Every year in Australia, there are more than 3.6 million young students at school and 1.7 million at university or in vocational education. The lifting of Australia’s COVID-19 border restrictions earlier this year has also opened the door for a revival in Australia’s international education sector, with thousands of students returning to study Down Under.
Between January and April 2022, more than 456,000 international students were studying in Australia, including more than 53,000 in Queensland. IES College, an award-winning Brisbane education institution based in Spring Hill, is watching this revival in numbers as the international student market returns.
Chief Executive Officer Gerard van Balveren said many institutions had been in a “holding pattern, waiting to spring forth”. “As institutions return to business as usual it's important that facilities can cater for the new and returning students,” he said. “The institutions that are best prepared will likely attract the most students.”
Education providers require a 9B building classification
While the number of enrolments is still recovering after the pandemic, the Australian Government’s Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 is looking to the future with millions of dollars in funding and fee-relief initiatives to support training providers to innovate and bounce back.
From childcare to private training institutions, the demand for education spaces and building spaces continues strongly. However, finding the right space for an education or training provider requires meeting a number of building criteria to ensure it meets certification. This is where providers require a 9B building for lease.
Your guide to finding an education lease
If you are looking for an education property to lease, it’s important to make sure that the premises is properly certified for an education purpose. If not, you will not legally be able to operate your registered training organisation from the premises. Working through a trusted and experienced agent is one way to ensure that you don’t end up with any unwelcome surprises after signing a lease.
Under Queensland’s Building Act, any building that’s not a single house or carport is required to have a certificate of occupancy alongside a building approval. The building certificate will include information about:
- the building’s class
- how it can be used
- ongoing maintenance requirements
- fire safety
- any other special requirements.
For buildings or premises that are going to be used for education purposes, you will require a class 9b building classification.
Class 9B buildings: What the National Construction Code says
Buildings and structures in Australia are classified under the National Construction Code (NCC) according to what they are going to be used for. There are 10 classes with several sub classes ranging from a domestic home to non-habitable structures like swimming pools and sheds.
Education buildings are classified under the 9b class. This class includes buildings where people assemble for social, political, theatrical, religious or civic purposes. It includes schools, universities, churches, sports facilities and nightclubs.
The class of the building determines the minimum design and construction requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability both for new buildings and new building work in existing buildings.
Class 9B building classification requirements Queensland
In Queensland, Class 9b buildings need to meet a number of standards to ensure they are appropriate and safe for public use. The standards include requirements around elements like emergency lighting, air flow, exit signage, fire safety and student capacity. It also includes standards around:
- Door and corridor widths
- Toilet facilities
- Lift facilities
- Disabled access
- Accessibility features including toilets
The authorised capacity of the building will also determine a number of the required features.
9B compliant building for lease
If you are looking for a 9b compliant building to lease for your education or training provider, 433 Boundary Street is a fully fitted out educational campus that is certified for 961 occupants. It is centrally located at the intersection of Boundary Street and Little Edward Street on one of the major arterial intersections to the Brisbane CBD. The floor area covers 1000-6000sqm and the building includes 100 car spaces. It has achieved a score of 4.5 on the NABERS energy efficiency ratings index.
If you are looking for opportunities for education leases in Brisbane, contact Aegis Property Group today. Aegis Property Group is a leading office leasing specialist in the Brisbane Metro Market, with over 27 years of experience in deal orientation and campaign management.
Contact our team on 07 3195 9960 to inquire today and take advantage of current leasing opportunities.
