Brookfield Properties and Oxford Investa Property Partners (OIPP) have completed the $200 million redevelopment of 388 George Street, transforming the original 1970s office tower into a state-of-the-art A-grade commercial tower with a new mixed-use pavilion and improved connectivity to the surrounding Sydney CBD.
Located on the corner of George and King Streets, 388 George Street is jointly owned by Brookfield and Oxford Properties, owner of the OIPP portfolio, with the redevelopment built by Multiplex. It delivers 38,364 square metres of A-Grade commercial office space and 2,680 square metres of prime retail space to the CBD core.
Completely transforming the busy CBD corner, the revitalised building now also features a through-site link integrating it with the newly pedestrianised George Street and connecting it to King Street.
Danny Poljak, Executive Vice President and Co-Head of Brookfield Properties said the redevelopment project breathes new life into the area.
“The completion of 388 George Street and the addition of the new pavilion building has added immense value to the otherwise under-utilised space,” Mr Poljak said.
Nicole Quagliata, Fund Manager, OIPP, said: “We are delighted to complete the iconic transformation of 388 George Street.”
“The recently completed improvements establish the building as a leading contemporary workplace and the mixed-use podium will provide a premium retail amenity to this exceptional George Street location,” she said.
Ian Lyon, Head of Development, Oxford, also commented that the redevelopment provides businesses, commuters, locals and visitors alike with state-of-the-art mixed-use space.
“Its location, connectivity to the pedestrianised George Street and upgraded end-of-trip facilities will help our tenants’ employees embrace active transportation and sustainable commuting options,” Mr Lyon said.
Inside 388 George St, image courtesy of Brookfield Properties and Oxford Investa Property Partners.
The ground plane and pavilion building was designed by architecture firm FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp) and the overall project comprised a complete refurbishment of the existing 28-storey original 1970s office building, delivering a new tower lobby, end-of-trip (EOT) facilities and construction of a brand new five-storey mixed-use pavilion consisting of commercial and retail space, a rooftop bar and flagship retail spaces.
The new forecourt space fronting George Street also provides direct access to a high-quality office lobby environment, which boasts a concierge desk with stone carved from solid blocks of London White Marble.
The new pavilion was designed to complement the rich history of the site, incorporating a custom-designed curved sandstone and glass façade inspired by the topography of the surrounding CBD landscape.
Richard Francis Jones of FJMT said: “This new facade reinforces a juxtaposition between the new pavilion and the existing modernist tower whilst strengthening the streetscape of George Street. Our design will not only restore the street wall but also create a through-link on the site that will be a natural extension of the existing link between Pitt and King streets.”
388 George Street was originally designed by renowned Australian architect John Andrews in 1976. It was a highly acclaimed project and internationally recognised due to its innovative design as the building stands at a distinctive 45-degree angle on the street corner.
The transformational refurbishment made use of the building’s existing infrastructure, adding staircases in the existing atriums to enhance connectivity between floors.
New state-of-the-art end-of-trip facilities prioritise user experience and are located on Level One instead of in the basement, with a dedicated lift providing exclusive, direct connectivity from basement level cycle parking.
Tenants will have access to a range of convenient services including luxury towels, ironing and grooming stations and parking for 366 bikes.
David Ghannoum, Multiplex Regional Managing Director New South Wales said that it has been fantastic to be involved in the project and have the opportunity to breathe new life into the iconic 1970s building.
“It was a challenging project given its location in the busy George Street corridor and the activity associated with the new light rail,” he added.
Another complexity faced during construction was intricate and extensive use of glass on the project with the largest piece of glass used measuring 7 metres by 3 metres and weighing 2.4 tonnes.
The redevelopment created over 250 jobs during its construction.
