In the heart of Surry Hills, 80 Cooper Street captures the creative energy of its neighbourhood. April Group engaged us to deliver a vibrant speculative suite that would stand apart in a competitive leasing market.
80 Cooper Street - April Group Speculative Suite
From the outset, the focus was on colour, texture, and detail, creating a space that inspires, rather than confines. The design offers potential tenants a ready-made canvas, one that sparks imagination and highlights the flexibility of modern commercial workspaces.
April Group maintained a hands-on approach throughout the project, frequently visiting site to review progress and workshop design decisions in real time. This collaborative style allowed for quick adjustments without disrupting the program, giving April Group the flexibility to refine their vision as the build progressed.
A feature of the suite is the use of fabric ductwork, which set the project apart from traditional office builds. The sleek, modern look of the ductwork was complemented by its functional benefits, including quieter airflow and energy efficiency. The design impact was further enhanced by the bold and engaging colour scheme introduced in the kitchen breakout area, a deliberate choice to create a warm, social hub that stood out as the heart of the suite.
Delivering the project was not without challenges. Working within a 30-year-old building revealed unexpected conditions once demolition commenced. Despite these complexities, the project progressed smoothly and remained on schedule for handover by the PC date.
Throughout the build, the site was kept in a presentable condition, allowing prospective tenants to tour the suite while large-scale display renders helped them visualise its potential. This approach gave April Group the ability to continue marketing during construction and ultimately hand over a turnkey space.
The outcome is a bold statement about how thoughtful design can transform a leasing strategy into a compelling, tenant-ready opportunity.
Location
80 Cooper Street, Sydney
Size
775 sqm
Partners
ALBA Project Management, The World is Round
Delivery Method
Early Engagement and Construction
"Despite the inevitable changes that arose throughout the project, MPA's team remained flexible, solution-focused, and communicative from start to finish. The quality of the finished space speaks for itself, and we’ve had great feedback from the leasing team and client since handover. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with MPA again and highly recommend them for any commercial fitout requiring a steady hand and a responsive, experienced team.”
Pauline McPhillips
Project Director, Alba Project Management