Property planning and lease approvals
There are formal processes for agencies submitting property plans and lease approvals to Government Property Group and these have been updated to reflect new expectations for government property.
For Property Planning: agencies no longer need to formally submit a property plan to us every second year. This requirement has been removed. Instead a national property plan can be included within your agencies’ four year plan.
Larger agencies will still benefit from producing a more comprehensive property plan, however agencies can determine what level of property planning is appropriate for the size and complexity of their organisation. We are able to provide advice for smaller agencies who wish to undertake planning over and above that required for their four year plan.
For lease approvals: All government office leases and lease renewals are expected to be positioned within the Government Office Accommodation Programme.
There is now a staged approval process for leases. Before exercising any right of renewal, property disposal, or undertaking any market engagement or research, agencies should first speak to us here at Government Property Group. The first stage, talking to Government Property Group, is designed to ensure we are aware of the requirements so we can coordinate this with the Government Office Accommodation Programme and the Government expectations for property, which are:
- A citizen/community focus
- More collaboration between agencies
- Providing workplaces that value people
- Value for money
The second stage of the approval requires Government Property Group to formally approve the lease (as has always been the case). This involves ensuring agencies have considered the fit-out and rental costs for their building, as well as other issues such as seismic ratings or asbestos. In the case of co-locations, a single approval can cover multiple agencies.
For more information email us.