This week's launch of the 627 Chapel St commercial office building was the culmination of almost two decades of planning to create South Yarra's first genuine mixed-use master-planned precinct. 

Positioned on a rare island site between iconic Toorak Road and the banks of the Yarra River and surrounded by retail, hotels and high-rise residential, space within the development went on the market last month ahead of its scheduled completion in September 2021.

Project Director at COX Architecture, Philip Rowe, said the $300 million project represented the first standalone commercial tower at this scale in South Yarra. 

“The ambition for Forrest Hill to be a truly mixed-use precinct was initiated by council almost 20 years ago and this aspiration was an important influence on our design of 627 Chapel Street," he said.

"We wanted to ensure the project improved public amenity and evolved the area’s broader master plan, generating a new vision for workplace in the heart of South Yarra.

“Once the project is complete, an influx of two thousand people will work there by day and play by night - this corporate tower will activate the area and grow the micro-economy. 

Developer Goldfields’ brief to COX for 627 Chapel St was clear and concise: to create a beautifully designed building that encourages interaction with the streetscape at pedestrian level with the look, feel and function of a premium grade office building. 

The design by COX plays with the streetscape, positioning retail and food and beverage amenities to attract surrounding activity into the building and connecting the entire building as a single entity, all the way through to the open garden terraces high above.  

For Mr Rowe, the 1,500 square metre island site at the northern end of Chapel St offered the opportunity to create a landmark, both in terms of built form and what it provides for the community. 

“In the early stages the fundamental approach to the project was to understand the value that 627 Chapel Street could add to the surrounding, streetscape, the Forrest Hill precinct and the broader South Yarra community,” he said. 

“This development offers flexible and sophisticated office accommodation above activated street edges, while differing from neighbouring buildings  through an entry off Chapel Street.”

“Extending the façade along this side street captures the natural light and views afforded by its north-facing aspect.” 

Space within the tower is being marketed by Adam Spencer-Shirley of Cushman Wakefield.

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