Premier launches first Green Star building in Tasmania

Prudentia Investments and Harvey Norman Limited created history today when Premier Paul Lennon officially opened the first Tasmanian office building to be awarded a prestigious 5-Star Green Star environmental rating signifying "Australian Excellence".

The $25 million Hydro Tasmania Consulting building, which is part of Prudentia Investments and Harvey Norman Limited's Cambridge Park development near Hobart, has received recognition as a 5-Star Green Star Office Design rated premises from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

This honour recognises national excellence in office design and the environmental initiatives and sustainability measures incorporated in the new building.

Hydro Tasmania Consulting has moved approximately 300 staff from existing offices in Hobart's CBD to the new purpose-built premises at Cambridge Park, with a ceremony to mark the official opening held at the building this morning.

Prudentia Investments Managing Director Angus Reed, who made a speech at the opening, said the Hydro Tasmania Consulting building was a credit to everyone who had played a role in making it a reality.

"We are extremely proud to be associated with a development that has not only set new standards for sustainable design in Tasmania but also Australia," he said.

"Hydro Tasmania Consulting deserves applause for embracing the opportunity to create premises that are at the forefront of green buildings nationally, while design and construction firm Bovis Lend Lease lived up to its reputation as an industry leader in sustainable development.

"Architects Forward Brianese + Partners and Johnstone McGee and Gandy Consulting Engineers and Planners were also integral players in achieving the 5-Star Green Star target.

"Being part of this ground-breaking project and working with such professional firms has been a highlight for everyone on the Prudentia Investments team. The Hydro Tasmania Consulting building also sets the standard for future office accommodation to be built on site."

The Hydro Tasmania Consulting building is part of the $70 million Cambridge Park development, which is a joint venture between Harvey Norman Limited and Prudentia Investments, an independent property group that embraces environmentally sustainable solutions as a core philosophy.

Cambridge Park also includes Tasmania's first integrated homemaker centre, the 39,000sqm Harvey Norman Centre that commenced trading last month.

ENDS