Storage operator National Storage has expanded its network, adding three sites in Hobart and becoming the first Australian major operator to set its foot on the Apple Isle.
The $17 million transaction netted National Storage 10,700 square metres of space in established sites owned by Scobie Storage Centres, which are located at suburban Moonah, Mornington and Montrose.
The acquisitions lift the number of centres operated by the company to 60 located across all states of Australia, comprising around 290,000 square metres of net lettable space.
Managing director of the Brisbane-headquartered National Storage Andrew Catsoulis said the Hobart centres were valuable additions to the steadily growing network.
“Despite changes in the economic climate over the last six months, we remain committed to continuing to grow our business through strategic acquisitions, such as the Hobart centres.
“While it is a small market in comparison to the mainland states, Tasmania, and particularly Hobart, is showing growth in the storage sector, which we intend to capitalise upon.”
According to Mr Catsoulis, space within the three Hobart centres was currently 81 per cent occupied.
He said there was a strong linkage between the national trend towards sustainability and storage as a practical, cost and resource efficient method of managing and maximising space.
“From a domestic point of view, compact storage units reduce the need for extra storage space in homes for items such as boats, cars, household items and collections, while the potential to store commercial records, files and point of sale merchandise off-site can reduce leasing costs and minimise on-costs such as lighting and air-conditioning,” Mr Catsoulis said.