Time & Place and Hickory have announced the completion of their $240m commercial precinct, Bourke and Bowden, located at 25 Bourke Road, Alexandria.

Bourke and Bowden was designed by the internationally acclaimed Wardle studio, with Flack Studio responsible for the internal communal spaces, whilst also consulting with Wardle on the holistic vision.

“Bourke and Bowden is a real milestone for us at Time & Place—we believe it sets a whole new standard for commercial precincts not just in Alexandria, but Sydney too. This precinct’s got a bit of everything, mixing bold design with retail and commercial innovation, it really speaks to our development ethos. We’re here to shake things up and present how bold ideas can unite in one space,” says Time & Place Founder and Director Tim Price.

“Bourke and Bowden is a testament to the effort between our incredible project partners. It’s a solid collaboration between us, Hickory, Wardle, and Flack Studio, and together we’ve created something that pushes the boundaries of commercial design. We’re all in on the idea that a well-thought-out space can spark creativity and bring people together—and Bourke and Bowden does exactly that.”

Accordind to Price, Bourke and Bowden redefines the standard of commercial precincts by integrating innovative amenities that prioritise collaboration and well-being. It’s a precinct that encourages movement and vitality, featuring extensive outdoor areas, with one notable element being the central meeting rooms designed in a unique treehouse bunker style. In today’s commercial landscape, wellness and worker health are essential, and these inspiring spaces foster creativity, cultivating a vibrant community where ideas flourish and collaboration thrives.

“We see so many benefits to city fringe locations like Alexandria. Inspired by Silicon Valley - an area known for its next-generational creative corporate hubs, our focus is on connectivity and optimised spaces, with tenant wellness and employee health as top priorities. South Sydney has proven itself as a more than emerging market, an area where these AAA precincts are designed to attract like-minded tenants who value quality, well-being, and thoughtfully integrated design in every aspect of their workday,” Price says.

“Bourke and Bowden really complements the City of Sydney’s master plan vision for South Sydney and will stand as a cornerstone development for the area. Owners and tenants recognise that the post-COVID office market has pivoted from traditional CBD locations and corporate formats. South Sydney has proven itself to be far more than an emerging market- t’s become a key city fringe creative, commercial and innovation hub in its own right.

“Everyone’s talking about the shift to net zero, and corporate offices are chasing that transition hard. But at Bourke and Bowden, we’re already there. As a brand-new precinct, we’ve built sustainability into the foundation, delivering spaces that meet net zero goals right from the start. It’s about future-proofing the workplace and offering tenants a place that’s as forward-thinking as they are.”

Upon practical completion, Time & Place confirmed that Australian tech innovator WiseTech Global, luxury wellness spa Soak Bathhouse, and a high-end furniture retailer are among the initial tenants. With additional coworking workspace to be included, these tenancies bring the precinct to 85% leased.

“At WiseTech we offer a hybrid work model combining remote working with in-person collaboration in the office. Key to this is creating a welcoming office environment, with creative spaces, that attracts our team members to want to come in and work together. We are excited to be moving into our new offices in the Bourke and Bowden precinct in 2025,” says Andrew Cartledge, Interim CEO, at WiseTech Global.

The leasing deals for Bourke and Bowden were brokered through a collaboration between Colliers and Karbon, two industry leaders with extensive expertise in connecting premium tenants to landmark projects.

Across three levels, Bourke and Bowden offers 16,500 sqm of premium commercial and retail space, meticulously designed to cater to the needs of next-generational businesses. As a PCA A-Grade building, it upholds the highest standards in construction and design. Additionally, the efficiency of customisable floor plates allows for tenants who require less space to meet their needs, to optimise their usage of the available area.

“Bourke and Bowden marks a pivotal moment for Hickory, reflecting our vision to create better places for future communities. This project goes beyond conventional construction — it’s a rare opportunity to showcase our expertise within a development that redefines commercial design and function,” Michael Argyrou, Chief Executive Officer at Hickory says.

“To contribute to a precinct that blends striking architecture with a forward-thinking, community-centric vision holds immense significance for us. Our enduring relationship with Time & Place has culminated in a project that will elevate Alexandria’s status as Sydney’s great creative hub.”

Amenities include a 1,000 sqm communal courtyard, a 500 sqm flexible roof terrace, and innovative mixed-mode meeting rooms set within the architecturally designed space known as the treehouse. On-ground amenities feature end of trip facilities with bicycle spaces, a workshop, lockers, change rooms, ensuring a seamless end to end experience for users.

Powered entirely by green electricity and targeting carbon net zero, Bourke and Bowden sets a high standard for sustainability, targeting a 5.5-Star NABERS Energy Rating and 6 Star NABERS Energy Rating with Greenpower.

This is complemented by a 5-Star Green Star Design & As Built Rating. Tenants will also benefit from an abundance of natural light and thoughtfully designed outdoor areas that enhance the working environment.

The building provides dual entrances from Bourke Road and Bowden Street, in addition to 172 secure basement parking spaces that will provide EV charging and a GoGet car share service. Accessibility is a key pillar of the project which is within 400m proximity to Green Square Train Station, enhancing the building's connectivity.

The development’s aluminium exoskeleton frames a predominantly glass façade, creating an open aesthetic that blurs the lines between structure and space.

Realised through the City of Sydney’s Design Competition process—an approach used to achieve exceptional standards in architectural and urban design—Bourke and Bowden’s terracotta-hued exoskeleton nods to the area’s industrial roots as the site of Sydney’s historic brick kilns.

This approach has resulted in a unique, contemporary landmark that balances homage with modernity, setting Bourke and Bowden apart as a visual and cultural icon.

In line with the City of Sydney’s criteria for public art in private developments, Time & Place worked with curator Amanda Sharrad to commission a series of sculptures by acclaimed Chinese artist Guan Wei, titled Salvation.

Guan Wei’s work carries a profound, if subtly ironic, moral dimension, with the symbolic forms reflecting social and environmental dilemmas. The work speaks to the history and future of migration in the area, embodying the diverse communities that live and work in Alexandria.

Through its unique and compelling visual presence, Salvation adds to the cultural value of Bourke and Bowden, fostering a deeper connection between the precinct and the broader community.

By incorporating high-end sculptures and culturally significant artworks, Time & Place is pushing beyond the norms of commercial precincts to create a destination that blends business with creativity.

This commitment to artistic expression underscores the developer’s ambition to elevate Bourke and Bowden into a vibrant, design-driven hub, a nexus point between work and culture, design and function.

Positioned as a cutting-edge commercial and retail destination, Bourke and Bowden embraces the design-forward mindset shaping Alexandria’s future. By attracting like-minded, innovation-driven businesses, the precinct will enhance Alexandria’s cultural and commercial appeal, blending its industrial past with a dynamic, sustainable future.

Time & Place is now inviting expressions of interest from businesses seeking to secure the remaining office tenancies and food & beverage space.

Clémence Carayol

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