Green space

Neue, the Macquarie Park apartment development by COLI Australia, is to set a new benchmark for apartment living in the northern Sydney suburb.

Set across two towers, the development boasts 285 residences in one, two, three and four-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175522]

Every aspect of these apartments is the result of a refined creative process, inspired by native Australian flora to provide a crafted retreat that residents will enjoy coming home to.

Urban takes a look at five things we love about Macquarie Park&rsquo;s newest apartment towers.

1. Reputable developer

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175524]

Delivered by COLI, residents at Neue can feel confident at having a home developed by a property development arm of the world&rsquo;s largest construction company.

Established in 1979, COLI has proven their successful ability to deliver high quality, innovative and progressive developments all around the world, including Macquarie Park&rsquo;s tallest residential tower.

One in 15 people living in Hong Kong reside in a home built by COLI, according to the project marketing.

2. Strong location

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175540]

&ldquo;When we saw this location, we knew it had so much to offer. As a former site for Macquarie University, it was recognised as a gateway to this neighbourhood&rdquo;, the project developers said.

Standing tall at the entrance to the thriving Macquarie Park neighbourhood, Neue has an inviting feel thanks to its open corner position but delivers the perks of privacy thanks to leafy native trees that screen the property.

The home is located next to Macquarie University, ranked among the top two per cent of tertiary institutions in the world, and Macquarie University Station, one of Sydney&rsquo;s largest transport intersections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175526]

Investors will feel confident knowing their property is placed in a new emerging CBD and the strategic centre of Sydney&rsquo;s growth plan, as well as NSW&rsquo;s second-largest shopping centre, Macquarie Park.

3. Distinctive fa&ccedil;ade

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175521]

The native Banksia is found throughout the grounds at Neue, but they can also be seen in the unique character of the two buildings&rsquo; architectural form.

&ldquo;The two buildings rise out of the ground, like the spikes of a Banksia flower. The breezeways act as the stem, with each apartment a distinctive floret. As you move your eyes upwards the colour shifts and blends, just as a flower in bloom&rdquo;, the project marketing illustrates.

Designed by SJB Architects, the pure concrete and glass anatomy display subtle tones of green and gold with every architectural detail carefully considered.

4. Green surrounds

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175537]

Rising above native gum trees, Neue stands tall at the gateway to Macquarie Park.

Beautifully landscaped, the project boasts green borders and an expansive central green area, curated to provide ample space to breathe, walk, and relax beneath the shade of verdant greenery.

COLI has delivered areas to enhance social interaction and a sense of community, with barbeques, play areas and quiet spaces to enjoy amongst friends, family or new neighbours.

Most apartments also offer unique, 180 &ndash; 270&deg; views across Sydney&rsquo;s skyline to the native treetops of Lane Cove National Park.

5. Considered interiors

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175525]

Every aspect of Neue aims to connect residents with the outside world, from the spacious lobby framed in natural stone and timber, to the material finishes within your own home.

Kitchens have&nbsp;been designed with stone island benchtops, integrated appliances, and smart pantry storage.

Refined finishes allow in natural light, while handmade joinery serves to deliver a simple and noble interior concept.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7149 project_image_fid=175536]

Inspired by handmade artisanal techniques, colours have been perfectly balanced to reflect a sense of restrained elegance and continuity as you walk through each apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7149]

Set across two towers, the development boasts 285 residences in one, two, three and four-bedroom configurations

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The top five things Urban loves about Macquarie Park apartments, Neue

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Creating more quality green spaces closer to homes and increasing the tree canopy by planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022 is a policy announced today by the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
She said the first of the priorities is to increase the proportion of homes in towns and cities across NSW within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space. 
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
Ms Berejiklian joined Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to also announce planting one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 is another Premier’s Priority.
Mr Stokes said the program will contribute to the Government’s long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.  
“We’re backing councils like Campbelltown City Council to increase the tree canopy cover across Sydney through funding and support,” Mr Stokes said. 
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy.”
The plans announced are on top of the NSW Government’s decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

A million more trees by 2022 under Premier Gladys Berejiklian

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Construction of the first stage of the Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street transformation project will begin this month. The project which will be undertaken in stages will create 2.5 hectares of new public open space on Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street, with the first stage expected to take 18-months to complete.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, City of Melbourne's aspirations for Southbank Boulevard are to transform it into one of Australia’s most pedestrian-friendly places. The Concept Plan was drafted to recognise the history of the site and is based on extensive community and stakeholder engagement.

