A List of Office Rental Spaces in Melbourne with Easy Access
Searching for the ideal office space to rent in Melbourne has been an eye-opening experience that explores the ever-changing world of workspaces.
The strategic choice of location is paramount for attracting and retaining top talent, as employees prioritize work-life balance. Optimal location decisions can substantially enhance a company’s long-term performance, while poor choices may result in significant losses in talent, productivity, and capital.
Despite the growing prevalence of remote work, collaboration, telecommuting, and virtual offices, location remains crucial for businesses. A strategically situated business, attracting customers effectively, is poised for growth, increased sales, and heightened brand visibility.
The success of your business is heavily dependent on the state in which it is located, as it can impact several aspects such as local tax regulations and cost of living.
How do you budget for a new office space?
Budgeting for office space requires careful consideration of various elements, especially anticipating potential changes in space needs. The overall cost is influenced by factors such as location, size, amenities, construction, and ongoing expenses. Construction costs encompass hard and soft costs, with hard costs constituting structural items and soft costs covering non-physical contributions like legal fees. Project management expenses, typically 3% to 5% of the final budget, involve hiring someone to oversee the project. Miscellaneous costs, including vendor services, ongoing expenses like mortgage or lease payments, utilities, maintenance, taxes, and additional factors like location and security deposit, contribute to the overall expenditure.
However, a cost-effective alternative to traditional offices is shared workspaces. These spaces eliminate buildout expenses, offering flexible options from single desks to private office suites. Coworking spaces include utilities, furniture, and maintenance for a single monthly fee, providing transparency and scalability without major renovations. Controlling office costs is crucial for effective business planning, and shared workspaces offer a practical solution for businesses aiming to optimize expenses and plan for long-term success.
Is office rental a fixed cost?
Fixed costs are expenses that remain constant irrespective of production or sales volume. These costs, typically time-based, include rent, salaries, utility bills, insurance, loan repayments, and certain taxes such as business licenses. Adding fixed costs to a small business demands careful consideration, as they must be paid regardless of sales volume. Commonly referred to as overhead, fixed costs play a pivotal role in business financial management.
Is office rent an asset or liability?
Office rent can be classified as either an asset or a liability depending on the payment status. When rent is paid in advance before its due date, it is termed prepaid rent and is recognized as a current asset. On the other hand, if the rent is overdue or remains unpaid after the due date, it is treated as an outstanding liability and is recorded under the current liabilities section of the balance sheet.
How much office space do you really need?
A rule of thumb is to allocate approximately 175 square feet per person in the office, with leaders and executives requiring between 200 and 400 square feet. Open office workstations, on the other hand, only need around 100 square feet per person.
These are broad guidelines that can vary based on the nature of the business. For example, call centre workers may not need much desk space, while architects may require substantial room for laying out blueprints. The square footage needs can also increase based on factors such as the necessity for dedicated meeting spaces, offices with closed doors, or specific desk/cubicle arrangements.
Considering the type of layout that best suits the business is important in determining space needs. The three main options are open offices, traditional private offices, and a combination of both. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the team’s preferences and needs.
Common spaces are essential in every office, and general guidelines include 80 to 100 square feet per person for work group areas, 25 to 50 square feet for quiet rooms, 15 to 30 square feet per person for conference rooms, and 75 square feet per person for reception areas. The specific needs for common spaces depend on the business’s style, with open office layouts potentially requiring less dedicated meeting space compared to private offices.
Anticipating the future is paramount when moving to a new office. Planning for growth, market changes, and equipment needs ensures that the chosen space meets current and future requirements. Leasing spaces to reach occupancy limits two-thirds or three-quarters of the way through the lease term is a strategic approach.
Taking into account how the business will evolve over the next decade, considering factors like growth, economic changes, and necessary equipment, is vital. Consulting the business plan and discussing future needs with leadership provides valuable insights.
OFFICE SPACES WITH EASY ACCESS IN MELBOURNE
STOAGE GLEN IRIS
Storage Glen Iris offers 24/7 access to its newly-built facility, providing office spaces for rent, storage, and commercial storage solutions. With a convenient large lift and loading bay, the move-in process is made easy. The facility’s prime location, just off the Monash Fwy and within walking distance of Glen Iris train station, makes it accessible for businesses in surrounding areas like Burwood, Malvern, Toorak, Armadale, and Hawthorn. The office space for rent is particularly popular among small businesses seeking a dedicated space for meetings, client interactions, and overall business operations. Storage Glen Iris emphasizes the separation of personal and professional life, offering modern, secure, and clean office spaces to support business growth and productivity. The facility’s proximity to major transportation routes and its scenic surroundings, including Glenburn Bend Park and Gardiners Creek, make it an ideal location for businesses looking for both logistical convenience and a pleasant work environment.
