23October

Cone of silence over rents for swanky new justice precinct digs

Government agencies moving into Christchurch's swanky new justice and emergency services precinct are tight lipped about rents in the new $300 million building.

The Ministry of Justice, which is both landlord and tenant, refused to release any details on rents citing commercial sensitivity, even though there are currently no plans to sell the 42,000-square metre complex.

The Government Property Group handles office accommodation for most government agencies.

It said in the case of the justice and emergency services precinct (JESP), the Ministry of Justice was handling leases because they covered specialist operational areas such as court rooms and the police station.

Canterbury district commander Superintendent John Price said police aimed to be fully moved in by the end of February but declined to comment on rental costs because they were "commercially sensitive".

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DAVID WALKER/STUFF

About 1000 staff will work in the new justice precinct but the cost of their office space is a well kept secret.

However, he said the fit-out, move and ongoing costs were fully budgeted and would not impact on services that would benefit from police proximity to other key emergency organisations.

St John's South Island general manager David Thomas said the organisation planned to move into the JESP in late November, but referred all other inquiries to the Ministry of Justice's communications team.

The Department of Corrections and Fire and Emergency New Zealand both said the JESP rents were commercially sensitive, and their move costs were budgeted for.

Regional Civil Defence group controller Neville Reilly said that while rent for the new emergency operations centre would cost more than their current temporary premises, it would be much easier to handle emergencies.

The Christchurch City Council said it could not confirm a shift date for its civil defence team until rent negotiations were completed.

The Justice Ministry's acting deputy secretary corporate, Andy Fulbrook, said selling the precinct was not on the cards. "There are no current plans for ownership to change."

Brendan Chase, of Chase Commercial, said the quality of the buildings with their Government tenants would be a big attraction if they ever came on the market.

"They will be extremely long leases to virtually a risk-free tenant."

Hamish Doig, of Colliers International, said the precinct would be "highly sought after" by both local and international buyers

"Singaporeans have been very active of late . . . and we've got buy orders from German [pension] funds at the moment."

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