LENDLEASE will begin construction on its $1.2 billion flagship commercial building in North Sydney, Victoria Cross Tower.
With Lendlease gaining approval for the project back in July 2020, the 42-storey office tower will be built above the new metro station as part of the Sydney Metro integrated station development, creating a new commercial and retail precinct.
“We know that North Sydney’s CBD is on a path of complete transformation, and connectivity will be key with the introduction of Sydney Metro’s new Victoria Cross Station,” said Tom Mackellar, managing director of development at Lendlease.
The project aiming to become one of North Sydney’s most well-connected and sustainable workplaces, targeting a Platinum WELL and 6-Star Green Star rating, with net zero carbon and power generated by 100% renewables.
Upon completion, Victoria Cross Tower will accommodate up to 7,000 workers across around 58,000sqm of high-tech, premium space.
“Victoria Cross Tower will stand at the centre of this transformation, in what will be a thriving new round-the-clock precinct, breathing new life into North Sydney,” added Mackellar.
The Bates Smart-designed premium grade building will feature an expansive lobby and multipurpose hub space to enable community connection, with outdoor balconies and green spaces to promote worker health and wellbeing.
The ground floor lobby will connect to a retail-activated laneway with over 20 new retail and hospitality brands planned, creating a dining and bar precinct for works, locals and visitors alike.
“The office design represents the latest thinking in workplace and placemaking and will offer exceptional sustainability credentials, modern workspaces that facilitate flexible and collaborative working, as well as iconic Sydney Harbour, Harbour Bridge and CBD views from upper levels,” said Mackellar.
Lendlease’s flagship Australian office fund, APPF Commercial, owns 25% of the tower, which will be the first building in the sustainably-focused fund to be 100% electric.
The construction phase is scheduled to see approximately one floor risen each week, with the project supporting around 5,000 jobs, with around 90% derived from the Sydney area, across engineering, construction and design fields.
Victoria Cross Tower is due for a 2024 completion, with both Sydney Metro City and Southwest services scheduled to begin within the same year.
