Business briefs

Bought for $3.85 million

Walco Aluminium has bought a vacant, freestanding industrial property, in Granville, for $3.85 million, from PCW Properties.

$17 million centre

Taylor Construction Group has commenced work on Parramatta City Council’s $17 million new operations centre, in Rydalmere, which will be a hub for over 250 staff from council’s civil and parks maintenance, cleansing, sign making and carpentry teams, mechanical workshop, fleet and animal holding services. It will also accommodate design, technical and asset and waste management staff currently located in Civic Place. The centre is due to be completed by the end of this year.

Small business appointment

Ms Robyn Hobbs has been appointed Small Business Commissioner for a five-year term, by the Minister for Small Business, Katrina Hodgkinson. She was formerly manager, executive support, at Parramatta City Council.

Tower nominated for award

The Eclipse Tower, the 19-level office building of 25,728 square metres, in the Parramatta CBD has been nominated for Best Office Development as part of the 2014 Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards, to be announced in May.

Land value up nearly $3 billion

The total land value of the Parramatta local government area increased to about $20.87 billion, at July 2013, up from $17.95 billion, in July 2010, according to the NSW Valuer General.

$7.1 million project

Parramatta City Council has under assessment a DA for the demolition of a heritage building, demolition of ancillary structures, tree removal and construction of a multi-purpose facility, at Our Lady of Mercy College, 2-6 Victoria Road, Parramatta. The estimated cost is $7.1 million. The application will be determined by the Western Sydney Joint Regional Planning Panel

DA for demolition

Parramatta City Council is assessing a DA for the demolition of existing warehouses and offices, at 2-8 River Road West, Parramatta, for a part 11 and part 12 storey mixed use development including 271 apartments, three retail tenancies and two levels of basement parking. The $82.5 million proposal, overlooking the Parramatta River, will be determined by the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel.

New Parramatta Council CEO

Parramatta City Council’s new chief executive officer, Greg Dyer, has taken up the top job following the resignation of Dr Robert Lang.

"Having been born in Parramatta, it's gratifying to receive this opportunity to work in a community that I knew very well, and which was a key part of my early development," he said.

Mr Dyer holds degrees in both economics and law from the University of Sydney, and qualified as a chartered accountant while working for KPMG in its Parramatta office.

Mr Dyer most recently served as finance director with the Mirvac Group, a Top 50 ASX-listed property company, a position he held from September 2012.

Previously, he served as chief financial officer with property/lifestyle investment company, Mulpha Australia Ltd, and APN News and Media.

He has also held a number of director and non-executive director positions in Australia, the US and Asia with organisations including Insite Organisation Pty Ltd, FKP Property Group, Real Estate Capital Partners Managed Investments Ltd.

 “Mr Dyer brings a wealth of talent and experience to the role, particularly in property and financial management, and we're delighted he's agreed to join us," said Lord Mayor, John Chedid.

"He has a proven and outstanding track record of achievement, and experience that will serve Parramatta well as we continue to grow the city as Sydney's second premier CBD.

“We look forward to the benefit of his expertise."

Mr Dyer's appointment came after an extensive and rigorous executive search, with a number of candidates of exceptional talent vying for the role, Cr Chedid said.

Operations centre to cost $17 million

The Taylor Construction Group has construction of Parramatta City Council’s new $17 million operations centre, at Rydalmere, which. will be a hub for over 250 staff from council’s civil and parks maintenance, cleansing, sign making and carpentry teams, mechanical workshop, fleet and animal holding services.

It will also accommodate design, technical and asset and waste management staff currently located in Civic Place.  

Lord Mayor, John Chedid, said the centre would allow council to better meet the needs of Parramatta’s growing population

“It’s critical that as Parramatta’s population grows, Council’s services and facilities improve and expand in order to meet the changing needs of the community,” he said.

“At the moment, a number of council’s operation and asset maintenance planning functions are spread across different sites.

“Consolidating these sites into one makes good business sense and will allow council to achieve operational efficiencies and deliver better services to ratepayers.

“Council is also striving for a 4 Star Green Star Design rating through the careful selection of building materials, utilising energy efficient lighting, and capturing and reusing rainwater to flush toilets and wash trucks.”

The centre is part of council's program to revitalise its public assets, including new civic facilities and library as part of Parramatta Square stage three and a Discovery Centre by Parramatta River.

The centre is funded through the consolidation and sale of Council’s three depot sites; it.is due to be completed by the end of this year.

30 days to raise awareness

Screen My Shorts, Australia, in partnership with Parramatta City Council, is launching a short film challenge over 30 days to raise global awareness about the Homeless.

Lord Mayor, John Chedid, said that council is proud to be partnered with Screen My Shorts to help promote this cause.

“Council is pleased to support the festival by providing up to $10,000 worth of cash prizes,” he said.

All teams taking part will be allocated one of over 20 subjects/topics to explore and relate it to the Homeless, such as, current refugee situations, homeless by choice, gambling and economic pressures.

The official filmmaking period begins on Friday, April 11, when teams are randomly allocated a subject and line of dialogue which relate to the central theme in their short film; filmmaking must finishing uploading by Sunday, May 11..

Completed films will then be judged by an expert panel and the finalists will be screened at the Screen My Shorts Awards ceremony.

From the registration fees collected, Screen My Shorts will donate 25 per cent to a worthy cause relevant to the theme.

Project Homeless was purposely designed as a global event for filmmakers to participate, contribute and raise awareness whilst giving them opportunities to develop their craft.

Their creative works then become a community resource for education, entertainment and inspiration.