Vicinity Centres is partnering with Hub Australia in order to introduce a premium 4,100 sqm four-storey coworking space as part of its broader redevelopment plans at Box Hill Central.
Hub Australia is helping to facilitate its clients with a unique and hospitable customer experience for the work place as it’s one of Australia’s largest flexible workspace operators.
Hub manages a network of premium work spaces in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra with state of the art design, technology and hotel-style amenities.
Vicinity Centres partners with Hub Australia
As part of Vicinity’s growth plans, this partnership will build on their mixed use strategy to hype its retail centres with workplace, residential, health, education and leisure uses.
Carolyn Viney, Vicinity Centres’ Chief Development Officer is optimistic about the partnership.
“The increased demand for the ‘work near home, but not at home’ model has facilitated and created an opportunity to bring office and retail experiences together for employees.”
“By including coworking facilities within our retail precincts, we can leverage existing transport links, on-site parking and easy access to all of the consumer amenity our centres offer, creating an amazing experience where businesses and employees can thrive together.”
“The facilities will complement the retail redevelopment which is underway in Box Hill South, with a new Coles store, restaurants and a suite of other retailers to join the mix.”
Once it is completed, Hub Australia’s coworking space at Box Hill Central will eventually feature flexible work spaces which will include suites, offices and coworking desks.
Shared amenities will include a welcome desk with a dedicated concierge, café and business lounge, formal and casual meeting spaces, relaxation rooms, podcasting and media studio, a large kitchen with full cooking facilities plus utility and printing areas.
John Preece, the Chief Property Officer at Hub Australia expounded on the concept.
“The world of work has changed immeasurably in the wake of Covid-19 and flexible work spaces in suburbs have been resilient in the pandemic both overseas and here in Australia.”
“Progressive businesses will provide greater flexibility to their employees moving forward.”
“Hub is developing a network of suburban locations to cater for this demand and we are delighted to partner with Vicinity and deliver this network to support a flexible work future. “
Vicinity’s master plan for Box Hill Central
In mid-2020, Vicinity lodged town planning applications for the development of a 42,000 square metre commercial office building, a hybrid residential and commercial building comprising 366 apartments and 7,000 square metres of retail and office space.
The plan includes 3,350 square metres of open space in Box Hill, made up of amphitheatre and town square areas along with the creation of new walkways and roads to connect the precinct’s residential, commercial, transport, retail and hospitality offerings.
The first stage of redevelopment has commenced with works to relocate Coles from the existing Box Hill North component of the shopping centre across to Box Hill South.
“The revitalised Box Hill Central will create new pedestrian connections and a diverse range of attractive public spaces, a world-class retail offer including mouth-watering dining, fresh food and specialty stores, commercial office space and diverse housing options,” Ms Viney said.
“Coworking is a great companion to our existing centres as occupiers enjoy a variety of quality amenities right at their doorstep, while delivering new clients for our retail partners.”
Pending approvals, the Hub facilities at Box Hill Central will be operational in late 2022.
Hub Box Hill Central is a sub-regional shopping centre managed by Vicinity and located approximately 15km east of the Melbourne central business district.
Hub Australia will occupy 4,100 sqm, of flexible coworking space, to be availed over 4 levels.
There is a ground floor bicycle parking that is available for coworking patrons, in addition to end of trip facilities and easy access to Box Hill Train Station and Bus Terminal.
