Parramatta. Office buildings for sale

Expressions of interest in three office buildings in the Parramatta CBD close on March 26. The NSW Government occupies 74 per cent of a building, at 93 George Street, which has parking for 152 cars. The estimated net income is $2.3 million. A building, at 80 George Street, has an occupancy of 97 per cent, with an estimated net income of $3 million. It has parking for 103 cars. The NSW Government occupies 70 per cent of a building, at 108 Church Street, near Westfield Parramatta, It has 41 cars spaces and an estimated net income over $1 million. Knight Frank Sydney is handling the sale of all three properties.

Katoomba. Guesthouse sells for $1.5m

The 85-year-old Felton Woods Manor guesthouse, in Katoomba, has been sold to an undisclosed buyer for $1.5 million. All 35 rooms have en suites and range from single rooms to family-equipped rooms. The property has a heated swimming pool and spa, and a licensed restaurant.

Region. Free breakfasts at universities

The National Union of Students has plans to establish breakfast clubs at the University of Western Sydney and Macquarie University, following their introduction at Sydney, NSW and Technology universities. Union president, David Barrow, said in The Sydney Morning Herald, the clubs responded to the needs of increasingly impoverished students. Federal Education Minister, Julia Gillard, said the Government would respond to income support for students in the budget..

Parramatta. $40 million school expansion

The Diocese of Parramatta proposes to invest $40 million on the expansion of educational facilities on a 8.5-hectare site, which would include the current Catherine McAuley Westmead, girls’ secondary school of 1000 students, and Parramatta Marist High, boys’ secondary school of 1000 students, plus a new two-stream coeducational primary school and, potentially, a catholic preschool and an out-of-school-hours (OOSH) service and a catholic trade training centre. Gregory Whitby, executive director of schools, in the Parramatta Diocese, said existing schools were at maximum capacity. He said the timing of the project would help create local jobs and stimulate the economy. Council is considering a DA.

Penrith. New economic board at work on jobs

Paul Brennan, chairman, of the new board of the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation, said work had commenced on the development of a three-year strategic plan to create jobs in the region. “We’ll certainly be looking at ways to create new jobs as Penrith develops,” he said in the Penrith City Star. The board, which has yet to appoint a new CEO, is in the process of setting up sub-committees and would invite participants to join them. Mr Brennan is the CEO and director, of ASP Plastics and ASP Healthcare, based in St Marys, and president, of the NSW Business Chamber Western Sydney.