Website: https://storagegleniris.net.au/
SUITE SPACE
Located just a 6-minute walk from Melbourne Central train station and with public transport at the doorstep, 235 Queen Street offers a prime address in Melbourne’s legal district. The facility, ideal for making a powerful first impression, provides easy access to City Loop trains, trams, and public parking. Nestled in the heart of the corporate landscape, the surroundings feature Melbourne’s iconic laneways, adding colour and personality to the workspace. The location ensures a seamless blend of creativity and productivity.
The area boasts a diverse culinary scene, allowing occupants to embark on a gastronomic world tour with eateries representing Spain, Italy, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, all within easy walking distance. Satisfying Melbourne’s coffee culture, numerous coffee spots cater to even the most discerning caffeine enthusiasts.
For unwinding after work, the vicinity offers an array of bars and pubs, catering to diverse preferences, from classy cocktails to cozy lagers. In summary, 235 Queen Street not only provides a strategically located workspace but also embraces the cultural and culinary richness of its surroundings, creating an environment conducive to both work and leisure.
Website: https://suitespace.com.au/
JUST CO
Situated amidst Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, 15 William Street is a Grade A CBD building housing JustCo’s largest coworking space in Australia. With a prime location, it’s a short walk from Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations. The 8,000-square-meter facility spans four floors and features floor-to-ceiling windows offering natural light and panoramic views of the MCG, Yarra River, and Southbank. The modernly designed space includes 14 meeting rooms, communal areas, and an in-house café, providing an inspiring environment for collaboration.
Key amenities include recreational and end-of-trip facilities, video conferencing, a mother’s room, lockers, phone booths, event space, kitchen, printing facilities, and 24/7 access with security. JustCo offers various membership plans, including Virtual Office, Desk, Standard Office, and Enterprise Suite, catering to diverse business needs. The facility’s strategic location, extensive amenities, and flexible membership options make it an ideal business address in the heart of Melbourne city.
Website: https://www.justcoglobal.com/au/centre/15-william-street/
OPUS WORKSPACES
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD’s legal and financial precinct, 200 Queen Street is the prime location for Opus Workspaces. With easy access to public transport links, including a 6-minute walk from Melbourne Central Station and a 5-minute walk from multiple tram routes, the workspace is strategically situated for professionals. Additionally, it’s a short 5-minute walk from the Melbourne Magistrates Court, making it convenient for legal professionals.
Opus Workspaces specializes in creating and managing professional serviced office environments tailored to the needs of today’s corporate workplace. Located close to Hardware Lane, known for its café culture, bars, and restaurants, it provides an ideal setting for both work and leisure. The warm and friendly business environment, coupled with experienced teams, caters to startups and small to medium businesses, ensuring a great end-to-end client experience. Opus Workspaces offers professional, flexible, and affordable serviced offices and meeting spaces, making it a premium address for businesses in Melbourne.
Website: https://www.opusworkspaces.com.au/
THE EXECUTIVE CENTRE
Conveniently located near Southern Cross Station, Marvel Stadium, and luxurious apartments, Collins Square serves as a vital bridge between Melbourne’s Central Business District and Western Precinct. The workspace provides a prestigious corporate presence with robust community programming, a barista-led café, and locally inspired design. The prime Docklands location ensures easy access to transportation, connecting to Melbourne’s greater city through multiple train services and Flybus for airport access.
The workspace, spanning 19,805 sq ft across one floor, caters to various needs with large coworking tables and private offices. Amenities include meeting rooms, adjustable standing desks, pantry refreshments, IT support, and a business concierge.
Website: https://www.executivecentre.com/en-au/office-space/collins-square/
SPACES
One MQ, located in Melbourne’s Southern Cross Precinct, stands as a spectacular contemporary structure in the heart of the business district. Positioned between the iconic Collins and Flinders streets and directly across from Southern Cross Station, it offers a top-quality workspace with world-class design and next-generation flexibility. The center serves as a perfect launch pad for businesses in Melbourne’s new economic center, adapting to the vibrant community with high-speed Wi-Fi and administrative support.
The landmark project features double-height windows illuminating private offices, meeting rooms, and communal zones with natural light. The surrounding area boasts eateries, bars, green public spaces, and proximity to Melbourne’s celebrated food scene and cultural attractions, including the stunning Webb Bridge. One MQ provides professionals and creatives with a special and adaptable workspace, emphasizing ultimate flexibility and a prime location within Melbourne’s bustling business hub.
Website: https://www.spacesworks.com/melbourne/one-mq/
@WORKSPACES
This Melbourne coworking space, conveniently located for commuters near Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, offers a range of amenities for clients. The beautifully appointed business center features meeting rooms with advanced technology, a spacious kitchen, and breakout area, catering to both large and small clients with private offices and a large coworking center. Additional perks include an on-site concierge, top-notch end-of-trip facilities, competitive car parking rates, and high-speed internet. Situated in the prestigious CBD location at the Paris-end of Collins Street, this serviced office accommodates 1-60 people and provides an ideal working environment in the heart of Melbourne.
