Parramatta. College leases space in CBD

Acme College has leased 306 square metres, at 16-18 Wentworth Street, in the Parramatta CBD, from Trinity Funds Management, at $310 per square metre. The lease is for three years, with a three-year option. Shane Ada, office-leasing executive, of Colliers International, said demand from international colleges for space in Parramatta had resulted in four leases this year, compared with only one in 2008. “We are experiencing a major growth in lease deals and enquiry activity for international colleges in the western metropolitan market, particularly Parramatta, Strathfield and Burwood,” he said. Eddie Liew, national director, of student services, at Colliers International, said it is not surprising that Parramatta was becoming a popular destination for colleges looking to establish a premise or expand, due to its central location, good public transport, easy access to the Sydney CBD and it provides cheaper student accommodation

Castle Hill. Entertainment centre tender

The Hills Shire Council has called for expressions of interest for the use, management and operation of The Hills Centre, a performing arts centre consisting of a 1550-seat concert hall, two smaller auditoriums, an a-la-carte restaurant, outdoor bistro, function rooms and amphitheatre. The lease is for a three-year period with a two-year option. EOIs close on April 30.

Parramatta. New chamber of commerce head

Trevor Oldfield, president, of the Wenty Leagues Club, and CEO, of the Parramatta-based Kids West charity organisation, has been elected president, of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, for a two-year period. Mr Oldfield, while noting Parramatta was growing rapidly described the city as “a sleeping giant with enormous possibilities”. Mr Oldfield said the chamber’s responsibility was to be “relevant” to its members. Membership of the chamber does not reflect the growth of Parramatta. Membership reached a peak in 1993 with 371 members and has trended down to 330 in 2009. The Wenty Leagues Club’s interests in Parramatta include the Tingha Palace, in Church Street.