Get to know Bruce Chan, founder of Growland

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Nov 27, 2017

Get to know Bruce Chan, founder of Growland

Bruce Chan told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS he has always been fascinated by property. His advice to new starters is to learn as much as they can about the many different facets of the industry.

Bruce Chan, the chairman and founder of Growland.

Bruce Chan is the chairman and founder of Melbourne development company, Growland. He told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS that one of the reasons for his success is his ability to face obstacles with enthusiasm, and to constantly learn and improve along the way. He loves the process of creating something from nothing.

As both a developer and resident of Melbourne, he would like to see more innovative architecture in his home city.

How did you first get into property development?

I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and have been fascinated by property from an early age. I started purchasing and selling land projects in Brisbane back in the 90s, and I was constantly wanting to learn more about the industry and grow my knowledge and experience.

One day an opportunity presented itself to develop a multicomplex site in Melbourne, which I enjoyed so much I was inspired to start Growland.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the process of building things. Creating something from nothing that will last and leave behind a legacy is an incredibly rewarding experience.

What makes a good developer?

A good developer is one that is always willing to take on new challenges and think laterally. No matter how many projects you develop, each one presents its own unique set of obstacles; to be successful you need to meet these obstacles with enthusiasm and strive to push the boundaries of what you think is possible. When you do that, each project will be an improvement on the last and you will be proud of what you have created.

What projects are you currently working on?

Growland is in a period of significant growth and we are proud to be building our project pipeline and diversifying our portfolio. Our $600 million mixed-use residential development in Footscray, Victoria Square, has recently launched its second tower and will commence construction in the first half of next year.

Next year we’ll also be launching two house-and-land communities in Melbourne’s West, as well as a luxury residential tower on St Kilda Road. It will be a busy, but exciting, 2018.

Do you have any advice for a young person entering the property industry?

My advice for anyone entering the property sector is to continue learning and gaining experience in as many different areas of the industry as possible. Every new project is an opportunity to learn, and while you will make mistakes and occasionally make the wrong decision, if you learn from it, it is not a mistake but an experience.

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

Lately there has been a marked shift in the development industry, moving away from investor-led product and towards more considered, resident-focused design. I would like to see this continue and look forward to seeing how developers will incorporate community-building into their design and development process.

I would also love to see more avant-garde, innovative architecture that inspires and excites me both as a developer and a Melbourne resident.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Balwyn with my family. I love the quiet streets and abundance of parklands in the area, it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day.

What is your dream home, anywhere in the world?

I have travelled around the world and seen many cities, but Melbourne is my home and will always be my favourite - I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It is an incredible city that has its own unique culture and is home to some beautiful buildings and landscapes. Melbourne inspires me and reminds me of the important role the built environment has to play in shaping the way we live.