THE WA Local Government Association's new headquarters currently under construction is one of the first developments in West Leederville ahead of an expected rezoning of the eastern end of the suburb to a higher density, mixed-use residential and commercial hub.
The 6,000 square metre, four-storey office building located at 170 Railway Parade is a joint venture between the local government body and developer Qube Property Group.
Groundwork has been under way since June, and Qube director of acquisitions James Collis said he didn't expect it to be completed until next year.
“We’ll probably be in-ground until early next year ... we're pitching for a December 2013 completion and that all seems to be on track at the moment,” he said.
The $46 million project is a 60-40 split between WALGA and Qube respectively.
WALGA will fund its $27.5 million share in the development through a combination of borrowings and equity raised through the sale of its existing office at West Perth.
To date, 70 per cent of the building has been pre-committed to WALGA and brokerage group Jardine Lloyd Thompson, leaving l,500sqm available to prospective tenants.
"WALGA will take one floor and Jardine Lloyd Thompson will take two,” Mr Collis said.
WALGA CEO Ricky Burges said WALGA and Local Government Insurance Services, a joint venture between WALGA and Jardine Lloyd Thompson, intended to move in to the new premises as soon as construction was completed.
One of the key motivations behind WALGA's decision to move was the need for a more environmentally sustainable office.
"The selection of the (West Leederville plot) made it feasible to facilitate the design and construction of a high-performance office building, which should achieve a 5-star green star rating and A-grade rating,” Ms Burges said.
International design firm Hassell Architects was chosen to design the office and cafe development, and Pact Construction was contracted for the $27 million construction contract.
Pact Construction general manager Jason Kunkler said he hoped the building would set a benchmark for future developments in West Leederville, an area earmarked for major rezoning with higher density, mixed-use residential and commercial hubs on Cambridge Street, Vincent Street, and Railway Parade.
The West Leederville precinct’s borders extend from Loftus Street to Gregory Street, with the precinct's northern border ending on Lake Monger Drive and the southern edge on Railway Parade.
The new WALGA offices are located in the Southport Street node, encompassing the far right comer of the precinct between Abotsford Street and Loftus Street, which has been earmarked by the Town of Cambridge for medium to high-density developments due to its close proximity to the city and public transport.
This node also has another significant development under way.
Construction group Georgiou started work on a $28 million, 10-storey mixed-use Carcione Group development in July on the comer of Loftus Street and Railway Parade.
The development will include a mix of office, retail and residential space and is slated for early 2014 completion.
