This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
BROADCASTER BBC Studios Australia is relocating its ANZ headquarters to North Sydney, moving into Keppel REIT and Lendlease’s Blue & William boutique office development at 2 Blue Street.
BBC Studios will occupy almost 1,800sqm on level three of the 10-storey building, which is now sitting at 80% occupancy, joining other tenants such as Equifax, Human Synergistics and Pacific National.
The A Grade Blue & William was designed by Woods Bagot and features a landscaped wellness garden, views of Sydney Harbour, a family owned and operated onsite café and caterer, Northbrew Café, and a lobby and end-of-trip facilities.
“We are pleased to welcome BBC Studios Australia to their new headquarters at 2 Blue Street, where they will benefit from its prime location, state-of-the-art facilities and energy-efficient features, all of which have made this Grade A office building the preferred business address for corporates,” said Koh Wee Lih, CEO at Keppel REIT Management.
“At Keppel REIT, we provide quality spaces for leading companies from diverse sectors through our portfolio of prime commercial assets in key business districts in Asia Pacific. With a focus on smart and sustainable features, 2 Blue Street exemplifies the next-generation office that businesses desire.”
In December 2021, Keppel REIT acquired the building, which reached practical completion in April 2023. While Lendlease developed and is managing the building.
“Blue & William is now 80% leased, and we’re continuing to see strong interest in premium workplaces in North Sydney, especially since the opening of the new metro station, which has transformed connectivity for the area,” said Tom Mackellar, CEO of development at Lendlease.
“With premium features, superior end-of-trip facilities and focus on sustainability, Blue & William, much like our nearby Victoria Cross Tower, reflects the high-quality workplace experience our tenant partners are looking for.”
Blue & William targeted a 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia and the 5.5 Stars National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Base Building Energy Rating.
Lendlease recently announced former Bunnings CEO John Gillam as a director and chairman-elect to succeed Michael Ullmer, responding to pressure for change from shareholders.
After Lendlease posted a massive $1.5 billion loss in August, with the group announcing a $4.5 billion divestment program in May, after heavy pressure from shareholders.
While the Singapore-listed Keppel REIT this year strengthened its relationship with Mirvac, acquiring of a 50% stake in 255 George Street in Sydney’s CBD for $363.8 million on a 6% plus yield.
