Delivering a seamless base building upgrade and façade extension for LeavePlus

SHAPE recently delivered concurrent projects for LeavePlus at their 478 Albert Street, East Melbourne asset. The projects involved a ground floor facade extension and major refurbishment of the base building, including lobby and tenancy fitouts.

The ground floor works to extend the footprint of the entrance to the building included demolition of the existing canopy, installation of new structural steel awning and services, a new fire services booster assembly, and a new double-height glazed façade.

The scope of works for the main refurbishment included a full base building services upgrade, main switchboard changeover, rooftop waterproofing, a new ground floor lobby, three floors of office fitout with an interconnecting staircase, and two floors completed to a warm shell. This project was delivered across four separable portions, and also involved a full replacement of the external glazing, balcony works and installation of new sky signage.

Delivered while the building remained fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption to the tenants was a key client driver. With the building located on one of the main thoroughfares in East Melbourne, critical planning and clear communication was required to ensure public safety was maintained at all times.

The success of this project ensures that the asset is in line with current standards, while increasing the building’s street presence and improving the user experience.