National

LEND LEASE has announced the appointment of a new director of operations, Scott Charlton.

Details of the appointment are in the Lend Lease statement copied below:

THE PROPERTY developer which recently and curiously appointed would-be-Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s partner, Tim Mathieson, a hair products salesman, to sell its luxury apartments, has sought Ministerial approval to build a landmark skyscraper, opposite the Queen Victoria Market and Flagstaff Gardens.

Ubertas Group plans to demolish an existing two-level office building at 330 – 360 William Street, and replace it with one of two high density proposals, which the government says – because of the development’s proposed scale - the Minister for Planning Justin Madden must approve.

The biggest proposal being considered is for a 50-level complex with 626 apartments, but earlier this month a (relatively) smaller proposal, of 35-levels and including 476 apartments, was submitted to the Minister for consideration, a spokeswoman for Mr Madden’s office said.

THE ASX-listed Australian Education Trust, controlled by Austock, will sell a portfolio of 30 child care centres across Australia.

The centres will be sold with an average 10 year lease, according to a statement issued by Colliers International, and will be auctioned in a staggered campaign starting late next month.

Colliers International said “the properties provide an institutional grade investment opportunity, with an entry level price [into the commercial property investment market] and attractive yields.”

Watpac’s Civil & Mining division has successfully bid for $40 million worth of projects in recent months around the country.

Yesterday in Queensland the division was awarded a $30 million contract on the Flinders Street Redevelopment in Townsville.

This major project for the Townsville City Council will see the existing pedestrian mall converted into a roadway and footpaths, reopening the space to vehicular traffic.