New building adds to Rotorua’s inner-city development

Rotorua’s inner city is set for another key development with the construction of a three storey, purposebuilt office building for Glenn Hawkins and Associates (GHA) – a Maori accounting and consulting firm.

Building has started at 1108 Fenton St near Lime Café. The design and build will be undertaken by R&B Consultants, which owns the site. Upon completion, the land and building will be owned by GHA. The building has a total floor area of 1184m² (ground floor 352 m², second floor 416 m², third floor 416 m²). The development will also have 13 onsite carparks.

The building isexpected to be completed by June 2015. 

GHA partner Glenn Hawkins says the new building is a significant development for the company, which started in his home office in August 2005. 

“We wanted to create an office complex that is great for our team but also offers plenty of options for our clients. The client meeting spaces will be big enough for large board meetings, seminar style sessions, annual meetings and other functions. 

“We are also establishing a ‘corporate village,’ which will consist of a variety of workspaces that suit our clients’ needs. As an example, a client may choose to base their general manager in one of our offices, with the benefit of shared services from our firm including reception, secretarial, IT, administration and other support. We hope this will be a practical solution to meet their needs. 

“The building will have a kaupapa Maori look and feel that is consistent with our values and the firm’s identity. 

“We believe this development is significant for the CBD, the Rotorua economy and for Māori business.” 

Today’s announcement follows news last week of a new development in Lake Rd for Big Save Furniture – another R&B Consultants project.

R&B Consultants managing director Ray Cook says the new Fenton St development is another example of how the Rotorua District Council’s district plan is going to stimulate growth in Rotorua – particularly in the CBD.

Mr Cook says that, wherever possible, R&B Consultants use local suppliers and sub-contractors, which makes a further contribution to the local economy. He estimates approximately 50 people will be involved in the various stages of the development.

“New developments in the inner city bring an exciting vibe and additional spending which is extremely positive. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved.”