Australian billionaire property developer Lang Walker dies

SYDNEY: Lang Walker, the billionaire whose company developed city centres and communities across Australia, has died aged 78.

Walker co-founded Walker Corporation with his father 60 years ago and the company grew to become one of the country’s largest private property groups.

He was born in Sydney in 1943 and grew up in the city’s eastern suburbs. His father, Sir James Walker, was a successful businessman who founded James Walker Construction in 1934.

Walker studied economics at the University of Sydney before joining his father’s company in the early 1960s. He quickly rose through the ranks and became managing director in 1970.

In 1982, Walker and his father co-founded Walker Corporation, which quickly became one of Australia’s most successful property developers. The company developed some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, including the Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast, the Yarra River apartments in Melbourne, and the King Street Wharf in Sydney.

Walker was a controversial figure at times, but he was also a respected businessman and philanthropist. He was a major donor to the arts and education, and he was also a passionate supporter of the environment.

Walker is survived by his wife, three children and 10 grandchildren.