Since 2009, Place Partners has guided the transformation of the Optus Macquarie Park Campus. In 2009 and 2014, Place Partners developed two strategies: the first to identify issues and opportunities at the site and create a place that people choose to be, and the second to respond to a different employee base and a new set of employee aspirations.
THE CHALLENGE
In late 2007, over 6,000 Singtel Optus employee and contractors moved from various office buildings in North Sydney and its surrounds to the purpose built Optus Centre in Macquarie Park.
The reason for moving all employees to a single site was to improve relationships and efficiencies – to be ‘Better Together’. However, the Macquarie Campus was a relatively homogeneous place - the courtyards looked the same, greenery was limited to lawn and small trees, and it had not been personalised prior to moving in.
The challenge for Place Partners was to address a disconnected campus where people were taken away from the city to a remote location with limited access to public transport, amenities and recreation facilities.
THE SOLUTION
Place Partners was commissioned to identify the issues and opportunities in the public space of the Campus, and create place improvements to respond to employee needs. The interventions have had great impact on both the comfort of the physical space but also the connection between the team, Campus, and the Optus brand.
THE IMPACT
Through a series of employee surveys and physical and social interventions, Optus Macquarie Park has transformed from a disconnected space to a connected and inspiring place that employees are proud of.
KEY LEARNINGS
1. It takes time, commitment and strategic planning for successful placemaking of a corporate campus.
2. Some low-cost interventions can result in the best successes.
3. Employee needs change over time due to change of demographics, age and culture.
4. The physical comfort of employees impacts their sense of security.
5. Responding to the user, not just management, is important for successful outcomes.
|