support Office achieving a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design (v2) Certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Developed by Lend Lease Development working in conjunction with the client, Myer; this project was managed and constructed by Bovis Lend Lease and designed by BVN Architecture in conjunction with Lend Lease.
The building is owned by Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial, a Lend Lease managed fund and SEB.