Airport Central is proving a top destination for Gold Coast businesses with a raft of new tenants joining the Gold Coast Airport commercial mix.

Two new tenants have recently taken space at the already bustling precinct, with childcare operator Edge Early Learning and inTechnology Distribution signing up to an area that boasts a university, shops, a petrol station, cafes, tech companies – and a busy aviation business.

Edge Early Learning, which was established in 2017 and already has five centres in Brisbane and another at Pimpama, has taken a 1,686sq m space at Airport Central.

The centre will open later in the year, employing about 30 local staff with capacity for 122 children.

Technology distribution and training company inTechnology Distribution, has taken a five-year lease on a 309sq m space with the ability to quickly move from desk to plane a key attractor.

Owner and tech entrepreneur Mark Winter said his clients could comfortably travel up from Sydney or Melbourne for a business meeting and be onsite at inTechnology a few minutes later, with no car ride needed.

“We’re a global technology distributor, so our clients and staff are frequent travellers,” Mr Winter said.

“From that perspective the airport location was a no-brainer. There are also great accommodation options nearby, for people staying overnight and the proposed Rydges Hotel at the airport will be great for accommodation and entertaining within a short walk from our office.

“The southern Gold Coast is coming into its own, and there is a great commercial mix with good amenity in the airport precinct.”

Edge Early Learning CEO Annie Bryce said the phone had started ringing and emails arriving before the ink dried on the lease.

“We put the feelers out to local businesses – the airport obviously and Southern Cross University, which has a high proportion of mature age students,” she said.

“We saw a gap in the market in that location, and the response confirms there is significant demand on the southern end.”

Queensland Airports Limited Executive General Manager Property and Infrastructure Carl Bruhn said Edge Early Learning an inTechnology had both sought a strategic location in a growing commercial area.

“They are in the heart of the southern Gold Coast, with big businesses and a strong residential catchment on their doorstep,” he said.

“Factoring in other major leasing deals in the pipeline, Airport Central is close to full occupancy.”

Airport Central is owned and occupied by Queensland Airports Limited and sits on 1.78 hectares, with more than 230 car parks. Tenants include Volcom, Freedom Fuel, Subway, Innovation Tank and InTechnology.

Limited office and retail space remains at Airport Central, with leasing rates ranging from $335 to $400/sq m.

About 1,014sq m of a-grade office space is also available in the nearby Ivy Pearce building, which has the Australian Federal Police as a key tenant.