The largest privately owned Australian coworking operator *, Hub Australia, has secured a second site in Melbourne’s CBD located near Parliament Station at 1 Nicholson Street and announced the appointment of John Preece as Chief Property Officer as it looks to expand its national footprint, following significant investment from finance and investment house, Wingate, in late 2018.
The new site, Hub Parliament Station, will total 2,700 square metres and builds upon the successful opening of Hub Australia’s flagship Melbourne location in 2016, Hub Southern Cross, which defined a new era in coworking by delivering premium amenity and design in a prime CBD location.
John Preece joins Hub Australia after seven years at Knight Frank, where as Head of Office Agency he led office leasing and occupier solutions. In his new role at Hub Australia, Preece will lead the property team, focussing on site acquisitions, negotiating legal agreements and managing the refurbishment and fit out of new sites, as well as ongoing portfolio management.
Known as the pioneer of coworking in Australia, Hub Australia supports hundreds of growing business with sites already in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide says Hub Australia CEO and Founder, Brad Krauskopf.
‘Hub Australia will continue to expand its reach as the Australia coworking market goes from strength to strength and more businesses learn the value of coworking. John’s level of expertise and experience will be invaluable as we look to secure new sites over the coming years.’
“We’re excited to be opening a second location in Melbourne, offering growing businesses, including small businesses and corporates, the chance to join our thriving coworking community. Our years of experience in the local coworking sector have given us the expertise to create spaces for Australian businesses that promote innovation, community and ultimately business growth,” says Hub Australia CEO and Founder, Brad Krauskopf.
The 1 Nicholson Street site, expected to open in mid-2019, will occupy the three top levels in Charter Hall’s 1 Nicholson Street building. Located opposite Parliament Station, the site was chosen for its close proximity to public transport, accessibility for north-side Melbournians and the stunning views across the city.
Charter Hall’s Head of Direct Property, Steven Bennett explained that as one of the largest national office property owners, the Group strives to deliver great workspace experiences for its tenants and their visitors.
“We are pleased to welcome Hub Australia to 1 Nicholson Street and we are excited about the community dynamic and greater flexibility that its co-working environment will deliver for our other tenant customers and anyone seeking work space in Melbourne’s CBD. Victoria’s nation leading population and employment growth continues to support the CBD office market and this lease maintains the buildings occupancy level at 100% creating significant value and enhanced income yield and total returns for our Direct Office Fund investors.”
The new site will be designed by internationally renowned design practice HASSELL and include all the state-of-the-art design and amenities expected of a Hub Australia location including café, meeting spaces, parents facilities, gym, end-of-trip with towel service, media room, relaxation space and parking.
In addition to the new Melbourne site, 2018 will also see Hub Australia open a second Sydney location, Hub Hyde Park, in March which will feature a winter garden rooftop terrace complete with a cafe.
*Largest in terms of square metre footprint. Sourced from Knight Frank report ‘Culture Clash: Flexible Workspace, coworking and the Future’ – August 2017