National, international interest in Lot Fourteen flagship

The flagship Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre to be built at Lot Fourteen.

Companies and organisations considering tenancies in the purpose-designed Entrepreneur and Innovation Centre (EIC) at Lot Fourteen innovation precinct have been urged to register their interest as the centre is attracting strong interest from national and international organisations.

The EIC has been designed to create a range of opportunities for industry and research to come together and accelerate the translation of ideas into commercially available products and services, with a focus on defence, space, hi-tech, and creative industries.

The State Government is seeking a development partner through an Expression of Interest (EOI) to finance, construct and own the flagship 16-storey facility in the centre of Lot Fourteen for researchers, innovators, established companies and startups. Construction will be able to commence in the second quarter of 2021 with completion in 2023.

The EOI closes on September 10, 2020.

Lot Fourteen State Project Lead Diane Dixon said the EIC would set the global pace for multidisciplinary innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship, offering commercial tenancies, collaborative spaces and opportunities for the public to engage with innovation and technology.

“We have already had strong interest from potential tenants, including a proposal from a leading national scientific agency from the northern hemisphere to partner with industry and tertiary institutions to create an international research facility within the EIC,” she said.

“Interest has also been shown by an Australian technology and research institute, universities and from across the defence, space and cybersecurity sectors.

“There’s also a proposal to create a test laboratory in the EIC which could be used by established businesses and startups to accelerate the development of prototypes and demonstrate proof of concept – a facility that would be particularly important as innovators respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

Premier Steven Marshall said the strong interest shown by major national and international players was a coup for South Australia.

“It’s further evidence that Lot Fourteen is a magnet for business and jobs,” he said.

“It cements my government’s strong commitment to create a once in a generation hub that will generate thousands of jobs for South Australians now and into the future.”

The EIC will feature an Innovation Hub on its ground and first floors, offering event and meeting spaces, flexible workspaces, shared and dedicated laboratories and a concierge service.

“The Innovation Hub will also foster community pride in academic excellence and industry strength and enhance and help bring international firms to South Australia,” Ms Dixon said.

The Australian Government has committed up to $20 million in capital towards the establishment of the Innovation Hub through the Adelaide City Deal. The 2,500sqm Innovation Hub will be subject to a lease by the state government.

“This will help drive South Australia’s economic growth and create high-value careers.”

Ms Dixon said the EIC had much to offer potential tenants who were looking for workplaces that would help them to attract and retain valuable people.

Adelaide is one of the world’s most livable cities and Lot Fourteen is uniquely located to make the most of it, neighbouring the city’s extensive parklands and the Adelaide Botanic Garden, university campuses and the East End entertainment precinct.

Lot Fourteen is leading the way for health and wellbeing in the workplace as a 6 Star Green Star Community and the first WELL pre-certified community in the southern hemisphere. The EIC will offer a range of flexible workplaces, end-of-trip facilities for active commuting, a 500-seat public forum and it will connect seamlessly with surrounding landscaping for outdoor relaxation and socialising.

Ms Dixon said South Australia’s strong response to COVID-19 had highlighted that the state was one of the most secure places in the world to live and do business.

To register interest in a tenancy in the EIC, contact [email protected]

For more on the EOI, go to lotfourteen-innovationcentre.colliers.com.au/