When teams can't connect, innovation suffers. Tabcorp faced this reality - employees isolated across disconnected floors, workspace designs that no longer reflected their vibrant vision, client meeting areas that limited rather than enhanced business relationships and a building that lacked surrounding amenities and convenient access options. These limitations were restricting the company's potential for innovation and teamwork - a situation Tabcorp was determined to transform.

"We saw tremendous potential being held back by our workplace," explains Paul Bolton from Tabcorp. "The physical barriers between floors were creating mental barriers between teams. It wasn't supporting the flexibility our people needed.”

The numbers told the story: The current office attendance patterns presented an opportunity to build even stronger collaboration and company culture. Meanwhile, an upcoming lease expiration added pressure.

JLL's approach wasn't starting from scratch - it was building on a foundation of trust and knowledge cultivated over a decade-long relationship with Tabcorp.

"We understood this wasn't simply about finding a new office," explains Sadaf Mayar, Tenant Representative at JLL. "Having guided Tabcorp through previous expansions and contractions, we recognised that this project was about fundamental workplace transformation - breaking down physical and organisational barriers while creating an environment that would actively support their future needs."

As Tabcorp's workplace requirements evolved throughout the project, the partnership demonstrated true adaptability. While Tabcorp refined their requirements - shifting budget considerations, design preferences, and location priorities multiple times - JLL's team responded with agility, recalibrating their approach to maintain perfect alignment with Tabcorp's goal.

The partnership faced its greatest test when challenged with an unexpected four-month delay.  This timing threatened to weaken negotiating power in a competitive market. Drawing on established relationships with key stakeholders, JLL quickly developed alternative strategies and contingency plans. Through regular, transparent communication and nimble market repositioning, the JLL team not only maintained client confidence during uncertainty but strengthened Tabcorp's position despite the challenging timeline. This tailored, responsive approach ensured that external disruptions wouldn't compromise the project’s success.

Meanwhile, JLL’s Sustainability experts worked alongside the team, evaluating options against environmental performance requirements to support Tabcorp's long-term goals.

"The integration of these perspectives meant we weren't just addressing today's challenge," notes Zoe Willis, Tenant Representative at JLL. "We were creating a workplace foundation that would support Tabcorp's business for years to come."

When Tabcorp employees now arrive at their new home in Tower 1 of the Darling Park Precinct, they experience a fundamentally different workplace. Interconnecting staircases connect teams across floors. Seamless and integrated office technology boosts productivity. A central town hall space serves as the heart of the office, bringing people together for collaboration and community building.

"The transformation has been remarkable," shares Paul. "Employees now have access to outdoor gardens, versatile third spaces beyond traditional desks, and convenient food options - all contributing to a workplace experience that people actively want to be part of."

Behind these visible improvements lies equally important strategic value. The JLL team negotiated a market-leading deal with above-market incentives that established a new benchmark for the market. Recognising Tabcorp's need for future flexibility, they secured valuable expansion and contraction rights alongside strategic break options to accommodate potential business changes.

The success of this transformation is measured not just in space or financial terms, but in human impact. Paul Bolton awarded the project a perfect 10/10 satisfaction score, stating: "The Sydney JLL tenant representation team, comprising Sadaf, Zoe, and Paul, is the best in the city. They are incredibly professional and a pleasure to work with, making the entire process smooth and efficient."

Tabcorp's journey from disconnected to dynamic workspace demonstrates how addressing fundamental workplace challenges can create both immediate operational improvements and long-term strategic advantages. By transforming physical barriers into opportunities for collaboration, they've created an environment where people - and business - can thrive.