Before We Begin

I had the opportunity to visit Darling Park with the asset management team and Property Council of Australia —a prime spot in Sydney featuring retail spaces and offices. It was a great chance to learn about this iconic mixed-use precinct and gain new perspectives. As someone also working on mixed-use projects, I’ll be sharing my observations and personal takeaways in this post. I hope you find them insightful and enjoy exploring!

Quick note: these are just my personal views. If you have specific questions, I recommend reaching out directly to the Darling Park team for the most accurate information.

GPT Space&Co

A Well-Rounded Co-Work Package with a Hospitality Touch

A quick visit to GPT Space&Co was enough to leave an impression. The coworking and business flex industry has evolved at lightning speed over the past few years. From the rise and fall of WeWork to the work-from-home trend and employers’ struggles to bring teams back to the office (Well, it's a blog topic for another day), the transformation is undeniable. What truly stood out to me, though, was the hospitality-driven touch GPT has infused into this offering.

Here’s what caught my attention:

Flexible and Diverse Leasing Options

GPT Space&Co offers a highly flexible leasing structure, making it an appealing choice for businesses. Options range from 12-month rental terms for various office sizes to dedicated desks and membership-based subscriptions. It’s ideal for those seeking flexibility while accommodating diverse business needs.

Leveraging GPT's Prime Commercial Assets

A key advantage of GPT Space&Co is its integration within GPT-owned commercial properties, strategically located in major Australian cities. This ownership allows GPT to optimise building occupancy by repurposing spaces left by transitioning tenants. It’s a unique approach that ensures seamless operations, maximises asset value, and delivers prime workspace solutions in highly sought-after locations.

An Open, Modern Workplace Interior

The newly opened Darling Park GPT Space&Co, designed by Woods Bagot, redefines the traditional office environment. With its open, light-filled layout and nature-inspired color palette, the space seamlessly combines functionality with tranquility.

The reception area on Level 1, adjacent to the kitchen and lounge, creates a warm, coffee-shop-like atmosphere. This contemporary and thoughtfully crafted design moves away from the rigidity of cubicle offices, offering a dynamic and inviting setting tailored for modern professionals.

The space features a variety of areas for collaboration and connection, from small, dedicated meeting rooms to relaxed lounge corners. These versatile settings cater to diverse working styles and foster opportunities for both teamwork and social interaction.

Driven by Hospitality

Beyond its thoughtfully designed interiors, GPT Space&Co offers convenient add-on services like coffee and catering for meeting room bookings, providing hassle-free options for users and members at minimal cost. This might also open the door for potential collaborations with restaurant businesses or the development of in-house hospitality services within the space.

What stands out to me are the regular social events. The team goes above and beyond by organising activities like Friday drinks, wellness workshops, and holiday celebrations, all designed to foster a strong sense of community and well-being. These initiatives make the space especially attractive to smaller tenants seeking a vibrant, engaging environment without unnecessary complexity. Looking deeper now, these events also serve as a platform for businesses with shared interests—such as online fashion or F&B ventures—to connect, collaborate, and cultivate a thriving ecosystem within the space.

A truly exceptional hospitality space is defined by its experienced team. The workspace managers and reception staff at GPT Space&Co bring extensive expertise in hospitality, event organization, and customer service. Under the guidance of Alison on the day, the Darling Park workspace manager, we were made to feel welcome and at ease from the moment we entered. This is where I truly sense the hospitality-driven atmosphere at GPT Space&Co.

Integration with Existing Tenants

Finally, the offering cleverly complements GPT’s commercial leasing deals. Existing tenants also benefit from discounted access to meeting and event spaces, reducing the need for large, long-term office leases while maintaining operational efficiency. It's also an easy and smooth operation when you don't need to think about operation and maintenance. It’s the trend for today’s hybrid work era.

For more details about GPT Space&Co, visit their official page here.

Office Leasing

Anchor Tenant Retention, Diverse Leasing, and Enhanced Amenities

Despite a generally slow office market in 2024, Darling Park has demonstrated solid performance. Here’s a breakdown of the factors contributing to its success:

Prime Location

Darling Park’s central location near the city CBD, combined with harbor views and proximity to well-known hotel brands, provides a distinct advantage in attracting tenants ~ all in one location.

