Spend a bit of money: Fortius on how to lease in Brisbane

Managing director Sharon Doyle said the new space made the building a highly competitive option in the Brisbane market where vacancy was about 14 per cent.

“It was by far the better space we inspected in terms of the quality of the overall offering,” Ms Doyle said, “The fitout of the office, furnishings and finishes were superior to that which we looked at anywhere else.”

Other names on 201 Charlotte’s directory board that have been attracted by the new building include Urbane Homes, Credit Sense, and QELI (Queensland Education Leadership Institute).

Sam Sproats of Fortius Funds Management said the investment gave the landlord confidence that it offered the best value to prospective tenants wanting space in the so-called golden triangle between Edward, Queen and Eagle streets.

“We have spent a significant amount of money on the building, not just to improve its presentation, but also to include additional amenities and facilities to make the overall place one that provides for quality and enjoyment of all users,” Mr Sproats said.

“We believe quality will attract quality – and we have adopted this approach to 201 Charlotte Street.”

He said the building was the epitome of the “flight to quality” that was being witnessed in the Brisbane leasing market at present.

Ben Sikalas of Chesterton International, alongside Jamie Nason and Campbell Tait of Knight Frank, have been appointed leasing agents to the building.

“Prior to Fortius’ acquisition of the asset in late 2012, 201 Charlotte sat relatively dormant as a passive investment,” Mr Sikalas said. “But it had the potential to be a key leasing option for tenants looking to access the locational benefits and occupational benefits that a glass-curtain-facade building with natural light to four sides can provide.”