How design can mean the difference between the success and failure of a commercial precinct
Design plays a larger role in the success of a commercial precinct than most would give it credit for. From functional factors to aesthetic appeal, good design has the power to make all the difference between a thriving commercial hub and a struggling one.
Prioritising user experience and gathering spaces are two common hallmarks of thoughtfully designed precincts. Both are essential for comfortable, accessible and enjoyable spaces, says Hannah Feltham, manager at commercial tenant services company Tenant CS.
“The best commercial precincts are vibrant community hubs,” she says. “Here, design plays a pivotal role, with activated areas providing opportunities for people to gather, socialise and connect.
“Circular Quay and Australia Square in Sydney’s CBD are great examples. These precincts offer a mix of food options, both grab-and-go and sit-in dining, bars and outdoor venues, outdoor seating, green space and life amenities such as gyms and grocery stores.”
Today’s businesses are attracted to functional and efficient commercial spaces where they can operate smoothly and be accessed easily. Feltham says good design offers these conveniences to commercial operators as well as their customers.
“To attract modern businesses, commercial precincts should offer robust technological infrastructure – think high-speed internet connectivity and smart-building systems – flexible and adaptable spaces, sustainability initiatives [and] accessibility, such as easy access to good transportation links, bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure,” she says.
To this mix, Feltham would add “a range of amenities like fitness centres, childcare facilities, cafes, restaurants, and green spaces that help promote work-life balance and wellbeing”.
Nightfall, a mixed-use building in Belconnen, Canberra, has a range of commercial spaces available for lease or purchase. The development is the third and final stage in Geocon’s Republic precinct development, comprised of four buildings with more than 1200 apartments.
The anchor tenant at Republic is Woolworths Metro, which is sure to be a convenient stop for residents as they enter and exit their buildings. A popular and busy anchor tenant is one of two essential components of any commercial space, says Sentia Real Estate director Chris Antos.
“I think there’d be probably two key elements to a successful commercial precinct, and one is a range of tenants,” he says.
“You want a bit of crossover, like a few different restaurants, but not all the same style. So, you want a few different retail services – a hair salon and a nail salon – that are complementary to each other and then also things like medical [services], such as a dentist, GP or Botox clinic.
“And then the second part would be having a solid anchor tenant. So, in Republic, for example, we’ve got a Woolies Metro, which is great because it brings the people there. They’ll be coming for their shopping anyway and then they’ll walk past and say, ‘Oh, hey, there’s a barber here, I’ll go get my hair cut there next time.’ ”
In addition to a diverse tenant mix and strong anchor tenant, the design of a healthy commercial precinct also factors in the finer details. Clear signage and plenty of lighting are obvious winners, while car parks that are accessible to people of all abilities are appreciated by business owners and their customers.
Sustainable design is not only important to tenants striving for low energy bills but also to their environmentally minded customers.
Good design may not be immediately obvious when entering a commercial space, but after spending time there its benefits soon become apparent. It produces engaging and active spaces where customers enjoy visiting and businesses can flourish.
This article has been created in partnership with Sentia.
