Sydney’s office market is responding to a shift in consumer demand, as tenants look increasingly to properties that offer greater amenity such as end of trip facilities and concierge services.
CBRE Office Services Manager Ben Cohen said tenants were placing more importance on facilities such as changing rooms, lockers, towel services, lounge rooms, bike racks and concierge services when considering CBD office property.
“In the current market, office tenants are more focused on improving staff retention, and by choosing office property that offers high quality end of trip facilities, they are able to achieve this,” Mr Cohen said.
“Several Sydney office properties now offer hotel style services and amenities that not only serve as being a workplace, but a community where tenants can exercise, relax, eat and undertake day to day errands such as dry cleaning.”
Highlighting the increased demand for end of trip facilities is the recent redevelopment of Kyko Group’s 99 Elizabeth Street tower.
This boutique building with newly refurbished A-grade facilities features an impressive modern design by Cox Architecture.
The recently completed redevelopment included the addition of 26 secure bicycle racks, hotel style showers, changing rooms and lockers which are accessible via the lobby.
Meanwhile, GIC’s Chifley Tower unveiled its flagship Club House last year – a complimentary room where Chifley tenants can catch up on the news, utilise the towel service, or enjoy fresh fruit and refreshments.
Chifley Tower also includes a full lobby concierge that offers an array of services including dry cleaning, hotel reservations, local area recommendations, box office requests and travel and event bookings, as well as VIP meeting and greeting.
Mr Cohen said that as more emphasis was placed on end of trip facilities, the office market was undergoing a shift in demand.
“If landlords cannot provide showers and changing room facilities for tenants, they will often fall off the shortlist for inspection,” Mr Cohen commented.
“This is leading to the refurbishment of more and more office properties across the CBD in a bid to attract and retain tenants.”
The increasing focus of hotel concierge services, combined with an overall high quality service offering, is leading to greater levels of staff satisfaction, enabling landlords to attract and retain tenants in the competitive office market, Mr Cohen added.
