Sydney’s Tech Central precinct is set to become a global technology hub with an Australian tech giant getting ready to establish its headquarters at the site. The tech company has planning approval to build its $546 million, 40-storey headquarters on the YHA site at Central Station, while the neighbouring Parcel Post building has been rezoned to accept other technology tenants at the site.
Tech Central will house 25,000 jobs in the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower, spanning over 24ha of land, once fully developed. Atlassian’s headquarters alone will accommodate 5,000 operational jobs. The construction of the tower is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2022, with completion expected by 2026.
The Planning and Public Spaces Minister for the region noted that approval of the precinct is a significant milestone in what would be the largest government-led urban renewal in NSW. He felt that the revamp of Central Station and delivery of Tech Central will create a commercial core in the City’s south that would include a public domain with new open space, shops and cafes all on top of the rail corridor.
The Minister for Jobs and Investment noted that with the tech company’s HQ set for construction and the Western Gateway sub-precinct rezoned, the planning controls are now in place to transform this tired transport hub into something to rival Silicon Valley.
About Central Precinct
Central Precinct is a State Significant Precinct (SSP) surrounded by leading universities and businesses. Central SSP covers 24 hectares. The local government is working with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the City of Sydney and the Greater Sydney Commission to transform Central SSP into a technology and innovation precinct.
The precinct will be a leader in innovation, collaboration and jobs for the future as well as the epicentre of Tech Central. Stretching from Central Station to Camperdown, Tech Central will house start-ups, scale-ups and innovation ecosystem partners in 250,000 sqm of office space.
Tech Central
As the future focal point of Sydney’s innovation and technology community, Tech Central will create a vibrant innovation and technology precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, with strong links to international markets, Greater Sydney, and the rest of NSW.
Home to the Sydney Quantum Academy and future Space Industry Hub, Tech Central will future proof and diversify the New South Wales economy and cement its position as a leader in:
- Fintech, Cyber and e-Health
- Digital and deep technology including quantum, blockchain, AI, robotics, IoT and analytics
- Creative industries including VR and game design
Tech Central will provide up to 250,000 square metres of space for technology companies, including 50,000 square metres at affordable rates for start-ups and scaleups, in a connected location brimming with heritage, culture and activity.
An NSW Government funding package of $48.2 million has kick-started development and the aforementioned tech giant is confirmed as the anchor tenant. It will locate its headquarters in the precinct, bringing over 4,000 employees.
Highly ranked nearby institutions including the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and CSIRO’s Data61 are looking to further collaborate with businesses on joint research, commercialisation and graduate programs.
