Set to become the future headquarters for EY in Melbourne, 111 Bourke Street is undergoing a major transformation led by COX, with the landmark 20-storey building being repurposed into a commercial office tower as part of the broader East End Place precinct development by Charter Hall and Brookfield Properties.

Originally designed by Woods Bagot and built by Multiplex in 2009, the redevelopment of the property was initiated following the relocation of its key tenant this year, presenting an opportunity to the developers to reimagine the existing structure into a workplace that is both environmentally responsible and forward-looking, tailored for a new generation.

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Located on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets, 111 Bourke Street is poised to become a civic anchor within Melbourne’s rapidly evolving East End.

COX’s architectural vision is grounded in a philosophy of “touching lightly”, which seeks to enhance the building’s original character while introducing new interventions that encourage placemaking and experiences.

At street level, a series of carefully crafted terracotta pavilion structures will provide a network of modular spaces for collaboration, social interaction or quiet reflection. Importantly, they have been designed with future flexibility in mind as they can be disassembled or reconfigured to meet evolving needs.

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To support the newly reimagined workplace building, a range of third space amenities will be introduced including a business hub, a flexible town hall, wellness areas, retreats, and focus zones. The use of natural materials such as timber, terracotta, and rammed earth aims to evoke warmth, tactility, and a strong sense of place.

First Nations storytelling will be woven into the landscape and architectural elements. For instance, the traditional waterways of the Birrarung are revealed through sculptural artwork and the creation of the Clearing, centred around the Red River Gum and significance of meeting places.

Looking ahead, COX has proposed a broader two-stage masterplan for the precinct, which includes activating public laneways, enhancing retail offerings, and delivering a new urban park.

“Strategic reuse and repositioning of existing buildings is critical to sustainable cities of the future. Demonstrating our commitment, COX’s design response showcases our creative approach to enhancing these assets so they can succeed in their next evolution,” says Johannes Lupolo-Chan, Senior Associate, COX.

The redevelopment is due for completion in December 2025.

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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