Multiplex delivers FOCUS apartments to Melbourne skyline
Global construction company Multiplex has reached practical completion on Central Equity’s $450 million Southbank project, Focus.
Multiplex Regional Managing Director Graham Cottam said the completion of Focus Apartments was achieved despite multiple COVID-19 lockdowns and additional challenges to construction.
“The completion of Focus Apartments is a testament to Multiplex’s resilience throughout both the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, with only structure and façade activities continuing during this time,” Cottam said.
“We are delighted to have completed our 19th project for Central Equity, delivering yet another striking apartment tower to complement Melbourne’s skyline and the surrounding streetscape.”
Focus joins a long list of projects the duo have collaborated with each other on, including Melbourne Grand, Southbank Grand, Southbank One and City Tempo.
Construction on Focus spanned nearly two years, with 382 workers on site at peak construction periods.
Located at 71-87 City Road, the 50-storey apartment tower soars 167 metres in the heart of Southbank’s creative precinct, adjacent to the $1.7 billion rejuvenation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, with 591 apartments, in addition to a six-level commercial podium.
The glazed high-rise tower features an innovative tri-colour window wall system, with pre-fabricated aluminium slab edge covers overhanging from the facade. The modularised podium façade helps blend Focus seamlessly with the surrounding existing heritage buildings on City Road.
Multiplex used custom-built structure screens to reduce the risk of falling objects whilst façade elements were installed. This protective structure specifically assisted in the installation of prefabricated aluminium components such as the slab edge covers.
Focus also provides exclusive ‘all-in-one’ resort-style amenities, including a gym, an indoor heated pool, sauna, luxe private theatre, and an expansive resident lounge which seamlessly opens to an indoor and outdoor dining area with kitchen and barbecue facilities.
Central Equity Chairman, Eddie Kutner said the duo worked together to ensure the tower transitioned from a building site into people’s homes.
“Focus provides residents with luxury, spacious living in a premium Southbank location, with over 1100 sqm of residential amenity,” Kutner said.
“We have welcomed many occupants to the building who are already enjoying the pre-eminent location and amenity of Focus Apartments.”
