SFO signs up as AMP tower tenant

The SFO will move on to level six of AMP NZ Office Trust's tower at 21 Queen St, the former Downtown House. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland's most expensive newly refurbished office block has signed up the Serious Fraud Office as a new tenant.

The SFO will move on to level six of AMP NZ Office Trust's tower at 21 Queen St, the former Downtown House.

Adam Feeley, SFO chief executive, said yesterday the move was expected to take place in just over a month.

Four years ago, the trust announced it was paying $33 million for the block at the foot on Queen St and spending $65 million to $70 million on its refurbishment. The block was valued at $65.1 million in the trust's latest annual report. Although the building was rated by the Green Building Council as one of New Zealand's most environmentally friendly, it failed to pull many tenants and has been largely empty since work finished.

The SFO will leave 120 Mayoral Drive, a fringe location, for the more glamorous high-spec CBD building.

Scott Pritchard, chief executive of the trust's manager, said further leasing deals might be announced when the trust's half-year result was released next month. CB Richard Ellis is on level 14, insurance business Willis on level eight and Dick Smith Electronics on the ground floor of 21 Queen St.

Pritchard said the block had no carparks. Tenants pondering moving are being offered parks in nearby buildings.