Regeneration of Melbourne CBD’s western precinct is attracting a broad range of tenants looking for a place amongst the action, while character buildings maintain their popularity.

In the latest deal, Samuel Friend and Stephen Land of Fitzroys have leased an 86sqm space within the Chicagoesque Bennelong House at 9 Queen Street to solicitor Paul Webster.

The one-year deal with four further one-year terms was struck at $35,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST on behalf of the Bennelong Foundation.

Friend said the property has high ceilings and period features, including a unique old safe now used as a storeroom, and the building offers end-of-trip facilities.

“The tenant was seeking to be located in the CBD, in a central location closer to clients,” he said.

“More than 40 enquiries were received from a range of tenants including IT companies, counselling services and accountants, reflecting the ongoing appeal of character spaces for businesses looking for new offices in this size range.”

The stunning heritage-listed Bennelong House, formerly known as the Felton Building, was constructed in 1886 and designed by renowned architect Friedrich Wilhelm Prell.

Friend and Land recently leased the 250sqm basement tenancy to cloud solutions firm Bourne Digital, following another campaign that generated strong enquiry from potential occupants in a wide range of industries.

Land said major developments through Melbourne’s western core have prompted the increase in enquiry and range of enquiry across industries, with traders and operators looking to capitalise on the added vibrancy and increasing demand of lifestyle, food and beverage offerings brought by the booming worker population.

As well as Flinders Street Station and multiple tram routes, the property is close to significant projects nearing completion, including the dual-tower, office, hotel and residential Collins Arch development at 447 Collins Street, and Mirvac’s Olderfleet at 477 Collins Street, which will bring around 58,000sqm of new office space.