Retail Variety

The precinct offers a mix of convenient and vibrant retail options:

• Cockle Bay Wharf enhances the area with additional retail, bar, and dining experiences.

• Each tower’s ground floor is home to coffee shops and quick-service options like Guzman y Gomez and sushi bars, catering to busy professionals.

Flexible Leasing Options

Darling Park offers a wide range of leasing configurations designed to meet tenant needs:

• Choices include fully fitted, warm shell, and cold shell spaces.

• Flexible layouts accommodate single floors, connected floors, or multiple suites per floor.

• Tenants also benefit from bundled discounted access to GPT Space&Co for event and meeting room bookings and free access to common areas. This flexibility supports companies adapting to the work-from-home trend, enabling them to downsize while maintaining a functional workspace.

Upgraded Technology and Infrastructure

Recent renovations have modernised Darling Park, ensuring it competes with newly developed office spaces:

• Building infrastructure: Achieved Premium WiredScore certification (aligning with a goal of 100% across GPT’s portfolio in the coming years), along with 6-Star Green Star, NABERS, and Carbon Neutral ratings. These upgrades provide strong sustainability credentials and on par with other buildings in the office market.

• Lift lobby and arrival experience: The lifts have been replaced with some feature an immersive experience with synchronised screen displays, enhancing the arrival journey. Updated timber-finished lobbies add warmth and sophistication.

Public and Shared Spaces

Darling Park offers well-thought-out spaces to enhance tenant satisfaction:

• Lounges, seating areas, and library corners provide comfortable spots for casual meetings.

• The Tower 3 Oculus is an eye-catching feature that doubles as a functional space for gatherings.

• Childcare services: Recently reintroduced, these have received positive feedback and provide convenience for tenants with families.

• The Crescent Garden stands out as a beautifully designed outdoor area, ideal for events or relaxation which I'll go into more details below.

End-of-Trip Facilities (EOTF)

Recently upgraded, the EOT facilities deliver spa-like amenities with a focus on wellness:

• Tenants have responded positively to the enhanced design.

• While car park spaces are more functional than visually appealing, they remain practical and well-maintained.

For more insights into the evolution of EOT facilities and their impact on office spaces, check out my detailed posts here.

Crescent Garden

The Yin Within a Vibrant Precinct

This site visit wouldn't be complete without highlighting the Crescent Garden—the defining landmark of the Darling Park Precinct.

A Calm Oasis in the City

The Crescent Garden at Darling Park is a standout feature that seamlessly blends functionality with charm. This thoughtfully designed public space offers a tranquil retreat and a versatile venue for both tenants and visitors. Its unique design and purpose not only enhance the area’s appeal but also create valuable opportunities for asset generation.

Design Inspired by New South Wales' Symbolism

The garden’s design pays homage to New South Wales, taking the shape of a waratah when viewed from above, with a striking water fountain at its center. Spanning 3,000 square meters, the garden is home to over 1,000 trees, plants, and shrubs from around the world, creating a vibrant tapestry of global flora. The space also features two pavilions, a mix of shaded and non-shaded seating, and a serene water feature, making it an ideal gathering space.

The garden's diverse plant selection—ranging from native species to herbs and exotic plants—adds visual interest while fostering a sense of tranquility. Divided into six sections, each showcasing flora from different continents, the garden offers a unique, natural experience. Many describe it as the yin to the yang of Sydney's dynamic city life—an oasis where one can unplug, recharge, and find peace amidst the urban bustle.

An Investment that Delivers Value

More than just a public green space, the Crescent Garden is a strategic asset. Its versatility shines through with event spaces for rent, complete with BBQ facilities and catering options, creating opportunities for both community engagement and income generation.

The garden also serves as a natural wayfinding hub, linking the three commercial buildings within the precinct and ensuring smooth navigation across the site. The iconic water fountain and thoughtful landscape design act as intuitive guides, enhancing the overall user experience.

In Sydney’s crowded CBD, the Crescent Garden stands as a personalised landmark that strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality—setting a new standard for urban spaces.

Hi! 👋🏼 I'm delighted to welcome you to my little corner of the internet. This blog is my creative outlet and a space where I can share my thoughts, passions, and experiences with you.

Thank you

Thank you for reading! The above reflects my observations and thoughts following a 1.5-hour site walk, so there may be details I missed or perspectives I approached differently.

Feel free to explore my blog for other topics that might interest you here

With love,