Victoria's justice department moves into former Qantas building

The Victorian government’s Department of Justice & Regulation (DOJR) and Carlton Justice Service Centre are moving into Melbourne CBD’s 50 Franklin Street office building, the former headquarters of Qantas.

The government entities have committed to lease the entire office building in a move that will strategically position them closer to the heart of the city’s legal precinct.

While not giving out the exact leasing figure, Colliers International’s Edward Knowles, who negotiated the 10-year lease, said it was in the low-mid $500 gross per sqm range.

The new tenancy will see Carlton Justice Service Centre relocate from 444 Swanston Street.

The deal follows Colliers International’s sale of the building to listed Singapore-based property company, Lian Beng Group, late last year for more than $51 million.

Earlier this year, Lian Beng sold the historic Newspaper House on Collins Street for $35 million to Malaysian conglomerate Oriental Holdings Berhad.

About the recent government tenancy, Knowles said 50 Franklin Street was vacated by call centre operator Salmat in February.

“To then re-lease the whole building in this timeframe attests to the current strength of the Melbourne office leasing market,” he said.

Knowles said the DOJR had committed to a long-term lease of the entire asset, which is approximately 11,500 sqm of net lettable area.

“The proximity to Melbourne’s legal precinct was another appealing factor,” he said.

“It is understood the new tenant will increase the base building’s NABERS energy rating from 1.5 stars to three-plus stars throughout the tenancy term.