Southbank Real Estate ready to evolve

“I chose Evolve as the name for this business because the word sums us up and also applies to Southbank,” says Gary Cakir.

“We are growing and developing as a real estate business, and so is Southbank as a place to live, work and visit.”

Gary is the principal at Evolve Real Estate, on Queensbridge St. He has grown the business from a one-man operation into a large private company.

In July 2010, he decided to expand Evolve with a roll out of franchises to add to a small number of company-owned metropolitan locations.

The head office remains firmly in Southbank.

“There is so much potential for this whole Southbank precinct to keep growing and developing,” Mr Cakir said.

“Our aim is to be a modern, innovative, one-stop property agency that covers all aspects of property transactions, with real estate, conveyancing and financial services.”

He said the business’s website was sophisticated but user-friendly, and “is regarded by international and domestic users as the most usable and informative website in the property market.”

“Evolve Real Estate has embraced technology and recognised the importance of strategically understanding the online market,” Mr Cakir says.

But Evolve also espouses old fashion values, Mr Cakir said, pointing to a message on the business’s website: “There are no short cuts to a job-well done. The success of Evolve’s branch and staff is attributed to expert knowledge, determination and attention to detail.”

Mr Cakir is developing Evolve beyond the core real estate role of residential sales and leasing.

“We offer commercial sales, property management, executive leasing, financial services, conveyancing, legal services and even career training through Evolve Total Real Estate Training,” he said.

“Service is what makes Evolve stand out from all the rest – that’s our difference.”

Mr Cakir is certified with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and an auctioneer with plenty of flair, with more than 100 auctions under his belt.

For more call Evolve on 9690 8800 or visit www.evolverealestate.com.au All looks good from up here!

The outlook is all good for Southbank, according to one of the precinct’s “biggest” attractions, Eureka Skydeck 88.

“The whole Southbank area just keeps growing bigger and bigger, with more going for it all the time,” says the Skydeck’s operations manager, Rob Rabba.

Rob has a unique vantage point – his workplace is 88 floors up and, at 285m, lays claim to being the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere.  

It also has the hair-raising “Edge Experience” – a glass cube which slides out of the building and holds up to 12 people.

It’s as close as you would want to come to “walking on air”.

“Southbank is buzzing with activity,” Mr Rabba said.

“It’s great to walk down the Yarra River bank, especially on a Saturday and Sunday, with all the buskers and terrific cafes and restaurants.”

“Car parking couldn’t be easier. Below us in the Eureka Tower, Wilson car parking is only $8 all day on weekends and we validate the ticket here, so it’s reduced to just $5.”

“Anzac Day is unbelievable, when the air force’s F/A-18 jets fly by. The hot air balloons are colourful and seem really close.”

Mr Rabba said the night view was incredible, “especially when the MCG and AAMI Stadium are all lit up”.

“The Australian Open tennis is great too. And Channel Nine films the Carols by Candlelight from up here,” he said.

It makes you realise how lucky we are to live in Melbourne. And Southbank is special.

“When the Skydeck opened on May 15, 2007, we brought new life into Southbank. This tourist attraction is helping to put Southbank on the world map.”

“The appeal of Southbank, and the role Eureka Skydeck 88 has in the local community, is a key feature of our marketing strategy.”

Eureka Skydeck 88 employs 55 staff who look after half a million visitors each year.

Entrance is on Riverside Quay, next to City Rd, Southbank.  Call 9693 8888 or visit www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

It’s so tall you can’t miss it.