Walker Corporation

Walker Corporation was founded in 1964 by Lang and Alec Walker, initially as an earthmoving and civil engineering business{{cite web | title = Lang Walker Receives Lifetime Achievement Award | website = The Urban Developer | date = 25 October 2019 | url = https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/lang-walker-awarded-the-urban-developers-lifetime-achievement | access-date = 28 October 2022}} until 1972 when Lang Walker formed The Walker Group and expanded into property development.{{cite web | title = Building blocks of an empire | website = The Australian | url = https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/home-design/building-blocks-of-an-empire/news-story/43c586fcad512b7edb5b1c92b5f4f05b | access-date = 28 October 2022}} Walker Corporation was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1994.{{cite web | title = Walker Corp tries to build shares back to issue price | website = Australian Financial Review | date = 14 April 1997 | url = https://www.afr.com/companies/walker-corp-tries-to-build-shares-back-to-issue-price-19970414-kb19d | access-date = 28 October 2022}} In 1999, Lang Walker sold his shares in Walker Corporation to Australand (now Frasers Property), reserving the right to reuse the Walker Corporation name after January 2003.{{cite web | title = Seeing upside, not down | website = Australian Financial Review | date = 26 October 1999 | url = https://www.afr.com/property/seeing-upside-not-down-19991026-k90te | access-date = 28 October 2022}} Lang Walker exercised that right in 2003, renaming McRoss Developments Pty Ltd to Walker Corporation.{{cite web | title = Lang Walker stakes out his own ground again | website = Australian Financial Review | date = 15 May 2003 | url = https://www.afr.com/property/lang-walker-stakes-out-his-own-ground-again-20030515-juqe5 | access-date = 28 October 2022}} In 2006, Walker Corporation sold over A$1.1 billion worth of assets to Mirvac, retaining its industrial and some of its commercial and retail interests.{{cite web | title = Mirvac buys Walker portfolio | website =Sydney Morning Herald| date = 30 November 2006 | url = https://www.smh.com.au/business/mirvac-buys-walker-portfolio-20061130-gdoxuv.html | access-date = 28 October 2022}}

In 2011 Walker Corporation began development of Collins Square, then the largest commercial mixed-use development in Australia, with construction completed in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Bethany |date=2011-11-02 |title=Collins Square is the biggest |url=https://www.docklandsnews.com.au/collins-square-is-the-biggest_2025 |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Dockland News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Woods Bagot-designed final tower completed at landmark $2.5B Collins Square |url=https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/woods-bagot-designed-final-tower-completed-at-land |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Architecture & Design|language=en}}

In 2014 Walker Corporation was selected by the Government of Queensland and Redland City Council as the preferred partner to redevelop Toondah Harbour,{{Cite web |date=2014-09-18 |title=Walker Group to rejuvenate Redland City |url=https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/75297 |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Media Statements |language=en}} a {{convert|67|ha|acre|adj=on|lk=on}} site{{Cite web |last= |date=2014-09-18 |title=Walker Corporation selected for Toondah and Weinam PDAs |url=https://redlands2030.net/walker-corporation-selected-toondah-weinam-pdas/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Redlands2030 |language=en-AU}} which the government had declared a Priority Development Area located in Redland City, Queensland. The project was a source of controversy,{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tony |date=2022-05-04 |title=Controversial Toondah Harbour project may depend on election outcome |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/controversial-toondah-harbour-project-may-depend-on-election-outcome-20220504-p5aids.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Brisbane Times|language=en}} with parts of the proposed development area covering a Ramsar site.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tony |date=2017-06-12 |title=Cleveland's $1.3bn Toondah Harbour project to proceed to EIS stage |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/clevelands-13bn-toondah-harbour-project-to-proceed-to-eis-stage-20170612-gwpcvq.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}} In August 2016 Walker Corporation used a meeting with Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg to lobby for boundary changes to reduce the size of the Ramsar site, described by the company as a matter of “urgent national interest.”{{Cite web |date=2020-08-11 |title=Developer lobbied Frydenberg to de-list area of wetland for Queensland's Toondah Harbour complex |url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/12/developer-lobbied-frydenberg-to-de-list-area-of-wetland-for-queenslands-toondah-harbour-complex |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Guardian|language=en}} The company released revised plans in 2018, reducing the proposed land reclamation area by {{convert|12|ha|acre}} and reducing the impact on neighbouring Cassim Island.{{Cite web |date=2018-06-05 |title=Toondah Harbour development plans released |url=https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/5440566/toondah-harbour-development-plans-released/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Redland City Bulletin |language=en-AU}} In 2022 the company released the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, which was examined by the Government following public consultation.{{Cite news |date=2022-10-12 |title=Developers say $1.4 billion Toondah development safe for environment but conservation group claims it's a 'fantasy' |language=en-AU |work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-12/toondah-harbour-environmental-impact-statement-moreton-bay/101525966 |access-date=2022-11-01}}

