This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
FLEXIBLE workspace and building hospitality provider, Hub Australia has launched its new Hub Local product in Melbourne’s Box Hill.
Hub has seven sites planned across both suburban and regional Australia over the next 24 months, targeting the country’s increasing demand for flexible working environments in convenient locations outside of CBDs.
“Hub Local – Box Hill marks the very first of our Melbourne metropolitan network of near-to-home flexible workspaces under the Hub Local brand,” said Brad Krauskopf, CEO at Hub Australia.
“We know companies offering their employees flexible workspace solutions, including near-to-home locations, are standing out in a competitive talent market.”
Hub Local provides a work-near-home solution to deliver customers with an enhanced work/life balance and reducing workers’ commute times, offering flexible range of suites, offices, and desks.
“How and where Australians work has dramatically shifted over the past decade and workplace experience is king, with even near-to-home solutions needing to earn the commute,” added Krauskopf.
“It’s our role to make the office experience more attractive than working from home – and when we do this right we know the benefits range from increased local economic activity to higher rates of employee engagement.”
The new product will also offer exclusive premium amenities to members, such as a café, business lounge, media studio, and a member kitchen.
“There is significant demand for premium flexible workspace with hospitality-led services in suburban Australia,” said John Preece, chief property officer at Hub Australia.
“This follows a structural shift in the world of work, with occupiers of leased space and flexible workspace having much higher expectations of amenity and workspace services than ever before, regardless of office location. Our ambitious expansion plan through Hub Local will add flexibility, great amenity, and a level of service not currently provided outside of CBDs.”
The three-level Hub Local – Box Hill, around 14km east of the Melbourne CBD, was opened in partnership with Vicinity Centres, one of Australia’s largest retail owners.
“The launch of Hub Local – Box Hill is an exciting first step in our partnership with Hub Australia, bringing dynamic and flexible workspaces to Melbourne’s east,” said Truman Dare, general manager of mixed-use development at Vicinity.
The offering has created new local jobs and partnerships with community groups to such as the Women of Whitehorse and the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, as well as sponsoring VFL club the Box Hill Hawks.
Hub Local – Box Hill is also supporting local businesses including day cares, fitness centres and local artists, including Kathy Best and Peta Tranquille whose work is part of the new workspace design by architects M Moser Associates.
“Workers at Hub Local – Box Hill have access to outstanding amenity, seamlessly bringing together superior workspaces, retail and dining experiences. Vicinity’s mixed-used strategy focuses on leveraging the existing convenience and connection to our retail centres, to meet the evolving needs of the local community,” concluded Dare.
