Design process

While the Pyrmont location had certain strengths in regard to encouraging physical activity, the site presented particular limitations that needed to be overcome to achieve the same pattern of non-car usage as the old premises. Fairfax Media worked with the developer very early in the design process to ensure that facilities such as bicycle storage areas, locker space, change rooms and showers would meet company requirements.

Fairfax senior management also worked with transport providers to improve the public transport options for staff. Along with neighbouring organisations including Channel 7, Fairfax campaigned successfully for improvements to the Metro Light Rail service. Fairfax negotiated with the owners, Metro Transport, to reduce travel times by resolving problems such as traffic lights working in favour of the rail. This resulted in trip reductions of four to five minutes and increased frequencies. The organisations then worked successfully with City Rail to have their transport maps re-designed to include the light rail services.

Fairfax also worked with the then NSW Ministry of Transport to improve bus services to Pyrmont. The improvements to the 448 bus route, an express bus service from York Street, Sydney to Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, resulted in faster trips to and from the city.

Before moving to the new premises, the Sustainable Commuting Handbook, was promoted to staff and made available on the intranet. The Handbook includes information on accessing the Fairfax Media building by public transport, foot and bicycle.