OREANDA-NEWS. A strong outlook for retail sales volumes in the Sydney and Melbourne CBD is driving continued retail leasing growth, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in commercial real estate services. 

Retail turnover in Sydney and Melbourne CBD areas has seen strong growth in recent years supported by rising residential populations and strong service sector employment growth.

To meet increasing demand for retail leasing space, Cushman & Wakefield has expanded its retail platform through the appointment of Ben Tremellen as National Director, Retail Leasing, based in Melbourne. Ben joins the team following the recent appointment of Matt Hudson as National Director, based in Sydney. The new appointment will support the continued growth of Cushman & Wakefield’s retail business, servicing local, national and global retailers and on behalf of private and institutional clients.

Mr Tremellen said: “We are looking to build a unique and innovative team of leasing specialists that have the depth of market expertise to provide a leading service in an ever changing retail landscape. Cushman & Wakefield’s global strength also provides a differentiated proposition for landlords and retailers that are operating in cross-border environments, and we are seeking to capitalise on opportunities that traditional agencies can’t deliver.”

Mr Hudson said: “Cushman & Wakefield’s global footprint provides an opportunity to support global retailers as they roll out operations in Australia and NZ. We are seeing a continued influx of large offshore retailers seeking to establish flagship stores in the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs, and many online retailers looking to establish a bricks and mortar presence in these areas.

“With a number of global retailers flagging Australian market entry or further local network expansion in the coming year, we expect to see a sustained uplift in retail leasing activity in key metropolitan centres.”