NAB to stay put until 2027

NATIONAL Australia Bank is to extend its stay in Docklands after the big bank signed a lease to remain at its 800 Bourke Street headquarters for 11 more years.

The deal includes plans for the bank to have a second premises at 700 Bourke Street, next to Etihad Stadium, which is being developed by industry superannuation fund Cbus.

NAB was one of the first big corporate players to set up in Docklands, moving into the colourful low-rise office tower in 2004.

Other corporate players, including ANZ and Myer, later followed with their own headquarters.

Under the deal with landlord, GPT Group's GPT Wholesale Office Fund, NAB will lease 60,000 square metres for 11 years to 2027. The rent was not disclosed but agents said it was "competitive". Average yearly rents in the area start at about $600 per square metre.

The lease agreement was managed directly between GPT and NAB by GPT's national director of leasing - office, logistics and business parks, Luke Briscoe.

NAB's general manager of property, Trevor Moore, said the decision to extend the tenancy was part of the bank's wider commitment to Bourke Street and Docklands.

"When NAB came together with GPT 10 years ago, this building was the first commercial development in the precinct," Mr Moore said.

"NAB is very pleased to cement our position in Docklands and we're excited to soon open a second site," he said.

The latest Property Council of Australia office data shows the Melbourne CBD has a vacancy rate of 5.6 per cent, the lowest on the eastern seaboard.