‘A rare visionary’: Sydney property developer Lang Walker dies aged 78
Directors at Walker Group, the success property development business he established over 50 years ago, paid tribute to the company’s founder and chairman, in a statement released on Sunday, describing him as “a rare visionary” and “a great Australian”.
Walker and his team worked on iconic developments such as Broadway Shopping Centre, Rhodes Peninsula, Woolloomooloo Wharf, King Street Wharf, Hope Island Resort, Collins Square and Parramatta Square.
Having built a property portfolio of over AU$9 billion of prime assets in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide through Walker Group, he has developed a AU$36 billion project pipeline and, over the past decade, has implemented a smooth transition to his executive team to steer the company into the future.
“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,” said Walker Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, David Gallant.
“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.”
Walker’s “passion project” Kokomo Private Island in Fiji has won many accolades for excellence in luxury travel.
In an Instagram post, Kokomo Private Island said, “Lang Walker constructed his dream private island and brought to life his vision to create a paradise unlike any other; our exclusive tropical resort built with family, for family.”
Kokomo Private Island will continue to be operated by the Walker management team supported by the Kokomo team.
Through the Walker Family Foundation, Walker supported various philanthropic partnerships in major community projects, including the Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta, the new Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur and support for Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
“Lang loved creating incredible places where people can live and work, but he loved his family more than anything else in the world and his generosity and affection had no boundaries,” a statement from his family read.
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of a great man who changed the lives of so many people through his visionary projects and philanthropy.”
Lang passed away peacefully at his home in Sydney with his family by his side on Saturday January 27.