Media company Seven Network has announced that it will relocate its Melbourne operations to developer Lendlease’s mixed-use Melbourne Quarter precinct in early 2025.
Relocating from 160 Harbour Esplanade at Docklands, Seven Network will occupy c.4,500sqm across levels three and four of the Tower. The new headquarters will feature a state-of-the-art workplace and a high-tech news broadcast studio that will support the network’s digital operations.
Lendlease, alongside construction company Daiwa House, announced the start of construction at the Melbourne Quarter Build to Rent development earlier this year with residents expected to take occupancy in early 2026. With a fully leased estimated end value of $650m, Melbourne Quarter is Lendlease’s first Build to Rent project in Melbourne and the first in Australia for Daiwa House.
In July 2023, the two companies announced their partnership to deliver the 797-apartment building located at the southern edge of Melbourne’s CBD at 646-666 Flinders Street. The scheme will offer a tenure secure alternative to the traditional apartment rental market in a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments over 45 levels.
“The relocation of Seven Network reflects the growing demand we’re seeing for premium, mixed-use office precincts like Melbourne Quarter that enhance the workplace experience, support productivity, and help companies to attract and retain talent. With doorstep access to transport, quality amenity and services, along with a focus on wellness and sustainability and tech-enabled flexible workspaces that can adapt to future business needs, Melbourne Quarter Tower represents the next generation of office our tenant partners are looking for.”
Tom Mackellar, Managing Director Development, Lendlease
Designed by global architects Woods Bagot and located on Collins Street, opposite Southern Cross Station, Melbourne Quarter Tower will span 34 levels and is scheduled for completion by mid-2024. It will be the final commercial building delivered in the Melbourne Quarter precinct.
The completion of the tower will see an additional 3,000 sqm of vibrant retail added to the precinct with food and beverage outlets. It will also see the creation of new laneways including a direct link between Flinders and Collins streets, connecting the precinct’s commercial, retail and residential offerings, including the Melbourne Quarter Build to Rent development.
“Docklands has been a fantastic home for Seven Melbourne for more than two decades, but the time is right to move to a new, more advanced facility, one specifically designed for our digital future. Melbourne is a critically important market for Seven and the home of some of our most valued partners, including the AFL and Cricket Australia. Our new operation in Melbourne Quarter Tower reflects the priority we place on Melbourne and will be a fantastic workspace for our people.”
James Warburton, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seven West Media
Melbourne Quarter Tower will target leading international standards in wellness and sustainability, with a 6 Star Green Star Design & As Built, 5 Stars NABERS Energy with renewable electricity to the base building, and a WELL Platinum Core and Shell rating.
Seven Network will join Melbourne Quarter Tower’s anchor tenant, one of Australia’s largest private health insurers, Medibank. Workers and visitors alike will be able to access 7,000 sqm of technology-enabled green spaces and parks in the precinct including Melbourne Quarter’s famed elevated Sky Park.
Once complete, the precinct will comprise approximately 150,000 sqm of agile commercial space for over 14,000 employees, and over 3,800 residents. National Pension Service of Korea (NPS), one of the world’s largest pension funds, acquired a 100% interest in Melbourne Quarter Tower in 2021. The investment is managed on its behalf by Lendlease.