The transformation project will provide Southbank, which is Melbourne’s most densely populated suburb with critical public open space.

Beginning on 16 July, 2018, Southbank Boulevard will be closed to all traffic between St Kilda Road and Sturt Street. Trams will continue to operate and the precinct will remain open to pedestrians.

As a part of stage 1 works 39 trees will require removal however, over 65 new trees will be planted, along with approximately 300 new trees across the entire project.

The Concept Plan, which was adopted by the  Council in 2017, outlines a new vision for Southbank that will:

<ul>
<li>Create 2.5 hectares of new public open space;</li>
	<li>Prioritise pedestrians, public transport and cyclists;</li>
	<li>Deliver a new, accessible tram stop on Sturt Street;</li>
	<li>Enhance the gateway into the Arts Precinct;</li>
	<li>Create a living link, connecting the Domain Parklands to the Yarra River;</li>
	<li>Create a ‘Melbourne Experience’ for Southbank;</li>
	<li>Build a new civic square for the precinct;</li>
	<li>Deliver a series of new neighbourhood parks for the community.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the project will weave together other projects mooted for Southbank including the upgrade of City Road, Sturt Street Civic Spine as part of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/back-to-the-noughties-melbournes-arts-precinct-set-to-get-a-major-makeover">Arts Precinct Master Plan</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/australia-108-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia108</a>, the Queensbridge Square upgrade as part of Crown &amp; Schiavello's One Queensbridge development, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/southbank-by-beulah-designs-to-be-revealed-via-a-public-symposium">Beulah International's $2bn 58 Southbank Boulevard</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/southbank_boulevard_project_staging.png?itok=1wvNGCNY" title="Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank Boulevard Project Staging Plan. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure>Upcoming works include:

<ul>
<li>Early works construction from July involving the removal of 39 trees to enable construction of the new carriageway, tram line, and tram stop.</li>
	<li>Main tram construction period from 22 to 30 September 2018 this requires the demolition of existing tram infrastructure, construction and recommissioning of new tram line and tram stop on Sturt Street.</li>
	<li>Civil construction works from October 2018 to August 2019</li>
</ul>
For more information visit <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/southbankboulevard">participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au</a>

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iiQVS9jbZO4" width="560"></iframe>
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Laurence Dragomir

Stage 1 of Transforming Southbank Boulevard and Dodds Street commencing this month

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Major universities across Australia are installing ‘greenwalls’, which involved wrapping facades of buildings with plants, in an attempt to improve concentration levels and promote overall wellbeing.
The Greenwall Company, which has pioneered the greenwall, uses design techniques across both residential and commercial projects. 
It has worked with a number of universities, including The University of QLD and La Trobe University, to design and install their patented greenwall technology. 
Mark Paul, horticulturist and founder of The Greenwall Company, said studies have proved the benefits of greening community spaces, one of which is improved concentration levels. 
“Over the past three years we have been working closely with a number of universities to create bespoke designs to work within the architecture of the buildings,” Paul said. 
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/25/LaTrobeGreenwall.jpg" alt="">
A study by Dr Kate Lee from the University of Melbourne revealed that glancing out at a greenroof for only 40 seconds boosts concentration. 
Beyond the increase in concentration levels, greenwalls help to improve air quality, are aesthetically appealing, lower power bills and even act as an insulator. 
In 2013, The University of Queensland introduced their new Global Change Institute Building, which features The Greenwall Company’s unique greenwalls as the key design feature and achieved a six green star rating. 
A 70 sqm panelled greenwall was installed over the air- conditioning vent. This formed part of the air filtration system, allowing the greenwall to clean and purify the air. 
The greenwall design also included a pond of native rainbow fish with waterplants and a vertical wetland to strip nutrients from the pondwater — a simple ecological system. 
More recently, The Greenwall Company have completed the installation of a greenwall at La Trobe University in Melbourne. 
The Healthsciences building features a mainly native planting covering 20 sqm.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Greenwalls to improve the concentration and wellbeing of university students 

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Toorak Park is the outcome of a decade of development overtones for an expansive and formerly underutilised site abutting Toorak Station.

