Bengaluru/IBNS: Amazon India plans to shift its Bengaluru headquarters from the World Trade Centre (WTC) to a new office near the city’s airport, as reported by LiveMint.

The move is expected to reduce operational costs, with the company set to vacate 500,000 square feet across 18 floors at WTC, a property owned by Brigade Enterprises Ltd.

This decision has sparked concerns about finding replacement tenants for the large space and its potential impact on nearby residential rentals. 

The new office will be located on a Sattva-owned property, about a 15-minute drive from Bengaluru Airport.

According to the report, sources indicate that the rental costs at the new site will be less than one-third of the Rs 250 per square foot Amazon currently pays at WTC.

The relocation process is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and conclude by April 2026.

While a company spokesperson highlighted that the new campus will feature advanced facilities aimed at improving employee collaboration and experience, specific details were not disclosed, reports LiveMint. 

Meanwhile, Brigade Enterprises clarified that Amazon has not yet terminated its WTC lease.

A representative mentioned that the company could have considered additional space at a development on Bellary Road but continues to honour its lease agreement.

The WTC complex in Brigade Gateway spans 40 acres and includes amenities such as a mall, hospital, school, hotel, and over 1,200 residential units.

Many Amazon employees currently reside within this integrated complex, benefiting from the convenience of proximity to the office. 

The new office location is roughly 20 kilometres away from the WTC in Malleswaram.

However, Bengaluru’s heavy traffic could result in commute times exceeding 80 minutes during peak hours.

Additionally, the airport area lacks metro rail connectivity, though plans to improve transit infrastructure are underway. 

This relocation is likely to influence Bengaluru’s real estate market.

Brigade Enterprises may face challenges securing tenants for the substantial office space at WTC, potentially affecting residential rental demand in the vicinity.

On the other hand, the move might boost the airport corridor’s profile as a commercial hub, with major companies like Infosys, Boeing, and Foxconn already establishing a presence in the area.

The broader implications for Amazon’s employees, Brigade, and the city’s property market will unfold over time.