Dexus names architects to design $2.5b development
Property behemoths Dexus and Frasers Property Australia have appointed award-winning architects Fender Katsalidis and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to design their $2.5 billion Central Place Sydney project at Sydney’s Central Station.
The winning design was selected following the first City of Sydney design competition to be run entirely online.
The tech-focused design comprises two office towers of up to 39 levels. The project will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and will feature a range of healthy building initiatives including touchless entry points.
“The future of work and workplaces will be defined by the technology and innovation businesses who will occupy this precinct, with Central Place Sydney set to become a leading innovative workplace and a global exemplar of city centre regeneration,” Dexus chief executive Darren Steinberg said.
“The project would help cement Tech Central’s role as a key driver of innovation and growth, delivering Australia’s very own Silicon Valley emerging now at Central.”
The proposed twin tower development is adjacent to another ambitious plan for the precinct, a $1 billion-plus concrete and timber tower slated to be Atlassian’s new headquarters.
The Central Place Sydney project has made it through to the third and final stage of the NSW government’s unsolicited proposal process after Dexus and Frasers joined forces over buildings they own at Henry Deane Plaza on Lee Street.
Central Place Sydney would accommodate up to 150,000 square metres of workspace across the two towers and podium building.
A key element of the proposal is an underground facility for essential services which will allow future over-station development and facilitate the renewal of Central station.
Frasers Property Australia CEO Rod Fehring said Central Place Sydney was a never to be repeated opportunity in scale and potential.
“It demands an inclusive approach through strong partnerships, a long-term view and, critically, an internationally recognisable design,” Mr Fehring said.
“This is a precinct Frasers Property knows well and has helped shape, with the world-renowned Central Park having delivered real public-realm improvements while celebrating the precinct’s place in Sydney’s history.”
The development is expected to support 700 jobs in construction and more than 10,000 jobs when complete.
“The project will contribute to the large-scale urban change that is vital to enhancing Sydney’s global reputation, reinforcing its appeal to leading technology and innovation businesses,” Mr Steinberg said.
“It will also support the city’s busiest transport interchange, Central Station, rejuvenating the precinct with a vibrant retail and dining offer and as one of the most distinctive and lively places to work or visit.”
