Blood donor service shifting to bigger site

The site of the new Dunedin Donor Centre. Photo: Linda Robertson.
The site of the new Dunedin Donor Centre. Photo: Linda Robertson.
The Dunedin Donor Centre is moving from its Cumberland St site because it needs more space, the New Zealand Blood Service says.

In May, the centre will move to 170 Crawford St, a former electrical supplies store. Donor services area manager Debra Wilson, of Christchurch, said the existing site’s proximity to the student quarter was a big plus. The centre is formulating a plan to keep its student donors.

It is considering transporting groups of students by car to give blood, she said.

"Our students in Dunedin are a big part of our service, and they’re very loyal. The ones we’ve spoken to have said they will keep donating.

"[The students] been quite upfront about the fact it’s going to take them longer. They can’t just pop in between classes."

The existing site was too small.

"We’re crammed in there. There’s not enough car parks, and really, there’s not enough space to grow at all."

Mrs Wilson declined to say how much had been spent refitting the new site, but it was a significant investment.

"We’re investing in this for the long-term; we intend to be there for 20 or 30 years.

"We have a very loyal donor base in Dunedin. They come in on a regular basis," Mrs Wilson said.

The Dunedin City Council rates database shows the Cumberland St site has a capital value of $1.05million, and is owned by Ronald Barry Wade.

Dean Collins, of Colliers International, confirmed, when contacted, the site was being marketed for long-term lease.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement