SYDNEY’S Tech Central has taken its next step towards being realised after the New South Wales government approved the $1.5 billion future headquarters of tech giant Atlassian.
Atlassian, founded by Sydney entrepreneurs Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, brought in Dexus to fund, develop and invest in the 75,000 sqm tower that at 180 metres will be the world’s tallest timber hybrid building.
Atlassian owns the 8-10 Lee Street property and unveiled the tower design last year, pressing on with the plans despite its decree that employees can work from anywhere in the wake of the pandemic. It intends to have up to 5,000 employees working from the building.
Construction is expected to begin in the half of 2022, with completion expected by 2026. The tower will incorporate a revamped Railway Square YHA within its lower levels, as well as the heritage Parcels Shed at the YHA that was used for parcel dispatch parcels at Central between 1912 through to the 1980s.
It is next to next to Dexus and Frasers Property Australia’s earmarked $2.5 billion Central Place Sydney development, another major component of the Tech Central precinct that the NSW government will attract 25,000 workers and stretch from Central station through to Redfern.
Minister for Jobs and Investment Stuart Ayres said Atlassian said the government had also rezoned the neighbouring Parcel Post building
“With Atlassian HQ set for construction and the western gateway sub-precinct rezoned, the planning controls are now in place to transform this tired transport hub into something to rival Silicon Valley.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the approvals were a significant milestone in what would be the largest government-led urban renewal in the state.
“The revamp of Central Station and delivery of Tech Central will create a commercial core in the City’s south that would include a public domain with new open space, shops and cafes all on top of the rail corridor.”
A competitive design competition is underway for the Parcel Post building and Henry Deane Plaza, which is scheduled to be finalised later this year.
