Hub Australia Opens Its First Skyscraper Coworking Space At Melbourne’s Iconic ICI House

Published on July 3, 2019 - By Allwork.Space - Press

July, 2019 — Australia’s largest privately owned coworking provider, Hub Australia, has today officially opened its third Melbourne CBD coworking space, Hub Parliament Station. Located at 1 Nicholson Street in the iconic ICI House, also known as the Orica Building, Hub Parliament Station totals 2,757 square metres across three levels (levels 16, 17 and 18) of the building that was considered one of Australia’s first skyscrapers. 

Hub Parliament Station will accommodate over 500 members with MitchelLake Group, ClearPoint Counsel and The Bravery Trust each taking space at the premium coworking site. The newly opened location is Hub Australia’s sixth, as it builds on its nationally engaged coworking community, with its footprint now totalling 23,000 square metres across Australia. 

Hub Australia’s continued focus on transforming iconic buildings continues with Hub Parliament House. ICI House was constructed in 1958 and considered one of Australia’s first skyscrapers and this year marks its 60th anniversary fittingly with coworking pioneer, Hub Australia, taking up residency and welcomes guests to its business lounge on the top floor. Designed by Bates Smart, the original architects of ICI House, the space underwent a complete makeover and multi-million dollar refurbishment to create a premium coworking space with Palm Spring-like influences and takes advantage of incredible views across Treasury gardens, Melbourne’s CBD and to the Dandenong ranges in the south-east. 

Hub Australia CEO and Founder, Brad Krauskopf said, “We always look for unique buildings with a story and a history that our members can then weave into their own. ICI House paved the way for the new style of international architecture when it became the first example in Australia of the potential height of modern skyscrapers and we’re excited to be a part of the building’s future journey.” 

Bates Smart Director, Kellie Payne, who played an integral part to the design of Hub Australia’s new space commented, “After six decades, the building still remains relevant today and surpasses modern wellbeing criteria as it is set to house the next evolution of working by welcoming Hub Australia to its top floors. The original design of ICI House was the inspiration for Hub Parliament Station with its human-centric, forward-thinking approach to how people work.” 

Inspired by the base building’s mid-century classic design with a Palm Springs-like influence, the surrounding parklands are brought within the interior with lush planting throughout. The work-zone spine runs centrally through each floor, with all private offices positioned on the building perimeter, close to natural light with outward facing views to the parklands and city. Heritage features of the base of the building have been seamlessly incorporated throughout the new fitout. Over five tonne of custom breezeblocks are used throughout, in screens, walls and joinery, referencing the existing concrete waffle slab and ground floor lobby brickwork. 

Hub Parliament Station offers its members access to architecturally design-led facilities with a range of workspaces including bespoke offices for up to 14 people, private offices, open plan dedicated and flexible desks, break out areas, high-tech meeting and event spaces. Conducive to the needs of growing businesses and project teams of fluctuating sizes, small offices with interconnecting doors can be linked to form a larger space. 

Additional amenities include a fully serviced café operated by Hub Australia’s dedicated in-house hospitality team, large serviced meeting rooms, member kitchen and lounge, fitness space, end-of-trip facilities with towel service, parent and wellness rooms. A media studio available to all members includes full podcasting equipment as well as cutting-edge Virtual Reality equipment. 

Hub Parliament Station members and guests can enjoy Melbourne’s iconic Treasury gardens on their doorstep and character fuelled neighbourhoods of Fitzroy, Collingwood and Carlton close by. 

Ease of access to Melbourne’s CBD is substantial, with Parliament Railway Station directly opposite linking passengers to the metro network. North-side Melbournians can also take advantage of the tramway network with direct access to the 86, 96 and city circle trams stopping at Hub Parliament Station’s doorstep and the La Trobe and Collins Street trams located a short walk away. 

For further details, please visit www.hubaustralia.com. For event inquiries or bookings, please contact [email protected] or call 1300 482 611.