Few projects across Melbourne are larger in terms of site size, with developer Lendlease over recent months applying the finishing touches to 446 apartments and 18 townhouses across a host of buildings. What makes Toorak Park particularly impressive though is the extensive greenery and public permeability across its ground plane.

Often by necessity the vast majority of Melbourne's apartments buildings find themselves in a truly urban context; surrounded by other buildings they are small in footprint and often lack expressive, inclusive or even interesting public realm outcomes.

Toorak Park is at the opposite end of the scale; it is not an outwardly flashy development but when roughly 35% of the site's 2.5 hectares has been seeded to green areas or parkland, it becomes an excellent public outcome.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8283.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A direct and publicly accessible link to Toorak Station"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8283.jpg?itok=p4iYKuQw" title="A direct and publicly accessible link to Toorak Station" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A direct and publicly accessible link to Toorak Station</figcaption></figure>The development team consists of Lendlease as developer/builder, Denton Corker Marshall as architect, Carr Design Group account for interiors and Tract Consultants who devised the project's landscaped areas.

Various buildings up to 12 levels dot the site, and generally present with the same architectural form and expression. Whilst they may not rank as among the most impressive buildings in Melbourne, the format and execution across the project's ground plane is deservedly worthy of praise and equal to any that Urban.com.au has reported on in recent years.

The development is bound by Orrong Road, Toorak Railway Station, Osment Street, Toorak Park and Victory Square Reserve. Greenery, permeability, and wayfinding are all present, as is a new alternative route in accessing Toorak Station and Beatty Avenue via the heart of the site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8289.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Toorak Park's built form outcome"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8289.jpg?itok=lj6VXMkj" title="Toorak Park's built form outcome" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Toorak Park's built form outcome</figcaption></figure>Toorak Park is a shining example of the accord that can be achieved when new development is inclusive of publicly accessible green spaces.

Wide, clear and well-signed paths, an immense number of plantings right across the development and the separation between vehicle access and pedestrian space are all on show; the latter is especially noticeable and makes for a quiet and safe experience when walking through the finished product.

The pre-existing pedestrian link from Orrong Road to Toorak Station which flanks the site's northern border is a prime example of what effective landscaping can do. The narrow passage formerly lined by cyclone fencing now enjoys stepped layers of greenery that provides a lit and safe pedestrian space, whilst also masking the necessary security and privacy measures for residents directly behind.

During the project's sales campaign Tract director and landscape architect Mike Stokes was quoted as saying "We create landscapes that grow old gracefully. We were mindful of the spaces between all the buildings, and responded to leafy surrounding suburbs, such as Toorak, Armadale, and Prahran."

Once the new plantings reach maturity and the overall development is 'worn in', it will be interesting to see just how gracefully the landscape around Toorak Park ages, given how impressive it is right now.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_8270.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plantings are in contrast to what was cyclone fencing"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_8270.jpg?itok=FOdRPTYe" title="Plantings are in contrast to what was cyclone fencing" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plantings are in contrast to what was cyclone fencing</figcaption></figure>See below various images of Toorak Park taken during August.
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silvermb

