Condev turns first sod

Press release

16/05/2011 V4

Gold Coast City builder Condev has implemented a plan to relocate to CBDRobina, launching construction of a new $8 million headquarters.

The three-level building will host environment-friendly features and is under development on an 1869 square metre site in the M1 Business Precinct.  

Work began on May 16, some eight months after acquisition of the Scottsdale Drive site from precinct developer Robina Projects Australia.

The 2300 square metre building is due for completion next April when Condev’s principals, Steve and Tracy Marais, will relocate with 30 staff from their Varsity Lakes premises, which the business has outgrown.

The company will occupy 600 square metres, with 1700 square metres for lease.

Spaces will range from 42 square metres to 600 square metres, with flexibility to meet needs, and each will be independently metered for water and electricity.

A leasing deal has already been sealed for a 153 square metre space, which will house a veterinary practice. 

There will be 10 on-grade parking spaces, secure basement parking for 55 vehicles, and lift access to all levels. 

The modern building has been designed by Plugin Architectural Studio whose other projects include RPA buildings Madison on Riverwalk, St Kilda on Riverwalk and 50 Riverwalk, all in CBDRobina. 

It will feature a variety of structural and aesthetic finishes including rendered surfaces, recycled hardwood cladding and natural zinc panels.

Rooftop solar panels will meet electricity needs, and rainwater will be harvested for non-consumption purposes.

Condev’s Tracy Marais said she and her husband expected construction to upturn mid-next year and judged the present the right time to build.

“The market for construction skills is highly competitive, so now is a good time to undertake the project,” she said.

Mrs Marais said the couple were drawn to CBDRobina by its business culture.

“The culture is comfortable while firmly business-oriented,” she said.

“There are numerous medium-size enterprises and we are aware of just how much people enjoy working in CBDRobina.

“Coupled with this are the benefits of a strategic, central-city location with outstanding retail, recreational and dining amenities that is well serviced by road, bus and rail.”

Mr Marais said the precinct, beside the M1 Motorway with dual road exposure, was the optimum location for the company, which undertakes projects over a wide area.

Condev who took out a Gold Coast Business Excellence Award last year recently completed the Varsity Lakes Sports House and Boathouse and the Gold Coast City Council’s new Helensvale library.

Also, it is renovating the David Fleay Wildlife Park boardwalk and in Brisbane it is building 54 aged-care units at Yeronga for The Village Group.

RPA General Manager Hylton Slater said Condev recognised the advantages of the M1 Business Precinct, which was alone in CBDRobina in providing sites for purpose-designed office and educational facilities.

“It offers a strategic central-city position without peer,” he said.

Condev joins Pacifica Trading, Australian Trade Industry College, Police Queensland and East Coast Commercial Vehicle Sales at the M1 Business Precinct, where the Gold Coast City Council holds 7000 square metres earmarked for its headquarters.

The 4.2ha precinct is accessed from Scottsdale Drive and remaining sites range from 2379 square metres to 5201 square metres.

Eight of the 16 sites remain available and are marketed by Marcus Weld, of Robina Marketing Australia.

Condev are also now taking leasing enquiries for space within the building.