Virgin Australia has opened its new premium lounge in Melbourne as part of its ongoing efforts to poach business travellers from Qantas.

The new facility at Tullamarine features 300 seats spread across an plush 1,220-square metre space in the airport’s domestic terminal and is the latest effort by the formerly budget-traveller-centric airline to grab a piece of the Australian business class market, which national carrier Qantas has dominated for decades.

The space, designed by architect Tim Greer boasts polished tile flooring and streamlined interior furnishings complimented by attentive staff members in sleek uniforms. The company said the facility was made to compliment its new business class cabins and revamped fare structures and will help in the effort of attracting 10% to 20% of all government and business travellers in the local market.

Those utilising the lounge can take advantage of notebook workstations, showers, quiet areas, wireless and Ethernet internet access, charging outlets and a ticketing desk for quick questions and issue resolutions. Additionally, menu items from chef Luke Mangan are on offer and rotate regularly to provide more variety for customers.

The news follows a number of changes from Virgin, including the consolidation of its brand names as well as new fare structures and the move to target business travellers. The coming months will see lounge renovations in domestic terminals in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.