The ACT Government has made the decision to “demolish and remediate” buildings on the Canberra Technology Park site in Watson, prior to selling the land.
The site, on the corner of Phillip Avenue and Windeyer Street in Watson, has been home to the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), who is the primary tenant, for over 20 years. The ACT Government have confirmed they will enter into direct negotiations with the AIE to discuss terms for a direct sale of the land to AIE.
AIE Chairman and CEO John De Margheriti says the part of the Government’s decision that will see the site demolished and remediated removes the possibility of gradual refurbishment, which AIE had originally proposed.
“We will need to carefully plan how this decision by the ACT Government will be implemented. We are also very excited and grateful for the opportunity to negotiate a direct sale of the land and are incredibly optimistic about our future on the site and finally having the opportunity to realise our bold vision,” Mr Margheriti says.
“It will be a unique precinct fusing education and industry which will provide opportunities for employment to many of our young people … AIE is committed to working with the ACT Government to ensure there is no disruption to its educational offerings during the transition and to make alternative accommodation arrangements for Canberra Technology Park tenants that sub-license office premises from AIE, and its two Game Plus and Film Plus co-working spaces.”
The ACT Government has also committed to retain some green space on the site for use by the community, and will take on responsibility for its upkeep.
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