GMHBA weighs leaving the CBD
can be used for polo, show jumping and dressage.
“Phase 1 is to launch the arena and phase 2 is to work on a grass tournament to rival the Portsea Polo; obviously start small and eventually build,” Ms Burke said.
“We would love to see the Surf Coast have an event whereby people can discover the sport.”
Geelong Grammar will play an exhibition round of polo at the opening of the Red Gum Run Arena on August 4.
Ms Burke is giving away four double passes. Email inge@rgrarena.com.au GEELONG health insurer GMHBA could depart the city centre as it reviews its longterm head office accommodation needs.
The revelation comes as a commercial real estate agent said city tenants approaching the end of their leases needed to weigh up the intangible benefits of being located in the city as increasing demand for office space in the city put upward pressure on rents.
A GMHBA spokeswoman said the health insurer was committed to keeping its head office within Geelong but was undertaking a strategic review of its long-term head office accommodation requirements in Geelong.
“We have engaged an independent organisation, Tenancy Solutions Australia, to help us manage this process,” the spokeswoman said.
“A request for submission was released to the market earlier this year seeking proposals for a way forward.
“The evaluation team is currently reviewing these proposals.
“Due to this process, we have no further comment at this stage.”
GMHBA’s review comes as out-of-town legal and consulting firms look for space in Geelong, which is set to become an insurance industry hub headed by WorkSafe, TAC and NDIA, with more than 2000 employees set to move in and occupy prime office spaces.
MP Burke Commercial director Pat Burke said available quality office space was in short supply in central Geelong.
“It’s likely commercial rents in the CBD will rise and businesses nearing the end of their leases will need to weigh up the pros and cons of staying put or moving to cheaper areas — with the attendant hassle and disruption to staff routines,” Mr Burke said.
He said while other areas could cost less in rent, the CBD provided a host of tangible and intangible benefits, including amenity that could help existing professional services busi- nesses to retain or attract new staff in what could become a “war for talent”.
“If you’re going to be the insurance game, the TAC, WorkSafe and NDIA are in the middle of that critical mass going to compete for very similar staff,” he said.
Barwon Water was one organisation that chose to remain in central Geelong, spending $32 million to consolidate corporate activities into the single multifunctional building.
The result had reduced operational costs and provided employees with a healthy, secure and modern workplace, managing director Tracey Slatter said.
“The refurbished accommodation has encouraged improved business practices, enhanced our reputation as an employer of choice and helped foster greater collaboration and innovation,” Ms Slatter said.
“Consolidating our Geelong-based employees into the one office has seen 70 per cent reduction in electricity use and 90 per cent reduction in gas use.”
While Target and Cotton On have based their operations in North Geelong, the David Hamilton Property Group has developed the Federal Mills Park, with similar plans for the Powerhouse that could draw firms out of the city centre.
But there are new building proposals in Geelong, including an office tower at 44 Ryrie St, adjacent to a planned Holiday Inn hotel.