A proposed seven storey office tower next to Westfield is poised to become Liverpool’s newest landmark.
An application has been lodged with Liverpool Council for the state of the art building which will become the new headquarters for major Liverpool law firm Brydens.
The unique design of the $20 million tower has everyone talking about it, from architects to engineers, from council officers to consultants, as well as the Brydens staff who will work in it when it is completed in 2017. They are currently in the Ingham building in Northumberland Street.
One of many features of the proposed building is a roof garden that includes a massive grassed area as well as landscaping. It will be like having a park on top of the building.
There will also be a substantial landscaping area on the third floor.
Mr Frank Mosca, of Mosca Pserras Architects, who designed the Brydens tower, says he has been told by experts who have seen the design that it would be one of the top six buildings in Sydney.
“There’s no doubt it raises the bar on building design here in Liverpool and could well pave the way for better designed buildings in the future,’’ Mr Mosca said.
Work will start with the demolition of the existing building, located to the right of the Elizabeth Street entrance of Westfield, in two to three months.
Mr Mosca said he was confident the council application process would be a smooth one.
“Council is excited about the design, seeing it as something that could easily belong in the Sydney CBD coming to Liverpool,’’ Mr Mosca said.
Mr Lee Hagipantelis, the principal of Brydens, was also effusive in his praise of the design of the building.
“Everyone at Brydens loved it when they saw the designs,’’ he said.
“Our people can’t wait to move in.
“We are keeping them informed of progress so they feel they are a part of the process,’’ Mr Hagipantelis said.
The Brydens principal said he believed Liverpool was on its way as a major centre in the Sydney metro area.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I know a lot of people are showing interest in Liverpool so a building like this could help encourage them to take the next step,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
Mr Hagipantelis said Brydens made the decision to invest in building this office tower because they are confident about Liverpool’s future.
“Before Ned Mannoun got elected to mayor I would say I had very little interest in local politics, but Ned has distinguished himself with his commitment to the region,’’ Mr Hagipantelis said.
“Ned recently said of Liverpool that it’s a growing city located between two airports, and that’s right in my view.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“But investing in this building is more than just commercial reality, this is our home, we employ over 100 staff, all from the western suburbs,’’ Mr Hagipantelis said.[/social_quote]
Brydens was established in Liverpool in 1972.
“It also gives me personal satisfaction to solidify our presence here by going ahead with this building,’’ Mr Hagipantelis said.
