The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples
Victoria
Once the headquarters of a major bank, 500 Bourke Street has been re-opened to the city through a deep, interior-led retrofit by FK. Originally designed in 1977, the Brutalist tower demonstrates how Melbourne’s existing buildings can be renewed rather than replaced.
At street level, the interior architecture reshapes how the building meets the city. A generous lobby opens to cafés, restaurants, and shared workspaces filled with light, natural materials, greenery, and places to gather. New pedestrian links connect Bourke Street to surrounding laneways, creating everyday civic life within the CBD.
By retaining the original structure and façade, the project saved 57,155 tonnes of embodied carbon. Powered by renewable energy and achieving a 6 Star Green Star rating, 500 Bourke Street stands as a distinctly Melbourne example of adaptive reuse delivering high-performing, people-focused workplaces.
500 Bourke Street demonstrates how considered design can revitalize a dated asset and remain competitive in its market.
FK's collaborative approach translated our vision for the tower into a dynamic and premium workplace, attracting and retaining tenants.
The retrofitted building, with its focus on sustainability and community, perfectly aligns with IFM Investors' values. Achieving net-zero operations and the incorporation of world-class tenant amenities including flexible workspaces, conference and coworking facilities, enhances our ability to adapt to evolving market demands and provide valuable services to our tenant base.
Nicky Drobis, Project Partner
Joe Venuto, Project Principal
Sarah Hurst, Interior Design Principal
Andrew Crettenden, Project Architect
Christian Ong, Architect
Freya Robinson, Associate Interior Designer
Erin Lacey, Interior Designer
Rebecca Lim, Architect
Gordon Hon, Graduate of Architecture
Will Kendall, Architectural Technician
Elisa Varela, Interior Designer
Pinar Kolay, Interior Designer
Olivia O’Connor, Interior Designer
Sophie Coquet, Interior Designer
Alpha PCM, Project Manager
Aurecon, ESD Consultant
Meinhardt-Bonacci, Structural Engineer
McKenzie Group, Building Surveyor
Diadem, Wayfinding Consultant
Meinhardt-Bonacci, Facade Engineer
Aurecon, Services Consultant (Main Works)
NDY, Services Consultant (L01 Fitout)