This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
AUSTRALIAN tech giant Atlassian will build the world’s tallest hybrid timber in Sydney for its new headquarters, as part of the New South Wales government’s plans for a tech hub around Central Station.
The circa 40 storey tower will rise 180 metres and host 4,000 Atlassian employees, while the company is touting it will generate $1 billion for the local economy and generate 2,500 jobs during construction.
The NSW government hopes the wider tech precinct will attract 25,000 workers and stretch from Central through to Redfern.
“Technology can turbo-charge Australia’s recovery. That’s why we’re building this precinct. We want to create jobs, ideas, and innovation,” Atlassian co-founder and co-chief executive officer Scott Farquhar said.
“Sydney has the potential to be one of the world’s leading technology cities and the creation of a tech precinct sends a loud signal that we’re in the race to take a slice of the world’s most valuable market.”
Atlassian’s 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.
New York-based architects SHoP and locally based BVN are undertaking design of the new building, to be constructed with timber and feature a steel and glass facade, and indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sustainability targets include the use of 100% renewable energy, generating less than 50% of carbon emissions compared to traditional construction projects is targeted, and consumption of half as much energy.
Completion is expected in 2025.
Co-founders and co-CEOs Mike Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar own neighbouring mansions on the Sydney Harbour, both setting Australia price records on the respective purchases and both acquired from the Fairfax family.
Farqhuar and wife Kim Jackson acquired the Elaine property for more $71 million in 2017, while Cannon-Brookes and his wife Annie paid close to $100 million for the Fairwater mansion in 2018.
