Development News

88 Walker Street North Sydney’s tallest tower tops out at 50 Storeys

The World-class and transformational development at 88 Walker Street recently achieved a major construction milestone, ‘topping out’ at Level 50, an impressive 180 metres above street level. The building also represents the first brand-new mixed-use tower in North Sydney.

Designed by award-winning, high-profile architects fitzpatrick+partners and developed by Billbergia, the building comprises 24 levels of commercial office space, acquired earlier in 2022 by LaSalle Investment Management and a 252-suite 4-star hotel, snapped up by Singaporean-based Ascott Limited in 2019. With panoramic views of the Sydney CBD, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the tower’s distinctive features also include a striking glass façade, the 50-level columnsuspended structure, and its heritage-considered integration with the former North Sydney Fire Station - now the Firehouse Hotel. Saul Moran, Development Manager at Billbergia said: “It is a great privilege to contribute to North Sydney’s revitalisation with the addition of such an iconic design to the city’s skyline.” According to Billbergia, the site had more than 210 workers daily at its peak. The project is forecast to generate over 1,000 jobs including permanent roles within the hotel and retail components on completion. A brand new 252-room hotel, managed by The Ascott Limited, Citadines Walker North Sydney will occupy 20 levels of the tower including two floors of guest amenities comprising a restaurant, bar, residents lounge, gym, and hotel reception. 88 Walker Street is scheduled for completion in Q2 2023.

Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North The Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North is on track for its Q4 2024 opening

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Stirling Hinchliffe, was on hand to participate in the official ground-breaking ceremony of the development and said it represented a vote of confidence in Brisbane as a business and holiday destination. “Domestic tourism in Queensland is bouncing back stronger than before the pandemic with the latest industry data putting the State in a nation-leading position,” he said. “Well-located accommodation will be highly sought-after as new opportunities emerge on our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “This project will support good construction jobs and deliver greater choice for business and holiday visitors to enjoy more of Brisbane’s great Queensland lifestyle.” Located 13km from Brisbane Airport, the hotel will feature 129 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar, meeting facilities, a fitness room, as well as a 24-hour grab-and-go retail store, The Shop. Strategically positioned to provide convenient access to Brisbane’s CBD, the hotel is still within easy walking distance to many city centre attractions, as well as to Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s nightlife capital. Also in close proximity to St Andrew’s War Memorial and Royal Brisbane Hospitals, Victoria Park and the RNA Showgrounds. Hilton Area Vice President & Head of Australasia, Paul Hutton said the organisation is committed to growing its presence in Queensland. “We are delighted to be partnering with Spring Hill Property Group Pty Ltd and Image Developments Pty Ltd to bring the Hilton Garden Inn brand to Brisbane,” he said. “As a key Australian city and the gateway to Queensland, the coming years will be an exciting time for Brisbane, especially with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we’re excited to pave the way for savvy new travellers who visit the city to experience Hilton Garden Inn’s renowned, positive, upbeat service.” Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North, the company’s fifth hotel in Queensland and its second in Brisbane will join 29 operating and 13 pipeline Hilton properties throughout Australasia.