PH Consulate in Melbourne signs 5-year lease for permanent office

The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne has announced it has signed a five-year lease agreement on a 660-square meter office space in the Central Business District to serve as its permanent office.

Acting Consul General Anthony Mandap said the signing of the agreement, covering Level 10 of the Emirates House building at 257 Collins Street, Melbourne, concludes the Consulate’s 10-month search for a property most appropriate for its requirements.

The agreement was signed last October 27 by Mandap, who represented the Philippine Consulate, opposite Mr. Marc Cini, founding director of the Hallmarc Group and RAM Investments, landlord and owner of the property. 

The lease commences November 1, 2020, although the Consulate’s move to the premises is likely to happen sometime in late January 2021, after the completion of the fit-out and customization of the premises. 

Pending completion of the fit out, the Consulate will be headquartered on level 3 of the same building. 

The Consulate’s search for a property began in December last year, but encountered unforeseen delays due to the business slowdown and office closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mandap said the Consulate’s Procurement Committee found the Hallmarc property to be the most suitable choice among several rental properties inspected, based on key criteria such as location, convenience, accessibility, size, and competitive rent.

The proposal to rent the property also received approval from the Philippines’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and complies with Philippine procurement laws, he said.

“It is located at the center of the city and accessible to all modes of transport, is reasonably priced, and close to services and amenities,” Mandap said. 

The spacious premises also offers more comfort and convenience, and gives ample room for social distancing among clients and staff, Mandap said, in keeping with evolving health protocols.

He said the quality of the property, including its central location, befit the kind of representation the Filipino community deserves, and are necessary to enable the Consulate to perform the full range of consular and community services. 

“The Filipino community deserves no less,” Mandap added.

The career Philippine Consulate in Melbourne, which formally opened last February, has consular jurisdiction over Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.