ANZ Renames NZ'S Tallest Skyscraper

AMP-ASSET-MANAGEMENT NZ'S TALLEST SKYSCRAPER TO BE RENAMED AS ANZ TAKES UP LEASE

New Zealand's tallest office tower will soon be known as "The ANZ Centre". The AMP NZ Office Trust has leased two floors of the Coopers and Lybrand Tower to ANZ in a deal that will see full naming rights transferred to the bank.

Located at 23 Albert St in central Auckland, the 41story building is considered one of the top three buildings in New Zealand and with its unique geodesic dome is an instantly recognisable landmark. The building has a large triangular floor plate and incorporates market leading building services.

The lease takes effect from March and will see ANZ initially moving into levels 8 and 13 with the opportunity to increase the size of its tenancy at a later date. The ANZ tenancy takes the occupancy rate of the building up to 100% and shifts the total AMP NZ Office Trust portfolio occupancy rate up to 99.8%.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is considering options that will provide a long-term solution to its current two tower tenancy arrangements in Auckland. PWC Auckland managing partner, John Harvey said, "the agreement to transfer our naming rights is positive for all parties and will avoid the confusion of having two towers with the PricewaterhouseCoopers name."

"We're delighted to have ANZ move into the building," said AMP NZ Office Trust executive manager, Anthony Beverley.

"With its high quality finishes, great location and superb views, we're confident that the building will provide ANZ with an excellent corporate environment," he said.

ANZ has vacated its premises at the corner of Queen and Victoria streets to allow for renovation work. While the Bank intends to move its retail and some administrative functions back into the building later this year, ANZ had been seeking alternative premises for many of its other functions and its Auckland-based executives.

"The Bank is placing a lot more emphasis on growing its share of the Auckland market," said ANZ managing director, Dr Murray Horn. "It's a great building and we are particularly pleased to have secured naming rights to one of Auckland's most recognised landmarks," he said.

"Once the refurbishment work being undertaken on the building at the corner of Queen and Victoria Street has been completed, ANZ will move some functions back into the building and seek tenancies for any vacant space," Horn said.

ANZ Banking Group is one of Australasia's largest financial services organisations. It has been operating in New Zealand since 1840 and currently has over 150 branches in this country. The AMP NZ Office Trust has New Zealand's top portfolio of office buildings, including the Wellington Park Royal and the recently renamed NZI House, formerly 151 Queen St, in Auckland.

ENDS....

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