The longest escalators in the Southern Hemisphere have been unveiled as part of a $995-million renovation of Sydney’s Central Train Station. 

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The longest escalators in the Southern Hemisphere have been unveiled as part of a $995-million renovation of Sydney’s Central Train Station. </p><p>The 45m-long escalators are two of 42 new escalators planned for Australia’s busiest railway station.</p><p>The upgrade also includes a new underground pedestrian link, Central Walk—an 80m-long concourse underneath platforms 16 to 23.</p><p>The project is well advanced with the new Metro platforms and underground cavern excavation completed.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px" width="100%" height="323" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1-TkYuzjLY?rel=0"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>“The upgrade to Central Station will create more than 5500 jobs over the four years of construction, and represents the biggest improvement to the station in decades,” NSW premier Dominic Perrotet said.</p><p>“This city-shaping work is an extraordinary engineering and construction accomplishment.</p><p>“We’re delivering this Metro rail station below the surface at Central, while existing train services continue above.” </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The first stage of the Central Walk concourse is due to open later this year along with new escalators and lifts from platforms 12 to 23.</p><p>”When complete, this underground link will make it easier for customers to connect with train, bus, light rail and metro services,” transport minister David Elliott said.</p><p>The station’s new Metro platforms will become operational once Sydney Metro City &amp; Southwest services begin in 2024.</p><p>The Central upgrade is part of the NSW government&#x27;s $108.5 billion public infrastructure pipeline to drive the state’s Covid recovery.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The longest escalators in the Southern Hemisphere have been installed in Australia’s busiest train station as part of its $995-million transformation…

Atlassian will move ahead on plans to build a Tech Central tower with timber next to Central Station in Sydney after winning approval on the plans to be developed by Dexus

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Atlassian will move ahead with plans to build a $1-billion-plus tower next to Central Station in Sydney after winning approval for its plans.</p><p>Dexus will develop the tech company’s headquarters as part of a 39-storey mixed-use tower at 8-10 Lee Street, Haymarket in <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-central-station-tech-hub-includes-atlassian-anchored-skyscraper">Sydney’s tech central</a> precinct.</p><p>The plans by ShoP Architects and BVN show an “expansive” lobby, retail and dinning on the ground floors, while levels one to six would accommodate the Railway Square YHA and levels seven to 39 would be the Atlassian global headquarters.</p><p>This equated to 58,683sq m of office, 7952sq m of backpackers accommodation, 2579sq m of lobby and retail, along with 492sq m of basement floorspace. </p><p>The five uppermost floors of the building would create an open air environment for wellness facilities, meeting areas, lounge spaces, dining areas and planted terraces.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/5ea86bd3-f8dd-4a1d-a421-a5ae513531ad.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The Atlassian global headquarters will anchor Tech Central a 24 hectare precinct in Sydney.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The lower levels incorporated the heritage railway parcels shed and YHA hostel into the development along with a two-level pedestrian link zone to be eventually transferred back to Transport for NSW.</p><p>The 3764sq m site would link the station with Toga and Adina Hotel to the west of the site and Dexus-Frasers site to the south as well as public transport.</p><p>The Sydney-based software company with links to Airbnb, Cisco, ebay, Toyota, Redfin, NASA and Kaiser Permanente originally <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/atlassian-unveils-timber-tower-hq-at-tech-central">unveiled the plans</a> in June, 2020 and six months later lodged the development application.</p><p>In that time, <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-confirms-14bn-atlassian-tower-backing">Dexus committed</a> to funding, developing and investing $1.4 billion in the company headquarters within Sydney’s tech central precinct.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/585b007a-0cde-400f-aa38-9de96fa6981a.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The other designs considered for the site by 3XN/GXN, MVRDV + COX, John Wardle Architects + SO-IL and Shigeru Ban + Tol&amp; + PTW.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The design of the tower would achieve high sustainability outcomes for climatic control as well as the use of mass timber according to the application.</p><p>“The design intent of the exterior façade materiality is based on a lighter palette scheme that contrasts with the saturated colour scheme of natural materials at the interior of the building, including mass timber and landscape areas,” the application said.</p><p>“The outer façade is composed of staggered light grey aluminium panels supported by a steel structure that wrap around the exoskeleton columns in between steel mega floors.” </p><p>The vision of the project was to also create 24-7 activation, incorporate the area’s history and improve the public realm for pedestrians while creating an innovative, sustainable anchor development for the precinct.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Atlassian will move ahead on plans to build a tower next to Central Station in Sydney after winning approval on the plans to be developed by Dexus

