Just one company has registered interest in refurbishing an existing office building for ACT government public servants, with the overwhelming number of firms putting up their hands to build afresh.
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The government received 11 registrations of interest this week in developing 42,000 square metres of space for 3400 public servants – a building that will be the city "hub" for the ACT public service.
Ten companies proposed a new building; one a refurbishment of existing office space in the city.
A new building, to be completed in 2018, would be developed on the car park adjacent to the Legislative Assembly on London Circuit.
Property Council chief executive Catherine Carter said the government had done the right thing inviting registrations for a refurbishment as well as a rebuild.
"It's pleasing that the ACT government opened it up to the market," she said. "The market has responded and one has had the opportunity to put in [for a refurbishment]. That's not a waste of time at all. In fact, it's better for the ACT government, because they have a range of different offers to look at."
The number of responses indicated strong interest, with not a great deal of construction activity in the city at the moment, she said.
Registrations of interest came from Capital Property Group, Cbus Property, Crafted, Dexus Property Group, Grocon Development Group, Hindmarsh Development, ISPT Super Property, Leighton Properties, Lend Lease Development, Morris Property Group and Walker Corporation.
A spokesman for Treasurer Andrew Barr said the government was yet to determine how many would be shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals. He did not comment on the limited interest in refurbishment.
