Office space in Melbourne’s iconic Tea House has become available for lease for the first time in four years, as a growing number of businesses look for unconventional work environments.

Mathew Kent of Savills Office Leasing has been appointed to lease the prominent building at 28 Clarendon Street, Southbank, and is anticipating interest from traditional corporate tenants, and the IT, insurance, interior design and fringe-based service sectors wanting to be close to the CBD, with access to major arterial roads and public transport.

“The Tea House has not been available since 2014 and since that time, there has been a surge in co-working business models, suite strategies, and employers wanting non-conventional office space for their employees,” Mr Kent said.

“We have seen increased demand from tenants wanting to offer their employees an industrial-style office environment with exposed brick, creative break-out areas and a high standard of amenity – criteria that the Tea House meets, with the added charm of its heritage history.”

The building’s five floors are available for lease, with areas ranging from 567sq m to 2,875sq m.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for tenants seeking creative office space, with the top floor offering a vaulted exposed ceiling and amazing natural light,” Mr Kent said.

“The property also includes plenty of onsite car parking.”

Built in the late 1880s, the Tea House is best known for its stunning red brick facade and historic features.

“The landlord is now undertaking a major refurbishment to ensure the building meets today’s contemporary standards,” Mr Kent said.

“The new design will incorporate new lifts, a new ceiling grid, new lighting and new floor coverings.”

Mr Kent said the prime Southbank location, opposite the Crown entertainment complex and adjacent the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, would be a key drawcard for prospective tenants.

“Ideally located on the south side of Melbourne's Yarra River, the Tea House is metres away from Melbourne's CBD, making it easily accessible for all staff,” he said.