Parramatta. Challenges facing growth

A seminar to consider the challenges facing the growth of the Parramatta CBD as a major centre, both regionally and internationally, for the finance and professional services sector, will be held in Parramatta on February 16. Other events will be held in Norwest, Penrith and Liverpool. The events are organised by the Parramatta-based RDA Sydney, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW State Governments, to advance sustainable economic development and social equity within the Sydney region.

Region. Forum on food sustainability

A forum hosted by the University of Western Sydney brought together the key players who are responsible for sustaining and growing Australia's food industry at a time when the Australian population is booming and the climate becomes more challenging. Professor Bill Bellotti, Vincent Fairfax Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, at UWS, said the forum was an opportunity to critically assess the current food industry, education and policy landscape and discuss potential adaptations to address future challenges. The event, held at the UWS Hawkesbury campus, a centre for agriculture and food research for over 100 years, was convened by UWS deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development), Professor John Ingleson, the UWS Innovation & Consulting team and the UWS School of Natural Sciences.

Villawood. Property sold for $6.6 million

Manchester wholesaler and manufacturer, Kingtex, has bought an industrial complex at villawood for $6.6 million through CB Richard Ellis. The Birmingham Avenue complex incorporates two modern, freestanding buildings with a total net lettable area of 6055 square metres. Kingtex intends to occupy the larger of the two buildings, totalling 2822 square metres. The other office/warehouse is fully leased to Newline Australia until late 2013.

Region. Asian investors buy properties

CBRE associate director, Harry Bui, said its biggest auction result for 2010 was the acquisition of the Cabramatta City Centre for $18.1 million, at a tight initial yield of 5.7 per cent, by a private Asian syndicate in October. Another Asian investment syndicate acquired the Cecil Hills Shopping Centre for $10.8 million.