Multiplex completes new city presence for Monash University

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Premier global construction company, Multiplex, has completed Monash University’s new vertical campus in the Melbourne CBD.

The new Monash University campus, which will be principally occupied by Monash College, provides fit-for-purpose education spaces that enable active and engaged learning. It also provides a vital gateway with industry.

The building, located at 750 Collins Street in the heart of Docklands, merges operations from 222 Bourke Street, 321 Exhibition Street, 271 Collins Street in the CBD, and the University’s Clayton and Caulfield campuses.

Designed by Lyons Architecture in collaboration with five additional architects, the building spans 10 levels and provides 40,700 square metres of state-of-the-art educational facilities and a total building occupancy capacity for 6,900 people.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said blending engaging and collaborative education spaces, that also allow for connections to industry, are critical for our future leaders.

“Our students are the next generation who will help make real change across the world and these rich educational experiences, working alongside industry, are key to inspiring minds and addressing future challenges.”

The Monash University building features modern collaborative workspaces for students, internal winter gardens, a 400-seat auditorium, 11 specialist science rooms, seven art and design rooms and a student hub/wellness centre set to optimise both the teaching and learning experience.

The building also includes student kitchens and breakout spaces throughout, as well as retail tenancies for food outlets on the lower levels. A range of special finishes have been used throughout the campus, including timber atrium framing, bamboo light fittings, epoxy floor finishes, bluestone paving and various carpet textures.

“With restrictions easing, our students have started returning to campus and we couldn’t be more excited for them to experience the brand new City campus in Docklands,” said CEO of Monash College Jo Mithen.

“From the Village Social and Urban deck areas, where students can hang out, through to the many breakout and information spaces for quiet study and group assignments, there is a space to suit everyone,” she said.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam said Multiplex was proud to continue its collaboration with Monash University, with 750 Collins being the fifth project delivered for Monash in recent years.

“It’s great to have once again worked with Monash to deliver a truly progressive campus for students.”

Monash University Vice-President Campus Infrastructure and Services Renaye
Peters added, “Multiplex has worked in partnership with Monash University to deliver on a vision of world-class facilities based on student-centred design.”

Construction of 750 Collins Street commenced in 2020 with some 400 workers on site throughout the build.

The redevelopment included structural modifications to the atrium, making way for 10 new escalators in a ‘criss-cross’ format connecting all floors. Each escalator weighed 8.6 tons when fully assembled.

Multiplex has extensive experience delivering high-quality accommodation and educational facilities for Monash University. The contractor recently delivered Monash University’s Gillies Hall student accommodation, comprising 150 single occupancy units over six levels. Multiplex also delivered Monash University’s new Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts at its Clayton Campus in Victoria.

In 2018, Multiplex completed the Learning and Teaching Building at Monash University, and the multi-storey 30,000 square metre facility is a cornerstone project at the University. The contractors also completed the Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building at Monash University, delivering a new world-class education space to Monash’s Clayton Campus.