It is the first major company to announce a relocation into the CBD following the COVID-19 restrictions, in a significant boost to efforts to revitalise the city.

The loft-style offices will accommodate up to 900 staff from all of the Clemenger Group’s Melbourne-based companies and sister companies under the Omnicom Media Group umbrella. In total, the companies will occupy approximately 7,500sqm.

General Manager of Property at Newmark Capital, Angus Machutchison, said he was delighted by Clemenger Group’s decision. “This is an endorsement of Newmark’s vision for 299 Bourke, and our belief in the ongoing demand for quality office space which is focused on providing a premium work environment for staff.

“Our vision for this iconic building is inspired by the original architecture and preserves 299 Bourke Street’s history while adding premium retail spaces and offices that are true workplaces of the future,” Mr Machutchison said.

 “This is a flagship location offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity, as well as unparalleled amenity in the heart of the city. We remain extremely confident in Melbourne’s CBD returning to normal and clearly Clemenger Group share our vision.”

Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp, welcomed Clemenger Group’s move. “This is fantastic news for the CBD and a vote of confidence in Melbourne’s future as a thriving economic hub.

“The buzz is building on our streets,” said the Lord Mayor. “We are experiencing week-on-week growth in our foot traffic as employees return to city workplaces.

“I can’t wait to welcome Clemenger Group’s 900 staff to our city. We are the economic engine room of Victoria and the best place to do business.”

Clemenger Group CEO Les Timar said: “These attractive, flexible and high technology workspaces will nurture creativity and collaboration across the Clemenger Group. It is thrilling to have these facilities right in the heart of Melbourne.”

Clemenger Group chairman Robert Morgan said it was exciting for Clemenger Group to return to its birthplace in Melbourne’s CBD. It was in the CBD where the company’s founders opened John Clemenger Advertising in 1946, in the basement of a building in Bourke Street.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of revitalising Melbourne’s business landscape after the pandemic, becoming the only major marketing and communication company to reside in the city,” Mr Morgan said.

The office tenancy follows the announcement by MECCA Brands that it will be opening their new Australian flagship in 299 Bourke. Rodd and Gunn have also announced that that their Melbourne experiential flagship store will be on the Little Collins Street side of the building.

“This mix of functionality, convenience and attractiveness is crucial to attracting workers back to offices and business districts,” Mr Machutchison said. “We see the office and retail facilities at 299 Bourke Street as a focus for drawing people to the city and energising the CBD”.

Leading architects Bates Smart have redesigned 299 Bourke Street, enhancing the historic Bourke Street Mall frontage with a stylish shopfront, upgraded canopies and glazed facade, sympathetic to the existing heritage fabric. Clemenger Group’s offices on the upper levels will be accessed by a dedicated office lobby at 280 Little Collins Street.

Managing Director of Bates Smart, Simon Swaney, said 299 Bourke would be “a building of significance, with contemporary facilities which when provided with the extensive rooftop terrace areas, will be a tremendous work environment for staff”.

Colliers and JLL are office leasing agents on the project.