| Walker Corporation history |
“To me, it’s all about possibilities. To take a space
and use it to create something valuable, useful and superbly designed.
The challenge of transforming a vision into reality is what drives
me.” |

"Our team is dynamic and highly experienced, and they’re
out in the marketplace talking to customers every day of the week,
securing opportunities, forming partnerships, supplying tailor-made
solutions." |

"We’re proud of what we do: our design quality is sharp,
we are creative and embrace challenges. We also have construction
people with an eye for detail, who are committed to a great product.
We enjoy our work and have fun completing a job successfully. That’s
what welds our team together" |
|
|
| Our
Philosophy: Challenges Accepted |
To understand our company, look around you. The evidence of its success
is everywhere: scores
of bold, innovative developments that tower above the ordinary. From
the global-award-winning Altair, through the hugely popular Wharf
at Sydney’s Woolloomooloo, to the Hope Island Resort on the
Gold Coast, our creations aren’t just developments, but living
and working environments brought from conception to full-blown reality.
Large, complex challenges are my passion. I believe in meeting them
head-on with proven know-how, financial strength and a strong organisation
that makes quick decisions, cuts through red tape and is highly responsive
to clients’ needs.

The beginning
In the late 1960’s A & L Walker Pty Limited was established
in New South Wales by Lang Walker and his father, Alec, as a plant
hire and earth moving contractor.
1970s
In 1972 Lang Walker successfully established The Walker Group, a company
that specialised in the construction of new roads and subdivision
development. In 1977, the Walker Group commenced residential development
activities. In 1979 and 1980, it undertook the development of a variety
of small office buildings and small-medium density residential projects
in southern Sydney.
1980s
In the early 1980’s, the Walker Group engaged in subdivision
projects in Sydney and Brisbane. During this time, Walker Constructions
Pty Limited was established to undertake the building work for the
Group’s development projects.
In the late 1980’s, the Group’s activities were concentrated
on industrial and residential development and civil engineering projects
in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In 1988 The Walker Group changed
its name to Walker Corporation Pty Limited.
1990s
During the 1990’s the company developed retail and residential
property and expanded the
business significantly. In 1993, it participated in the establishment,
as well as being joint manager, of the listed property trust The Industrial
Property Trust of Australia with MBL. In February 1994 the company
converted from a proprietary limited company to a public company and
changed its name to Walker Corporation Limited.
1994 COMPANY
FLOAT
When the company floated in 1994, Lang Walker remained as the Managing
Director. Projects under the control of Walker Corporation Limited
over that time went on to generate sales revenue of over $2 billion,
employing over 375 full time staff.
These projects included:
- University housing projects in Sydney and Melbourne
- Major residential developments: The Regency, Chatswood and
Balmain Cove in Sydney
- The refurbishment and revitalisation of The Wharf at Woolloomooloo
- Re-development of King Street Wharf - Wharves 9 & 10 in
Sydney
- Construction of a shopping centre in Gladesville
- The redevelopment and re-opening of the Broadway Shopping Centre
in March 1998
- The construction of the Parkwest Industrial Estate in Melbourne
- Three distribution centres constructed for Coles Myer - two
in South West Sydney and one in Brisbane. Combined, the three
warehouses would hold 24 football fields under one roof.
1999 SALE TO AUSTRALAND
In 1999, Lang Walker decided to sell his shareholding in Walker
Corporation Limited to Australand Holdings Limited and concentrate
on running his private development company McRoss Developments Pty
Ltd. He reserved the rights to re-use the Walker Corporation name
after January 2003.
The McRoss Developments Pty Ltd projects included:
- St Mary’s, Sydney, an industrial site for ACI and Smorgon
- Georges, Melbourne - refurbishment of the former department
store to office and retail space
- Aspen, Colorado - a housing estate valued at US$40 million
- Industrial development at Alexandria, Sydney
- Industrial development at Zetland, Sydney
- Industrial development at Clayton, Victoria
- The development of Smithfield for Toll Transport
- 100% Ownership and management of the Broadway Shopping Centre
- 120 Elizabeth Street, retail and residential development
- Pran Central, Melbourne
- Commercial development, Mona Vale
- Commercial development, Gosford
2000
In 2000 the company acquired Hope Island Resort in Queensland including
an 18 hole Golf Course.
2003
Lang Walker exercised his right to re-use the name Walker Corporation
as his company’s name, and McRoss Developments Pty Ltd was
re-badged as Walker Corporation Pty Ltd. Walker Corporation has
more than $2 billion worth of projects to deliver on Australia’s
eastern seaboard
in the next 5-7 years. With a highly skilled team Walker can design,
construct and deliver total property solutions across all the sectors
of the development field.
2006
Lang Walker, Executive Chairman of Walker Corporation, announced that the group would continue to develop its range of more than 20 projects across residential, retail, commercial and industrial sectors following the $1.25 billion sale of selected assets to Mirvac Ltd and other parties. |
|