Fender Katsalidis and The GPT Group have officially topped out construction at a $320 million commercial building in Parramatta. The project, 32 Smith Street, is a 26,500 square metre office building that will see QBE Insurance become the anchor tenant.
The topping out of the 25th floor was marked with a ceremony attended by project partners and Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer which involved a magnolia tree being craned on to the roof of the development.
Fender Katsalidis director Mark Curzon said the construction milestone of the sculptural tower is a significant step, with 32 Smith Street set to become one of the most sustainable commercial office towers in the Parramatta CBD upon completion.
“The topping out at 32 Smith Street is a great achievement for us and our project partners, as we are bringing to life our vision for the site and the broader objectives of Parramatta,” Mr Curzon shared.
“This is an important gateway building for the emerging city and new civic space, delivering a world-class, cutting-edge, workplace environment, through its urban, sustainability and design philosophy-based solutions.”
“It is a positive step in the development of Parramatta via design excellence and the creation of local job opportunities through high-quality office space,” he said.
The translucent office tower, with an environmentally shaped shading system, features a highly sustainable philosophy with landscaped external roof terraces, balconies throughout and a publicly accessible urban room.
Fender Katsalidis’ design for the building was selected as the winner of a design excellence competition in 2017.
In a first for Parramatta, 32 Smith Street features a glazed lift atrium, with glazed lifts to the southern façade, letting in natural light and offering 360-degree views for building occupants.
At a ground level, the building focuses on the arrival experience, whilst activating the network of laneways around the site.
Fender Katsalidis has worked in collaboration with sculptor Jamie North to deliver an integrated public art component, which is due to be installed in the coming months.
Additionally, the practice has also worked alongside the local Darug people as part of a historic and cultural overlay.
Mr Curzon said the practice has thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the local Indigenous community through a collaborative process that celebrates the Darug people’s culture and their connection to the place.
“It will become a beautiful place to work and an architecturally distinct building that contributes to the public realm at both the street level and skyline,” he said.
32 Smith Street is on track for completion in late-2020.