Rio Tinto lease reinforces Perth Airport precinct as jobs centre

03 July, 2019
Rio Tinto has entered into a new 10-year lease with Perth Airport, continuing its long-standing relationship with Perth Airport dating back to 2009.

The renewal of Rio Tinto’s lease will see them maintain occupation of two office buildings and a purpose-built Operations Centre for its 800 staff currently based at the premises at the Airport West Office Park.

Perth Airport Chief Property Officer Steve Holden said Rio Tinto is a highly valued tenant and Perth Airport and Rio Tinto worked extensively to reach agreement on the new lease.

“This signing has resulted in a 99% occupancy rate for the Perth Airport property portfolio in a period of challenging market conditions," Mr Holden said.

“It reinforces the Perth Airport precinct as the city’s primary area for jobs growth and shows businesses are recognising the airport’s location is an attractive proposition."

Rio Tinto’s general manager of the Operations Centre Ryan Harnden said the operational advantages of basing its remote operations at Perth Airport underpinned the decision to extend the term of its lease.

“We are excited to be extending our relationship with Perth Airport, home to our state-of-the-art Operations Centre which enables our Pilbara mines, ports and rail systems to be operated from a single location 1,500 kilometres away.

“Our Operations Centre will be even more critical to the ongoing success our world-class iron ore business in the future as we move to implement new technologies and innovations that can be monitored remotely.” 

Perth Airport is a major employment centre within the Perth metropolitan area, generating around 17,000 aviation and non-aviation jobs.

With a large portfolio of buildings and a significant vacant land holding, Perth Airport has become the destination of choice for major business operators.

“We currently have more than 150 property tenants across the estate who have chosen this location to maximise the benefits we have to offer,” Mr Holden said.

“As Australia’s Western Hub and only 12kms from the Perth CBD, Perth Airport plays a significant role in the State’s economic, social and cultural activities by facilitating travel and employment, connecting people and places, and providing support for local communities.”

The Airport West Office Park comprises a number of A grade facilities totalling 30,000m2 within a high quality campus style setting. The office park is home to various government and non-government tenants including Rio Tinto and Byrnecut Mining.

The office precinct includes a park area, F45 gym, Ngala child care centre, two coffee shops (Yahava and Republic of Coffee) and the latest generation of end of trip facilities.

Rio Tinto is the latest of several key tenants that have recently renewed long term leases at Perth Airport including Westrac, MacMahon and DHL.

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