NSW Premier, Morris lemma today announced a landmark agreement
to build a new television production centre and commercial offices at the
Australian Technology Park (ATP) at Redfern.
Mr lemma said the Redfern-Waterloo Authority had signed a
Heads of Agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property — a joint venture between
Rebel Property Group and Seven Network Limited.
“This is a major strategic investment that will
kick-start employment and further boost the economic revitalisation of Redfern
and Waterloo,”
Mr lemma said.
“It’s a $120 million agreement that will generate more
than 600 construction jobs and potentially bring more than 2,000 permanent jobs
to Redfern.
“That will almost triple the workforce at the Australian Technology
Park, and increase the number of jobs
in Redfern and Waterloo
by up to 20 per cent.
“This is a signpost deal that will put Redfern on Sydney’s commercial and
media map —and provide a significant long-term boost to the NSW television and
film industry.”
Under the agreement:
- Sydney
Broadcast Property will invest more than $120 million to design and build
a state-of-the-art, high definition television production facility and
commercial offices; - The
new television studio facility, leased by Seven, will be used to produce a
range of variety, drama and entertainment programmes, including top-rating
programs Home and Away and All Saints; and - Pacific
Magazines, one of Australia’s
largest magazine publishing companies with titles such as New Idea, Marie
Claire, Men’s Health, and Better Homes and Gardens, will be the anchor
tenant in the 43,500m2 development.
Works are expected to commence later this year and are due
for completion by the end of 2008.
Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor said the new
media production centre will be the largest commercial development in Redfern
for a decade.
“This is a milestone in the development of the ATP and
a turning point in the urban renewal of Redfern,” Mr Sailor said.
“The new media hub is the first commercial building at
the ATP to be developed by the private sector and will be a major drawcard in
attracting similar businesses to Redfern.
“As part of the deal, 60 construction jobs will be
provided for indigenous workers. It also provides for ongoing employment for
local residents once the media production centre is built.”
Further aspects of the deal include:
- A
1.4 hectare site valued at $13.1 million will be leased to Sydney
Broadcast Services for 88 years; - The
developer will provide 350 car spaces for the ATP and an additional 365
for the TV studio and offices; and - The
developer will spend $2.6 million on infrastructure including landscaping
and road works.
Mr Sartor said the Redfern-Waterloo Authority was set up to
deliver long-term improvements for the local community in human services,
employment and enterprise, and the built environment.
“This project is an outstanding example of the NSW
Government’s drive to renew strategic sites across the two suburbs and create
more jobs and opportunity for locals.
“The Government is currently investing more than $50
million to enhance the ATP, including a $5.5 million road improvement program
and construction of a research building.”
David Leckie, CEO of the Seven Network, said: “Our move
to Australian Technology Park
is a significant move for Seven and our magazines business, Pacific Magazines.
“We are delighted to be working closely with the NSW
Government and Rebel Property Group in ensuring that this new centre becomes
the leading creative hub for media in Australia.”
Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally said the announcement
would help bring more jobs and prosperity to Redfern and Waterloo.
“This development will help stimulate economic growth
across this area and provide a range of benefits for the local community,”
Ms Keneally said.
“A project of this type and scale will have a flow-on
effect by attracting related businesses to the area.
“It will also create new construction jobs and
permanent positions, providing more job opportunities for locals.
“The Redfern-Waterloo Authority should be applauded for
its hard work in attracting such a high-profile tenant.”
Today’s announcement follows the recent news that a tender
has been advertised for design consultants to investigate the options for a
redevelopment of Redfern station on behalf of the Redfern Waterloo Authority
and RailCorp.
It will increase capacity to cater for the type of growth in
the local residential and business communities that the ATP expansion will
provide, and include:
- Additional
safety features for all commuters including increased CCTV and lighting; - Better
access to the station platforms for families with prams, the elderly and
people with disabilities; and - Improved
passenger flow in and out of the station.
Tenders are currently being assessed. The appointment of a
successful consultant is expected by the end of July.