Tech-giant Atlassian has given a first look at the world’s tallest hybrid-timber tower to be built next to Sydney’s central station in the Tech Central precinct.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Tech-giant Atlassian has unveiled a first look at the world’s tallest hybrid-timber tower to be built next to Sydney’s central station.</p><p>The 40-storey, $1 billion-plus skyscraper will anchor the NSW government-backed <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-central-station-tech-hub-includes-atlassian-anchored-skyscraper">technology precinct</a>, Tech Central. The government plans to attract more than 25,000 workers to the emerging precinct by 2025.</p><p>Topping out at 180 metres, Atlassian’s new timber headquarters will have a glass and steel facade with solar panels incorporated into the sides, along with a mix of indoor and planted terraces with natural ventilation.</p><p>While the tech giant is yet to lodge a development application for the project, Atlassian hopes to start construction in 2021 and complete the skyscraper in 2025. </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/timber-tower-proposals">Timber Towers Grow to New Heights: 7 Projects to Watch</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px;width:-webkit-fill-available" height="300px" src="https://youtube.com/embed/QGoZ5t-dq7E"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>New York-based architects SHoP and Australian practice BVN are the design team behind the building which uses hybrid mass timber construction.</p><p>The upper floors comprise flexible office space directed at tech-businesses while the lower floors of the tower would include 480 beds of Railway Square YHA accommodation as well as the heritage Parcels Shed which would be incorporated into public space on the site.</p><p>The mass timber tower will join already-completed timber towers including Lendlease’s 30 metre Daramu House at Barangaroo and 25 King Street in Brisbane which tops out at 45 metres.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/toga-plans-redevelopment-sydney-tech-hub">Toga Group Plans Mixed-Use Project at Central Precinct</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/db148e98-a381-4c0a-885c-18321dbc64ae.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ First look: Atlassian&#x27;s 40-storey building features a glass and steel exoskeleton built next to Sydney&#x27;s central station.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar said the space that they were building would be highly sustainable and highly flexible for the work of tomorrow.</p><p>“Even with a highly distributed workforce, we’ll need a place to come together. Now we can design this space especially for these new ways of working,” Farquhar said.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-own-silicon-valley-five-global-tech-hubs-from-around-the-world">Five Global Tech Hubs from Around the World</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/6cc4d746-9598-4c2f-8538-b470bb277e82.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The building at the Tech Central precinct includes a mix of indoor and outdoor terraces with natural ventilation.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>BVN co-chief executive officer Ninotschka Titchkosky said the build would achieve a number of firsts globally and in Australia.</p><p>“It will make what was once best practice seem inadequate and hopefully lift the ambition of the built environment across Australia,” Titchkosky said.</p><p>NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has already shown support for the timber skyscraper in Sydney.</p><p>“Atlassian is a great Australian success story and it’s very fitting for them to have their headquarters here in Sydney,” Berejiklian said.</p><p>“Tech Central will rival Silicon Valley as the place to be.”</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Tech-giant Atlassian has given a first look at the world’s tallest hybrid-timber tower to be built next to Sydney’s central station at Tech Central.

▲ Australia’s largest tech company Atlassian will anchor a 35-storey skyscraper above a new Silicon Valley-esque technology hub next to Sydney’s Central Station. 

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Private developer <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mixed-use-development-planned-in-marrickville">Toga</a> has progressed with its Western Gateway Development lodged under New South Wales&#x27; unsolicited proposal process, with plans to redevelop its key sites in the Sydney Central Station precinct. </p><p>Known as the Western Gateway Development, Toga plans to redevelop The Adina Hotel Sydney Central and Henry Deane Plaza located at Lee Street, into commercial and retail development which would include around 250 hotel rooms.</p><p>While the state government has “not agreed to the proposal”, a New South Wales spokesperson said the proposal “is of sufficient interest to warrant further development and progression to a more defined project”. </p><p>Toga seeks to convert its current long term ground leases over the sites, owned by Rail Corp, to freehold title, reveals the stage two unsolicited proposal documents. </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mixed-use-development-planned-in-marrickville">Toga Lodges Plans for 270 Units in Marrickville</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/f7d74e78-920b-4fa5-9659-6e48a36ca883.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Central Precinct, the land in and around the Central Station transport interchange, was declared a State Significant Precinct in July last year. Its neighbouring suburbs are Surry Hills, Haymarket, Chippendale, Ultimo and Redfern. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><br><strong>Sydney’s technology precinct</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The state government first announced plans to transform the southern end of Sydney’s CBD into a <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-own-silicon-valley-five-global-tech-hubs-from-around-the-world">tech and innovation hub</a>, spanning a 24-hectare precinct of government-owned land, in 2018. </p><p>The precinct covers a corridor of land that runs between Goulburn and Cleveland Streets, with Central station located at its core.  </p><p>Australia’s largest tech company <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydney-central-station-tech-hub-includes-atlassian-anchored-skyscraper">Atlassian is set to anchor a 35-storey skyscraper</a> above the new hub next to Sydney’s Central Station.</p><p>Toga’s unsolicited bid aims integrate the Harry Deane Plaza with Transport New South Wales plans for Central station, within the tech-precinct. </p><p>“Integrating Harry Deane Plaza with the surrounding Central Station precinct may realise superior urban, transport and connectivity outcome,” the Western Gateway proposal notes. </p><p>A steering committee and an assessment panel have been established to oversee Toga’s proposal. It will make a recommendation on whether the project will proceed to stage three. </p><p>Toga says it will ensure the conservation of the heritage listed parcel post building, which is the Adina Hotel site.</p><p>A financial analysis of Toga’s proposal will now be completed.</p><p>Toga is still required to obtain all relevant planning and environmental approvals which is a separate process to the unsolicited proposal process.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/hilton-plans-200m-hotel-in-unsolicited-bid">Hilton Plans $200m Hotel in Unsolicited Bid</a></p></div></div></div></div></div>

  Toga’s Western Gateway Development plans lodged through the New South Wales unsolicited proposal have advanced.

