The opening of the new global headquarters for ANZ included speeches by ANZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith, Premier of Victoria John Brumby, Federal Minister Lindsay Tanner, HASSELL Chairman Ken Maher and Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy-Wandin. They were joined by ANZ executives, government officials and representatives from Bovis Lend Lease, HASSELL, Lend Lease design and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Situated in Melbourne’s Docklands, ANZ Centre is the largest single-tenanted commercial building in the southern hemisphere. CEO Mike Smith said, ‘This move is historic because it marks a new era for ANZ,’ and symbolises ANZ’s ‘aspiration to be Asia Pacific’s leading super regional bank.’

Ken Maher described the experience as exhilarating noting that ‘successful projects involving interesting and engaging architecture don’t happen by accident. They require creativity and innovation in their briefing and design, and enormous amounts of skill from the countless people involved in their making.’

The project sets new standards in sustainable design, with a range of environmental innovations to minimise carbon emissions and to support a healthy workplace. ANZ Centre’s 6 Star Green Star certification was presented by Tony Arnel, Chair of the GBCA and World Green Building Council. The Premier concluded his speech by cutting the ribbon with ANZ Chairman Charles Goode.