Gumtree

Challenge

When online trading platform Gumtree split from parent company eBay and acquired automobile trading sites CarsGuide and Autotrader, they needed a new office environment to support their changing business model.

JLL was engaged to re-design their office space at 1 York Street, Sydney, including building a new reception area and creating additional meeting rooms, workstations and breakout spaces across two floors.

As part of the build, Gumtree wanted to retain as much of the existing furniture and fit-out as possible, both for cost-saving purposes and to meet their tight deadline.

Approach

Managing the project in two stages, JLL first created a new reception on level 18 for Gumtree then completed the remaining fit-out and upgrades across both floors. In order to maximise the use of existing furniture, JLL undertook a furniture audit to identify what was available and how it could be used in the new space.

The team worked under a tight schedule with a restricted budget to deliver the project which included new joinery and furniture, graphics and signage, new meeting rooms with AV, electrical and mechanical infrastructure, and two kitchen spaces, one of which is incorporated into a large town hall space for all staff.

Due to COVID-19, new management techniques were implemented to coordinate on-site work and ensure the health and safety standards of both Gumtree and JLL were met. With most of the client’s key personnel based overseas, weekly project calls were scheduled to brief stakeholders and ensure the project was delivered on time.

Result

One of the key features of the project was installing a new staircase to connect both floors, encouraging spontaneous conversations and collaboration. 

JLL successfully delivered the refurbished and redesigned office for Gumtree to accommodate their new partners, CarsGuide and Autotrader, while generating a vibrant and collaborative new workplace for employees to enjoy their work.