RMIT University and Scape (part of The Living Company) have announced one of the most significant investments in Melbourne, committing more than $270 million combined to establish the State Library Exchange.
Positioned directly above the new State Library train station, this flagship development will leverage the connectivity delivered through the Victorian government’s Metro Tunnel investment, bringing together learning, teaching, research, industry engagement and student accommodation in one purpose-built space.
Representing one of the largest commercial lease agreements in the CBD in recent years, it will not only reinforce the gateway to RMIT’s education precinct, but also contribute significantly to Melbourne’s student housing supply, with 46 levels of dedicated student accommodation available from 2029.
Australia’s largest privately owned construction company, Built, has been appointed as design and construction partner, following its successful completion of Scape Swanston, Scape Carlton and Scape Franklin.
RMIT will lease the first nine levels, creating modern, flexible spaces to support hands-on learning and collaboration. This will enable students to work with industry in real-life settings, build connections, and gain work-ready experience.
This follows the highly successful Franklin Street collaboration with Scape, where RMIT’s University Pathways (RMIT UP) students live and learn under the one roof.
The launch marks a major milestone for RMIT’s City campus and delivers a significant economic boost to Melbourne – driving jobs, investment and long-term CBD growth – while strengthening the city’s position as a global education leader for decades to come.
This investment also supports RMIT’s Living Places Plan by creating the infrastructure needed to upgrade and enhance the City campus over time.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alec Cameron said: “This investment marks a defining moment for RMIT’s future – a place where students, researchers and industry partners collaborate in the heart of Melbourne.”
“Being connected to State Library Station strengthens RMIT’s presence in one of Melbourne’s most important civic and cultural precincts,” he continued.
“This is a city-shaping commitment and one of RMIT’s biggest long-term investments in Melbourne. It’s more than a new facility – but a catalyst for our Living Places Plan – which will strengthen RMIT’s presence in Melbourne’s CBD and support the continued evolution of our City campus,” RMIT Property Executive Director, Seamus McCartney added.
Scape by The Living Company CEO, Anouk Darling summarised: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with RMIT to deliver the State Library Exchange – a project above one of the busiest transit corridors in the world – Swanston Street’s tram line – and connected directly into the Metro Tunnel, State Library Station puts the Exchange at the literal crossing point of how Melbourne moves, learns and lives.
“Partnerships like this one are built on a shared a vision for creating places where students can thrive, and this development reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of meaningful relationships in supporting Melbourne as a world-leading student city.”
