Suncorp Place

Suncorp Place
Suncorp Place from street level
Map
Former names
  • Qantas International Centre
  • AAP Centre
Alternative names259 George Street
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeCommercial Office
Architectural styleBrutalist
LocationNew South Wales
Address243-259 George Street (18-32 Jamison Street)
Town or citySydney CBD
CountryAustralia
Coordinates33°51′51″S 151°12′23″E / 33.8641°S 151.2064°E / -33.8641; 151.2064
Current tenants
Year(s) built12
Construction started1970 (1970)
Completed1982 (1982)
OwnerMemocorp Australia Pty Ltd
Height
Height193 metres (633 ft)
Top floor182 metres (597 ft)
Technical details
Floor count44
Floor area44,252 square metres (476,320 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators21
Grounds5,680 square metres (61,100 sq ft)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Ronald Gilling
Architecture firmJoseland & Gilling
DeveloperDellingham
EngineerJ. Rudd & Partners
Structural engineerMiller Milston and Ferris
Other information
Parking200+
Website
www.259george.com.au
List of tallest buildings in Australia
Next Shortest
Nauru House
190m
Next Tallest
Riparian Plaza
200m
Heights are to highest architectural element.

Suncorp Place (formerly the AAP Centre and before that Qantas International Centre) is a skyscraper located in Sydney, Australia on Grosvenor and Lang Street. It was initially designed for Qantas by architects Joseland & Gilling positioned as Sydney's equivalent to the World Trade Centre.

Description

The building is 182 metres (597 ft) tall and 42 levels to roof, although the rooftop structure brings the total height to 193 metres (633 ft).[1] It offers a column free layout with floor to ceiling views of Sydney Harbour & the Sydney CBD and had a dedicated computer centre constructed underground to support Qantas's global airline operations.

Construction

The building was first announced in 1966 with development approval given on 19 August 1968 and construction for Stage 1 of the project began in 1970 targeted for completion in 1973, however the project was delayed many times due to industrial action by the Builders Labourers Federation (NSW BLF) and took 12 years to finally complete in 1982. The foyer and forecourt was refurbished in 1994 and the building was partially renovated in 1997. Most recently, the lobby was completely refurbished with full concierge service in 2015 and End of Trip facilities named 'Zephyr' added in 2017.

Anchor Tenants

In 2005, Suncorp obtained 10 years of signage rights to the building and leased 15,000 square metres (160,000 sq ft) over 15 floors.[2]

In 2018, IBM Australia became the anchor tenant occupying 7,000 square metres (75,000 sq ft) over seven floors with naming rights to the building.[3]

Ownership

The building was owned by Commonwealth Bank Officers Superannuation Corp and then Commonwealth Property Office Fund (ASX: CPA) until its sale to Singapore–based Memocorp for A$395 million in 2011.[4][5][6]

  • The tower in 2006, as then occupied by AAPT Limited
    The tower in 2006, as then occupied by AAPT Limited
  • Suncorp Place
    Suncorp Place
  • View from York Street
    View from York Street
  • Podium
    Podium

See also

  • "DA 44 80 0756 - 243 - 259 GEORGE ST SYDNEY - QANTAS CENTRE NEW BUILDING JOSELAND & GILLING". Sydney City Council. 29 August 1980.
  • List of tallest buildings in Sydney

References

  1. ^ "Suncorp Place". The Skyscraper Center. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Suncorp lured to CBD landmark". Sydney Morning Herald. 23 November 2005.
  3. ^ "IBM closes a major new lease deal in the Sydney financial district". Australian Financial Review. 27 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Offshore buyer snaps up Sydney tower for $395m". Australian Financial Review. 28 July 2011.
  5. ^ "City investors reach for sky with deals worth $650m". Sydney Morning Herald. 29 July 2011.
  6. ^ "Office blocks are hot property for funds". Sydney Morning Herald. 24 August 2011.