BHP Olympic Dam Asset President Jacqui McGill was in Adelaide today to announce the lease at the $250 million development, due for completion at the end of next year.

“This clearly demonstrates that we’re a proud member of this state [and] we’re here for the long term,” McGill told reporters at this morning’s press conference.

“We’ve had some good meetings with the new premier and we developed a good relationship with [Energy and Mining Minister] Dan van Host Pellekaan.

“We are proud that our project has been an important part of the South Australian community and the state economy for 30 years.”

BHP’s lease covers about 10,000 square metres in the 20-storey office building, or 40 per cent of the tower’s committed Net Lettable Area (NLA).

McGill said about 600 BHP workers will move from their current office space on Grenfell Street to the new office building by the end of 2019.

“As has been the case with our office premises in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, this new space will feature state-of-the-art technology and include a modern design,” McGill said.

“It’s terrific to be tied into such a lovely historic building in the heart of the Adelaide CBD.”

Premier Steven Marshall told reporters GPO Exchange would be “one of the best buildings in Australia”.

“This is a happy day in South Australia – we’ve always said we’re unashamedly pro-business in SA,” he said.

“I am determined to ensure that South Australia is globally recognised as an attractive place to invest.”

Investment company Charter Hall last year announced its $3.5 billion Prime Office Fund had finalised a 12-year pre-lease commitment with the state Attorney-General’s Department to occupy approximately 50 per cent of the GPO Exchange building.

The 82-metre high building, designed by Hassell and Fitzpatrick & Partners, replaces a former car park and will include a refurbishment and upgrade of the heritage-listed Telephone Exchange Building.

The building is one of two Charter Hall has planned for the Franklin Street site.