Wellington’s largest serviced office space opens

The Chow Brothers have just opened the doors to the largest serviced office business in Wellington. 

Michael Chow said the brothers had secured at least 25 percent of the leases for their architecturally designed Urban Hub situated over three floors of their Westpac building in Lambton Quay. 

“Our architects Designgroup have done a great job in turning gutted floors into the trendy Urban Hub complete with corporate amenities, suitable for businesses with from one to 10 staff.”

The project fits in with a trend that is prompting work-from-home staff to seek out shared work places. These are seen as dynamic and sophisticated spaces where ideas and services can be shared. 

Chow says work has been completed on the initial two floors of the Urban Hub, with 69 suites of serviced offices and facilities including an outdoor partly grassed courtyard and an in-house cafe. 

Research shows that businesses want flexible options on offices in Central Wellington. Often they want a smaller space but the amount available is limited, particularly for those looking for a modern professional environment that is also welcoming. 

“Businesses need to be flexible and agile in this business age. The ability to up or downsize as they need with no capital outlay or long-term lease commitments means the barriers that traditional office space create are no longer an issue. Serviced offices are making it easier than ever to do business in a professional environment and with a fraction of the commitment,” Chow says. 

Research also showed an ongoing growth of technology and SME businesses in New Zealand. The country’s high rate entrepreneurship is creating a shortage in the availability of good space, especially in Wellington.

“With a good 25 percent of Urban Hub’s space already is signed up, it’s clear there’s strong demand for modern, high-tech, smaller sized offices.” 

Initial feedback from the industry has been extremely positive on the Urban Hub offices, Chow says. 

“A lot of thought has gone into the design with plenty of relaxed meeting zones, including a café and an outdoor roof terrace overlooking Lambton Quay for events, meetings, or lunch.