In profile: CBRE's Zelman Ainsworth, Melbourne CBD retail specialist

In profile: CBRE's Zelman Ainsworth, Melbourne CBD retail specialist
Larry SchlesingerDecember 8, 2020

CBRE Melbourne CBD retail specialist Zelman Ainsworth talks about the work he did on the retail leasing of the newly refurbished Hamer Hall in the Arts Centre, including concluding leases with a number of Australia’s biggest restaurateurs.

How long have you been in the industry?

Three years.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

I specialise in Melbourne CBD retail leasing. Retailing has generally been difficult over the last 24 months due to the competition from online retail and the newly adapted saving habits people are becoming accustom to. Although the Melbourne CBD retail market has proven to be resilient when compared to the suburban retail markets, this can be accredited to the limited retail vacancies in the Melbourne CBD and the success CBD retailers have been experiencing due to the large increase in CBD residents, office workers and visitors over the last five years.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold/leased:

I was fortunate enough to work on the retail leasing of the newly refurbished Hamer Hall in the Arts Centre. This high-profile project attracted interest from some of Australia’s biggest restaurateurs and chefs; it was a privilege to work with such great talent. We concluded a leasing deal with Frank Van Haandel for his new restaurant Trocadero and the Sydney-based Asian restaurant Sake. We will soon be announcing the last and final restaurant deal within the Hamer Hall, which will certainly be as high-profile and exciting as the first two leasing deals done.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Working hard and always be proactive, avoid taking any shortcuts and always do my absolute best. I always strive to give the best possible advice to clients. It helps to put myself in their shoes and think, 'What would I do if this was my property?'.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

Working with creative and exciting retailers and restaurateurs and getting a clear understanding of their retail requirements and then going out to the market and helping  them make the right property decisions for their business. At the same time  achieving the best possible outcome for our clients’ retail properties.

Where would invest a spare $750,000?

Use it as a down payment to buy a retail property anywhere in the Melbourne CBD.

Which football team do you support?

Collingwood (maybe next year, boys).

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

Google Maps.

How do you use social media?

I use LinkedIn.

Larry Schlesinger

Larry Schlesinger was a property writer at Property Observer

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