: Large residential tower to be built above Telstra exchange in Sydney

A large residential tower is being proposed above a Telstra exchange in Sydney, Australia. The NSW Department of Planning has reportedly released draft plans for public comment that would see a large multi-story residential skyscraper built above the facility at 524-542 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.

According to the planning documents, “The continuing operation of the Telstra Exchange requires a bespoke structural solution to enable the construction of new floors above it. The network of underground Telstra cabling prohibits basement excavation, increasing the site’s complexity and further reducing the space available for development. As such, any redevelopment of the site must be undertaken with consideration of the following site-specific constraints.

This document also adds, “In response, the structural solution for the proposed development involves the incorporation of full-level trusses that will transfer the load from the proposed tower to edge columns on either side of the Telstra exchange. This will minimize disruption to the Telstra exchange and allow it to remain in operation throughout the construction and operation of the new development.”