RIALTO FOOD PRECINCT

A new food precinct for Melbourne's iconic Rialto Towers

With over 5,000 office workers and its prime location on Collins Street, the Rialto Towers attracts over 10,000 people on a daily basis.

RED Design Group was engaged to design a new dining precinct on the Rialto's ground level. The aim was to increase the amenities for the existing commercial tenants while also targetomg customers from the West-End precinct.

The core design principles are based on the creation of comfortable and relevant food outlets to provide a new all-day dining precinct. RED worked closely with Fitzroys Real Estate agents to verify the tenancy mix, size and seating capacity to ensure patrons visit the precinct multiple times throughout the week.

RED developed a master planning solution that provided patrons with convenient access points, clear sight lines to tenancies, and the creation of different seating zones including lounge, single, double, group and communal corporate breakout areas.

The introduction of natural light via two new 4-metre high windows facing Flinders Lane will ensure the precinct is comfortable and inviting to patrons.

Planning also accommodates public access while maintaining security for building tenants and introduces operational requirements for food tenancies.

The design detailing complemented the corporate branding of the Rialto Towers. Durable materials including mosaic flooring, stone wall finishes and timber furniture were incorporated. Lighting was used to guide patrons through the precinct while also creating an intimate feeling while seated.

The project will be completed and opened during 2010.