Developing new workspaces for Salesforce’s flagship Australian headquarters
A digital-first approach reaped major dividends for Sydney’s tallest office building, from delivering the business case to fit out.
Key information
- Location:
- Sydney, Australia
- Date started:
- 2018
- Completion date:
- 2023
- Client type:
- real estate
- Main services:
- cost and commercial management
Prioritising employee wellbeing
Salesforce Tower was built as part of the AUD$5bn redevelopment of Sydney's Circular Quay precinct and opened to the public in late 2022. In 2018, we were appointed to support the business case for software company Salesforce’s occupancy and tenancy negotiations for its local headquarters in Sydney. Our role was then extended to include full cost and commercial management services. The brief was to create state-of-the-art workspaces on the 13 levels occupied by Salesforce to support new ways of working and encourage employee wellbeing, while also meeting the client’s rigorous safety and sustainability standards.
Reflecting corporate responsibility
Salesforce needed its Sydney office to reflect its core values: equality, customer success, innovation, sustainability and trust. The project involved making the business case for, and delivering, the fit out of its new offices which comprise seven administration floors and three ‘Ohana floors (‘Ohana is a Hawaiian word meaning extended family). A feature of every Salesforce headquarters, ‘Ohana floors are dedicated to giving back to the local community and providing project spaces to not-for-profits. In addition to a sky terrace, the remaining three floors comprise the Salesforce Innovation Centre, a social floor and a training area with auditorium.
Delivering sustainability targets in challenging times
The project was delivered on time and on budget despite facing significant pressures resulting from supply chain disruption, cost inflation and changes to the design and scope of works related to COVID-19. Construction waste had a 94 percent diversion rate, meaning only 6 percent was sent to landfill. Incorporating Salesforce’s stringent global sustainability targets, the tower has a 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating, a 6-star Green Design from the Green Building Council of Australia and WELL Core and Shell Platinum pre-certification. Salesforce Tower anticipates a 38 percent reduction in water use and a 20 percent reduction in energy use, compared to a typical building as defined by the LEED baseline.
Craig Wiseman, Director, REWS Project Director, JAPAC, Salesforce, said:
The Turner & Townsend team showed exceptional leadership and dedication in achieving the successful and timely delivery of the new Salesforce Tower. The team leveraged global benchmarking and proven cost reporting analysis to ensure that our planned outcomes were possible and could be achieved within the cost estimates and budgets.
