SIMON Corbell says the first 150 of more than 1000 ACT Government staff to be relocated to Woden will be working in the town centre from next month.

“ACT Health will begin the first phase of its relocation to the Woden town centre, with up to 150 staff moving to 2-6 Bowes Street,” Simon said.

“This move is an exciting step for ACT Health to co-locate non-clinical administrative functions in one location, close to the Canberra Hospital campus.

“It is also an important step by the ACT Government to boost Woden’s economy by bringing new customers to its restaurants, cafes and other businesses and service providers.”

“Owned by Quintessential Equity, 2-6 Bowes Street was successful through a competitive Registration of Interest process, which closed on 2 December 2015 and attracted nine respondents.

“The relocation of up to 750 ACT Health staff to Woden this year will take place in two phases. The first phase commencing in March will involve staff currently located in 11 and 12 Moore Street in Civic.

“This will make room for staff from the Justice and Community Safety Directorate to be relocated as a result of the construction of the new Law Courts project.

“Work will commence shortly with the design of a new fit-out for the Bowes Street offices to accommodate staff needs, with Quintessential Equity’s design team working closely with ACT Health and ACT Property Group to provide a bright and airy open plan work environment incorporating quiet rooms, breakout areas, collaboration hubs and end-of-trip facilities.

“Co-locating a range of administration staff at present dispersed across Canberra will deliver operational and cost efficiencies and will ensure that space on the Canberra Hospital campus is freed up for clinical services. This will allow the campus to continue to focus on delivering high-level public health services to the community.

“A dedicated team working on the relocation will work closely with managers and staff to ensure that the move proceeds with as little disruption to services as possible.”

In November last year, the ACT Government announced that up to 1100 ACT Government staff will move to the Woden town centre under plans to streamline Government operations, reduce inefficiency and improve health services.

Further announcements on the relocation of Access Canberra staff will occur in the near future.