THE Department of Education is seeking up to 4,500 square metres in three different locations around Perth as some operations move out of the city and into the suburbs.
It signals a reignition of activity in the Government sector following the lifting of the moratorium placed on leasing decisions imposed in July 2001.
The Department of Education has appointed Property Resources Consulting to act as tenant adviser for three separate suburban locations required within the next six to 12 weeks.
The brief is for leases on between 1,000 and 1,500sqm of modern office space, with both existing sites and development proposals in the Joondalup, Cannington and Fremantle areas up for consideration.
Department of Education manager of asset services John Nicholas said the department was undertaking preliminary investigations into the possibility of developing service centres in the suburbs closer to schools.
“One option that came out of the Robson Report is service centres … they’re basically a support for schools,” he said.
“They provide a range of curriculum support and student support for schools.”
The idea is to locate these services out within the community to allow for greater access for students and teachers.
“At this stage there’s no clear definition of what the numbers are, we’re just trying to find out what’s out in the marketplace,” Mr Nicholas said.
“If we decide to go down that path then at least we’re aware of what is and is not available.”
Property Resources Consulting managing director Charles Kellett said the leasing requirement signalled to the market that there is certainly some substantial activity since the lifting of the moratorium.
“It’s a substantial requirement for the education department and obviously it’s going to be of interest to landlords and their agents,” he said. “Since Saturday we’ve had a very positive response.
“I think it’s because we’re looking at existing accommodation and new development options.”
