CBRE is opening its new flagship tech office in Kitchener’s Innovation District, relocating its Waterloo Region operations to Allied Properties’ 72 Victoria Street building.

The move is part of CBRE’s Canadian workplace transformation that adopts a more human centric approach to office design and positions the office in one of Ontario’s fastest growing markets.

“The fact that CBRE has selected a restored heritage building for its flagship tech space in Canada is testament to the transformation of workspace globally,” adds Allied President and CEO Michael Emory.

Tech employment has topped 30,000 in the region and more than 2,000 new start-ups were created in the last five years. New infrastructure is also being delivered, including new rapid transit, with 72 Victoria Street set to benefit from its proximity to the upcoming ION LRT system.

“Our new location in Kitchener is centre ice in one of the most important tech markets across Canada and we are excited to invest in this market,” said CBRE Canada President and CEO Mark Renzoni. “The transformation of Kitchener-Waterloo into one of the major engines of innovation within the Canadian economy is truly remarkable and, with CBRE’s global connections, we see others joining this wave of growth for the region.”

The Kitchener-Waterloo office is CBRE’s first brick-and-beam office transformation within its global platform. Workplace wellness plays a big role in the design, as it has in other new CBRE offices over the last year. Features include universal access to light for all employees, noise-attenuating technology and ergonomic sit-stand desks.

CBRE’s Southwestern Ontario Managing Director Peter Whatmore is also excited about the new office, seeing it as a “showcase for best practices and real estate services.”