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Tenancy agreements, in the final stages of negotiation prior to being signed by the Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Hamilton, signal the formation of a business hub in the iconic city-facing brick building where Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology) began almost 100 years ago.
Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers says co-locating Hamilton’s leading business support agencies provides new opportunities for the commercial sector. “A Waikato business hub is a shared vision of a number of industry and city leaders, and one Wintec has helped champion over a number of years.”
Opportunity Hamilton and the Chamber will make it a reality by agreeing to move into the redeveloped space.
“Wintec has invested $16.5million in the building to provide a highly functional environment,” said Mark. “The building, F Block as it is known on campus, is city-central and there is room for growth into a larger business support cluster on adjoining land. From Wintec’s perspective, we want to create strong connections with industry to ensure our training continues to be relevant and accessible. With these agencies on campus, we hope to strengthen those ties.” He says having two cornerstone, stable tenants is encouraging and sends a clear message to others who might see potential in becoming involved.
Chamber CEO Wayne Walford says the concept of a business hub is a good one for Hamilton and the region. “There are a number of benefits, including providing a single gateway for business new to the region, sharing ideas with like-minded organisations, and sharing resources such as office and meeting space. It will be ideas that make this service a great one in time, but improving operational efficiency alone means we free up funds to put to work directly for our members’ benefit. This is a clear and easy win for business in the city and region,” said Wayne.
Opportunity Hamilton chief executive Sandra Perry says co-location strengthens the ability to create benefits for local businesses. “Opportunity Hamilton is focused on helping businesses start-up, grow and relocate in Hamilton. And this new business hub is going to create efficiencies for companies looking to tap into the services that our organisation and the Chamber both provide. By working more closely with the Chamber - and other business development organisations that may choose to co-locate with us at the business hub - our aim is to generate new ideas and give existing economic development projects a boost.”
The redevelopment, scheduled for completion mid-2010, will turn F block into an ‘A Grade’ commercial building with structural improvements to meet current earthquake standards and compliance with Historic Places Trust criteria to retain its integrity.
The 1920s iconic brick exterior is being retained while the interior is converted into a state-of-the-art, sustainable environment for students, staff, businesses and visitors. The ground floor will house a public café, while the first floor will be home to Wintec’s hairdressing and beauty salons as well as a function and meeting space.
The business hub will be located on the second floor and a glass atrium at the side of the building will provide a stunning venue for functions from balls and weddings to hosting trade delegations and Wintec graduation ceremonies.
A multi-storey carpark is also being built on the edge of the campus close to the refurbished building to accommodate the parking needs of the wider campus as well as the new building.