MAKE WAY FOR THE 'PANTSCRAPER', A TWIN TOWER SET TO CHANGE MELBOURNE'S CITYSCAPE

MELBOURNE'S skyline is about to transform following the construction of a $1 billion luxury high-rise in the city centre.

Called the "Pantscraper", named after its twin towers joined by a sky bridge, Cbus Property's 42-storey mixed-use development comprises 49,000 square metres of premium-grade office space, a five-star W Hotel and 202 residential apartments.

Designed collaboratively by Melbourne-based Woods Bagot and New York-based SHoP Architects, the Pantscraper on 447 Collins Street will dominate the skyline thanks to its unique silhouette.

Three major legal firms, including King & Wood Mallesons, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, and Gadens have already committed to office space in the Pantscraper.

Gadens CEO Grant Scott-Hayward says moving into 447 Collins Street is a significant move for the Company's future.

"This development offers the unique opportunity to truly align our work space with our work ethos, in line with our focus on being an employer of choice with a high-performance culture for our clients," says Scott-Hayward.

Sole leasing agent Colliers International is still looking for top-tier financial-sector tenants to fill the remaining office space.

Marriot International's W Hotels brand will make its Melbourne debut in the building, with a 294-room offering, including 40 suites, an Extreme Wow suite, gym and heated indoor pool.

The hotel is due to open in 2020.

Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo says the residential opportunities are an unmissable chance to live in luxury.

The residential component, being marketed as Collins Arch, will comprise 202 luxury one, two, and three-bedroom apartments positioned across the building's highest floors.

Pozzo says the architects had answered the company's brief for a "landmark lifestyle" in Collins Arch.

SHoP Architects principal William Sharples explained the reasoning behind the design.

"The idea of a city-within-a-city drove the design," says Sharples.

"We wanted to create a new amenity for Melbourne that will be an amazing place to live, work or place."

Construction on 447 Collins Street has commenced and completion is anticipated for late 2019.

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