Melbourne’s lord mayor Robert Doyle and a vice mayor of Beijing witnessed a commercial agreement between a leading Australian architecture practice and one of China’s influential real estate developers today.
The signing of the cooperation agreement between Denton Corker Marshall and the Beijing Zhongkun Investment Group marks their deepening relationship; another 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.
Robert Doyle is in China to promote prominent Melbourne industries. With him are some of Melbourne’s most important and 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 is one of the most successful design practices operating out of Australia, with 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.
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.
The Zhongkun Group’s executive manager Mr Jiao Qing and vice executive manager Mr He Huang, joined Greg Gong and the mayors at the signing event
About Denton Corker Marshall
Denton Corker Marshall produces innovative and memorable architecture and urban design. Operating worldwide from offices in Melbourne, London and Jakarta, the practice is a significant contributor to the global architectural scene.