Flight Centre in Search for New Global HQ

Flight Centre has initiated a search for its new global head office.

The publicly-listed travel company is considering relocating its global headquarters from its current Queen Street base and has called for expressions of interest to find suitable Brisbane CBD or city fringe properties.

In addition to its vast shop network, Flight Centre currently leases two head office properties in Brisbane city, at 545 Queen Street and 316 Adelaide Street, and is considering consolidating the two when its current lease commitments expire late in 2016.

The company’s national property manager, Clay Novello, said Flight Centre wanted to secure properties with 15,000-20,000 square metres of floor space and the ability to accommodate 1,800 sales and support staff.

“Flight Centre Limited is one of Queensland’s largest non-government employers and, as such, requires a large commercial footprint,” Mr Novello said. “Now is an opportune time to consider the options that are available to us, with a view to securing a longer term base that will accommodate the company’s future growth needs. Ideally, the property will be B+ commercial grade or a new development, near major transport hubs and able to accommodate Flight Centre’s 24/7 operations. Standalone office towers are preferred, but not essential, and Flight Centre will seek a 7-10 year lease term with options.”

While leasehold is currently the preferred tenancy option, Flight Centre said it would also consider freehold or joint venture opportunities.

Flight Centre’s global headquarters were traditionally based at 157 Ann Street and, later, 316 Adelaide Street in the city. Four years ago, the company leased additional space at 545 Queen Street and vacated the Ann Street property.

The expressions of interest campaign will run until 30 March 2013, and is being managed internally by Flight Centre’s property division.