Work is well under way on a new Centrelink call centre in Wendouree, to replace the existing office on Gillies Street, however the extent of construction work, and what it could mean for jobs, remains unknown.
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Construction workers were spotted unloading equipment and removing some exterior panels at the former Masters Home Improvement store at the Eureka Homemakers Centre on Learmonth Road this week.
In a statement, Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen confirmed the building had been leased by the government.
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"As our leases come up for renewal, we take the opportunity to review our property options to ensure we keep pace of the changing needs of the community," he said.
"Services Australia has well established community engagement practices and will keep the community updated."
Spokespeople for Services Australia declined to answer questions on when work is expected to be completed, the capacity of the new centre, the project's cost, and what will happen to the existing Gillies Street call centre.
It is not known how many jobs will be transferred, or if any new jobs will be created at the new call centre, nor is it known when the centre is expected to open.
Reports from 2017 note the building is about 40,000 square metres and has 1300 car parks, but it is not known if the call centre will take over the entire building or just parts of it.
In February, The Courier learned plans were under way for the call centre - it's understood the current Gillies Street centre is not fit for purpose, with its lease set to expire, though at the time Services Australia refused to confirm the situation.
The eventual change in facilities is not expected to affect any Centrelink clients.
The Learmonth Road building has been vacant since the collapse of Masters Home Improvement in 2016.
Previously, there was speculation the space could become a shopping mall, which did not eventuate.
The Community and Public Sector Union was emailed for comment.
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