The Office Suites Company, a venture backed by Old Mutual Properties, is expanding and refurbishing its Parktown, Johannesburg, centre to meet growing demand for flexible office solutions, particularly on longer leases.

Peter Vergeer, general manager of the company, says negotiations are also under way to expand its Claremont Offices Suites in Cape Town.

“Both Parktown and Claremont locations have been running at 95% occupancy levels and have noted an appreciable shift to longer leases for fully equipped, executively styled office space with core support services.

“A year and more ago the demand was primarily for three to six month use, and was driven by start-ups and travelling businesspeople who need professional satellite office space.

“Now however, we are seeing more established businesses and international entries into the SA market opting to avoid capital outlay and outsource provision of everything from offices, reception and secretarial support to stationery supplies, cleaning, courier, mail and catering services and board-room service.  With prime office rents in some areas topping R100/m², they see the advantage in paying only for what they use and having the flexibility to call on services and space when required.

“Emerging businesses who appreciate they can take flexible space at a good address, and reduce costs at a time when every cent is necessary to start up, are still major users.”

Vergeer says a focus on use-on-demand and cost containment is also evident in the call for videoconferencing facilities in the Parktown and Claremont Office Suites. 

“These facilities allow for more frequent meetings of groups in different locations while avoiding the costs and disruption of travel.”

The Parktown expansion will see space grow to 2 800m² and will involve the installation of new videoconferencing and Wi-Fi equipment.

Ends

ISSUED FOR  Old Mutual Properties/ The Office Suites Company

BY  Michael Kerkhoff & Associates

INQUIRIES Peter Vergeer 021-670-2000

                    Mike Kerkhoff 021-424-5280