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Delfin Lend Lease Press Release

Varsity Central Set to Become Gold Coast's Central Office Precinct

Varsity Central at Varsity Lakes is set to become the Gold Coast's central office precinct with the announcement of a $50 million premium office development and the procurement of a prestigious national law firm tenant.

In June 2004 plans were unveiled for SILVER @ The Exchange, the first $22 million stage of a $50 million premium office development by the BRB Group.

The Exchange plans were revealed in the same week as the announcement by Australias largest commercial law firm Minter Ellison to relocate its Gold Coast office from Southport to Varsity Central in their own purpose built building. The move will help facilitate a strategic alliance with Bond University, which adjoins Varsity Lakes.

Varsity Lakes Project Director Carl Bruhn said the recent announcements cemented Varsity Central's progression from a traditional information and communication technology (ICT) precinct to a sought-after location from which to conduct a range of business activities.

"Strategically located in the Brisbane Gold Coast corridor and offering the very latest in communications facilities, Varsity Central is the first choice for many businesses seeking to access a wide range of markets at home and abroad,"  Mr Bruhn said.

"With proximity to transport infrastructure and access to quality ICT services of major concern to Gold Coast-based businesses across the board these days, Varsity Central is a perfect fit as the emerging Central Business District.

"The Robina / Varsity Lakes area is now emerging as the fastest growing office precinct on the Gold Coast.

"Indeed Varsity Central is close to services, is located adjacent to Bond University, has established infrastructure, modern buildings, the latest technology, ample parking and no traffic congestion."

Varsity Central also has the unique ability to cater for businesses wishing to lease, purchase or design and construct a purpose built premises, as demonstrated by the Minter Ellison relocation and the development of SILVER @ The Exchange.

In late 2004, Minter Ellison will move into a purpose-built, two-level office building of approximately 1,440 square metres and also offering 57 car parks. The building is currently under construction by Brisbane-based developer OPD Lennon.

Minter Ellison Managing Partner John Witheriff said the firm, which currently employs 85 staff, was excited about expanding to a more strategic business location, after a long association with Southport.

"Minter Ellison has been in Southport since 1983 when the firm was established and we have very strong Southport roots so it was a difficult decision to leave the area,"  Mr Witheriff said.

"But you have to look forward, not back, and we believe the future lies with Robina and Varsity Lakes - the fastest growing commercial precinct on the Gold Coast. Robina and Varsity Lakes is well on its way to becoming one of the region's premier business addresses.

"Our clients will appreciate Varsity Central's convenient location and ample car parking. Indeed many of our clients are emerging ICT operators who tend to be centralised in this area.

"The location will also help us facilitate a strategic alliance with Bond University, which adjoins Varsity Lakes,"  Mr Witheriff said.

SILVER @ The Exchange will provide 6000 square metres of premium office space over four levels. It will be the first of two buildings in The Exchange complex, to be built on a 7,900-square-metre site on Varsity Parade in Varsity Central.

BRB Group Director Bruce Barclay said SILVER @ The Exchange would demonstrate a new commercial village concept to promote business clustering in an interactive, 'future proof' information and communications technology (ICT) environment.

"The building's unique design features 44 flexible strata titled office tenancies of 50 to 206 square metres clustered around two separate internal, two-storey atriums with interactive meeting lounges, plus an outdoor piazza offering al fresco meeting areas in a lush landscaped environment,"  Mr Barclay said.

"An advanced portfolio of high tech business-grade broadband ICT services, including wireless broadband connectivity throughout, will allow free voice, data and video connections within the building."

Mr Barclay also said SILVER @ The Exchange would address the chronic shortage of A-grade office facilities in the region, with only 1.5 years supply remaining on the Gold Coast as at July this year.

In another new development that will further expand the precinct's tenant mix, Delfin Lend Lease is undergoing design and planning for the launch of an approximately 3,000m² commercial and retail building on the waterfront at Varsity Central in August.

The development at Varsity Central will be further strengthened with Varsity Corporate, OPD Lennon's development adjacent to the new premises of Minter Ellison and brings in total of 3,500m² of additional office space. OPD Lennon are currently developing Varsity Central Office Park, which is under construction awaiting new tenants towards the end of this year.

While Varsity Central continues to diversify its tenant mix it remains home to a large number of successful firms including G-Netech, inTechnology, StrataPay, inQbator - Australia's number 1 business incubation provider and Australia's largest prepaid telephony provider - Telecorp.

Development of Varsity Lakes commenced in 1999 and upon completion in 2010 it will comprise 3,000 dwellings over 343 hectares and up to 150,000 m² of commercial space. The community includes 20km of hike and bike trails and over 56 hectares of open space. Upon completion Varsity Lakes will be home to 7,800 residents and 4,500 employees.

Recently awarded the Gold Coast City Council's Urban Design Award for 'Master Planned Community', Varsity Lakes adjoins Bond University and is bounded by the 80 hectare Lake Orr and the 18 hole Championship Golf Course Robina Woods. It is located just two minutes from Robina Town Centre , five minutes from North Burleigh Beach and ten minutes from Pacific Fair.

Varsity Lakes is being developed by Delfin Lend Lease, Australia's largest developer of master-planned communities with 20 projects across the country.