The NSW State Emergency Service is moving to a new state headquarters in Wollongong in just over 12 months.
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Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the former Australian Taxation Office building on the corner of Burelli and Atchison Streets will be a modern new home for NSW SES.
A major upgrade is being done on the building for the agency that has completely outgrown a site it has occupied for 25 years. The regional operation at Coniston will remain.
The former ATO building is considered ideal for the busy emergency service and ensures close to 300 jobs remain in the Illawarra.
“The SES plays a vital role in supporting communities across the state and this has been one of its busiest years in history,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW SES Commissioner Adam Dent said the minimum 12-year lease was a wonderful Christmas present for staff and volunteers. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of the SES and a year that involved more than 45,000 responses across NSW. The foyer will display both history and exceptional volunteer service.
Commissioner Dent said a number of options were considered, such as a purpose built facility. The tender process by Government Property NSW ensured the new headquarters not only met SES requirements but was itself resistant to natural disasters.
“As the agency responsible for flood and tsunami we had to be very careful to make sure we were located in the right spot. It also had to meet certain standards around earthquakes.”
Commissioner Dent said building owners are Steve and Nick Grozdanov, of Quality Green Group, are already working on the upgrade.
“And we will..put in considerable operational technology to make sure it is a state-of-the-art headquarters. This consolidates Regent St and Crown St. We will build..a major training facility for all our volunteers across the state. We want to make sure this building is home to the volunteers as much as it is to the staff. This is fantastic. It gives us access to a whole range of new things we can do.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward said it was a vote of confidence in the region.
MMJ Wollongong Commercial Leasing director Michael Croghan said it was possibly the largest office leasing deal ever for Wollongong and would have a significant impact on what had already been a strong market in 2015. “The 5,700m2 deal alone reflects a take-up of almost 3.5 per cent of overall vacancy.” Mr Croghan said it reflected a clear trend in a market that provided great opportunities for informed property investors.