Charter Hall partners with AFP to develop new Melbourne headquarters

28 October 2019, Sydney – Charter Hall Group (Charter Hall or the Group) today confirmed the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has committed to be the sole tenant of its 140 Lonsdale Street development, on a 30 year lease term plus multiple options.

140 Lonsdale Street will provide over 560 AFP officers and employees with a first class operations facility in the centre of the CBD; a future focused, fit-for-purpose building that meets the evolving needs of federal policing in Victoria.

Charter Hall has partnered with the AFP to deliver the new, $300 million state-of-the-art building for its Melbourne State Office (MSO) that will support and enhance the AFP’s operations in Victoria. Forming part of the $1.3 billion Wesley Place precinct, the building will comprise 22,750 sqm of net lettable area, across 20 levels

Charter Hall Managing Director and Group CEO David Harrison said securing a long-term lease with such a high-calibre tenant such as the AFP, is an extension of our commitment to work with government and corporate tenant customers to create their vision of an optimal workplace environment for their people.

“We have worked closely with the AFP, to design a bespoke property solution that will enable and support the AFP’s important work around national security, counter terrorism and continuing to make Australia a safer place,” said Mr Harrison.

“As well as ensuring the AFP have the highest quality fit-for-purpose headquarters, the long-term lease will further strengthen the $3 billion Charter Hall Office Trust (CHOT) portfolio of prime CBD assets.”

Charter Hall’s Regional Development Director Simon Stockfeld said, “Receiving Parliamentary approval for the AFP’s lease at 140 Lonsdale Street is an important milestone for the project. We have worked collaboratively with the AFP to design its new purpose-built MSO, and we are looking forward to delivering one of the most advanced buildings in Melbourne that will integrate seamlessly into the wider Wesley Place precinct.”

Charter Hall has appointed Lendlease as its construction delivery partner for 140 Lonsdale Street, with works on site due to commence shortly and completion anticipated in late 2022. 140 Lonsdale Street will target 5 Star Green Star and 5 Star NABERS energy ratings.

Charter Hall Office Trust Fund Manager, Trent James said that 140 Lonsdale Street, with its long-term lease to the Federal Government is a valuable asset within CHOT’s prime grade office portfolio 

“140 Lonsdale Street asset is a key part of this landmark workplace and lifestyle precinct, and we expect it to deliver long-term, sustainable income returns for investors,” said Mr James.

The AFP amendments to the office tower are currently before the Minister for Planning for approval.

Upon completion, the Wesley Place precinct will also include the restoration of the Wesley Church and an additional four heritage buildings on the 1.1-hectare CBD site.