New residents at The Quays

Docklands will receive in an influx of new residents this month when owners and tenants begin moving into MAB’s newest residential development, The Quays.

The Quays is MAB’s largest Docklands project to date and has been validated by the sell-out of all but one of the building’s 617 apartments.

According to MAB residential general manager David Allt-Graham, there was a focus on cultivating a community within the building, with 2260 sqm of communal space located throughout the development.

“We were keen to create a bond between the private and public space at The Quays and it’s the first building we have built with a public thoroughfare, which makes getting in and around the area easier,” Mr Allt-Graham said.

The thoroughfare features a large-scale artwork by installation artist Nike Savvas with 800 iridescent, blown-glass balls suspended from the glass ceiling.

Charlotte Day, director at Monash University Museum of Art managed the commission and said the installation encouraged people to look up.

“Savvas has a real feeling for space, her artwork beautifully complements the architecture, while adding a wonderful and magical dimension to it,” Ms Day said.

Architecture firm McBride Charles Ryan (MCR) designed the building, its first foray into Docklands development.

MCR design team leader Debbie Ryan said: “The two towers act as an icon, an urban marker directed back to the approach from the CBD. The result is colourful, lively and activated, providing delight to the pedestrian realm.”

The purple-hued development encompasses a podium and two towers and includes 96 serviced-apartments, which opened in October and are operated by Sebel.

According to Mr Allt-Graham, 30 per cent of The Quays’ 617 apartments have harbour views.

Planning for the building started in November 2009 and construction started in January 2012.