Toorak Park delivers where it matters most

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/77393/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Half of the world’s people now live in urban areas. This creates competition for resources and increases pressure on already limited green space. 
Many urban areas are still experiencing active degradation or removal of green space. To reverse this trend and ensure the multiple benefits of green space are realised, we urgently need to move toward on-ground action.
However, there is no clear guidance on how to translate the evidence base on green space into action. There is limited information to guide green-space practitioners on how much is “green enough”, or on how to manage and maintain green space. There is also a lack of guidance on how to deliver the multiple benefits of green space with finite resources.
<h2>Why we need green spaces</h2>
A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report aims to provide guidance on how to tackle the uncertainties of providing such spaces.
There is a substantial evidence base to show that green space is good for us. It is associated with many health benefits, both physical and mental – including reductions in illness and deaths, stress and obesity – and a range of positive social, environmental and equity outcomes.
Providing adequate green space within our urban areas is therefore paramount. We need to preserve, enhance and promote existing green spaces and create new spaces.
Various political frameworks underscore the need for these spaces in our cities. For example, the New Urban Agenda calls for an increase in safe, inclusive, accessible, green and quality public spaces. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pledges to:
… provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular, for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
<h2>Moving toward action</h2>
The WHO report carried out a systematic review of the published evidence on green-space interventions. The review found a variety of intervention types have strong evidence for delivering a range of health, social and environmental outcomes.
These intervention types range from smaller green spaces, such as street trees and community gardens, to larger, more interlinked spaces, such as parks and greenways. This signals the need to think beyond the traditional urban park when considering how to meet the demand for green space among growing urban populations.
Another finding of the review was that urban green-space interventions seem to be most effective when a physical improvement of the space is coupled with social engagement.
This highlights the importance of understanding the intervention’s target audience. Sufficient time and resources must be devoted to engaging with this audience. This should happen both during the design and implementation phases and when the intervention is completed – and promoted.
<h2>Learning from others</h2>
The WHO report compiled case studies of urban green-space interventions from across Europe, and documented the common lessons from these. 
This unearthed a range of findings. For example, fostering multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaborations during planning, implementation and evaluation is a key factor in creating a successful green space.
Another key finding was the importance of understanding that urban green-space interventions are long-term investments. They therefore need to be integrated within local development strategies and frameworks – such as urban masterplans, transport policies and sustainability and biodiversity strategies.
An example of an urban green-space intervention that showcases good practice, and which features as a case study in the WHO report, is the Connswater Community Greenway in Northern Ireland. This project adopted a bottom-up approach and emphasised community engagement. A full-time community support officer was employed. 
Having public engagement embedded from the start ensured the local community’s needs were well understood. The intervention’s design was responding to these identified needs. 
Coupling this local understanding with the latest thinking on good practice led to an evidence-based design that was fit-for-purpose in the local context.
The project was also understood to be a long-term investment. A 40-year management and maintenance plan for the greenway was developed from the outset. 
The WHO report represents an important step forward. As worrying trends in mental ill-health, obesity, social isolation, health inequalities and environmental degradation grow globally, there is a pressing need to implement equitable solutions – and green space has a key role to play in this. 
Urban green-space interventions can deliver health, social and environmental benefits for all population groups – particularly among lower socioeconomic status groups. There are very few – if any – other public health interventions that can achieve all of this.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anne-cleary-310766" target="_blank">Anne Cleary</a> is nature and health PhD Candidate, Griffith University.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ruth-hunter-376963" target="_blank">Ruth Hunter</a> is lecturer, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Green space – how much is enough, and what’s the best way to deliver it?

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Over the course of the last week <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has released images of a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/southbank-set-to-gain-a-new-park">new Southbank park</a> within its Melbourne Square development. The large public park will occupy more than 20 per cent of overall site and will be one of the first stages of the project to be delivered.

OSK Property engaged landscape architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) for the park, who are perhaps best known locally for their award-winning work at Birrarung Marr, the Australian Garden in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/cranbourne-vic">Cranbourne</a>, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the National Arboretum in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/canberra-act">Canberra</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/oskh9386_melbourne_square_ea05_park_boulevard_entrance.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park designed by landscape architects TCL. Image: OSK Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/oskh9386_melbourne_square_ea05_park_boulevard_entrance.jpg?itok=EqECtm-t" title="Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park designed by landscape architects TCL. Image: OSK Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's towers rising behind the new park. Image: OSK Property</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Melbourne Square’s dynamic public realm will be a centerpiece for Southbank, one that can be actively programmed for events, or enjoyed at leisure. The park is part of a network of gardens inspired by Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens and qualities from other cities such as Paris, Berlin and Spain.

As this is such an urban environment, we have created vistas and seating nestled among the greenery. Generous promenades and plazas encourage the Italian tradition of promenading – taking an evening walk with family and friends. It’s about creating opportunities for residents of Melbourne Square and other buildings in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/southbank-vic">Southbank</a> to engage with nature.

- TCL Managing Director, Perry Lethlean
</blockquote>

An amphitheatre-inspired space is created via a gently rising slope which includes a water feature, cascading down the pathway leading visitors up to the café terrace, providing a gateway for visitors into the development. Stairs connect to an elevated terrace, with views over the lawns and gardens and a number of retail and alfresco dining offerings.

Melbourne Square will add to the area’s continuing transformation along with the City of Melbourne’s commitment to create a new parkland development for Southbank Boulevard. The large park will be actively programmed upon completion to host events for Southbank residents such as markets and cultural activities.

