Redefining the future of work at 180 George Street, Sydney
At JLL, we take our purpose seriously. That is, to shape the future of real estate for a better world. This starts with our people and how they connect with our purpose. But our workplaces are fundamental too, supporting our brand, culture, operations, and talent strategies. When it came time to create our new office in Sydney, we found the perfect opportunity to showcase the expertise we provide to our clients every day through our real estate and workplace solutions.
Orchestrating expertise across every phase
The creation of JLL's 180 George Street office started in 2014, when our leasing and research teams began conversations with the building's owner, Lendlease, to help shape their vision for the site. Since then, our leasing and tenant representation teams have helped place tenants in the premium building, specifically businesses seeking hospitality-led experiences for their employees, clients, and visitors.Bringing this vision to life required pulling together the right teams at the right time. Our project management and construction experts navigated a unique post-COVID environment with agility and focus, adeptly overcoming unforeseen challenges to successfully transform the space into the workplace we envisioned.
Finding home in Sydney's tallest tower
When it came time to determine our own tenancy, we wanted a sustainable solution that would continue to serve us into the future. With its focus on amenity, sustainability, and accessibility, 180 George Street became the perfect home for our Sydney CBD team. We leased three floors to cater to the changing nature of work and shifting priorities of our people.The workplace was built to Green Star and WELL Platinum standards, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light and automated systems managing air quality, lighting, and occupancy for daily comfort. Smart features include LED lighting, automated window blinds, perimeter zone lighting adjusted by photoelectric cells, occupancy sensors, filtered water dispensers, and low-VOC materials throughout.
From development to daily operations
Getting the building into operation mode is where JLL's property management (PM) team brought its experience. The team initially advised Lendlease on potential costs and outgoings during development, then worked with Lendlease's construction and investment management teams to prepare for the operational transition.JLL's PM team now manages the entire building, handling contractor management, operations, plant equipment, financial reporting, lease administration, and ongoing works. The team works behind the scenes to make the experience seamless for all tenants and guests. Waste management systems dispose of food, recyclables, and general waste sustainably, while indoor plants improve air quality and support mental wellbeing.
A showroom for the future workplace
Our focus was on delivering a next-generation workplace. After consultation and collaboration among JLL colleagues, what emerged was a showroom for the future. The space is sustainably designed for agile work practices, with technology-supported spaces that empower teams to work how and where they need to.Large-screen panels offer interactive showcases and virtual site visits for clients. Our fully equipped media room enables multimedia content creation. A work café and wellness room provide spaces to unwind. Furniture is sourced from suppliers offering end-of-life stewardship programs, ensuring items can be reused or recycled at end of lease.
Designed for connection, purpose and culture
Located across levels 25, 26, and 27, halfway up Sydney's tallest building, Salesforce Tower, JLL's Sydney head office is designed with people, purpose, and culture front of mind. The three floors, designed by our in-house interior design team, are connected by a state-of-the-art spiral staircase that encourages interaction and showcases what good design and clever planning can achieve.
Visitors are greeted by breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and a hotel-like lobby staffed by friendly community ambassadors.The workplace offers 70 collaboration spaces and 10 hydration points, providing plenty of spots for colleagues to connect. The office has been designed to be agile, adapting to how people and teams want to use it, while remaining flexible for future growth.Level 26 serves as our social hub, a central point for teams to relax, connect, and enjoy harbour views, complete with beer and wine taps for afternoon gatherings. With an iconic location and our commitment to our Reconciliation Action Plan, we worked with Gadigal artist Kate Constantine to name our level 27 meeting rooms with words in the Gadigal language, creating a narrative about place and connection throughout the office.Our new Sydney office exemplifies JLL at its best. We put workplace experience first, pull the right teams together, and deliver future-focused best practice that demonstrates how we help clients shape the future of real estate for a better world.
Workplace
awards
International Good Design Awards for Excellence in Design and Innovation
JLL’s workplace at 180 George Street, Sydney has been honoured with a Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category—the highest recognition for design and innovation in Australia.Presented by Good Design Australia, the Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate exceptional design quality, innovation, and real-world impact. In 2023, over 900 entries were assessed by an international jury of more than 70 experts against rigorous criteria spanning design excellence, ingenuity, and social and environmental contribution.
What the jury said:“The JLL Office Fitout uses a thoughtful selection of materials to create a future-proofed commercial space. Every aspect of its design seeks opportunities to balance social connection with productivity. The Jury commends the design team for this outstanding project.”
