Port Macquarie’s bold new centre for technology and innovation is coming to the Sovereign Place Town Centre.

Civil works have commenced on the 23,000m2 first stage of Lewis Land Group’s Business and Technology Park, which is set to welcome Port Data Centre’s state-of-the-art facility which will host critical telecommunications infrastructure and become a tech and cyber security centre.

“At Lewis Land Group, we’re big believers and investors in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. This precinct delivers on our promise to craft a master planned community within which people can live and work,” shared LLG Chief Executive Officer Matthew McCarron.

“Port Data Centre is a locally owned and operated powerhouse, and the first critical piece of the business park’s high-tech hub, which will bring together new and expanding companies, providing a vibrant innovative business ecosystem,” added LLG Head of Development Michael Long.

“This modern precinct has the potential to accommodate approximately 20 leading businesses and 500 workers, supporting the collision of ideas and people, and providing an economic boost to the Hastings.”

Port Data Centre worked with LLG throughout the design phase to ensure adequate power requirements central to providing the company with ultra-fast data connectivity and edge computing facilities for business-focused cloud and cyber security requirements, according to director Garry King.

“We reviewed many sites in the Mid North Coast and the availability of a new site was much better than trying to retrofit an existing building within the area, as each one would have had limiting factors, like power and closeness of connectivity. Ultimately we also wanted to retain as many employees as possible to part of the new environment so remaining in Port Macquarie was a major attraction.

“The building design will cater for growth as the population of the region and requirement for data centre services expands over the next 15 years.”

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce’s Michael Mowle believes the Business and Technology Park will become the Hastings’ premier commercial destination.

“This will be a visionary environment for like-minded businesses to thrive in an optimal location, at the junction of the Pacific and Oxley Highways, in a booming regional centre at the right time,” Mr Mowle said.

“It’s an opportunity for businesses to create a custom-built premises, without the access, servicing and historical constraints of Port Macquarie’s CBD.”

The Business and Technology Park is part of the $100 million Sovereign Place Town Centre precinct, which includes retail, shopping, commercial offices, community facilities and public open spaces, surrounded by homes and townhouses.

“It’s about creating more than a vibrant work environment; it’s also a place to enjoy the outdoors, interact, buy groceries or eat out at a quality restaurant,” Mr Long added.

“The business park is located midway between the region’s pristine beaches and bush within a modern community and major growth corridor, and with a potential workforce on the doorstep, and we’re confident we’ll attract exciting businesses keen to take their operations to the next level from the region and beyond.”

LLG is seeking expressions of interest from businesses, including the clean manufacturing, health and information technology sectors.

“LLG will offer businesses the convenience of build-to-suit lease agreements, ensuring a custom-built facility for their business needs, offering turn-key property solutions.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Liesa Davies said developments such as the Business and Technology Park are well placed to drive investment and employment at this time of unprecedented growth.

“There is strong interest from businesses looking to relocate to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and we don’t expect this to slow anytime soon,” said the Economic and Cultural Development Group Manager. “We’re being discovered as a region eager to embrace technology and new industries. COVID is proving to be a game changer in decentralising the workforce and we’re excited to see new and relocating businesses taking advantage of our local skills and capabilities.”

To enquire about growing your business at the Sovereign Place Business and Technology Park, visit sovereignhills.com.au/business

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