Tenants get creative at Investa’s 6 O’Connell Street in Sydney CBD

Tenants get creative at Investa’s 6 O’Connell Street in Sydney CBD
Staff ReporterDecember 7, 2020

A shortage of creative office spaces in the Sydney CBD is inspiring tenants to come up with own creative solutions to customise their workspaces.

A recent example is 6 O’Connell Street, a building owned by Investa Office Fund which recently became home to two creative tenants: design firm Gensler and Axiom Workplaces.  

Both have transformed their new workspace using clever design to deliver premium creative space, according to Colliers International, which facilitated the leasing deals.

Dean Bracken and Trent Stephens from Colliers along with Cushman & Wakefield have been appointed as leasing agents by Investa for 6 O’Connell Street.

“Given the limited supply of space in the CBD, tenants need to be quick to secure their ideal office spaces and make the tenancies their own. These companies are examples of those who have taken on the fit out themselves to create a workspace to their own standards,” said Dean Bracken of Colliers International, who was responsible for placing both tenants in the building.  

Axiom was represented by Luke Dutton from Colliers International Tenant Advisory.

“B Grade buildings are attracting quality tenants and high rents – this building in particular is one of the best located, fronting both O’Connell and Bligh Streets in the CBD which offers Harbour Bridge views and continues to attract a diverse range of tenants,” he added.

Global design firm Gensler were originally searching for a heritage building in the CBD location. They have transformed their 6 O’Connell Street tenancy into a sleek, sophisticated office with a homely feel. 

The office (picture above) has a residential feel upon entry, with a fireplace, wine rack and modern, wooden finishes and an artistic mural to reflect the creativity of the business.

“The ground floor space at 6 O’Connell that we now call home presented us with a great opportunity to really showcase our approach to workplace design, which often draws upon hospitality, retail and F&B design influences,” Andrew Waddle, associate at Gensler, said.  

Tenants get creative at Investa’s 6 O’Connell Street in Sydney CBD

Axiom Workplaces also recently relocated to 6 O’Connell Street, designing and delivering office space with a futuristic feel.

Their office space is designed to emulate a compass, with the middle being anchored by a virtual reality room, with exposed ceilings, concrete treated flooring and terracotta potted plants around windows adding to the overall affect. 

“We didn’t see 6 O’Connell St as just a B-grade property. In fact, we saw it as a prime location in the heart of the CBD and an opportunity to transform the space into something uniquely Axiom. Using our own expertise and talent, we’ve created our ideal workplace that encourages our teams to perform at their optimum from both a creative and a business growth standpoint,” said Alister Hales, head of Business Development and Client Services at Axiom Projects. 

“Design is at the core of what these businesses do, and their offices reflect this.” 

“With French cabaret restaurant Hubert and Spanish wine bar Balcon by Tapavino occupying lower levels of the building this location and other surrounding amenity means that 6 O’Connell Street is one of the most desirable B grade offices in Sydney’s CBD.”

 

 

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