Jeweller Michael Hill and KPMG Australia will relocate to new state-of-the-art buildings

Two renowned Australian firms are moving their Queensland head offices – and 750 staff – into new state-of-art buildings as Brisbane City Council confirms it’s looking for a new headquarters of its own.

Jeweller Michael Hill and professional services firm KPMG Australia will relocate about 750 staff between them into new Brisbane headquarters scheduled to be completed next year.

At the same time the Brisbane City Council has a formally gone to the market with a 30,000sq m to 35,000sq m requirement for a new head office.

The announcements come after the Property Council’s latest Office Market Report found office vacancy fell marginally in the CBD and fringe showing general positive sentiment in the Queensland market.

ASX-listed Michael Hill has a 10-year lease on a purpose-built 3520sq m office, manufacturing and distribution facility at 34 Southgate Ave, Cannon Hill, which will be completed in the latter part of 2022.

They will move about 250 staff from their 2500sq m property at 7 Smallwood Plc, Murarrie, which they have occupied for about 20 years..

The property is being developed by Anthony John Group and was sold to the Irongate Group for $36m for an initial yield of 5 per cent.

An artist's impression of Michael Hill's new global headquarters at 34 Southgate Ave, Cannon Hill.

Michael Hill chief executive Daniel Bracken said they sought to bring their teams together in a new, modern working environment with a significant focus on collaboration in open plan and dynamic working spaces, with an abundance of natural light.

“It presents the chance to attract talent across all our creative disciplines – marketing, digital, merchandise, and to also showcase our artisan jewellers,” he said.

“It was also an opportunity to partner with a leading Brisbane based architect and developer to create an environment that best reflects Michael Hill.”

The sale was negotiated by CBRE’s Jack Morrison and Adelaide O’Brien after Andrew Carlton completed the Michael Hill lease for Anthony John Group.

An international multi-channel retail jewellery chain, Michael Hill has 285 stores across the globe.

Meanwhile, KPMG Australia has committed to 6600sq m over three floors in a 10-year lease at the Heritage Lanes office tower at 80 Ann St in the CBD which will be completed in February 2022.

KPMG has had a long term lease on 7200sq m at Riparian Plaza and will move about 500 staff into the new building. The deal was struck by Colliers International’s Adam Barrett and Bo Veivers.

The deal brings Heritage Lanes to about 95 per cent precommitted with anchor tenant Suncorp and KPMG able to increase their floor space if they require.

The Mirvac Group and M&G Real Estate owned tower which will be one of Australia’s smartest buildings once complete and 100 per cent carbon neutral in operation. The workplace embraces industry-leading technology, sustainability, and flexibility, setting a new benchmark for Brisbane’s premium office market.

KPMG Queensland chairman Michael Hiller said the relocation supports the company’s continued focus on reducing its carbon footprint through energy and resource efficiency.

“With this sustainability focus, we will design a new and exciting workplace that supports collaboration and connection for our people and clients and our new ways of working,” he said.

An artist's impression of 80 Ann St in the Brisbane CBD.

Head of Mirvac’s Integrated Investment Portfolio, Campbell Hanan, said securing KPMG alongside anchor tenant Suncorp was a testament to the exceptional building and revitalised precinct they were delivering.

“We are thrilled that KPMG has selected 80 Ann St as their new home in Brisbane and are excited to welcome them to the Mirvac portfolio,” he said.

“We have worked hard to design and deliver a workplace of the future at 80 Ann Street that will foster collaboration, innovation, and flexibility for our tenants as we enter a new era of work.”

“Our vision to create a legacy development that celebrates the history of the site and delivers a remarkable working environment draws on the strength of our integrated offering and has captured the attention of the market.”