Landmark lease ushers in new era for Gold Coast startups

The Gold Coast Innovation Hub (GCIH) has moved into Robina's newly refurbished The PC, marking the city's largest lease deal in the past 12 months.

The PC is owned by master developer Robina Group and fully tenanted following its latest deal with the startup incubator.

GCIH has secured the remaining 1,822sqm of The PC office space over three levels on a five-year lease at $360/sqm.

Prior to GCIH joining the tenancy, travel giants Helloworld also leased out 290sqm of first-floor office space in the building on a five-year contract with a five-year option.

Leasing agent Tania Moore negotiated both leases for The PC and says its latest deal with GCIH will have a significant impact on the local entrepreneurial and tech landscape.

"The Gold Coast has the highest number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) per head of capita Australia-wide and, as an incubator, Gold Coast Innovation Hub will allow these start-ups to base themselves in the sought-after precinct while they work to expand into their own premises over time and promote a culture of entrepreneurship," says Moore.

"It will create a catalyst for tech companies to establish a footprint on the Gold Coast, which is extremely positive for the city as a whole."

The PC sits at the geographic heart of the Gold Coast and is easily accessible from the M1, as well as the Robina transport hub and train station.

GCIH CEO Sharon Hunneybell says the new space will become the Gold Coast's first dedicated startup precinct, with the aim of growing the city's business reputation.

"The PC will be a home for our city's innovators, investors and the wider start-up community," she says.

"One of the most incredible elements of this journey is the response from the city's business community, with close to 400 businesses registering their interest for space in the Hub highlighting the demand for this initiative."

The GCIH is managed by Little Tokyo Two, founded by young entrepreneur Jock Fairweather, and is currently in the process of reviewing startup applications for businesses vying for a spot in The PC.

The hub is still accepting registrations of interest.