QBE Insurance has signed on as the anchor tenant of the renovated office block at 125 Queen St.
Through an office leasing process led by CBRE New Zealand, QBE Insurance has confirmed it will be taking 2166 sq m over three levels on a long-term lease along with signage and naming rights that will see the property renamed as the QBE Centre.
Built in the mid-1980s, the 30-level building was once the tallest in the CBD. It underwent a major transformation and re-launch this year.
The extensive refurbishment undertaken by landlord Special Situations Assets Limited included the addition of a new white façade on the building’s exterior, the restoration of the heritage façade, an internal fit-out to the lobby, offices and common areas, the replacement and upgrade of the services and the installation of giant LED screens elevating the building’s on-street presence and providing a marketing platform.
Duncan Elley, who oversaw the project for developer Winton Partners, said the refurbishment had transformed the building into a premium tower.
“We are delighted to enter into a partnership with QBE Insurance over the long term in the new QBE Centre. QBE were attracted by the high quality of the refurbishment, the prime location and the fantastic amenity within the building.”
QBE is moving in at the end of March, when it will join a number of high quality tenants already present including MMC, Accenture, Grimshaw & Co, Methanex and Hong Kong Airlines.
