Westpac Doesn't Practice What it Preaches, Avoids Going Green

WESTPAC Bank may have some explaining to do after claims it will choose the "least green" of its three shortlisted options, as its Melbourne CBD office digs.

Sources expect Westpac, which trumpets its green credentials, will re-sign to its existing office building at 360 Collins Street, as well as commit to new space, to be built on top of an open-air arcade at the rear of the building facing Little Collins Street.

In September last year, Westpac issued a 16,000-square-metre requirement, saying it planned to relocate four existing offices that have leases due to expire in 2009.

A spokesman for Westpac said the bank was still reviewing its Melbourne CBD corporate office accommodation.

The other two options include new buildings at 567 Collins Street, and Village Docklands: both new buildings with five-star Australian building greenhouse ratings.

360 Collins Street is owned by DB RREEF Wholesale Property Fund. It paid $45.5 million for the 39-level, 44,000 sq m office building in August 1997.

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