Office landlords are shrugging off the impacts of the global pandemic with new commercial properties earmarked for development amid forecasts of a recovery in the CBD office sector.

In the post-COVID-19 era, the shiny new skyscrapers will be reimagined to have much larger wellness offerings with increased space between desks and bigger, airier meeting rooms.

The latest tower to add to the skyline in coming years is by property funds manager and landlord Charter Hall, which has been given the green light to proceed to the next stage of its $2 billion project at 2 Chifley Square in Sydney’s northern CBD.

On Tuesday the NSW government granted “gateway determination”, for the project to proceed to the next stage.

It will include a new state-of-the-art tower, Chifley South, that will be built adjacent to the existing tower, Chifley North, and a revitalised public domain at Chifley Square.

Charter Hall Group’s chief executive David Harrison, said, Gateway Determination is a major step in realising the vision for 2 Chifley Square, and “directly aligns with the NSW government’s drive to reinvigorate the CBD and enhance Sydney’s reputation as an international city”.

“It’s a vote of confidence in the return to workplaces which is vital to our wellbeing, collaboration and mutual success,” Mr Harrison said.

The new Chifley South tower will provide over 50,000 square metres of premium office space, which has already achieved leasing pre-commitments from Charter Hall and global investment bank, UBS.

“While it will be several years before construction starts, Charter Hall will be working closely with its stakeholders to ensure 2 Chifley Square will be at the forefront of sustainability innovation and achieve the highest quality design and build,” Mr Harrison.