Citing the City of Melbourne's 2015 Places for People report, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said one of the key drivers for projects such as Council's Southbank Boulevard Rejuvenation and OSK Property's Melbourne Square park was to address the imbalance in the number of residents in the densely populated suburb with access to green open space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sthbnk_blvd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sthbnk_blvd.jpg?itok=d-jAlw_7" title="City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>City of Melbourne's Southbank Boulevard rejuvenation. Image: City of Melbourne</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
In the past 25 years, I’ve seen Southbank go from a wasteland of old factories and warehouses to Melbourne’s densest suburb, and the only City of Melbourne suburb in Australia’s 20 densest suburbs. That has meant that Southbank has less open space than any other postcode in the municipality, at just three square metres per resident.

Our 2015 Places for People report revealed that just 18 per cent of Southbank residents accessed open space locally compared with 90 per cent in Docklands and 31 per cent in the central city.

That’s why the City of Melbourne tries, wherever and whenever possible, to turn asphalt into green open space in the inner city: it’s for the benefit of those residents who are purchasing with the confidence of employment and recreation but not always on the basis of open space

- Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, "Rejuvenation of Southbank Boulevard to reinvigorate suburb with green space" Domain, May 19, 2017 
</blockquote>

<h2>IN BRIEF</h2>

• Large public park spanning 3,700 sqm will provide Southbank with much-needed green infrastructure 
• On completion Melbourne Square will comprise six towers, retail outlets including a supermarket, childcare and health services 
• Residents will have access to a 48-metre long swimming pool, private gardens, gymnasium, entertainment facilities and more

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/osk_property_melbourne_square_aerial_park_2.jpg?itok=qFfIzF42" title="Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Melbourne Square's 3,700sqm park will help add to Southbank's livability. Image: OSK Property</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne Square to add some much needed green infrastructure to Southbank

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SPONSORED POST
The relationship between people and their environment can affect how they feel, perform and interact with others, so it’s important to ensure that the workplace is designed with these aspects in mind.
A recent report by Human Spaces, ‘Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace,’ has found a significant link between natural elements available in the physical office environment and workers well-being, productivity and creativity levels. The report collected responses from 7,600 office workers from 16 countries around the world, including Australia, the US and the UK.
According to this report, workers with higher levels of sunlight and green spaces:
<ul>
<li>Display a 15 percent higher level of well-being</li>
<li>Are 6 percent more productive </li>
<li>Are 15 percent more creative overall </li>
</ul>
It puts in perspective the importance of incorporating simple natural elements in the workplace, which provides a significant benefit to the bottom line of any company through worker productivity and well-being.
In addition, office design is an important tool in recruiting and retaining staff, with the Human Spaces survey revealing 33 percent of respondents globally state that the design of an office would affect their decision to work for that organisation.
Putting thought into practice
At Savills, we have recently incorporated these learnings into the new Savills Sydney office fit-out. The new office space is on a higher level than the previous space, the windows are larger and there will be more access to daylight. Also, the majority of work positions have been designed to be less than 6m from a window, and no work positions further than 12m from a window. 
With regards to green elements, the new office design features a larger scope of greenery than the previous space, including more than a hundred pot plants and wall mounted plants over two floors.
Improvements such as these will ensure the best performance and well-being of our employees.  
Little steps to achieve success
Unfortunately, the Human Spaces survey also revealed that globally many workplaces still lack natural light and more than half have no live plants. In Australia, 28 percent of workers reported their workplaces having no windows.  
But even for offices that do not have windows, or are unable to make huge changes, employers can still improve their conditions through minor alterations to the workplace.
In fact, research suggests it is the variation in patterns, textures and colours of nature that brings us pleasure, so we should consider how best to recreate these within the indoor environment when access to a window is not feasible.
These alterations could include:
<ul>
<li>The addition of plants to the office</li>
<li>Large scale scenic images on the walls</li>
<li>Painting the walls with some brighter colours, (specifically, accents of green and blue have been shown to improve creativity and productivity)</li>
<li>The creation of social areas that provide employees with access to natural light and a place for respite</li>
<li>Wall-mounted video screens displaying images or real-time video of natural scenes</li>
</ul>
If you would like any advice on how natural elements can benefit your fit-out, contact the Savills Project Management team.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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