The rebirth of the Sydney City Fringe office market
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Sydney’s City Fringe suburbs have really hit their stride as investors and tenants look further afield, seeking the best of both worlds; the city lifestyle without the competitive rents and small office spaces, and a buzzing atmosphere just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city.
Darlinghurst is one of those suburbs that has come a long way since being the epicentre of Sydney’s underworld during the early 20th Century.
Now the suburb is known as Sydney’s foodie haven and best small bar scene, as well as being home to a plethora of designer boutiques, art galleries and coffee houses on every corner.
Transforming over the years to meet the demand of residents, Darlinghurst has a rich history engrained in the atmosphere of the area and architecture of buildings. The expansion of the Sydney CBD landscape has shaped the Darlinghurst commercial businesses and residential dwellings into highly sought after space.
Bordering Darlinghurst to the west is Museum Station and east is Kings Cross Station, which has undergone dramatic transformation to accommodate for changing demographic. Adjoining Darlinghurst is Surry Hills, which has had $3 billion spent on new major projects such as Sydney Light Rail, Sydney Metro and the Central Station redevelopment. Each project will provide unparalleled access to the greater metropolitan of Sydney through bus, train and light rail options.
In light of this, Savills, as exclusive selling agent, is pleased to present a rare opportunity to acquire a two storey freestanding office warehouse building at 278 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst (below).
The property has a total building area of approximately 640sq m and offers endless value-add potential, development upside (STCA), strong rental demand and connectivity to a multitude of transport options and is surrounded by incoming infrastructure.
The building is well positioned to benefit from several government funded projects that will enhance the Darlinghurst and City Fringe appeal and access to Sydney’s CBD, such as the $3 billion* upgrade of Sydney Central Station including new metro platforms, shops, restaurants and a 180-room luxury hotel on the top floor. The main terminus upgrade of $2 billion is currently underway to facilitate the Sydney Metro platforms and a new retail precinct, with the scheme outlining a long term completion date in 2035 featuring the hotel and new commercial precincts.
According to David Hickey, Senior Executive, Metropolitan & Regional Sales at Savills Australia, Darlinghurst is in huge demand as tenants are looking for more affordable office buildings, many of which are seeking half the amount of rent that a B grade building in the CBD would cost.
“The Sydney CBD will always remain popular, however when a B grade office building is seeking rents of $1,500 a square metre, a more affordable option, less than two kilometres from the CBD is a very practical solution for many tenants.
“Even Darlinghurst’s neighbouring suburb of Surry Hills is another expensive option, with rents at circa $850 a square metre, compared to Darlinghurst’s $700 a square metre” he continued.
278 Palmer Street is 220 metres from Oxford Street bus stop and less than 800 metres from Museum train station and just 1.3km from Central Station.
Mr Hickey said “There is plenty of rental upside for this office warehouse and we forecast strong capital growth potential, as this asset has potential to occupy, invest, subdivide or develop (STCA) with current FSR of 3.5: 1 and height limit of 12 metres in favourable R1 Zoning Precinct.”
278 Palmer Street Darlinghurst is offered to the open market by way of public auction on-site at 12pm Friday 26 July 2019 through David Hickey at Savills Australia.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. David Hickey is a Senior Executive in the Metropolitan & Regional Sales team. To learn more about Savills, visit savills.com.au.