AS WORK continues on the major upgrade of St George House in Kogarah, the council is continuing to advocate for better train services.
While there is no firm date for completion, an expectation of an increased workforce has led Kogarah Council to act.
Kogarah mayor Stephen Agius said the St George Bank building upgrade and the influx of employees was a positive outcome for Kogarah as it would generate an increase in trade for many businesses.
"Kogarah is already the major hub of the finance, health and education sectors in the southern Sydney region and this upgrade will further strengthen that role as well as provide further job opportunities in the Kogarah LGA," he said.
"As mayor, it will be a priority to continue to advocate for the review of the current train timetable by the state government so that it better services commuters attending Kogarah's educational institutions, medical facilities, local businesses and now the expanded St George Bank.
"A more efficient train timetable for commuters to and from Kogarah will lessen the need for additional long-term parking in the Kogarah CBD."
A Westpac spokeswoman said the bank provided information to employees on all modes of transport, including encouraging them to download apps to help them plan their journey.
"We have also established our northern bus line services from the Northern Beaches and north-west, and a shuttle bus connecting our city sites and Kogarah — available to all Westpac employees and contractors," she said.
When refurbishment began in early 2014, it was anticipated the building would house up to 3000 staff, but this number has not been confirmed.
"We are still finalising employee numbers and car park capacity," the spokeswoman said.
She said the new workplace at Kogarah — along with its Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane CBD locations — would offer a world-class environment for employees.
"The new workplace will deliver an agile-style working environment and improved facilities for employee health and well-being, with a new gym and wellness centre," the spokeswoman said.
She said St George House had seen significant enhancements over the last couple of years, including the launch of the state-of-the-art digital innovation centre 'the hive' and the creation of a learning zone.
A modern rooftop barbecue would be opening soon and would be available to all employees, while the street frontage would house an Ethos cafe run by the Stazi group, which would be accessible to the public, she said.
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