Australian tech giant Atlassian plans to build world’s tallest ‘hybrid’ tower to hold 4,000 staff

Tech giant Atlassian has unveiled plans to build a record-setting $1billion tower in Sydney’s CBD as part of a joint venture with the NSW Government.

The 180-metre-tall building with 40 storeys will be overlook Sydney’s Central Station and be the tallest ‘hybrid timber’ tower in the world once completed.

On Wednesday Atlassian revealed the plans for the new headquarters in the city’s tech precinct, which will be home to 4,000 staff and be completed by 2025. 

The global software giant has dubbed the project the ‘tallest commercial hybrid timber’ building in the world.

On Wednesday Atlassian revealed the plans to the new headquarters at the tech precinct

With a groundbreaking design using timber and a glass and steel facade, the building will have a mix of outdoor and indoor areas.

It will also use an energy-efficient approach featuring natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature.

The building plans to completely regenerate Central Station as part of the state government’s plan to build a new tech precinct for 25,000 employees.

Atlassian was the first to sign up to the precinct plan with construction generating 2,500 jobs, with the existing YHA hostel on the site being incorporated into the tower.

Co-founder Scott Farquhar said the company was hoping to build a ‘long-term’ work-space despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to work from home.

‘Technology can turbo-charge Australia’s recovery. That’s why we’re building this precinct. We want to create jobs, ideas and innovation,’ Mr Farquhar said.

‘This will be home to thousands of workers and the best new ideas. If you want to work in tech – this is the place you will want to be.’

Mr Farquhar says Sydney has the ‘potential’ to be a leading technology city with the tech precinct just the start of what is to come.  

The 180-metre-tall building with 40 storeys will be situated near Sydney’s Central Station and be the tallest ‘hybrid timber’ tower in the world once completed

Atlassian, founded by friends Mike Cannon-Brookes (left) and Scott Farquhar (right) was named co-creator of the government-funded project in 2018

The building plans to completely regenerate Central Station as part of the state government’s plan to build a new tech precinct for 25,000 employees

‘This building will breathe new life into this part of Sydney. It’s an amazing design,’ he said.

‘We’ve searched the world to find the best architects and engineers to put it together.’

‘We’re embarking on this project at a critical time. Projects like these will help the state and the nation bounce back from the massive impact of COVID-19.’  

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has praised the company as a ‘great Australian success story’.

‘It’s very fitting for them to have their headquarters here in Sydney,’ she said.

‘Tech Central will rival Silicon Valley as the place to be. This means more jobs and opportunities for all of our citizens.’

It will also use an energy-efficient approach featuring natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature

The tower will be built on 8-10 Lee Street, Sydney, currently occupied by the YHA hostel

Following an extensive global search the company chose New York-based architects SHoP and Australian practice BVN as the design team. 

SHoP Founding Principal William Sharples said they are focusing on ‘elevating the experience of the public realm in urban environments’.

‘We really welcome this opportunity to work with such wonderful partners to create a high-performance landmark for Sydney’s new tech district, at ground level and in the skyline,’ he said.

Atlassian, founded by Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, was named co-creator of the government-funded project in 2018. 

The initiative is expected to create 10,000 new jobs over the next 16 years. 

Mr Farquhar says Sydney has the ‘potential’ to be a leading technology city with the tech precinct just the start of what is to come