Quintessential Equity launches new premium office development at Geelong

Quintessential Equity has announced its latest commercial office development in Geelong, 20 Gheringhap Street to build on its track record over the last six years.

The A-Grade office project follows Quintessential Equity’s recent completion of the City of Greater Geelong’s (the City) new headquarters to form an integrated civic precinct now known as Wurriki Nyal.

Having secured Development Approval, 20 Gheringhap will complete the City’s ground-breaking urban regeneration initiative to transform the 6,670 sqm CBD site. The completed precinct will represent an investment of over $200 million between government and the private sector.

Designed by leading firm Cox Architecture, 20 Gheringhap will be a striking addition to the Geelong landscape, featuring a contemporary curved building form, permeable and activated ground plane with interconnecting access to Wurriki Nyal and onwards to Geelong’s parklands and waterfront.

With a solid reputation for quality and strong focus on occupier relationships, Quintessential Equity is now investing an additional $125 million to support the rapid population growth in Geelong, following the successful delivery of three landmark office buildings: 1 Malop Street, 60 Moorabool Street and Wurriki Nyal, the City’s new HQ.

QE worked in close collaboration with the City and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on the design and delivery of the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct. Located at 137 Mercer Street and now open to the public, the precinct features a Customer Service Centre, café, and retail facilities for the community. With City of Greater Geelong employees relocated from existing offices, Wurriki Nyal is the perfect place for locals and employees to gather and enjoy the growing precinct.

Geelong is experiencing exponential growth with more people realising the potential of the coastal town, highlighting post-COVID trends of people desiring a ‘sea change’ and moving away from Melbourne.

With greater variety of employment and education opportunities, as well as diverse affordable housing options and a relaxed lifestyle, Geelong will continue to see an influx of people moving from the bigger cities.

Additionally, City of Greater Geelong is currently forecast to reach 360,250 residents by 2036 and will continue to evolve into a centralised cultural and lifestyle hub.

20 Gheringhap is expected to attract both government and large corporate occupiers who have recognised the advantages of the post-COVID decentralised workplace and the large number of offices now residing in the Greater Geelong and Bellarine areas.

Shane Quinn, Executive Chairman for Quintessential Equity, said “We’re passionate about providing world-class office spaces that look after and help our tenants, the community, and the environment to thrive. We’re delighted again to be making an important contribution to the growth and transformation of Geelong’s post-pandemic office community.”

“The building is designed to enhance connectivity within the Geelong CBD and enables better connections between the building and people’s health and wellbeing, and between employees, their work and lifestyle on the Bellarine Peninsula. We know there is going to be a fight for talent which we are seeing in Geelong and buildings like this will help attract and retain the best talent for the business that are houses in it. ” Mr Quinn said.

“We have committed to Geelong over the last six years by delivering over 40,000m2 of new office space. We intend to continue strengthening this commitment and aspire to invest another $500 million over the next six years”, Mr Quinn continues.

Cox Architecture Director, Andrew Tucker, said, “With the health of the tenants at the forefront of the design, the building is targeting leading Green Star and NABERS Energy Ratings plus a WELL Shell and Core certification.”

“The building comprises approx. 11,000 sqm of premium office accommodation over 11 floors, with an impressive double height atrium lobby and rooftop terrace capitalising on expansive views across Johnstone Park, Corio Bay and beyond,” Mr Tucker said.

Edward Knowles, National Director Office Leasing of Colliers said “20 Gheringhap presents an opportunity for both the government and private sectors to co-locate in a precinct that will provide a place of work that employees will enjoy coming to every day.”

“We are continuing to see an increasing appetite for sustainable, A-grade office buildings in regional areas as high-profile corporate tenants look to re-locate and establish their business in closer proximity to where their staff reside,” Mr Knowles said.