Contractor appointed for 299 Bourke St transformation

Maben Group has been announced as the main works contractor for the redevelopment of the iconic former David Jones building.

Applicant and owner of the Bourke St building, Newmark Capital, acquired the site in 2020 and is planning to transform the building to accommodate retail and office spaces while ensuring the building’s heritage aspects are preserved.

Maben Group was the most appealing contractor group for the build due to its ability to specialise in commercial and retail sectors while understanding the importance of heritage restoration.

“We are delighted to partner with Maben Group to deliver our Bourke St redevelopment project,” Newmark Capital general manager of property Angus Machutchison said.

“Through a comprehensive tender process, Maben Group demonstrated a high level understanding of the project and an impressive capability across their business to ensure a successful outcome. We look forward to working with the Maben team in the coming months.”

Plans for the development of the 299 Bourke St build are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.

The completed build of the former menswear store will see the building’s basement, ground and first floors filled with premium retail stores, including MECCA’s new Australian flagship store.

Smart and casual menswear store Rodd and Gunn will also be launching their new Lodge Bar and Dining retail concept which will front the Little Collins St side of the building.

In a new improvement on space the building’s upper floors will no longer be used for storage and instead be transformed into large, loft-style office spaces with high ceilings. All five upper floors will be occupied by media agency group Clemenger.

New rooftop terraces will also be added to the build, but according to Maben Group director Damien Marasco the heritage features will remain to be highlighted.

“299 Bourke St is a legacy project,” Mr Marasco said.

“It combines the refurbishment of the entire building, restoration of heritage elements and new structure in a challenging environment, it really suits our team.”

The purchasing of the building occurred during the midst of Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, so the hope is for the new complex to support the revitalisation of the city and draw people back to its centre. •