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Why Geelong’s office sector is booming

By Orana Durney-Benson
21 March 2024 | 11 minute read
60 Moorabool Street reb o88mhp

A nine-storey sustainable office tower is just the latest in a series of developments that are adding momentum to the gateway city.

Less than a year after Geelong was named one of Australia’s regional tech clusters by CSIRO, the city has seen an eruption of new A-grade offices.

Among these are 20 Gheringhap Street, a six-star NABERS tower with integrated smart technology; 1 Malop Street, a high thermal performance 14-level building; and Wurriki Nyal, headquarters of the City of Greater Geelong.

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Now, a brand new ultra-sustainable office building with foreshore access – 60 Moorabool Street – is the latest building to revitalise Geelong’s central business district.

Julian McVilly, general manager of asset management at co-owner Quintessential, stated that the new tower “is another illustration of the flight to quality we are seeing in the market”.

“The prime location and state-of-the-art facilities offer businesses a great environment, which will play a role in attracting and retaining talent in a growing market,” said McVilly, who expressed his belief that Geelong will be “a major regional hub for business”.

Common among Geelong’s new premium office buildings is a focus on sustainability and wellness.

Many of the new developments include high-quality end of trip facilities such as showers and bike parking. Strong transport links, natural light, and high Green Star and NABERS ratings are also a priority for the new offices.

The office building at 60 Moorabool Street will also offer access to private health insurance, dental, eye care, medical and physiotherapy services to the local community.

David Greig, chief executive of GMHBA, a co-owner and major tenant of 60 Moorabool Street, noted that these features were a major drawcard for himself and GMHBA.

“We have a team of almost 300 staff members who will work in our head office, and the Geelong hub will be an important addition to the company’s health and branch network,” said Greig.

“Establishing a state-of-the-art hub will provide the community with improved access to high-quality medical care at a time when the demand for primary and allied health services is growing in Geelong.”

Geelong has seen a significant boom in recent years following the pandemic era regional migration trend, which saw the city bag an astonishing 4 per cent of all Australian regional movers.

And the pace has not died down in the post-pandemic period, with Greater Geelong continuing to make the top five destinations for regional relocators Australia-wide.

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