How Sydney's Tech Central precinct is coming to life
Sydney is set to cement its position as the go-to destination for innovation and tech advancement in Australia as the evolving Tech Central precinct continues to attract many of the country’s brightest minds.
Forecast to create an additional 25,000 jobs, house 100 new scale-up companies and see the creation of 250,000 square metres of net lettable floor space, Tech Central has been established by the NSW Government with the sole aim of creating a central gathering space for Australia’s tech pioneers.
“Organisations headquartered at Tech Central will be part of a globally-recognised community. Tech Central attracts thinkers, creatives and problem solvers who push boundaries,” says Letitia Hope, partnership experience lead at ISPT, the property fund behind one of Tech Central’s newest work hubs, 477 on Pitt Street.
Stone & Chalk Scaleup Hub is among the tech players that already call 477 home and Marie-Anne Lampotang, the company’s ecosystems group executive, says she expects Tech Central to be the centre of gravity for Australia’s technology industry.
“Not just for scaling tech companies but for the entire supporting ecosystem,” Lampotang says. “Its central location in Sydney will attract high-quality companies and employees and is helping to revitalise an important part of the city while preserving the site’s heritage.”
Anchored around Central Station in Sydney’s southern CBD, the Tech Central precinct straddles six neighbourhoods: Haymarket, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Camperdown, Darlington and Eveleigh, that together form one of the densest and most vibrant innovation corridors in Australia.
This location allows it to capitalise on the existing rich heritage, cultural, innovation and technology, education, and health institutions of the surrounding suburbs, as well as the excellent transport links.
The precinct is already home to tech heavyweights Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture, as well as the National Space Industry Hub and a quantum start-up hub, with work underway on Atlassian’s new Australian headquarters near Central Station.
With a goal to make Tech Central a globally competitive innovation district, the NSW Government has bold plans for it to be the world’s most sustainable, inclusive and liveable destination for tech companies, talent and investors.
477 on Pitt Street is a case in point. Far from traditional, 477 is a dynamic, next-generation space with versatile floor plates that encourage connection, says Hope.
“ISPT’s $70 million-plus reimagination of the existing office tower is an exciting transformation that represents the workplace of the future,” she says. “And the future is focused on community. That’s why 477 offers a subsidised school holiday program and is puppy friendly.
“Different spaces will be shared by both tenant partners and the public and we want this to be a place that welcomes and encourages diversity. For example, The Sitting Room can be used as an informal meeting space, and The Sun Deck will offer tenant partners and the community a sundrenched escape from ‘business as usual’ settings.
“In the cooler months, the Wintergarden will be exclusively available to the 477 community, and a wellbeing centre also provides holistic health and wellbeing programs to tenant partners.”
Stone & Chalk Group business development director Adam Bordonaro says his company was drawn to 477’s world-class facilities and the people-inspired workspaces throughout the building.
“It’s a one-stop shop for innovation and growth,” he says. “The collaborative approach by ISPT fits well with our values around sustainability, and community is a key focus.”
Lampotang agrees.
“Stone & Chalks’ curated community offers emerging tech companies the opportunity to grow their businesses confidently, knowing they are in good company,” she explains. “You can interact with other scale-up residents going through a similar journey. We see the teams in the Scaleup Hub learning from each other and forging invaluable connections.
“It is amazing what can happen when you have a convergence of great minds, founders, corporates, capital and commercial growth.”
477’s interiors are expected to be complete in May, with its outdoor terrace, sitting room, lobby and Flex by ISPT Collider Event Space opening soon.
This article has been created in partnership with 477.
