Leading international chartered accountants and business advisers, Grant Thornton, became the latest tenant to commit to Leighton Properties’ Central Precinct development, the 27-storey King George Central, signing a 10 year lease.
In 2012, Grant Thornton will move just next door and from their current premises in the 37 year old Grant Thornton House into King George Central at 145 Ann Street – the only new building in Brisbane’s CBD expected to be completed in 2012.
According to Grant Thornton’s Brisbane Managing Director, Rodger Flynn, the move was prompted by a desire to significantly upgrade facilities for staff while remaining in the city’s Central Precinct.
“With its proximity to rail, bus and cycle facilities as well as the Queen Street Mall and the soon-to-be refurbished City Hall, we were very keen to remain in this precinct, which really is at the centre of everything which is important to our clients and our staff,” Mr Flynn said.
“We were also attracted by the quality of King George Central and the fact that it is going to be built to the highest environmental standards”.
Grant Thornton will join two other major tenants moving from older premises in the Golden Triangle to King George Central - Credit Union Australia and engineering firm GHD.
The announcement means only 5,600 sqm, including the prestigious top three floors, remain available in the 27,000 sqm tower, which will be the only prime new space ready for occupation in 2012 in all of Brisbane’s CBD.
Leighton Properties Managing Director, Mark Gray, said the popularity of King George Central can be attributed to several key factors.
“The building itself is leading edge with its environmental and healthy occupancy principles, the Central Precinct represents outstanding value compared to other precincts in the city and the location is the most convenient in the city,” Mr Gray said.
“Additionally, prospective tenants are attracted to the delivery certainty provided by both Leighton Properties and Thiess the builders, and the investment by the Commonwealth Property Office Fund (CPA), who has pre-purchased the prime-quality building.
“With a development like King George Central, tenants can move from a building that is over 20 years old to a 21st century development for a similar or lesser cost. It just makes good commercial sense.”
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Borger
Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland
Leighton Properties Pty Limited
T: (07) 3370 4700
E: andrew.borger@lppl.com.au |