The Build Up: Melbourne’s monthly construction and property update
Martin Preece
Helping Construction & Property Leaders Recruit better people and build better projects through the Recruitment of high-performers | Talking with industry professionals as Host of - The Building Talks Podcast
10 bite-sized updates to keep you in the loop on Melbourne’s construction and property sector.
Planning moves:
VCAT has approved Gamuda Land’s application for an 18-storey residential tower on St Kilda Road, overriding a permit amendment from the City of Port Phillip to cut the tower’s height by two storeys. Read more.
Earlier this month, the City of Melbourne approved the demolition of the RMIT Village in North Melbourne to make way for a 19-storey, student build-to-rent development. Read more.
In 2022, developer Time & Place bought the Hotel Lindrum for $50 million. It came with a planning permit for a 30-storey mixed-use project. Now, some 18 months later, the firm has received approval from the City of Melbourne to amend that permit – and construct a $200 million office tower above the existing 1920s building instead. Read more.
Hot property:
News from the industrial sector: An industrial estate containing Catch.com.au’s fulfilment centre has sold for $94.1 million to Barings. Its plans for the site? To use it to seed a $1 billion portfolio with superannuation fund Rest. Read more.
Awards and accolades:
Nightingale Village added another award to its pool room in November: Industry Leader in the Sustainable Places category at the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards. Read more.
Industry deep dive:
The phrase ‘commensurate with experience’ appears often in job board jargon, leaving candidates scratching their heads.
But what does this cryptic mantra really mean?
After almost two decades in recruitment, I thought it high time I broke down this ambiguous term – and demystified its meaning to both job seekers and employers.
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Looking for something to do?
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of design and storytelling as the one and only Kevin McCloud hits the stage LIVE! Kevin McCloud’s Home Truths will see the TV veteran deliver insights from his career – and answer questions in a no-holds-barred Q&A session.
When: 11 February at Hamer Hall
Mass Timber Connect is a one-day event to connect construction industry decision-makers with the opportunities mass timber provides to help drive the de-carbonisation of built assets.
When: 16 February at the RACV City Club
Bilt ANZ 2024 is designed to cater to the needs of those who design, build, operate and maintain our built environment.
When: 30 May - 1 June at the Pullman Melbourne, Albert Park
Something to watch:
Go on a journey with Architectural Digest through a tour of a futuristic home with detachable rooms. Join architect Ed Niles as he talks you through the creative process behind this architectural marvel.
Words that got us thinking:
‘You need to understand that some people just want to be told, “Go over there and do that.” Because they like people who are direct. But other people – you need to ask them. So you need to work out who likes to be told, and who likes to be asked.’
-- Mark Hughes, Senior Site Manager at Built, on how to lead onsite teams. Listen to the full interview.
Recruitment corner
Let’s start with the fun news: Building Environs Recruitment is expanding into Queensland! South East Queensland, to be exact.
The sunny suburbs of this part of Aus have become a target destination for Melbournians (warm winters, anyone?). Expanding to meet that demand means we can continue to attract the highest possible level of candidates to our clients – and provide the best possible career opportunities for the candidates in our network.
We’re on the hunt for a specialist consultant to join us up north. If that sounds like you or someone you know – make sure you get in touch.
Now, back to Melbourne’s job market, which seems to be taking a breather these last two weeks before the festive break.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s softer than a pillow fight – but still much stronger than pre-pandemic markets.
This means there are still good opportunities for job seekers. And for high performers, I don't believe it'll be too hard to secure a new role. But be aware that employers are using this time to conduct more thorough assessments of job candidates and their value, given uncertain project pipelines requiring caution when making new hires.
Looking ahead to 2024, I predict the pressure for Melbourne built environment companies to hire will be lower. So, a heads up for some – if your salary skyrocketed while your skills took a nap, 2024 might be your alarm clock.
Are you looking for staff?
Browse our list of candidates, or contact Martin Preece to discuss a recruitment solution to suit your business.
And if you’re considering a career move, check out these available roles.
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