MAB hedges its bets in NewQuay

MAB hedges its bets in NewQuay

MAB Corporation has launched its latest mixed-use development in Docklands – the $130 million Escala.

Six Degrees Architects are on board to work on the four buildings, including residential, hospitality and commercial offerings in the eastern precinct of NewQuay.

It will comprise a 20-level single tower and a collection of podium buildings over five levels, including a red brick facade with arched windows inspired by Collingwood warehouses.

MAB said the project included an east-west laneway (a first for NewQuay) reminiscent of Degraves St, a north-facing cafe space, bar space and a new public space piazza.

The importance of the piazza is highlighted by the deliberate placement of Escala 200 metres away from Docklands’ future Woolworths, opening in 2019.

“We expect the variety of apartment sizes and shapes, not to mention the inherent flexibility of the loft and SoHo offerings, to appeal to young Gen Ys and millennials that often work from home,” MAB Corporation general manager of residential David Allt-Graham said.

MAB pointed to a recent Australian Bureau of Statistics finding that almost a third of employed persons regularly worked from home in their main job or business.

Not that their scope is limited, as the development is also just 100 metres from the future Docklands Primary School. Appropriately, Escala is Spanish for “scale”.

“However, we also feel the scale of the loft offering will attract young families seeking spacious inner city living,” Mr Allt-Graham said.

“The mezzanine can be an elevated children’s play area and the living spaces are generous for hosting friends and extended family.”

Six Degrees director Mark Healy has a “melting pot” vision for the development and its community-building opportunities.

“As a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and retail floor space interwoven in four buildings, we wanted to create a vibrant community with opportunities for people to come together,” he said.

Mr Healy has worked on a number of iconic CBD projects, including Meyers Place and the City Square, and once told The Age he’d like to demolish the Casino.

“I think it’s an absolute tragedy that we held out for so long and then capitulated, joined the rest of the rat race and built a casino,” he said.

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