MELBOURNE: Construction has commenced on public-listed Malaysian developer Eco World International Berhad’s (EcoWorld International) Melbourne project – Yarra One, an AUD243 million tower located in the heart of South Yarra.

With seven developments in the United Kingdom and West Village in Sydney’s Parramatta in its portfolio, Yarra One, which was launched in 2017, is EcoWorld International’s first foray into the Melbourne market.

Designed by Australia’s world-renowned leading architect Fender Katsalidis and offering variety to cater for an array of potential residents, the 26-level tower will encompass 255 apartments, consisting of one, two and three bedrooms, as well as four-bedroom penthouses.

Situated above an atrium, Yarra One is an elliptical tower, a sculptural composition with a gleaming curved façade, providing residents will full spectrum of views. The Yarra One residences present a range of styles and plans, and are all finished with a refined approach to materiality.

The groundbreaking celebration took place in Melbourne today (July 6) with Mayor of Stonnington Cr. Steve Stefanopoulos; Council General for Malaysia in Melbourne Westmoreland Palon; Fender Katsalidis Architects Founder Karl Fender; Eco World Development Group Berhad Director & Salcon Berhad Executive Director Dato’ Eddy Leong and EcoWorld International Executive Director Dato’ Voon Tin Yow in attendance.

EcoWorld International President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Teow Leong Seng said that the groundbreaking ceremony is a meaningful milestone for EcoWorld International to reach, and marks the first of many iconic projects the Group hopes to deliver in the Melbourne market.

“The Melbourne market is ripe with opportunity and reception towards Yarra One has been a very positive and humbling experience. We look forward to seeing the project come to life and to expand the EcoWorld brand, which is centred on liveability and lifestyle to the Australian market.”

Yarra One received widespread media recognition this year for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the introduction of a dedicated pet wash area and a Victorian first, sustainable car-sharing model with Tesla vehicles.

With South Yarra labelled the sixth most walkable city in Melbourne, due to residents having access to everything they need right on their doorstep, the need for a car is greatly reduced.

However, residents will have the option to hire a Tesla vehicle as part of the sustainable car-sharing model, with residents also given the option to include a charging point within their designated car space, as a means of future proofing the building.

Designed to enhance South Yarra’s public realm, the atrium at Yarra One will be a meeting place for both residents and visitors and will feature an open-air public workspace and an innovative three-level coworking space, said to be an Australian first within a residential building.

Located in The Atrium and designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, the open-air public workspace will be located on level one and will be equipped with laptop and phone charging stations, as well as a café and tranquil canopies of greenery.

Inside Yarra One’s Atrium will be a three-level co-working space, complete with meeting rooms, private offices, hot desks, communal space for collaboration, high-speed Wi-Fi, and of course, a cosy cafe.

EcoWorld International has appointed Hickory as its trusted builder, with construction slated for completion in the second half of 2020.

For more information please visit www.yarraone.com.au