In 2015 Walker Corporation released plans for its largest international development Senibong Cove,{{Cite web |last=Khoo |first=Lynette |date=2015-03-10 |title=Plans for new Iskandar project unveiled |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/plans-for-new-iskandar-project-unveiled-amended |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Business Times}} a {{convert|16|ha|acre|adj=on}} development located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. In 2016 the company's plans for a redevelopment of Adelaide's Festival Plaza were approved by the SA Development Assessment Commission,{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Linda |date=2016-11-15 |title=Adelaide's second tallest tower approved |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/adelaides-second-tallest-tower-approved/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Architecture Australia|language=en}} with revised plans including expansions to the retail component approved in late 2020.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Stephanie |date=2020-11-11 |title=Festival Plaza changes set for approval despite Parliament House heritage concerns |url=https://indaily.com.au/news/local/2020/11/11/festival-plaza-changes-set-for-approval-despite-parliament-house-heritage-concerns/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=InDaily|language=en}}

{{as of|2021|10}}, the company was developing over A$30 billion worth of projects across Australia and Malaysia.{{Cite web |last=Wilmot |first=Ben |date=2021-10-28 |title=Lang Walker boasts $30bn workbook across Australia, Malaysia |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/lang-walker-boasts-30bn-workbook-across-australia-malaysia/news-story/63d4234b096a1bdd97df8c1f678aba18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103114935/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/lang-walker-boasts-30bn-workbook-across-australia-malaysia/news-story/63d4234b096a1bdd97df8c1f678aba18 |archive-date=2021-11-03 |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=The Australian}}

