Walker has commenced major demolition and infrastructure works at Monaro Industrial Park, kicking off Walker’s first industrial project in Canberra and the first ever industrial business park for the nation’s capital.

The 30 hectare subdivision is located on the Monaro Highway in Hume in a growing industrial area earmarked as the next major industrial growth centre in the ACT.

The new estate was a former timber mill site - Walker is currently undertaking works to demolish and restore a number of existing buildings on the site, as well as starting major infrastructure and road works on the estate. All works, including the building restorations, are due for completion in early 2010.

Colliers International has been appointed as the marketing agent on the estate and State Chief Executive Paul Powderly says that due to pent up demand for quality industrial land in Canberra, enquiry in the estate has already been strong.

Mr Powderly said “Established industrial areas like Fyshwick and Mitchell are basically out of supply, so Hume is the next growth prospect for industrial business to create purpose-built new facilities in Canberra. Given it’s location on the Monaro Highway and that it’s the first industrial estate of its kind in Canberra, this will be an attractive development for businesses from the transport, logistics, manufacturing, construction and storage industries.

“ It’s great to see a national developer forging ahead with projects in Canberra. Walker’s development of this estate, teamed with their development of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations headquarters shows that the company is making a long-term commitment to development in the region, and that gives local developers and businesses confidence in the Canberra market,” he added.

Walker is currently negotiating a number of transactions with major tenants. Blocks at Monaro Industrial Park start from 5,000sqm and are available for sale or lease.