Elizabeth McKechnie

|Partner

Acted for Lidis Group as developer on the Lennox Bridge Carpark Redevelopment in Parramatta. The project involves the development of a riverfront precinct spanning both sides of Parramatta River, including foreshore parks and civic spaces, a discovery and convention centre, cafes and retail, and two residential towers (approximately 35,000 sqm GFA).

Advising Commonwealth Bank on the A$500m Raine Square in Perth (in receivership), the proposed new headquarters for BankWest. Raine Square is a landmark Perth project comprising a major commercial building of 20 levels and will become the biggest shopping centre in the Perth central business district. The 1.2 hectare site consists of 44,000 square metres of office space over 20 levels and 13,000 square metres of retail space over three levels. We have advised on all aspects of the project since early 2009 after Commonwealth Bank of Australia acquired BankWest, including renegotiating various project documents, managing issues related to change of builder, managing disputes over the fit out arrangements, and advising CBA/BankWest on all strategic issues, and we continue to do so. We also advised Bankwest on the fit-out works undertaken to provide an exciting ABW environment for the Bank's 3000 staff, and the fit-out agreement. This A$500 million project is in the hands of receivers, appointed to the developer. Completion was to have been in April 2010.

Acting for a wholly owned subsidiary of Australand Holdings Ltd on the A$800 million Discovery Point development at Wolli Creek in New South Wales. This 8-hectare mixed use development will feature residential apartments, commercial offices, an integrated retail centre and extensive public and private parklands. We are advising on procurement and OH&S strategies, drafting pro-forma and project specific documentation (such as consultancy agreements and design and construct contracts), assisting in the preparation of the tender conditions, advising on the tendering process and compiling documentation for tender.

Acted for AMP in relation to the $317 million acquisition and redevelopment of a 50% interest in 190-200 George Street, Sydney.

Advised the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) on Darling Quarter, Sydney’s most vibrant community precinct. We were engaged by CBA when it sought tenders for development of substantial premises within Sydney's Central Business District. Lend Lease, which was successful in its tender to the NSW Government and SHFA for the rights to develop what was known as the Sega site at Darling Harbour (now known as Darling Walk), offered its proposal for development on that site to CBA. CBA effectively relocated approximately 6,000 staff to what are now its flagship new buildings in Darling Harbour. We advised CBA and negotiated all relevant documents, including the agreement for sub-lease, sub-lease, various licences and advised generally in relation to the arrangements between CBA and Lend Lease arising out of the development of the area now known as Darling Walk. We were particularly involved in and understand the issues for CBA in its interaction with the Developer and NSW Government and SHFA, relating to the grant of head leases and securing the various development rights, which arose during the documentation of the arrangements between the parties. We provided extensive advice on the design requirements and project delivery issues for CBA. Setting the benchmark for green precincts Commonwealth Bank Place has received a 6 Star Green Star – Office As Built v3 rating, the first Australian building to achieve this significant milestone.