• Collins Square: Australia’s largest commercial mixed-use development that was completed in 2018, occupying a full Melbourne CBD block.{{cite web | url = https://www.docklandsnews.com.au/collins-square-is-the-biggest_2025 | title = Collins Square is the biggest | work=Docklands News | access-date = 2022-10-06}}
• Parramatta Square: A $3.2 billion{{cite web | url = https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/suburban-offices-swell-as-tenants-rethink-city-towers-20201014-p564z4.html | title = Suburban offices swell as tenants rethink city towers | work=Sydney Morning Herald | date = 16 October 2020 | access-date = 2022-10-06}} project on a {{convert|3|ha|acre|adj=on}} site in Parramatta, New South Wales, consisting of four commercial towers, a retail district, and public spaces.{{cite web | url = https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/winding-water-course-at-heart-of-proposed-parramatta-square-public-space-20150928-gjwedr.html | title = Winding water course at heart of proposed Parramatta Square public space | work=Sydney Morning Herald | date = 28 September 2015 | access-date = 2022-10-06}}
• Riverlea Park: The largest residential development in South Australia’s history, comprising approximately 12,000 homes{{cite web | url = https://www.australianpropertyjournal.com.au/2022/02/24/adelaides-largest-largest-masterplanned-community-becomes-a-suburb/ | title = Adelaide's largest masterplanned community becomes a suburb | work=Australian Property Journal | date = 24 February 2022 | access-date = 2022-10-18}} and expected to take over two decades to complete.{{cite web | url = https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/walker-plots-first-retail-centre-at-aud3bn-estate | title = Walker Plots First Retail Centre at $3bn Estate | work=The Urban Developer | date = 4 May 2022 | access-date = 2022-10-18}}
• Maroochydore City Centre: Australia’s largest greenfield CBD located in Maroochydore, Queensland, estimated to take 15-20 years to complete.{{Cite web |last=Tabet |first=Ted |date=2022-10-20 |title=Field of Dreams: Walker Readies Australia's Next CBD |url=https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/maroochydore-city-centre-walker-corporation-suncentral-development-construction |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Urban Developer |language=en}}
• Festival Tower: A $1 billion{{Cite web |date=2021-12-07 |title=SRG wins $20m Adelaide contract |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/SRG-wins-20m-Adelaide-contract |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Business News|language=en}} commercial and retail development and public square in the Adelaide CBD, expected to be completed in late 2023.{{Cite web |last=Frangos |first=Daniela |date=2021-11-29 |title=Plans to Revamp Festival Plaza Have Been Unveiled |url=https://www.broadsheet.com.au/adelaide/city-file/article/plans-long-dormant-festival-plaza-have-been-unveiled |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Broadsheet|language=en}}
• Senibong Cove: A jointly-developed Malaysian masterplanned precinct{{cite web | url = https://people.utm.my/mfadhil/front-concept-sdn-bhd-senibong-cove-river-treatment/ | author = Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Fadhil Bin Md. Din | title = Senibong Cove, River Treatment | work=Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | access-date = 2022-10-18}} in close proximity to the Johor-Singapore Causeway, containing over 8,000 homes, a 100-berth marina, and a retail precinct{{cite web | url = https://www.sgmytaxi.com/senibong-cove/ | title = Why Senibong Cove Is So Popular | work=Private Car Services Singapore - Malaysia | access-date = 2022-10-18}} built on over {{convert|400|ha}} of reclaimed land.{{cite web | url = https://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2012/02/malaysia-johor-unveils-new-plans-for.html | title = Malaysia: Johor unveils new plans for waterfront | work=Wild Singapore News | access-date = 2022-10-18}} Senibong Cove received the South East Asia Property Awards’ ‘Best Villa/Housing Development’ award for multiple consecutive years.{{cite web | url = https://www.starproperty.my/news/senibong-cove-continues-winning-streak-at-awards-ceremony/73189 | title = Senibong Cove Continues Winning Streak At Awards Ceremony | work=Star Property | access-date = 2022-10-18}}
• Kokomo Private Island: A six-star{{Cite news |last=Smyth |first=Jamie |date=2015-11-27 |title=Fiji's political stability spurs buyers to seek piece of paradise |work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/a26a6696-8e35-11e5-a549-b89a1dfede9b |url-status=live |access-date=2022-11-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220408011347/https://www.ft.com/content/a26a6696-8e35-11e5-a549-b89a1dfede9b |archive-date=2022-04-08}} private resort occupying an entire {{convert|57|ha|acre|adj=on}} Fijian island,{{Cite web |last=Carruthers |first=Fiona |date=2017-03-30 |title=Lang Walker, Rich List property king, unveils his Kokomo Fiji resort |url=https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/lang-walker-rich-list-property-king-unveils-his-kokomo-fiji-resort-20170209-gu96ji |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201102010506/https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/lang-walker-rich-list-property-king-unveils-his-kokomo-fiji-resort-20170209-gu96ji |archive-date=2020-11-02 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}} comprising 21 villas and five residences.{{Cite web |last=Ashton |first=Chris |date=2022-09-01 |title=Island time awaits: 10 of the best South Pacific resorts - Executive Traveller |url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/best-luxury-resorts-south-pacific |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Executive Traveller |language=en}}
• Citiswich Business Park: A $1 billion{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Jessica |date=2019-10-18 |title=5 Brisbane property hotspots home buyers should know about |url=https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-brisbane-property-suburbs-home-buyers-003738976.html |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Yahoo! Finance |language=en-AU}} Ipswich industrial estate covering {{convert|350|ha}}, the largest in Queensland.{{Cite web |last=McIvor |first=Lachlan |date=2021-10-14 |title=Huge new truck depot planned for thriving business park |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ipswich/western-freight-management-plans-truck-depot-for-citiswich-business-park-in-bundamba-ipswich-off-warrego-highway/news-story/6d6e8a2539a39b6701d3134df9d92e8c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230109012745/https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ipswich/western-freight-management-plans-truck-depot-for-citiswich-business-park-in-bundamba-ipswich-off-warrego-highway/news-story/6d6e8a2539a39b6701d3134df9d92e8c?amp&nk=92896807b744a6b12e66385d329a38de-1673227673 |archive-date=2023-01-09 |website=The Courier-Mail}}
• Main Drive Kew: A $400 million residential development on the former Kew Cottages site in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Kew. The project is a joint venture between Walker Corporation and the Victorian Government and has been the subject of several accolades, controversies, allegations, and legal disputes. Construction of stage 1 was completed in 2008 and was followed by several disputes between purchasers, consultants, and developers. The final stage was completed in 2014.{{cite web | url = https://www.theage.com.au/national/trouble-in-kew-20081212-6xkv.html | title = Trouble in Kew | work=The Age| date = 12 December 2008 | access-date = 2013-02-15}}

Co-founder Lang Walker died aged 78 years on 27 January 2024.{{cite news |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Tony |title=Billionaire property developer and businessman Lang Walker dies |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-28/property-developer-lang-walker-dies/103398278 |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=28 January 2024 |language=en-AU}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website|https://www.walkercorp.com.au/}}

Category:Companies based in Sydney

Category:Companies formerly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange

Category:Property management companies

Category:Real estate companies established in 1972

Category:Real estate companies of Australia

Category:1972 establishments in Australia

Category:Privately held companies of Australia