While continuing to hit rival Fairfax Media over the head with a rumour that publication of its flagship Sydney and Melbourne dailies is to be cut back, News Corp Australia is heavily engaged in its own dramatic rationalisation (writes Peter Coleman).
Technology updates are being credited with the ability to serve what was 19 news operations Australia-wide via three editorial hubs, with an industry insider telling GXpress that as many as two-thirds of the previously-Atex systems ‘seats’ could be cut as a result.
And a report in the group’s newspapers (The Australian August 1, and online at heraldsun.com.au) details the impact of the changes in terms of real estate in top-priced Sydney.
Reporter Lisa Allen discloses that about 2600 staff are affected by a “major consolidation” which will centre staff in a precinct based on its Holt Street, Surry Hills headquarters.
Staff at a city office in Liverpool Street – the lease of which expires early next year – and the former Federal Publishing headquarters in Bourke Road, Alexandria, where sites are being redeveloped following Hannanprint’s relocation to Eagle Farm, will move to Holt Street or nearby Newspoll House (407 Elizabeth Street) where a new lease is to be negotiated.
Major renovation is planned of the historic Holt Street site – the subject of a major facelift including an internal atrium, when production was relocated to Chullora 15 years ago – with internal staff relocations set to start in October.
Staff at newly-refurbished Newspoll House will have access to enhanced facilities at Holt Street including meeting areas, a gym, restaurant and roof terrace, a staff email says. "The media precinct location provides employees with easy access to public transport links and all of the amenities of Surry Hills, including restaurants, bars, cafes, parks and theatres.”
There’s also a sniff of the ‘desk-sharing’ concept to which Fairfax employees are being introduced, in the statement that the Holt Street building would be “upgraded to provide workspaces which will offer increased opportunities for employee collaboration and innovation”. News says it will also provide “a new working environment which will better reflect our position as Australia's No 1 media company”.
The company is expected to sell the building at 142-154 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, while reorganising the leased office it has there in Phillip Street, used by its finance shared services division.