Region. Less exposure to finance sector

The retail market outside the Sydney CBD is less exposed to the performance of the finance sector and is more correlated to the general economy, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report. Reflecting the downturn in retail turnover growth and the subsequent increase in the household savings rate, the demand for retail property throughout Sydney has waned, impacting the rental rates of both prime and secondary strip properties throughout Sydney. At an institutional level however, activity has increased, with several neighbourhood centres changing hands.

Parramatta. Workshop on boosting sector

Participants at a workshop, in Parramatta, on February 16 will be tasked with uncovering the key challenges facing the further growth of the Parramatta CBD as a major centre both regionally and internationally, for the finance and professional services sector. RDA Sydney said a greater representation of these industries is needed in areas such as the booming Western Sydney, as well as the further development of the finance and business services hubs located in Parramatta, Norwest, Penrith and Liverpool.

Region. Doubt over lending firm

Auditors, Moore Stephens, have raised doubts over the ability of short-term lender Amazing Loans, based in Victoria, which has branches in Liverpool and Merrylands, to continue as a going concern for the third time in four years because of uncertainty about its financing, according to The Australian Financial Review