Leighton Group’s new global hub is taking shape at 177 Pacific Highway, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony at the 2,418sqm site.

North Sydney’s first new commercial tower in six years, the $413 million, 40,000sqm, 30-level development is being developed by Leighton Properties and built by Leighton Contractors. 

Guests, including Leighton Holdings Chief Executive Officer Mr Hamish Tyrwhitt, Leighton Properties Managing Director Mr Mark Gray, Leighton Contractors Managing Director Mr Craig Laslett, North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson, ARA Group Chief Executive Officer Mr John Lim and Chief Executive Officer of Suntec REIT Mr Yeo See Kiat, gathered to mark the occasion on the site at the corner of Berry Street and Pacific Highway in North Sydney.

Describing the development as a great milestone, Mr Tyrwhitt said that Leighton Group has taken another step towards creating the next generation workspace for their staff, designed to foster collaboration, innovation and performance. 

Mr Gray commented that 177 Pacific Highway will add an entirely new dimension to the North Sydney skyline. Being the first new ESD rated commercial tower in six years it will provide the market with much-needed A-grade accommodation, and signals an important next step in North Sydney’s continued development as a commercial CBD.

The building will also offer 10,000sqm of top level space, with large floor plates and harbour views for lease. Mr Gray added that the certainty of the completion date, and the commitment and involvement of Leighton, will make this a highly sought-after building for companies wanting to secure a noteworthy address.

According to Mr Laslett, Leighton Contractors is proud to be building the landmark new headquarters for the Leighton Group. After building new Leighton offices in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, their experience will be central to delivering an important consolidation for the Group in Sydney and an iconic new building for the city.

Designed by award-winning architect Bates Smart, the building is scheduled for completion and occupancy in early 2016.

The development will use efficient and flexible design, and target the achievement of 5 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS energy ratings for the building. 

The building will house the Leighton Group’s New South Wales workforce of 2,500 people and be the company’s purpose-built headquarters. Architect Woods Bagot has been engaged to fit out Leighton’s tenancy of 30,000sqm, creating a ‘vertical village’ with a strong focus on health, amenity and best practice workplace design.