The Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Management (DERM) has pre-committed to occupy 15,000 square metres in one of Brisbane’s most sustainable office towers – 400 George Street – a joint venture development of Grosvenor Australia and Leighton Properties.
This is one of the biggest commercial leasing transactions in Queensland for over two years.
DERM will occupy levels three to 13 in the 34-storey commercial building upon its completion later this year.
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, the Honourable Kate Jones MP, said DERM’s re-location from its current premises at 160 Ann Street to 400 George Street would strongly position it as Queensland’s lead agency in environmental management.
“It is important our premises reflect the central role we have in managing climate change and protecting the environment in this State – 400 George Street sets a benchmark in sustainable commercial development in Brisbane and as such, is an ideal fit,” said Ms Jones.
“The design behind 400 George Street that creates a smarter, greener and healthier workplace fits well with the Bligh Government’s commitment to sustainability in Queensland.”
Grosvenor Australia Development Director, Graham Livingstone, said “As one of the largest leasing commitments in Brisbane, it demonstrates the quality of the space and the drawcard of sustainability.”
400 George Street has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star – Office Design v2 rating through the Green Building Council of Australia. It will incorporate measures to minimise energy and water use and encourage tenants to contribute to the sustainability of the building through environmentally sensitive fit-out.
Leighton Properties Executive Director and State Manager, Queensland, Andrew Borger said 400 George Street’s innovative design had been a determining factor in the DERM pre-commitment.
“The DERM lease is an endorsement of the fact the traditional office tower is a thing of the past – buildings have to be developed to the highest international standards if they are to meet the needs of the modern tenant and today’s workforce,” Mr Borger said.
The developers, in tandem with architects Cox Rayner and the contractor Thiess, have designed a building that not only embodies best-practice sustainability but also represents the ‘future @ work’ – a place where work-life balance is maximised to the benefit of tenants and their staff.
400 George Street’s three-storey podium will feature on-site childcare, a food court, restaurant/bar and ground-floor retail. It will also incorporate 290 bike racks to encourage people to ride to work and secure parking for 221 cars.
Other tenants pre-committed to 400 George Street include Queensland-based law firm Cooper Grace Ward, which will occupy 4,266 square metres and a Federal Government department committed to 12,438 square metres.
The DERM lease was negotiated by Mark Curtain of Jones Lang LaSalle through the Department of Public Works as the responsible entity. DERM has pre-committed to a 10-year lease term.
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 |