Whilst many predicted that global economic conditions would see cost containment would move to top place as a commercial tenant driver, staff amenity continues to hold first place.

Rob Joyes, Office Director Melbourne East Investment Sales and Office Leasing at Colliers International said that staff amenity was still driving significant lease deals in metro markets.

"Many had predicted that pressures to cut costs would overwhelm all other drivers, but we are still seeing that staff amenity is a critical success factor for decisions to move," said Mr Joyes.

A current example is QBE who, while reviewing national operations, have just signed the biggest lease deal of the year in Melbourne's Metropolitan market at Brandon Park.

The deal, for 2,300m² over five years at $220 psmpa was driven largely by the proximity of Brandon Park to Centro shopping centre.

Mr Joyes said that as QBE will be using the office space largely for their call centre operations, shopping centre access was critical.

"QBE understood clearly that staff churn needed to be minimised and productivity maximised after this move.

"Making certain that their staff have similar access to shopping centre facilities as in their existing office will ensure this," said Mr Joyes.

QBE Insurance Limited will be relocating from AMP's Knox Shopping Centre.

 

For further information please contact:

Suzanne Hevey
National Manager Marketing and Operations
Office Leasing
Tel: +61 3 9612 8808
Mob: +61 434 276 299   
Email: Suzanne.Hevey@Colliers.com  

Rob Joyes
Director in Charge Melbourne East
Office Leasing
Tel: +61 3 8562 1144
Mob: +61 418 137 277   
Email: Rob.Joyes@Colliers.com