Central Pier tenants to sue
TENANTS of Melbourne’s beleaguered Central Pier have launched legal action in the Federal Court against landlord Development Victoria over the closure of the precinct earlier this year.
The suit claims the property development company knew when it signed the lease in mid-2015 the Pier was deteriorating “at an increasing rate, despite the repair works it was carrying out.”
It also claims they acted in a “misleading and deceptive” manner, leading tenants to believe the repairs being undertaken would mean they could continue to do business until the end of their lease in 2026.
In September, Development Victoria announced Central Pier would remain closed until January, leaving in limbo stakeholders from events spaces such as MAIA, Peninsula, Sketch and Suma, as well as 1,300 staff members employed in the area.
Snowden to star at Web Summit
US whistle-blower Edward Snowden will be one of the star attractions at international technology event Web Summit in Lisbon this month.
The former Central Intelligence Agency employee, famed for leaking classified National Security Agency documents, was announced as one of the key speakers at the four-day event, which is set to attract 70,000 to the Portuguese capital.
Web Summit will feature more than 1,200 speakers, with delegates from 160 countries set to attend.
High-profile speakers include former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; European Union Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager and Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping.
Viking targeting groups
Viking Cruises is targeting group bookings, introducing a dedicated Groups Coordinator and a range of bonus value-adds.
Amy Swearingen will now deal with those wanting to host a special interest departure on all Viking’s product.
Past passenger discounts will apply, while free travel is also available for one person when five or more staterooms are booked on select cruises.
