Dunedin's Wall Street mall is to be redeveloped to cater for an expansion of Fisher & Paykel's operation in the city, which is expected to provide about 70 jobs.
- Full details in tomorrow's Otago Daily Times
The whiteware company wants to extend its existing lease of office and laboratory space in the Dunedin City Council-owned Wall Street complex in George Street.
This is to provide the design and call centre with capacity for a total of 230 staff, enabling the continuation of a growth plan that will see a 40% increase in design staff numbers by 2018.
"This kind of development is exactly what the city needs and lines up with Dunedin's Economic Development Strategy, which aims to support high-tech industries and create more knowledge economy jobs," Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said.
The expansion means the DCC will invest up to $2.3 million to provide extra office space in the Wall Street complex (including a break through to the Penrose building), upgrade the Penrose building, make a contribution to tenant relocation costs. It will receive additional rental.
Fisher & Paykel Dunedin site manager Richard Butler said today's announcement was a continuation of the research and development growth plans announced in February last year.
"As we expand our research and development facilities, it is vital that all our activities are able to be accommodated in a shared space. The current site is well-suited to meet our needs and we were keen to remain there rather than shift to another location in the city.
"The design and central location of the Wall Street building have enabled us to build a high quality, creative space that is close to our customers and very convenient for staff.
"Our expansion plans, in partnership with the Dunedin City Council, will mean that we can enhance the aspects of the facility that work so well for us currently, as well as growing those areas that need increased capacity.
"In the next few weeks we expect to be in a position to provide more detail on our expansion plans," Mr Butler says.
DCC acting chief executive Tony Avery said the growth of the design centre would bring more people into the central city and add to the vitality of the area.
An economic impact report predicts wider economic benefits for Dunedin of up to $11 million.
A building consent application is expected shortly.
