ABC’s new Parramatta lays the foundation for “Sydney’s other CBD”

Experts said that ABC plans to transfer most of its media business to Parramatta, which will help consolidate Western Sydney and become the preferred alternative to Sydney’s central business district for Australian companies.

Wally Scales, partner of Knight Frank and responsible for the agency’s Western Sydney branch, said that the National Broadcasting Corporation’s decision to establish a Parramatta base was a coup in the region.

On Wednesday, ABC announced plans to transfer 300 employees from its Ultimo office to a new facility in Parramatta, 25 kilometers west of the CBD—most likely in Parramatta Plaza.

Staff will move out of the content department, including news editing rooms, local radio stations, national radio and television production teams, and new facilities may include radio and television studios and public spaces for community participation.

ABC stated that it has begun searching for new locations and will work with real estate consultants to find suitable sites. The new base is expected to be put into operation in 2024.

Mr. Scales said: “Our main news organization believes that it is appropriate to relocate such an important part of its business to Parramatta, which indicates that Parramatta is well placed as another CBD in Sydney.”

“My understanding is that it may involve almost a public studio on Parramatta Square, which will be a good activator of public space.”

Mr. Scales said that the renovation of Parramatta is underway, and a large number of commercial and residential construction projects are underway.

“Together with the completed building, it has almost changed the nature of the Parramatta commercial market. Parramatta now provides real, high-quality Class A accommodation, which was lacking in the past, and this is why many companies have not included it in their expansion plans. Reason,” he said.

“For any business organization seeking to expand or relocate in Sydney, it is now on the map that must be considered.

“This also helps to incentivize the Greater Western Sydney headquarters to become a major employment center, which is not only attractive to government agencies, but also attractive to Australian companies moving most of their business to Parramatta. We don’t want these companies to use it as a The headquarters is located, but it will certainly not simply become a satellite operator as it used to be.”

REA Group economist Anne Flaherty said that in recent years there has been a concerted movement towards alternative business districts.

“Although the demand for offices outside the capital city has been increasing in the years before the COVID-19 outbreak, the pandemic has accelerated this trend. This trend is particularly evident in Sydney and Melbourne,” Ms. Flaherty said.

“In New South Wales, the rate of queries on realcommercial.com.au for offices located in the Sydney CBD fell to the lowest level on record in the first quarter of 2021, down to 8.6%, close to half of the 16.3% seen Two years ago.

“Parramatta is the third most inquired office location in New South Wales (behind the Sydney CBD and Surry Hills). As an office destination, Parramatta may benefit from the rapid population growth in Sydney’s west.”

ABC said in a statement that Parramatta is located in the geographic center of Sydney, and increasing the broadcaster’s workforce in Western Sydney will provide greater visibility and connections with the growing community.

“Parramatta is an ideal location for journalists and filmmakers to travel to the city and Western Sydney to report stories. Compared with the current situation with Ultimo headquarters, it will be easier to reach more parts of Sydney. This move will strengthen ABC to achieve more The ability of Australians to be more relevant to goals,” ABC said.

Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher welcomed the news, stating that this move will enable ABC to represent Western Sydney’s interests more fairly.

He said: “More diversity of people will mean more diverse opinions between ABC staff and reporters, and any objective observer will agree that this will only be a good thing.”