Lang Walker is being remembered as a property development pioneer who had a huge impact on Parramatta.
While Walker Corporation developed some of Sydney’s most recognised buildings – such as Broadway shopping centre and King Street Wharf – he was always keen to embrace the west.
Walker was front and centre when it came to the much-celebrated Parramatta Square development.
He was also the first philanthropy partner to invest in Powerhouse Parramatta, contributing some $20 million to the project.
“Lang Walker was a giant of Australian industry and there has been no greater supporter of Powerhouse Parramatta than Lang,” said Powerhouse Trust President, Peter Collins.
“It was an honour to have him serve on the Powerhouse Trust for the last three years at a critical time for the institution. No one has given more support to the Powerhouse than Lang Walker and his memory will be preserved in the Lang Walker Family Academy, and by future generations who will benefit from it.
“We are all shocked by his passing and send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Powerhouse Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah said Lang Walker’s legacy would be “forever embedded” in the project.
“Lang’s vision and ambition for Powerhouse Parramatta and his transformative investment will continue to impact and give opportunity for many generations to come,” she said.
“I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside such an incredible Australian. Mr Walker enabled the Lang Walker Family Academy, creating unprecedented new learning and employment pathways for young people and it will continue in his name.”
Lang Walker formed his company over 50 years ago and built a world class business shaping the Group into Australia’s largest privately owned property company. In recent years his strong focus has been on the Group’s future.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said Lang has been recognised and regarded as a great visionary, an inspirational leader, and the first to creatively tackle the challenge of urban transformation.
“Lang’s vision will remain an enduring force through the Walker DNA and the Walker Way which he actively passed on – it is embedded in our culture and our modus operandi,” Gallant said.
“The vital importance of business continuity and the need to maintain key relationships to retain our pre-eminent position has been instilled in all of us.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.