Region. Sale of Dick Smith stores

The plan by Woolworths, headquartered at Norwest, to off load its Dick Smith electronic stores is moving ahead with formal negotiations taking place with a number of parties, according to Woolworths CEO, Grant O’Brien, who said, ”We are still going through the sales processes and expect a clearer indication of where it is heading within the next four weeks.”

Bankstown. Facility officially opened

Quickstep Technologies has officially opened its facility at Bankstown Airport. Premier, Barry O’Farrell, president of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Division, Gary Ervin, and Quickstep MD, Philippe Odouard attended the function. The Sydney Aerospace and Defence Interest Group (SADIG), in welcoming the new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, said: “SADIG brings together key defence and aerospace industry stakeholder groups and businesses to promote the region’s strengths and capabilities.” SADIG is an activity of the Parramatta-based RDASydney.

Parramatta. Council to buy property

Parramatta City Council proposes to purchase 333 Church Street, in the Parramatta CBD and will expect a report on the response to the shortlisted submissions for the development of the nearby Lennox Bridge carpark

Liverpool. Institute opening in October

The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research is expected to be opened in October, consolidating a number of facilities in the metropolitan area. The $50 million, state-of-the-art purpose built research facility is being constructed on the grounds of the newly extended Liverpool Hospital, which is soon to be the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere. The institute will act as a focus for both new research, and for research currently being conducted at Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Fairfield and Bowral hospitals The institute is the realisation of the dream of Bob Ingham, of Inghams Enterprises, based in Liverpool, to establish a research facility to rival any in the world; the first tentative steps were taken 15 years ago.

Parramatta. Tender accepted

Parramatta City Council has accepted the tender from Toplace Pty Ltd for the redevelopment of the Macquarie Street at-grade car park. Council had sought redevelopment proposals for the site including the provision of a new 700-car commuter carpark.