Christchurch businesses seek offices on outskirts

Wednesday May 26

Christchurch businesses seek offices on outskirts

Office space in purpose built commercial parks outside Christchurch’s central business district is a popular leasing option, says DTZ New Zealand’s property consultant, Brendan Chase.

Mr Chase, DTZ’s specialist in commercial leasing and sales in Christchurch, negotiated new office space for Hewlett Packard in Henshaw Developments commercial complex at Show Place, Addington. The computer company, previously based in Kilmore Street, moved into the upmarket complex this month.

“We are noticing an increasing trend for businesses to request space in these business park environments,’’ Mr Chase says.

He is enthusiastic about the options available in the commercial sector in Christchurch. The new commercial parks, such as Show Place, are a welcome addition to the market, Mr Chase says.

Commercial space in the Show Place complex, built on former Addington Showgrounds property, is in the A-plus category. The buildings, designed to the highest standards possible, provide a luxury working environment with other attributes such as energy efficiency.

Mr Chase says the lower operating costs appeal. Rates, for example, are cheaper on the city’s outskirts compared with those for the higher land value central city. Another big plus for businesses is the cost and abundance of parking for staff and clients. Where a car park costs $50 a week in the central city, it is about $15 a week in the suburbs.

Ernie Henshaw of Henshaw Developments, which owns the Show Place complex, says demand for commercial space in the Show Place complex has warranted further expansion.

Existing units are already leased and another building is planned.

“We’ve certainly found that the market is after this type of commercial space. As businesses move away from the central city, our ease of access, parking availability and the quality of our buildings are an attraction,’’ Mr Henshaw says.

Mr Chase heads commercial leasing at DTZ New Zealand’s Christchurch office. DTZ is a multi national multi-disciplinary property company with nine offices throughout the country.

ENDS

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