Investa

Vodafone Hutchison Australia to re-locate to Investa’s Ark

In one of Sydney’s largest leasing deals this year, Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) has signed up for approximately 11,000m² of office space at Investa Property Group’s Ark development in North Sydney. Joining Coca-Cola Australia in choosing the Ark for their corporate headquarters, VHA has taken the 2nd to 7th floors of the prestigious building for 10 years with option periods.

The leasing deal is a stand out in the economic climate of the past twelve months and reinforces Investa’s belief that there will always be a market for quality product. Ark will add approximately 28,500m² of net lettable office space to the North Sydney precinct.

Tina Tang, Group General Manager Developments for Investa said “We are delighted to welcome Vodafone Hutchison Australia to the Ark and we are sure that VHA’s employees will enjoy working in a brand new building with the latest technology and sustainability initiatives in place.”

“The Ark is a rare building that will be described as iconic for years to come. The attention to detail in this design makes for a great working space, with outdoor areas and a grand welcoming foyer. We will also be unveiling some highly original public art at street level to create a strong connection to the history of the area”, said Ms Tang.

One of only a few buildings to be awarded a 6 Green Star Office Design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, Ark has strong sustainability credentials and will provide an enhanced work environment. Only a limited number of floors are still available for lease in the Ark (approximately 5,000 sqm in total). The remaining available top levels, with views extending over Sydney Harbour and efficient contiguous floor plates with a side core design, are attracting strong interest. When the building opens for business in Q2, 2010 Ark is expected to be close to fully leased.

Tenant introduction was arranged by both m² Office Leasing and CBRE.

Ark comprises 28,500m² NLA of A-grade office space over 21 floors and is currently under construction, due for completion in Q2 2010. Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) have agreed to occupy 10,480m² in Ark on a 10 lease year term and will move from the company’s current headquarters in Macquarie Street, Sydney to Ark upon completion.

-ends-

For further information contact:
Investa Property Group
General Manager – Marketing, Katie Barton-Harvey
on 02 8226 9391 or 0427 234 862, kbarton-harvey@investa.com.au

About Ark, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW
Ark comprises 28,500m² NLA of A-grade office space over 21 floors and is currently under construction, due for completion in Q2 2010. Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) have agreed to occupy 10,480m² in Ark on a 10 lease year term and will move from the company’s current headquarters in Macquarie Street, Sydney to Ark upon completion.

Ark has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star – Office Design v2 Certified Rating, which represents “World Leadership” in environmentally sustainable design.

Genia McCaffery, Mayor of North Sydney Council said “Ark will be a great asset to North Sydney. The building sets a new benchmark in sustainable development that helps confirm North Sydney as the green CBD. Council has worked closely with Investa on this development and we are confident that Ark will be a landmark building that will anchor the CBD and attract quality tenants.”

Ark’s green features include:
- a greywater recycling system,
- a tri-generation plant,
- efficient lighting and controls,
- parking and charging bays for electric and hybrid pool cars,
- cycling facilities (including bike racks, lockers and showers),
- a 3D Building Information Model (BIM) which combines all of the design as-built information about the architecture, services and fit outs in the building. This allows for both efficient construction and operation, and is leading technology in the industry.

About Investa Property Group
Investa is one of Australia’s largest unlisted owners of commercial real estate. Headquartered in Sydney, Investa has management & development offices in Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth.

Since its inception in 2000, Investa has grown to control real estate assets of approximately AU$8.5 billion (as at 31/03/09). In September 2007, Investa was purchased by funds managed by Morgan Stanley Real Estate (MSRE) and delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange. In 2008, Investa won Australia’s most prestigious prize for addressing climate change, the Banksia Climate Change Award.

Investa has proven experience in three key business areas:
•   Commercial Office Group
Investa boasts a fully integrated commercial real estate business. Investa buys, sells, owns, develops and manages high-quality office buildings in premier locations in Australia’s capitals. This end-to-end business model gives Investa the ability to ensure optimum quality and performance of its properties and its property services. Earlier this year Investa signed what is believed to be Australia’s largest leasing deal in the history of commercial office transactions for over 115,000m² of office space with Telstra. Recently Investa also undertook the biggest development deal to be completed in Sydney this year with the sale of Kindersley House, 33 Bligh Street to EnergyAustralia.

•   Funds Management
Investa manages a range of wholesale and retail property funds on behalf of over 4,000 clients, who encompass institutions, superannuation funds, industry funds and retail investors. Funds under management are approximately AU$2.2 billion (as at 31 March 2009).

•   Land Development
Investa undertakes commercial, industrial and residential development in select locations across Australia with an estimated end value in excess of A$4.3 billion (as at 31 March 2009). Investa’s residential land developments encompass broad-acre subdivisions in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.