Brookfield Tops Out $2bn Wynyard Skyscraper

The centrepiece of Brookfield Properties’ $2 billion project topped out 134 metres above the brand new transit hall for Wynyard train station.

The precinct’s 68,000sq m of office space is already 81 per cent pre-leased and will add to the Sydney CBD commercial market which recorded a 5.6 per cent vacancy rate in July.

Brookfield Place Sydney started as an unsolicited proposal to the NSW state government to fund, design, deliver and maintain the new transit hall on the block opposite the train station.

The developers also wanted to convert the old Wynyard leasehold interests to stratum freehold title and merge 285 George Street with the historic Shell House.

On the Shell House block, which also fronts 10 Carrington Street, is the PCA grade commercial tower with a total net lettable area of 59,000sq m over 27 levels constructed by building partner Multiplex.

The design by Architectus and Make Architects also includes 7,000sq m of high-end retail, a revitalised Wynyard Lane and a major upgrade to Wynyard Station’s George Street entrance.

Brookfield Asset Management managing partner Sophie Fallman they had renamed the precinct to add it to their “Brookfield Place” assets which are also located in New York, Toronto, Calgary, Dubai and Perth.

“On completion, we will provide premium accommodation for a range of tenants, including NAB, Allianz and Brookfield’s new Asia Pacific headquarters,” Fallman said.

“While delivering Sydneysiders an exciting new retail and commercial precinct, an upgraded Wynyard Station arrival experience, and an annual program of arts and cultural activities in keeping with Brookfield’s global commitment to placemaking.”

Related: Covid-19 Pressure Pushes Office Tenants to Give Up Space

One of the key components of the development was the mid-air suspension of a 400 tonne masonry heritage clock tower for the duration of the Shell House internal demolition, retention, excavation and rebuild.

Architectus chief executive Ray Brown said the entire site was now connected; the public transport interface and retail amenity has been transformed and new public through site links established.

“The tower has been thoughtfully stitched into the fabric of the city and links to two heritage buildings, providing public access for the first time to the iconic Shell House clock tower via a rooftop restaurant and public space,” Brown said.

Construction on Brookfield Place Sydney has pushed ahead during Covid-19 outbreaks in Australia and is expected to be completed in 2021.