THE SGIO building is facing its first vacancy since opening almost 20 years ago.
A decision by the State Government to move the Department of Commerce and Trade into Dumas House in West Perth has left two-and-a-half floors empty.
Several businesses, including Swale Hynes Consulting, Jackson McDonald and the Australian Railroad Group, have expressed interest in taking up tenancies in the building.
The move comes ahead of SGIO’s shift into its new headquarters in West Perth early next year.
SGIO’s shift will present more than empty office space – it will leave the naming rights of the building up for grabs.
Lloyd Collins is managing the building and overseeing the $7 million refurbishment of the office tower.
It’s the first refurbishment to be undertaken since the building was opened and has created a new retail space that links to the adjacent Paragon Arcade.
“At the end of March next year SGIO will move out, creating another three floors,” Lloyd Collins consultant Paul Collins said.
SGIO’s departure will create a total vacancy of well over 10,000sq m.
Because the building has never had a vacancy, the interior fit-out needs to be upgraded for any potential clients.
To demonstrate what the new refurbished floors will look like, Lloyd Collins intends to dress a vacant half floor for clients to view.
“We intend to create a show floor on which we will complete all the upgrades,” Mr Collins said.
“Because the Department of Minerals and Petroleum is taking one and a half floors, the remaining half floor will be our show floor.”
The building includes some unique features for prospective tenants, including two squash courts and a theatrette.
SGIO will leave behind its dedicated social room, which could be refurbished for a new tenant.
Mr Collins said prospective tenants could get a very quick response from the owner.
It’s not just the look of the building that will appeal to new tenants, Mr Collins said.
The building is also one of the most energy efficient in the city, as the big, north-facing atrium allows the building to be flooded with light throughout winter.
This design has kept outgoings for the building under $100/sq m.
By Catie Low
