25 September 2018
Croydon office occupier trends
Recent data from both SHW and sector-wide sources show that Croydon is one of the South East's commercial property hotspots. But what does that actually mean on the ground? SHW's Croydon office Partner Neil Barker gives us a few insights into what's going on…
"Within my immediate patch, occupier demand for modern amenities is driving all aspects of the market, even second-hand refurbished space. An example of this is LaSalle Investment Management's refurbishment of the lower ground floor of Sunley House in Croydon, which had formerly been used as storage space. They created showers, toilets, bike racks and communal areas alongside additional office space. Even though most of the rest of the building was already occupied, they were effectively futureproofing the scheme by creating facilities the modern office occupier now demands.
"Electric vehicle charging points are another facility creeping into more schemes. McKay Securities has installed these at its Corinthian House refurbishment in Croydon in line with its other recent developments. And larger occupiers are dictating that the design of their office schemes include breakout areas, separate kitchen and eating facilities and a focus on wellness as standard to attract and retain the best staff.
"Increasingly marketing materials for Croydon offices highlight the growing appeal of the wider area including the Fairfield Halls / Cultural Quarter redevelopment as selling points for occupiers. Boxpark, for example, provides a lively focal point for the new Ruskin Square scheme next to East Croydon Station and may end up remaining in some form once the development has been completed."
Contact:
Neil Barker
020 8662 2705
