Pratt Property (Kon-Tiki) questions
Can you talk about your own personal career, and how you ended up with Pratt Property?
We would prefer not to answer this question as Mal Pratt would like to be left out of the write up please. Instead please see response below:
Pratt Property Group is a long established, highly respected property development company that has been constructing quality benchmark buildings on the Sunshine Coast for over forty years with landmark, integrated, lifestyle developments.
Our extensive Sunshine Coast portfolio consists of Brightwater Tavern and Place, Bellflower Tavern and shopping complex Caloundra West, La Balsa Business Centre in Mooloolaba and Ridgehaven Market Place. Projects such as these have exceeded expectations and solidified Pratt Property as a trusted development company on the Coast.
Our company retains ownership of these developments on a long-term basis and conducts its own leasing and property management services, providing its many tenants the rare opportunity to deal directly with the landlord. We specialize in shopping centres, commercial office buildings, taverns, motels and industrial complexes.
Can you talk about the history of the Kon-Tiki business centre? What drew Pratt Property to that parcel of land, and how long was the project in development?
The project has been in development for approximately 5 years. Construction of the new build commenced in late 2014 in preparation for the basement walls prior to excavation.
The land was sought for the prime location in the heart of what will be the new Maroochydore CBD. With the Sunshine Plaza expansion adjacent to the development along with the neighbouring Sunshine Cove residential estate, several reputable car dealerships, Maroochy Homemaker Centre and new Bunnings and Officeworks superstores, it was evident that Maroochydore will be the new hub for business and leisure on the Sunshine Coast. There’s a nice outlook with the entrance to the new Maroochydore CBD easily accessible from The Bruce Highway,
What is the current status of Kon-Tiki? How many spaces are available to lease?
With over 16,000 m2 of space spanning across two state-of-the-art architecturally designed towers, Kon-Tiki is set to redefine the business environment.We have achieved our target of 30% leased by June this year. All up there are 129 individual professional suite tenancies ranging from 68m2 up to full floor plates of 1967m2. Kon-Tiki will cater for small and large businesses alike with space to grow and expand in a professional environment.
What sets Kon-Tiki’s location in Maroochydore apart? What makesthe area a great destination for your tenants to bring their businesses?
Maroochydore is currently being transformed with a brand new city centre and business district with Kon-Tiki being the front runner. Kon-Tiki is a totally new concept. With a vibrant hub and plethora of dining options, it will be theideal destination for business on the Sunshine Coast.It is located fiveminutes to stunning beaches, has easy access to the motorway and is fifteen minutes to the airport. There are two drive through points from either Plaza Parade or Dalton Drive and Sunshine Plaza and with the new David Jones Store is just a stroll away.
What sets Kon-Tiki’s facilities apart? What makes Kon-Tiki a great place for companies to do business and host clients?
Superb attention to detail, the latest in technology and connectivity, exceptional standards in building and environmental sustainability. Kon-Tiki is purposefully designed to deliver the ultimate business and client experience. The ground floor will feature a range of sophisticated retail and dining options. With well-planned access to car parking and outside streets. This area will have an energetic flow of both business people and visitors as they drop into shops, have a coffee in the stylish atrium or connectwith colleagues in our Wi-Fi hotspot. From a quick lunch between meetings and fine dining for important work functionsto casual drinks with your clients or friends, Kon-Tiki offers it all in the proposed licensed venues.
Kon-Tiki’s website says that in order to do well in business and in life, you have to “be well.” What are some of the ways that Kon-Tiki helps tenants achieve wellness?
We've created this landmark environment for tenants and their clients because we understand that to do well in business and in life, you have to 'be well'. Which is why you'll find every detail has been purposefully designed to support and delight you, your team and your clients. With a high-end gym located on level 1 you can squeeze that workout into your busy schedule. Exclusive retailers at your doorstep means you don’t need to go searching for that last minute present or corporate gift and if you’re not at your peak, take your pick from a range of medical professionals in Tower 1 which will feature a strategic mix of tenants who are associated with health, wellness and service industries.
Can you talk about the design process? What was Pratt Property’s vision for the façade of the towers as well as the interiors of the office space?
The two architecturally designed towers were envisioned with a deliberate focus on providing high-end business amenities and lifestyle options. Our award winning designer Brad Read envisioned a plan inspired by our director’s vision to provide a coastal Polynesian theme throughout. BRD Group worked with PPG in the initial phase to explore various site layouts that incorporated the two towers and the various access restrictions. PPG’s wanted to maximise the floor area potential of the site but did not want a traditional ‘box’ office building. BRD Group developed a building design that presented a striking appearance to the street frontages, provided a welcoming pedestrian interaction and maximised the floor plate potential of each building. There were challenges in the resolution of the basement car parking zones, and also podium level car parking which resulted in the need for treatment to the podium ramp. Options were also considered for the ground level retailing areas with various uses reviewed and then incorporated to provide an interactive retailing/worker zone.
Pratt Property Group wanted an office development like no other on the Sunshine Coast. The development had to break away from the traditional box form of many office buildings. The facades heavily incorporates balcony features not often found with office developments. This results in a more residential feel building and the balconies provide relief to expansive glass areas. The development carried on from PPG’s successful La Balsa development at Mooloolaba and the theming reflected the name of the Kon-tiki background. This theming also followed through into the interiors with finishes and hallway treatments to provide a pleasing occupant experience.
How would you describe Pratt Property’s relationship with your architectural partners on the project? Pratt Property Group has been dealing with our architectural partners over a very long term. We have a lot of faith in the people we allocated to the project.
PPG & BRD Group have worked together on many projects for the last 16+ years. We share a respectful arrangement where input is valued from both parties. The partnership has produced many varied projects locally and intra state with many receiving industry accolades. BRD Group regards PPG and its’ employees as valued clients and always give priority service.
How would you describe Pratt Property’s relationship with your contractors and building partners on the project? How closely did you work with them?
Again, the contractors we use we have a very strong relationships with and have partnered with them for many projects. We place a lot of trust in everyone involved in the process and relate to each other like family. We acknowledge the fact that our contractors are an integral part of the development and without their continued support and commitment, such a large scale development would not be possible.
What has been the main challenge you have faced over the course of developing Kon-Tiki, and how did you overcome it?
The main challenge involved the size and complexity of the project. When built, Kon-tiki will be the biggest office building on the Sunshine Coast. The development spreads across 2 properties in different ownership, however we were able to design, and receive approval, to have connected basement car park levels. This allows for good flow between the buildings and also to give future flexibility for uses and occupants. The other main challenge was the site servicing which required intensive liaison with several departments to re-direct or incorporate several services for the development and the surrounding developments.
Would you have anything else to say about why you’re proud of the results you have achieved with Kon-Tiki?
Pratt Property is known for delivering exceptional, well-designed developments and creating dynamic and cohesive communities with commercial and retail precincts. We love the challenge and take great pride in creating such a ground-breaking commercial landmark that will be Maroochydore’s new dynamic Business Centre. The Sunshine Coast has never previously experienced a business destination of this calibre incorporating inspired design and paying homage to the Sunshine Coast’s iconic work/life balance lifestyle.
Zach Janes
Editor
Business World Magazine Pty Ltd
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