Training firm’s launch, large Melbourne projects headline Down Under.

LML Directors Launch New Business in Australia

Richie Lobert and Dean Morgan, directors at LML Lift Consultants of Melbourne, Australia, have launched a new business, Vertical Ambition. The new endeavor provides classroom and onsite training for the vertical-transportation industry. Courses include basic technical training for facilities managers; advanced technical training for professionals holding formal trade qualifications, such as electricians entering the industry who require specialized lift and escalator training; and training for new hires and administration, account management, sales and technical management.

Otis to Outfit Melbourne’s Tallest Residential Tower

Otis Australia has been hired to provide 22 units to Aurora Melbourne Central, which will be the tallest residential tower in downtown Melbourne when completed at 270 m. The order consists of four Elevonic®, five SkyriseTM and 11 Gen2® Premier elevators and two heavy-duty escalators. Three of the Gen2 units will be equipped with the CompassPlusTM destination-management system. The developer is UEM Sunrise of Malaysia, and the architect is Elenberg Fraser. Probuild is performing construction. Otis Australasia President Ken Muller said the company hopes the project will increase the popularity of Skyrise and CompassPlus products in Australia.

KONE Tapped for Modernization Project in Melbourne CBD

KONE has been selected by GPT Group to modernize 25 elevators and install a destination-control system in the 211-m-tall, 51-story office building, Melbourne Central Tower, in the city’s Central Business District (CBD). Work is scheduled to begin in June and wrap up in mid 2018. The upgrades promise to increase the system’s handling capacity and enhance efficiency through installation of new hoisting machines and regenerative drives. The improvements will enhance the 65,000-m2 property’s green credentials.

Pair of 70-Story Towers Greenlighted in Melbourne

Authorities have given the green light to a pair of 70-story mixed-use towers in Melbourne’s central business district (CBD) to be known as Queens Place, Channel 9 News reported. Located at 350 Queen Street, the development will contain 16,000 apartments, 8,000 m2 of retail/office space and a supermarket. It is among the largest projects ever for downtown Melbourne. 3L Alliance is the developer, and construction will be done in phases to minimize disruption to its bustling surroundings.