The commercial real estate sector in Melbourne’s CBD has faced significant challenges in the wake of the pandemic.

When writing this, four years on, many office buildings remain vacant as businesses reassess their space requirements and remote work continues to be a popular option. To attract prospective tenants and bring life back into the city centre, building owners and landlords (or property managers) have increasingly focused on upgrading their spaces to offer more flexible, ergonomic, and visually appealing environments.

At 360 Little Collins Street, the building’s property manager has recognised this shift and sought to create a modern, flexible workspace that would cater to businesses seeking a plug-and-play office in the heart of Melbourne’s business district. The goal was to ensure that the space stood out in a competitive market, helping to attract businesses back to the city and supporting the post-COVID recovery efforts.

The fit-out

The two available office spaces on Level 3, covering 124 sqm and 234 sqm respectively, feature timber flooring, exposed ceilings, with ample natural light to enhance the working environment. With a focus on flexibility and wellbeing, the property manager partnered with UpDown Desk, one of Buro’s online resellers, to furnish the larger office with 24 sit-to-stand workstations and 24 Buro Mantra ergonomic chairs.

Why the Buro Mantra?

The Buro Mantra chair was selected as part of this modern fit-out for its great value ergonomic design. Featuring a breathable mesh back and high-density moulded foam seat, the Buro Mantra ensures long-lasting comfort and supports concentration throughout the day. The chair’s solid base and synchro mechanism, paired with adjustable seat slides, lumbar support, and optional arms, make it the perfect task chair for any workspace that prioritises employee wellbeing.

The inclusion of sit-to-stand desks alongside the ergonomic chairs offers flexibility for tenants, enabling them to create a workspace that caters to diverse working styles and needs. This fit-out makes the office particularly attractive to businesses that are prioritising health, productivity, and flexible working environments for their teams.

Supporting post-COVID recovery

The decision to upgrade the office spaces with ergonomic and flexible furniture plays a vital role in the broader goal of bringing businesses back into Melbourne’s city centre. As companies consider their next steps, having a fully furnished, ready-to-use workspace with state-of-the-art ergonomic features makes the decision to return to office life more appealing.

By investing in high-quality furnishings like the Buro Mantra chairs and sit-to-stand desks, the property manager is helping to create a space that fosters focus, community, and wellbeing—factors that are increasingly important as businesses re-evaluate their office needs in the post-COVID world. This approach not only enhances the appeal of the property for prospective tenants but also contributes to the revitalisation of Melbourne’s CBD.