Renowned for its periodic charm and central Melbourne CBD location, Fivex’s Carlow House has reached 100% occpancy, with Colliers' Izabella Minas and Georgina Murray, in conjunction with JLL's Sam Friend and Hannah O'Brien, securing 12 deals in 12 months.

The 10-storey heritage-listed building dates back to 1939 and was designed by Australian architect Harry Norris, best known for his 1930s Art Deco commercial work in Melbourne's CBD. 

Carlow House was initially constructed as a steel framed office building for the Paynes by E A Watts but found new life following a recent refurbishment by the Berger family's Fivex Group, who bought the landmark building for $19 million in 2008. 

Izabella Minas, Executive of Colliers Office Leasing, said the building itself had been a key selling point for the majority of clients, given its unique boutique characteristics and ideal CBD location.

"Fivex has transformed the building into modern office spaces with an abundance of natural light and high ceilings while keeping the building's original charm without making it feel like a traditional corporate office," she said.

Sam Friend, Associate in the CBD Office Leasing team at JLL, added that several tenants were drawn to the building due to Carlow House's prime Melbourne CBD location, just minutes from Flinders Street Station. 

“Businesses want creative and unique offices to encourage employees to return to the office instead of working from home. Carlow House offers the perfect solution with its Art Deco features located along the sought-after Flinders Lane precinct surrounded by cafes and restaurants,” he said

Lesli Berger, Managing Director of Fivex, said it appeared that there was a significant turn around in  the level of demand for quality small office and retail space in Melbourne’s CBD, particularly driven by the SME market who were recognising the value of physical offices for collaboration, team culture, and customer interaction.

“Despite challenges posed by remote work models, our Melbourne properties, including Carlow House, are experiencing impressive occupancy rates, with rents exceeding pre-pandemic levels," he said.

“Many of the new businesses that have entered into leases at Carlow House have said it’s the perfect space – with its original charm alongside contemporary amenities attracting teams to return to the office.”