Government puts out feelers for up to 60,000 sqm of Wellington office space

Thursday 19th July 2012

The government is calling for ideas to house core ministries in Wellington in as much as 60,000 square metres of space following the creation of the new super Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The brief, posted on the government's GETS tender site, wants a focus on value for money and an examination of existing accommodation arrangements. The Ministry of Health, Crown Law Office, Ministry of Social Development and at least part of the MBIE would be involved in any reorganisation.

"The agencies have relied on some staple buildings for a long time," the request for proposal said. "While these have delivered adequately until now, this project will ensure that then portfolio continues to deliver on the key principles of value for money, productivity, efficiency and stability."

Social Development is a cornerstone tenant for the next three years of the Bowen Campus, which was acquired by AMP NZ Office last month for $50.4 million.

AMP Office chief executive Scott Pritchard declined to comment on the tender, saying his firm will be an interested party. The tender had been "heralded for some time."

Bowen Campus was acquired at an initial yield of 10.7 percent and AMP Office called it "a unique and strategic 1 hectare space next to the Beehive and parliament buildings."

It has 30,000 sqm of net lettable space and consent for a total of 60,000 square metres of office space, according to AMP Office statements.

The government has based the amount of space on future staff numbers. It will entertain proposals for sites in Wellington or the neighbouring Hutt Valley and Porirua basin.

Shares of AMP Office rose 0.5 percent to 95.5 cents and have gained 17 percent this year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

Comments from our readers

No comments yet