Enriching Connections

The vision for the 6 Parramatta Square project was to provide an advanced, functional and flexible workplace which reflects Government’s focus; empowering change, collaboration, communication and attracting the best talent in the market. Led by Property and Development (PDNSW), the NSW Government ‘Hub Strategy’ is the result of the adoption of a whole of Government Accommodation policy to promote and drive efficiencies by collocating a number of NSW agencies within a central workplace at 6PSQ supporting adaptability and a sustainable design.

The 6PSQ fitout is in the new Parramatta Square development, a vibrant, mixed-use precinct, located at the centre of Parramatta’s CBD, that connects to 4PSQ (the first building occupied by NSW government). As a major tenant at 6PSQ, the government supports the regeneration of the CBD development in Sydney’s second largest city of Parramatta.

In response to the site and proximity of the Parramatta river, the project narrative embodies a highly energised ‘waters edge’; a place that is enriched with activity and forms places for gathering and mindfulness. The planning solutions connect with an accessible and collaborative spine that provides support, energy and diversity to enhance the performance of the workspace, inspired by the meandering Parramatta river:
– gentle curved forms expressed in architectural elements across varying scales
– a variety of settings & two interconnecting stairs placed strategically to enrich connections (a base build modification to better suit the planning strategy).

The project achieved the key metrics across the scale and diversity of space types which was essential throughout the planning to achieve an evolved set of key settings and density requirements, based on NSW government accommodation guidelines. The design embodies the latest diversity and inclusion learnings including, gender neutral facilities (to selected areas), a diversity of settings and wellness facilities.  There are  also increased solutions for all users & accessibility designed in wayfinding, AV, furniture and joinery designs.

The ambitious ‘workplace hub’ strategy and the strong sustainable design of 6PSQ reinforces the government’s approach to bring people together into workplace hubs, creating efficiencies and reducing our environmental footprint. The tenant fitout designed to 5.5 stars NABERS Energy tenant rating, as required by the NSW Government Resource Efficiency Policy and achieved a Green Star 6 star rating.

6PSQ was an evolved design that built on shared experience and learnings to develop a workplace of the future that knows it needs to respond to change:

• To enable fluctuations within the building occupation
• Designing for the new hybrid way of working through a provision of settings and flexibility whereby the design was adjusted during Covid to ensure hygienic safety and alignment of metrics
• A place that is welcoming to all employees and visitors to support how and when they need to work
• A new dedicated Government Touchdown facility for visitors to the site who may also wish to work and meet
• The introduction of a Link bridge across one level between 6PSQ & 4PSQ which connects 5000sqm of meeting, training and touchdown space for government employees and their partners