Melbourne Water is open

Melbourne Water is moving to Docklands following the opening of its state-of-the-art new headquarters at 990 LaTrobe St on May 29.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy did the honours in declaring the building open, assisted by Places Victoria chairman Peter Clarke.

Mr Guy spoke passionately about Docklands’ role as the new centre of business in Melbourne and praised the vision of his predecessors in the late 1990s who set the process running.

Melbourne Water is moving 800 staff into its new headquarters and is consolidating most of its operation in the process.

The environmental credentials of the new, eight-storey building are first class and it has already been awarded a 6 Star Green Star accreditation for its design.  

Digital Harbour developer David Napier said the building would also be seeking a 6 Star NABERS energy rating following an initial period of occupation and monitoring.

Mr Napier said the building’s tri-generation plant, highly efficient e-glass, external sun shading, under-floor air distribution, vacuum toilets and water harvesting were just some of the building’s credentials.

He said Melbourne Water chose Digital Harbour for its easy road access and access to public transport.

“Melbourne Water chose this building primarily for its design excellence, sustainability and appropriate staff amenity,” he said.

“Atrium voids and surrounding spaces adjacent to the centrally-located side core provide the tenant with convenient meeting areas and vertical connectivity via interconnecting stairs, encouraging efficient and effective inter-departmental communication and collaboration.”