39dd31dc-7b73-4afe-bfd9-76726b90c3f0

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Australia’s largest tech company Atlassian will anchor a 35-storey skyscraper above a new Silicon Valley-esque technology hub next to Sydney’s Central Station.</p><p>More than a year after premier Gladys Berejiklian first flagged <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-own-silicon-valley-five-global-tech-hubs-from-around-the-world">plans</a> to transform the southern end of the CBD into a <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-silicon-valley-secures-software-giant-atlassian">tech and innovation hub</a>, the NSW government has released the first images of its vision for the 24-hectare Central Precinct.</p><p>The proposal sets out the urban renewal of the precinct into a transport-centered commercial district, improving public connections to bordering suburbs Chippendale, Surry Hills, Ultimo and Redfern and providing green walkways to Belmore and Prince Alfred parks.</p><p>The southern central Sydney location “provides a natural extension to the city’s development”, the draft strategy <a href="https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/A+A+western+gateway/Appendix+C+-+Central+Precinct_Draft+Strategic+Vision_Print+View.pdf">reads</a>, connecting the city at its boundaries and creating a centre for the “jobs of the future”. </p><p>“The opportunity is comparable [to] large urban renewal programs including Kings Cross, Euston and Olympic Park in London and Hudson Yards in New York.” </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-own-silicon-valley-five-global-tech-hubs-from-around-the-world">Five Global Tech Hubs from Around the World</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a1d75934-0f10-42f1-bba6-5e76e1123795.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Artists impression of the possible scale of the Sydney Central Station redevelopment. Image: Urban Growth NSW.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar confirmed that the company is working with state agencies and local government on the precinct.</p><p>“We want to help create the jobs of the future and contribute to the 25,000-plus additional innovation jobs that the precinct is expected to deliver.</p><p>“That is what the tech precinct is all about. It will breathe new life into the Central Station area, while also preserving its history and heritage.” </p><p>The Nasdaq-listed company is working on a preliminary scheme for a 35-storey, circa $800 million tower which will include a mixed-use hotel, retail and innovation space on the site of the Railway Square YHA backpackers.  </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/8565fc63-931c-42d4-b084-f3b58a0d5424.jpg" width="700"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A preliminary rendering of the towers at the Western Gateway sub-precinct, set to be anchored by Atlassian. Image: Urban Growth NSW.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>While the tech firm has appointed Avenor as an external development advisor, it is yet to appoint an architect or construction partner. </p><p>Atlassian <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-silicon-valley-secures-software-giant-atlassian">first announced</a> an in-principle agreement with the NSW government in February, with plans for the precinct to become a “technology ecosystem”. </p><p>“This precinct will be a home to future generations of Australians who might otherwise take their great ideas overseas,” Farquhar said.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/569ac5fb-ebdd-43a0-8457-227d9faa7987.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The draft strategy includes precedents of public connections and pedestrian walkways, including Sydney&#x27;s Green Square.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The government has broken down the 24-hectare Central Precinct plans into a series of sub-precincts, including the western gateway sub-precinct which the government says has the potential to kick off the development of the larger precinct.</p><p>ASX-listed development giant Dexus controls a large swathe of <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-consolidates-office-stranglehold-in-sydney-melbourne-">long-term leaseholds</a> in the area and is currently working through an <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-frasers-progress-plans-for-sydneys-silicon-valley-at-central-station">unsolicited proposal</a> for a large-scale mixed-use development above the Henry Deane Plaza. </p><p>The developer partnered with Frasers on the proposal, which includes the redevelopment of the plaza at Lee Street, while recently <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-consolidates-office-stranglehold-in-sydney-melbourne-">consolidating</a> its hold—spending $354 million on strata offices—on Pitt Street. </p><p>“While land within the [western gateway] sub-precinct is government owned, it is within long-term existing leaseholds and is subject to private sector redevelopment proposals,” the NSW government said.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/6d8a9608-a7c5-4756-aef1-51b94307a3f7.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A rendering of Dexus and Frasers proposal for the Henry Deane Plaza at Sydney&#x27;s Central Station.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Lord mayor Clover Moore welcomed the Central Precinct plans as a “forward-thinking development of what is a really under-utilised part of our city”.</p><p>“For years, debate has raged over what we should do with the land above and around the Central Station rail yards,” Moore said.</p><p>“Now NSW planning and Atlassian have a plan I’m excited about—a high tech precinct above the rail yards, connecting the surrounding suburbs with new walking connections.”</p></div></div></div></div></div>

CENTRAL STATION