Demand for A-grade office space continues to intensify in Whangarei as businesses look to enter one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand.
Colliers Brokers Nigel Ingham and Daniel Sloper recently leased 231sq m of prime space to environmental planning, science and design professional services firm Boffa Miskell, which was the last remaining A-grade office space currently available in Whangarei.
Ingham, Director at Colliers Whangarei, says there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that more firms want to move to the area, despite the current economic headwinds that include a challenging interest rate environment.
“Research from Colliers indicates that business growth in the Whangarei District has continued for eight consecutive years through to 2021,” Ingham says.
Start your property search
“Across the period from 2011 to 2021 just over 1,000 businesses were added to the district’s count, representing a combination of the formation of new businesses and the setting up of local operations by established companies.
“There has been notable growth across the manufacturing, logistics, accommodation, and professional and technical service sectors.”
Boffa Miskell’s expansion into Whangarei saw them agree to a nine-year lease in the high-profile city fringe property BDO House that was developed by the Hillcon Group.
“It was important that we find ‘our own place’ – one that could accommodate our growing team and provide a long-term base for our local presence in Whangarei and the Northland region,” Boffa Miskell’s Chief Executive Kerry Gupwell says.
“As with our other offices around the country, the open plan layout was ideally suited to Boffa Miskell’s multi-disciplinary and collaborative way of working.”
Ingham says there’s pent-up demand for office space in Whangarei and with multiple enquiries ongoing he estimates the current need is for a further 2,000sq m of prime space.
“We have continual dialogue with occupiers who are looking for space that will meet the demands of the modern-day office that includes providing functional facilities for employees that make for an appealing workplace.
“The Whangarei District Council’s impending move to a new facility next year could potentially free up some quality office space in Walton Plaza.
“The Whangarei District Council occupies approximately 4,000sq m in the building, spread over three floors with different sized tenancies, from 312sq m up to 2,036sq m. We currently have lease proposals with the landlord, so this might potentially be pre-leased before it becomes vacant.”
Sloper, Commercial Sales and Leasing Broker at Colliers Whangarei, says the area needs to create a pipeline of new builds to ensure high-quality stock is available for future occupants.
“We are regularly collaborating with local builders and developers to help them assess their options around how they can help shape the future of Whangarei,” Sloper says.
“We know there will be no shortage of demand for new office space when it is presented to the market and the continual evolution of the city centre relies on future development that will meet that demand as more businesses look to enter Whangarei.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
