The mixed-use precinct’s most recent additions to its business mix include Coronation Fund Managers, Mondi and Osmond Lange Architects and Planners, which have all taken premises at the sectional title schemes 1 and 3 Melrose Boulevard.

“The demand for space at Melrose Arch continues unabated and we will be able to meet this need with the Melrose Arch Piazza when 31,000m2 of lettable office space comes on line with the completion of Offices on the Piazza with is set for completion in 2009,” says Mark Uhlmann, Sales Manager for Melrose Arch Development Company.

These offices will be set above the 28,000m2 of Melrose Arch Shopping in seven separate highly individualised buildings. To date 11,500m2 of this space is already let with 4,500m2 under negotiation.

“Many businesses only reassess their premises requirements between 6 months and 12 months before their current lease expiry and with completion of Offices on the Piazza falling within this time frame, we are expecting a rush of enquiries for office space at Melrose Arch over the coming months,” explains Uhlmann.

These offices are being brought to market at an ideal time, notes Uhlmann, with property fundamentals underpinned by strong demand and constrained availability. In this context, rentals of up to R200/m2 are expected to be achieved.

Enhancing Melrose Arch’s status as a highly sought-after office location is its highly visible and easily accessible location, served by both the Atholl-Oaklands and the Corlett Drive off-ramp from the M1 highway.

In addition the complete lifestyle package offered by Melrose Arch, with shops, restaurants, coffee shops, banks, hotels and gyms as well as apartments and penthouses, adds to the modern business and social appeal of the precinct.

Leading companies which have already selected Melrose Arch as their business address of choice include Allan Gray, Bidvest, Bond Exchange of SA, Stanlib and Xstrata Coal and Xstrata Alloys.

Melrose Arch is owned by Southern Palace, a joint venture between Amdec Property Development and Property Partners. Amdec is also the appointed development manager for Melrose Arch, driving the roll-out of all development projects in this prestigious mixed-use precinct.

Presently over 6,000 people are living and working in Melrose Arch and by 2012, when all phases of the precinct are scheduled for completion, it is estimated that this will increase to more than 22,000.