Australian Retirement Trust confirms Brisbane Square as new HQ

Charter Hall Group (Charter Hall or the Group) and Australian Retirement Trust are pleased to announce a new eight-year lease to consolidate the superannuation fund’s office footprint to Brisbane Square, 266 George Street.

Australian Retirement Trust, formed by the recent merger of QSuper and Sunsuper, is now one of Australia’s largest super funds managing over $230 billion in retirement savings for more than two million members.

From later this year, Australian Retirement Trust’s Queensland headquarters will be Brisbane Square – a well-known property in the CBD and the gateway to Southbank, owned by Charter Hall’s Brisbane Square Wholesale Fund (BSWF) and the Charter Hall Prime Office Fund (CPOF).

From late 2022, Australian Retirement Trust will occupy the top floors of the building. Prior to this, BSWF and CPOF will undertake building upgrades to achieve higher sustainability ratings as part of Australian Retirement Trust’s commitment to being an enduring force for good.

The reimagined lobby space, designed by BVN Architects and in co-creation with Australian Retirement Trust and Charter Hall, aims to feature collaborations with First Nations artists to reflect their stories of Country and create a place for Australian Retirement Trust’s members, team and the wider community, to enjoy.

Brisbane Square offers strong sustainability credentials with a 5 star NABERS Energy rating. The Fund is targeting 4.5 star NABERS Water rating, up from the current 4 star rating, once base building upgrades are complete. This A-grade asset is 100 per cent leased and maintains its iconic status with access to vibrant building amenities and office facilities in a popular precinct.

Australian Retirement Trust’s CEO, Bernard Reilly, said the new head office would increase the superannuation fund’s capacity for inviting its members in, enhance its sustainability and encourage the team to connect with the community.

“We keep our members at the heart of every decision we make and consolidating our office footprint, from multiple buildings across Milton and Eagle Street in Brisbane’s CBD, is in the best interest of our members,” Mr Reilly said.

“Ways of working have changed post-pandemic and the design of our new workplace embraces a flexible and inclusive approach.

“Having our Brisbane-based people in one centralised office will enhance collaboration, innovation and connection.

“As a fund open to all Australians, 266 George Street provides the space for our people to join as one team, as we strive to serve our two million members,” he said.

Charter Hall’s Manager Director and Group CEO, David Harrison, said, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with our valued tenant customer, Australian Retirement Trust, to provide a value-add solution at Brisbane Square.

“We are seeing a flight-to-quality, where as-built premium office buildings with excellent amenities, large floor plates and four sides of natural light and views, are attracting and retaining high-quality customers who recognise the value of a shared workspace for their people to collaborate and thrive.”

Queensland is one of Charter Hall’s strongest markets. With more than $10 billion of property assets, it represents almost 20 per cent of Charter Hall's $62 billion property portfolio.