Thursday 4 March 2010
A NEW type of cards is soon to be played at the once
well-patronised Rosendorf's Bridge Centre located on Railway Street
in Cottesloe.
As of April the new 'bridge' will no longer be home to shuffling
decks, calling spades and keeping score, but to the hustle and
bustle of professionals working toward building a more sustainable
future.
Centre owners Ms Julia Hayes and Mr Garry Baverstock said the
new 'bridge' is to be renamed 'The Swanbourne Business Centre'
where small private offices will be leased to business people
committed to doing something positive about the environment.
"From the outset we wanted to turn the 'old bridge' into a
centre of sustainable excellence where professionals working in
green industries could come together to share ideas, network and
use a common secretarial service while remaining independent," said
Ms Hayes.
"We're aware new ideas and innovative ways of doing things often
emerge when neighbouring executives share ideas.
"This means we're keen to hear from people who specialise in
areas such as environmental law, climate science, sustainable
building practices, engineering, town planning, real estate
development and other business activities such as ethical
investment and financing and complementary trades and
professionals," she said.
Ms Hayes said the sustainability and green industry was rapidly
growing and specialists were keen to connect and lease premises
alongside like-minded professionals.
She said the new Swanbourne Business Centre in the Swanbourne
Village was complementary to 'all things green' because it had been
retrofitted to comply with quality green building principles to
ensure energy efficiency and natural comfort.
"The office walls have double insulation, there is a
well-appointed natural ventilation system and a low energy cooling
system in place, ceiling fans are installed and low energy lighting
complements natural light in each room," she said.
"The office building also takes advantage of the northern
orientation in which natural daylight is harnessed to light, heat
and provide maximum comfort in each office.
"And the upstairs' location has excellent views across to the
village shops and the ocean in the distance," she said.
Ms Hayes said tenants and people external to the centre would be
able to access the secretarial support service for typing,
photocopying and possibly use temporary office/work stations.
She said this business model of sharing secretarial services and
office equipment in one central location worked well in Asia and
among medical, allied health and legal specialists.
Mr Baverstock, a well known local eco architect, said there were
savings to be made in sharing larger professional offices and
identities.
"Daily social and professional contact is often lacking when
people work from home and, with huge advances in the internet, it's
no longer necessary for businesses to employ full-time secretaries
and lease expensive office equipment," said Mr Baverstock.
"Paying a higher price for a smaller office and sharing
facilities can be much cheaper than business as usual in one's own
office suite or complex.
Mr Baverstock said many people were now taking advantage of the
recent slow down in activity to restructure and downscale the floor
area of their offices.
"In fact, I think the people of Swanbourne are ready for an
eco-oriented village and this is just one more step towards that
sustainable vision," he said.
Mr Baverstock said the Swanbourne Railway Station was across the
road, the post office and other key shops and cafes were within a
short walk.
Mr Baverstock and Ms Hayes said the new centre was once a
vibrant bridge club and part of the heritage of the location.
"There is also a bridge in front of the building and the centre
will provide a bridge of business opportunities for people ready to
grow their businesses in a sustainable and efficient manner," he
said.
However, not all will be lost from the old bridge days said Mr
Baverstock.
"I'm sure some of the 'lingo' will still be heard and used," he
said.
"For example, we're looking for 'partners' who can play their
cards right, keep score on the environment and regularly call
trumps.
"But to call a spade a spade; please no 'dummies' (a term bridge
players will understand); 'just genuine people who want to
contribute to the Cottesloe business scene and community," said Mr
Baverstock.
... / Ends
Further Information
Mr Garry Baverstock: Tel: 0419 965227 or 08-9286 3811
(Journalist) Jacinta Goerke: Tel: 0412
338813