The completion of 171 Collins Street could well be a career-defining moment for Carl Schibrowski. This Premium office tower, a child of the 21st century, will nestle among the aged masters at the Paris end of Melbourne. That's not something you see every day - the last time a Premium office development was built in the east end of Collins Street was 22 years ago. Even for Schibrowski, a young man accustomed to working on landmark projects, this is special.

Part of the new generation

The building, which will rise 20 floors and offer spectacular views of the city's most expensive skyline, will be a testament to power and performance. It will have it all - location, prestige, new-generation facilities and urban diversification. It's no surprise that it is being called 'the jewel in the city'.

It is still two years away from completion but already space in 171 Collins Street is in hot demand. Schibrowski, Senior Development Manager for Charter Hall, which is developing the tower in a joint venture with Cbus Property, insists it is because it will be a platform that will empower businesses to thrive.

This building will be beautiful. "It will be a new generation of office space among the ageing giants," says Schibrowski, who has been involved in the birth of the tower for the past five years. "Sydney has had a number of landmark buildings including Aurora Place, 126 Philip Street and 1 Bligh Street. 171 Collins will be positioned as being to Melbourne what Bligh Street is to Sydney. It will be an iconic, recognisable building. People like to be able to say, 'I work in that building'. It's a brand and people like the idea of brand recognition."

"Future proofing your business is about attracting and maintaining the best talent," he argues. "The idea that a business can be located anywhere has been proved wrong. A lot of companies are now moving back to the city and acknowledge that it is preferable to cluster together. People are social animals and they work better when they bump into each other. They perform at their best when they operate in an environment that is aesthetically pleasing and state-of-the-art."

Connectivity and urban diversity

In line with the push for connectivity with teams, there will be uninterrupted views across the office spaces. Transparency is crucial. Air-conditioning, heating and technology systems will be stored under floors. Carbon emissions will be low and it will of course be a 6 Star Green Star development. There will be floor to ceiling windows as people respond to sunlight and to great views. It will also be strong on urban diversity - tenants will have access to great cafés, high-end retail, theatres and good hotels. It will be located 300 metres from Flinders Street Station. Up to 80 per cent of employees are expected to commute by public transport.

BHP Billiton will make its global headquarters at 171 Collins Street. The company has taken seven floors and the presence of this corporate colossus will heighten the appeal of the tower. The Melbourne commercial market is already booming with vacancy rates running at just over five per cent.

According to Schibrowski, Charter Hall is in discussion with 10 tenants at the moment but the demand for space is already looking like it will outstrip supply. "We are confident that we will have 100 per cent filled by the time this building comes online," he says. "It will meet all the criteria that companies need physically to future proof their businesses."