The history of Collingwood has always been a testament to Australia's working-class culture.

The rapid industrialisation which occurred in the area during 1860s and 1870s would go on to characterise its reputation within Melbourne for much of the next century. 

While many of the relics from that era still remain, their purpose has evolved to forge a new identity for the suburb.

Throughout the past five years, tenants and owner-occupiers have relished the opportunity to occupy converted warehouses, often spending big budgets to refurbish.

The arrival of new companies has been followed with several large scale developments, including Cbus Property's 14-level residential development on Wellington Street and Tribe Hotel's purchase of 60 Langridge Street for its flagship property.

The interior of 42 Cambridge Street, Collingwood, which is being sold by Melbourne realtor Gray Johnson.

Director of Melbourne realtor Gray Johnson, Matt Hoath, has witnessed the transformation of Collingwood first hand, having facilitated a variety of leasing and sale opportunities within the suburb. 

He said the process had been driven by residential development.

"There has been a lot of talk about the residential development that has occurred in the pocket behind Wellington Street moving up to Smith Street," he said.

"Smith Street is also getting better tenants and Gertrude Street has really started to cement itself.

"This has led to improvements in the strip areas and employers that would historically look at areas such as Richmond come to Collingwood because of its convenience."

Of the businesses migrating to Collingwood, Mr Hoath said the design and hospitality sectors were leading the way.

"Allpress coffee roasters have set up a substantial hospitality offering in Collingwood and it's those types of business, along with design-based enterprises, that are moving into the area," he said.

"You've even got upmarket interior businesses, which have contributed to the changing look of the suburb."

The building at 92 Rupert Street which was purchased by Hive Co-Working Australia through Gray Johnson.

Employers eyeing a move to Collingwood will soon have more options for housing their workers, with Hive Co-Working Australia having recently leased 1,263 square metres for $341,500 pa on a long-term lease.

Domain Hill Property Group has also announced the release of a new commercial office project at 71 Langridge Street.

Comprising more than 5300 square metres of office space, the project features elements designed to evoke the industrial history of Collingwood.

Domain Hill Managing Director Peter Cahill said the appeal of converted buildings reflected the changing needs of office workers.

“In order to attract and retain talented young professionals, a lot of companies, even the more conservative ones, realise it helps to have stylish offices in a trendy part of town -that’s why warehouse office conversions in the inner city are always in high demand.”

“Large corporate tenants often seek out buildings that have a young, hip flavour to them.  

"The 71 Langridge Street project has been specifically designed to meet that demand.” 

For more information listings on commercial listings in Collingwood, email or phone Matt Hoath of Gray Johnson via the details provided below.

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