Philanthropy takes centre stage as Hickory breaks ground at Melbourne Walk

Work has officially begun on Steadfast Capital’s Melbourne Walk, marking the start of a new ongoing partnership between Hickory Construction and The Salvation Army.

Hickory have so far donated $50,000 to the charity, whose headquarters are located close to the project site. But according to George Abraham, Managing Director of Hickory, there is plenty more to come.

“We have an opportunity whilst creating and building a legacy in the CBD to support the surrounding community. This is a significant part of Hickory’s culture.”

“We are proud to pledge our ongoing support to The Salvation Army in a partnership that aims to service and assist the welfare of others through volunteering, education, and well-needed resources.”

Melbourne Walk, known formerly as The Walk Arcade, is the first new redevelopment in the Bourke Street Mall in over 50 years.

Designed by Buchan Group, the landmark destination encapsulates eight separate buildings between Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall. Snippets of Melbourne’s history will be maintained, with a plan to protect and restore key Bourke Street façades – including Diamond House, Public Benefit Bootery, Allans Building, and York Building.

Other design features include 6,000sqm of retail and a 9-metre-high arcade, mirroring the majesty of adjacent icons Royal Arcade and Block Arcade. There will also be some 450 hotel rooms across two IHG brands – Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn. A public rooftop bar and a private gymnasium for hotel guests caps off the historic site’s new design.

Construction will be accelerated to minimise disruption in Melbourne’s iconic Bourke Street Mall.

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