Vacant commercial buildings don’t have to stay empty. With the right vision and delivery, they can become vibrant, purposeful environments that serve communities in entirely new ways. McCormack’s work with Hester Hornbrook Academy in Melbourne’s CBD is a perfect example.
The former office tower has been repositioned into a 2,500sqm multi-level city campus. But this wasn’t just a fitout, it was a transformation. McCormack delivered structural upgrades, flexible learning spaces, breakout zones, and wellbeing areas that support both academic and personal growth for students in a trauma-informed environment. Spaces were designed to be open and interconnected, yet adaptable to different activities and group sizes.
A major structural intervention, the slab cut-out and steel installation linking Levels 3 and 4 became more than just engineering. It created a central spine, connecting classrooms with social and wellbeing zones, encouraging movement, interaction, and a sense of belonging. Circulation became an experience, not just a route from A to B.
Flexibility was a guiding principle throughout. Classrooms can adapt for different learning modes, breakout spaces can support small groups or large gatherings, and wellbeing areas cater to individual needs. Even hybrid learning was built into the design, with AV and remote teaching infrastructure integrated seamlessly, ensuring the campus is ready for the evolving demands of modern education.
The campus is anchored visually and culturally by a large-scale mural by artist Emma Bamblett. Bold, symbolic, and vibrant, the artwork adds identity and meaning, reflecting Aboriginal ways of knowing and learning. Delivered as part of the wider fitout, it demonstrates how thoughtful construction can support culture, care, and creativity in a tangible, built form.
Delivered on time and within budget for Term 3, 2025, the project demonstrates the power of asset repositioning. McCormack turned a vacant office building into a dynamic city campus, creating a space where students feel safe, inspired, and ready to thrive. It’s proof that with the right planning, coordination, and execution, old buildings can take on entirely new roles, and in doing so, enrich communities and bring purpose back to urban assets.