Parramatta. Sydney Water's boost to economy

Parramatta City Council estimates the relocation of Sydney Water’s head office, from the Sydney CBD to Parramatta is likely to generate up to 2000 additional jobs in the local economy. The 23,000-square-metre purpose-built building, the first in the proposed $1.4 billion Civic Place development, will accommodate 1400 workers. Direct, industrial and consumption effects are estimated to deliver a total $1.4 billion to the local economy council said. A major Sydney Water supplier, MWH Australia Pty Ltd, which specialises in transport, water engineering and consultancy services, is next month moving its 40 staff from St Leonards to Parramatta

Penrith. 1000-space car park

A $22.6 million three-storey car park will be built to accommodate 1000 vehicles on part of the 50-hectare former Army land, north of the Penrith railway station. The project is expected to be built by the end of 2010. Landcom, which is negotiating with the Defence Department to buy the site, includes 1100 homes, open space and commercial buildings in its plans.

Villawood. Facelift for detention centre

Australia’s main onshore detention centre facility, the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, will undergo a major revamp with a $186.7 million investment over five years, to meet current standards for design and fit out. $25 million will be spent this financial year, according to budget papers.

Parramatta. $91 million for rail link

The Rudd Government has allocated $91 million in the budget for engineering and design work associated with the proposed 25-kilometre, Sydney CBD to Westmead fast underground rail link, which is estimated to cost $8.1 billion.

Penrith. Hospital gets $96.4m in budget

Drawing on its Health and Hospitals Fund, created last year using past budget surpluses, the Federal Government will spend $1.5 billion, over seven years, supporting 17 hospitals projects, including $96.4 million to extend Nepean Hospital to meet the growing demand for health care services in Western Sydney.

Penrith. UWS campus on the market

The University of Western Sydney has placed approximately 27.98 hectares of its Werrington campus on the market. The site, adjoining established residential areas, is zoned for general residential, medium density residential and light industrial. Expressions of interest close on June 18.

Region. Two hospitals benefit in the budget

Around $40 million will be shared between Blacktown Hospital and the University of Notre Dame for clinical schools, and Liverpool Hospital will receive funding for the $46.9 million Ingham Research Facility.

Parramatta. Recruitment National leases

Recruitment National has leased 373.5 square metres, at Suite 1.level 4, 60 Macquarie Street, in the Parramatta CBD, from the Hudson Group, for $298.50 per square metre gross, through Colliers International.

Penrith. Local man heads economic body

Bijai Kumar, economic development manager, with Penrith City Council, has been appointed CEO, of the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation. Within council, he was responsible for local and regional job creation and business development and initiatives including skills development. He represents council on the boards of the local Business Enterprise Centre and the NSW Business Chamber - Western Sydney. He has previously worked as manager, with the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services and Local Government Financial Services. In Fiji, Mr Kumar was GM, of Dominion Insurance Ltd, and undertook a number of consulting assignments in the South Pacific region before settling in Australia. He has a Masters in Development economics and Project Planning, from Bradford University, in the UK.