Message from the MD

Welcome to the second issue of ATP News.

First let me thank everyone who attended the most recent CEO Forum, hosted by ATP Precinct Management (ATPPM) Ltd, in June.

ATPPM Ltd shared updates at the meeting about exceptional ATP Conference Centre activity and park occupancy – the Australian Technology Park continues to perform strongly in a difficult market, with a low 2.4 per cent vacancy rate – as well as news about the newly launched ATP website, proposed capital works and more. Tenants were also given an opportunity to discuss ways to improve and promote the ATP in general.

This regular forum represents everything the ATP is about. We are a vibrant community of innovators and, as such, I encourage all business leaders to come together as active members of the park at the next CEO Forum, on 15 September.

Since the last newsletter, ATPPM Ltd has been fostering community dialogue in other ways too. In June, we hosted a Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce networking function that was attended by more than 50 people from local businesses and ATP enterprises. And in July, we hosted the second event in the Up Close and Digital series, designed by AIMIA NSW and the Australian Directors Guild to encourage collaboration between Australia’s best directing and producing talent working in film, television and new digital media.

Moving across to North Eveleigh, Sydney’s only undercover fresh produce market is thriving. Around 3,200 visitors and 70 growers, providores and artisan food producers attended Eveleigh Farmers’ Market every Saturday during June and July. On the first Sunday of the month, Eveleigh Artisans’ Market, showcasing the work of talented artists and designers, is proving popular too. Both events are managed by the ATP and continue to provide a great community facility. Make sure you drop by one weekend soon.

As can be seen, excellent progress is being made on the new Channel Seven building. This will be a wonderful facility within the ATP. We are looking forward with great excitement to the building becoming operational, and Channel Seven and the other key tenants arriving.

Now that the building contractor, Watpac, has installed the last pieces in the glazed external wall, it is focused on the internal finishes. Acoustic testing of the television studios has begun to ensure that they eliminate railway, truck, aeroplane and rain noise, as stipulated in the project brief. Watpac tells us this testing will not disrupt ATP tenants or local residents.

The ATP sale process continues through the due diligence phase, which includes discussion with the ATP Board, State Treasury, State Property Authority and other key stakeholders. As previously advised, all existing agreements for the ATP will be honoured in the sale.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your ongoing commitment to the ATP. Your engagement with us makes the ATP the success it is today and helps us to build its reputation as a world-class facility.

Roy Wakelin-King
MANAGING DIRECTOR