Metricon’s landmark move underscores a growing trend of major businesses shifting to lifestyle-rich metro hubs, following high-profile relocations by Kmart and Adairs to Chadstone.
In one of the most significant metropolitan office transactions of the year, Metricon has announced its relocation to Ferntree Business Park, securing 8,200sqm across a new purpose-built facility that will house both its head office and Studio M showroom. The move marks a strategic shift for Australia’s largest home builder, embracing a more sustainable, flexible, and amenity-rich workplace environment.
Metricon’s new premises at 2 Ferntree Place will offer up to 400 on-site car spaces, signage rights, and access to premium amenities including childcare, multiple cafés, and Quest serviced apartments. The building, now 95% leased, is also home to major tenants Schneider Electric, Dahlsen Building Centres and Fujitsu, reinforcing the precinct’s appeal to leading corporates.
The relocation follows Metricon’s long-standing presence on Blackburn Road. The decision to consolidate its showroom and office operations into a modern, agile workspace reflects a broader trend among corporates seeking to upgrade their premises and align with post-pandemic working models.
Rob Joyes, Colliers State Chief Executive | Victoria, said, “Metricon’s commitment to Ferntree is a landmark moment for the precinct and a strong endorsement of metro Melbourne’s appeal. We’re seeing a clear shift in demand from businesses wanting to be closer to lifestyle precincts, with better amenities and more sustainable buildings. This is one of the largest metropolitan deals this year and a sign of what’s to come.”
Colliers deals data shows transacted leases across the metro office market increased 30% to 154,000sqm over FY26, with a noted uplift across all deal sizes.
That trend is already playing out across Melbourne’s southeast, with the Chadstone Business Precinct emerging as a magnet for major retailers. Following Colliers’ record-breaking deal last year, Kmart will relocate its 18,000sqm headquarters to One Middle Road, Chadstone, in December 2026. Adairs has also committed to 3,630sqm in the same development, joining other national retailers including Officeworks, Bodyshop, Shaver Shop, and The Cotton On Group.
Ash Dean, Director | Office Leasing at Colliers, said, “An occupier’s office requirements are dynamic and multifaceted, with businesses increasingly weighing up factors such as flexibility, lifestyle amenity and affordability when considering their next workplace. We’re seeing a wave of relocations from residential home builders across Melbourne’s Outer East, reflecting the precinct’s ability to meet these evolving requirements.
“Thomas Archer Homes recently committing to 1,200sqm at 37 Dunlop Road within Salta Properties Nexus Business Precinct and Carter Grange relocating to Urban Acres leasing 1,452sqm at 315 Ferntree Gully Road.”
As Melbourne’s metropolitan office market redefines itself, these significant office moves signal a new era of workplace strategy, one that prioritises flexibility, sustainability, and lifestyle integration.
Related Articles
