Melbourne’s mayor Robert Doyle and a vice mayor of Beijing witnessed a commercial agreement between Australian architecture practice Denton Corker Marshall and one of China’s influential real estate developers last week.
The signing of the cooperation agreement between Denton Corker Marshall and the Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group marks their deepening relationship, and whose first project together — the Dazhongsi International Plaza, a 360,000m2 commercial/retail mall with shopping, entertainment facilities, fitness centre and health clubs in Beijing — was completed last year.
Doyle was in China to promote prominent Melbourne industries. With him are some of Melbourne’s most influential business leaders whose strong business standing is helping to strengthen economic ties in China. Greg Gong, a Director of Denton Corker Marshall, is a member of the delegation.
Denton Corker Marshall has completed projects in more than 20 countries.
Around 35 per cent of the firm’s revenue comes from China; the association with China began in 1982 with the design of the Australian Embassy in Beijing and has since extended to large scale masterplanning work, landmark developments, residential towers, infrastructure, hotels and major retail centres.
Luoying Vineyard render by courtesy DentonCorker Marshall
This week’s agreement formalises the commencement of architectural design services for stage 2 of the Luoying Vineyard project. Also signed was the contract for interior design services which will be delivered by the practice’s London office.
The vineyard project comprises a state-of-the-art winery, cellars, wine tasting facilities and related tourism activities including an art gallery, premium quality restaurants, a day spa and conference venue. A six-star 50-suite boutique hotel and 33 luxury clubhouse/villas were included in stage 1. Stage 2 will involve an additional 120 luxury clubhouse/villas.
