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A heritage-listed Brisbane building will take on a new life as the headquarters for the boutique real estate group.
Hutton & Hutton will no longer be calling New Farm home, revealing a relocation to Fortitude Valley’s Holy Trinity Rectory from August 2022.
The gothic-style two-storey brick building, which sits at 141 Brookes Street, is a 3,230-square foot building by Queensland colonial architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, first built in 1889.
Commenting on the move, Hutton & Hutton chief executive Peter Hutton called it a “momentous occasion” for the whole group – “made possible through years of hard work from our talented team of agents, support staff, marketing experts, and technology partners”.
He shared: “Our humbling growth in recent years has led us to this point, as we establish our national headquarters and agent support hub at this iconic location.
“We’re on a mission to make history, as we transform the real estate industry with our ‘More Human’ approach, so what better location than one that already possesses a rich historic significance!”
According to the real estate group, it’s the first time the Holy Trinity Rectory has been occupied by a commercial entity, and it follows a lengthy approval process.
Featuring cast-iron design elements and airy verandas across both levels, the business plans to refurbish and repaint the interior in original colours, before fitting out the building “with an office respectful of the original design”.
“The rectory will be truly returned to its former glory, and we are so proud to call it our HQ – in all its glory,” the CEO shared.
“A fun fact for history buffs, while we’re on the topic of restoration, is that in 1889 the original build cost came to just £1,935!”
Mature trees still line the property, with Hutton & Hutton already encouraging the community to continue using the space for “picnics, lazy lunchtime catch-ups, or even a revitalising midday nap!”
Mr Hutton said that while they can’t wait for staff and clients to take advantage of the beautiful gardens, “we also want locals to continue making the most of this enchanting enclave”.
A central base
The new space is set to act as the central base for all Hutton & Hutton operations, agent support, property marketing, events and training, according to the group, with a full suite of operational support to be provided to the existing inner-east office at Hawthorne, and inner-south office at Yeronga, with further plans for expansion in the works.
A hybrid hot-desking model will be at work in the new space, with the group revealing that staff will be offered the resources and support to work remotely if they do prefer.
“We allow and cater for staff working remotely, as well as encouraging a hybrid model to ensure we mitigate some of the downsides of working from home – like a lack of connection,” Mr Hutton shared.
Even so, it won’t be all work, no play, according to the CEO, who has also highlighted a heavy focus on wellbeing in the new space: “We’ll be hosting free morning yoga sessions for staff, a weekly meditation course, and we encourage our team to work from the verandas and gardens.”
An ‘Agent Hub’
That approach to wellbeing is integral to Hutton & Hutton’s mission to redefine the real estate industry, with a focus on being “more human”.
It’s led to the development of the “Agent Hub” on offer at the HQ, which encapsulates an agent training academy, agent wellness centre, and a members’ lounge.
The CEO explained that the agent training academy is aimed at growing the Hutton & Hutton agent base, while providing professional development, access to the latest technology, streamlined administration, and zero competition within the company, with a training room onsite that fits 30 people, as well as access to a hall that can fit up to 200 people.
“The Agent Training Academy is all about centralising training in a way other real estate groups don’t,” he commented, adding that centralised training ensures consistency, and means it isn’t left up to individual offices to organise.
Mr Hutton said the business would be undertaking training with the likes of Josh Phegan, Darren Saunderson, Tom Panos and Caroline Bolderston, with performance psychologists also on the roster, “which ties back in with our agent wellness centre”.
In addition, the inclusion of a members lounge in the new HQ plans will “further enhance” the group’s offering, with Mr Hutton suggesting it would provide a neutral backdrop for clients, agents, sellers and buyers to “mingle and collaborate”.
“Think an airline lounge, where you do work, but on your own terms. It’s a space where people come together, which offers luxury and a chance to decompress.
“A ‘lighter’ way of doing business, if you will, in a beautifully setup lounge area,” he concluded.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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