North-West. M2 widening could be disastrous

The widening of the M2 between Lane Cove and the Hills district could have a disastrous effect on a public transport route into one of Sydney's booming job centres, transport experts say. As part of a $550 million plan to widen the tollway from four lanes to six, the operator, Transurban, will demolish a bus-only access ramp near Epping station. The ramp is used by more than 60 Hillsbus services a day that transport passengers on the popular 611 service from Blacktown to Macquarie Park, via Epping. Bus patronage from the Hills district has boomed in the past decade, due to a combination of traffic congestion and gradually rising fuel costs.

Lidcombe. Firm relocates from South Sydney

Australian online shopping company, brandsExclusive, has committed to an ultra modern office/warehouse, of 3095 square metres, in the Lidcombe Business Park. The lease is for four year with a four year option at a rate of $135 per square metre net. The company, a free, invitation-only Australian online shopping destination for fashion clothing, footwear and accessories, will relocate from relocating from South Sydney. “The property is located in close proximity to the M4 Motorway allowing for convenient access to the Sydney metropolitan area.” Said CB Richard Ellis senior manager, Greg Pike.

St Marys. 500-space car park opened

The NSW Government has officially opened a new, 500 space multi-storey car park
at St Marys railway station. A new bus turnaround and kiss-and-ride area will be constructed nearby in early 2011. The multi-storey car park at St Marys is the latest project delivered under the NSW Government’s Commuter Car Park and Interchange Program.Under the program, 38 new commuter car parks and more than 8000 new spaces are being delivered in Sydney, the Central Coast, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.

Region. Properties sold

The recently opened Glenorie Woolworths sold for $10.96 million. The 3672-square-metre supermarket sold with a full 20-year lease plus options, at a net income of $735,000. A Bridgestone Tyre store, at Eastern Creek, sold under the hammer for $6.75 million.

Eastern Creek. Technology distributor relocates

Technology distributor, Ingram Micro, which will relocate from Mattraville, has pre-committed to a new $48.5 million, 39,000-square-metre industrial building, at the ING Industrial Fund’s Interchange Park, at Eastern Creek, due for completion next November. Ingram will pay about $4.3 million annually on a 10-year lease, with fixed annual reviews. ING Industrial Fund CEO, Paul Toussaint, said in The Australian Financial Review that Eastern Creek was becoming a major focal point for logistics groups.