Website: https://www.atworkspaces.com/locations/melbourne
CENTRAL OPS
Located in a converted warehouse in North Melbourne, their offices for rent provide quiet, lockable spaces in close proximity to Melbourne CBD, Carlton, Kensington, Flemington, and West Melbourne. Situated seconds from the free tram zone, our client-facing fit-out includes a foyer and on-site boardroom. The rental options range from $210 to $300 a week + GST, offering flexible layouts for 1 to 8 people. The building features a client-facing fit-out with a foyer and boardroom, and all hire offices are divided by walls. Additional perks include bar access, event space access, 500m2 of casual meeting or breakout space, and exclusive events and offers. The location boasts 50+ coffee shops/restaurants within a 5-minute walk, easy access to Melbourne CBD/Queen Victoria Market, and proximity to public transport options.
Website: https://www.centralops.com.au/northmelbournevilliers-street
CHRISTIE SPACES
Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, near Collins St and Williams St tram stops and Southern Cross train station. Their conferencing level accommodates up to 60 attendees, while the training space caters for up to 15. The fully-equipped conferencing centre offers state-of-the-art technology and support. Bookings include complimentary refreshments, high-speed WiFi, and optional catering. The modern facilities feature natural light, soundproofing, LED lighting, plug-and-play USB and HDMI capabilities, secure unlimited WiFi, high-definition projection, and Logitech Conference Cam Rally technology. The conferencing spaces include a 60-person Conference Room, a 15-person Training Room, 2-10 Seater Meeting Rooms, and 12-14 Seater Boardrooms. On-site amenities include support staff, technology hire, catering options, breakout spaces, and cleaning/sanitizing services.
Website: https://www.christiespaces.com.au/conference-centres/melbourne
WORKSPACE 365
Situated at 330 Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, Workspace365 offers a state-of-the-art Coworking and Business Centre. Easily accessible from various streets and public transport, it provides premium private offices, team rooms, virtual services, coworking spaces, dedicated desks, and more. The building offers extensive amenities, including breakout areas, meeting rooms, 24/7 access, bicycle storage, barista services, car parking, and end-of-trip facilities. With a focus on enhancing business operations, Workspace365 provides a range of services and organizes networking events to improve the overall office experience.
Website: https://www.workspace365.com.au/location/330-collins-street-melbourne
SOME THOUGHTS
Accessibility is very important for convenience and efficiency. Easy access to public transport, major streets, and essential facilities, such as train stations and tram stops, contributes to the seamless commute for employees and clients. This enhances overall productivity and ensures that the business is well-connected within the city. Proximity to amenities like coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions provides a vibrant work environment and supports a better work-life balance for professionals. Accessibility is vital in office rentals as it not only facilitates daily operations but also contributes to the overall well-being and success of businesses in Melbourne.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you truly need an office space depends on the necessity for a physical workspace. It’s essential to allocate room based on the number of individuals who will be physically present in the office. If employees don’t frequently come into the office, reconsider the need for dedicated desks for everyone. By evaluating the actual in-person requirements, you can optimize the office space, eliminating unnecessary and underutilized areas. This approach allows for a more efficient and tailored use of office resources based on the specific needs of the team.
The type of office space needed is one that accommodates an average of at least 120 square feet per employee, with variations based on employee type and office layout. The aim is to create a comfortable workspace, allowing ample room for employees to move around. This approach not only ensures a pleasant working environment but also facilitates cleanliness and organization within the office.
To create a low-cost office space, consider adopting an open-plan layout for efficient space utilization and introducing makeshift department dividers instead of permanent structures. Invest in budget-friendly desks, chairs, and storage solutions to reduce furniture expenses, and embrace a minimalist aesthetic to minimize decorative costs. Introducing a feature wall can add visual interest without a substantial price tag, while making use of existing features in the space helps avoid unnecessary modifications. Consider installing a simple tea point for refreshments rather than investing in an elaborate kitchen setup. Seeking advice from office interior designers can provide insights into cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. These strategies collectively contribute to a budget-conscious approach to office design and management.
When arranging desks in an office space with employees sitting back to back, it is recommended to have a minimum gap of 2000mm between desks. If feasible, a larger gap of 2200mm or 2400mm is preferable. This spacing is crucial for providing a comfortable and ergonomic environment for employees, ensuring they have sufficient room to work without feeling cramped or restricted.
To enhance the aesthetics of your office and foster a collaborative atmosphere, consider adopting an open-plan layout. This design encourages a sense of collaboration and creativity by incorporating large, communal spaces. The arrangement of desks side by side eliminates physical barriers, promoting seamless workplace communication. This open and inviting environment not only improves the overall appearance of the office but also contributes to a sense of inclusivity and teamwork among employees.
