The $3 billion Tech Central towers plan next to Atlassian’s HQ just got approved

A $3 billion plan to build twin office towers at Sydney’s Tech Central, next to the Atlassian tower currently under construction, has been approved by the City of Sydney.

Central Place Sydney, a joint project between Dexus and Frasers Property Group, is adjacent to Central Station at the southern end of Henry Deane Plaza, sits beside Atlassian’s 40-story eco tower, due for completion by 2026.

Sydney Central (right) beside the Atlassian building

It spans two existing office blocks on Lee Street currently occupied by several state and federal government departments, including Transport for NSW, Corrective Services and the Dept of Home Affairs.

The two towers, at 37 and 35 storeys, are designed by local architects Fender Katsalidis and US firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). They sit alongside two new smaller buildings, The Connector at 8 storeys and two storey Pavilion.

The Connector, by Melbourne architects Edition Office in a collaboration with Indigenous design and strategy studio Balarinji, fronts Lee Street and has 10,000 square metres of floor space. It’s designed as an “architectural marker, acknowledging the site’s history as a cultural meeting place”.

The Connector building

Central Place Sydney will introduce more than 130,000 square metres of commercial floor space to the surrounding area.

Kimberley Jackson, project director for Central Place Sydney said the buildings will help define the Tech Central district.

“We are incredibly pleased to have received Development Approval, allowing us to further progress the project. Our development has been designed to create a place where work and lifestyle can blend seamlessly, create an exciting new destination for Sydney and leverage what is already on offer as a thriving tech and innovation neighbourhood emerges,” she said.

An interview view of Sydney Central

“Central Place Sydney will set the benchmark in sustainability for commercial developments of this scale in Australia. The building will feature workplace environments that integrate nature, maximise day light, has provisions for natural ventilation, and is supported by renewable energy to achieve our net zero emissions in operations target.

“We are working with startups and neighbouring universities to explore innovations in technology and circular economy, all intended to support the development ambitions for carbon reduction and provide the best possible workplace experience for tenants and customers.”

Along with the neighbouring Atlassian Central and proposed Toga development, Central Place Sydney will create outdoor landscaped spaces as well as an expanded retail offering and elevated connections between neighbouring communities.

The project now awaits NSW Government final stage approvals, with the hope that construction will get underway in 2023, with the first stage completed in 2027.