On Monday, real estate investor and developer, Mulpha, held a tree-planting ceremony with key project partners and future tenants to mark the commencement of construction on its landmark timber commercial building, The Bond in Norwest. The Bond is due for completion in the third quarter of 2022.
Key project partners include construction company Buildcorp, structural engineers TTW, architects fitzpatrick + partners and Project Innovator’s Adam Strong.
The building has been designed using state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber technology for the 1600 square metre floorplates, walls, and stairs, as well as traditional laminated timber columns and beams for the frame. It will be just the third commercial building in Sydney to be built this way, and a first for the Hills.
Mulpha Developments Executive General Manager, Tim Spencer, said the cutting-edge building will set the standard for quality and innovation as Norwest transforms into a major residential, commercial, and retail hub in Sydney’s economic growth corridor along the Metro Norwest.
“The Bond’s location and focus on wellness and sustainability is appealing to high-quality knowledge companies who want to attract and inspire the best staff and offer an appealing environment for clients,” Mr Spencer said.
“In addition to offering design flexibility and unique aesthetics, these new-age timber technologies have incredible strength and efficiency, and the potential to be carbon-neutral over their lifecycle, something increasingly attractive to blue-chip clients.”
Buildcorp Managing Director, Tony Sukkar AM, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Mulpha to deliver what will be one of Australia’s first health facility purpose-built from mass timber. The wellbeing benefits of timber buildings starts during construction where the site is more ambient, creating a positive impact for workers and neighbours.”
“Buildcorp strongly aligns with Mulpha’s desire to create an innovative and sustainable facility that will enhance the wellbeing and productivity of its occupants and bring new opportunity to the local community.”
The Bond will comprise a ground floor retail environment, a gym, six floors of commercial office building, a childcare facility, end-of-trip facilities (showers, changerooms and bicycle storage), basement car parking, short-term visitor parking and service vehicle and loading facilities.
Located on the corners of Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norbrik Drive, The Bond is situated at the gateway of Norwest’s commercial precinct, adjacent to the heritage-listed Bella Vista Farm and connected by on-demand busses to the Metro stations at Norwest and Bella Vista.
The Bond plays a key role in Mulpha’s long-term commitment to the transformation of Norwest Business Park into a world-leading innovation, lifestyle and economic hub.
“Our vision for Norwest is to drive real cultural change in how people live and work, and to enable people to be more connected to their environment, not only technically but physically and emotionally,” Mr Spencer added.