Land agreement to open CityHeart to the river

13 JUNE 2009
For Immediate Release

Hamilton City Council and the Brian Perry Charitable Trust are partnering in a strategic land agreement which will ultimately see better access to the Waikato River from the southern end of Victoria Street.

The riverside parcel of land fronting Victoria Street across from Collingwood Street has been purchased by Council from the Brian Perry Charitable Trust for $2 million. As part of the agreement, the Trust has gifted the city a portion of the 47732 metre site.

It is likely that the land gift will see a public plaza developed overlooking the river. In the short-term, the current building on site is being demolished and the land will continue to operate as a car park.

Exactly how the site will be developed around the public plaza is still to be finalised. Options include premium office space with river views; riverfront shops and cafes; several green spaces; and a significant extension of the city’s upper level riverfront promenade adjacent to the site.

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock said purchasing the property secured a valuable asset for the city.

“The Hamilton City Council believes purchasing this land is a great opportunity to have an influence in developing a vibrant city space. Once completed, the area will provide Hamilton residents and visitors with more interaction around the Waikato River.

“With the gift from the Brian Perry Charitable Trust, the purchase made economic sense. Developing this space will create something that is uniquely Hamilton and Council is confident it will be a significant asset for the city,” explained Mayor Simcock.

Mayor Simcock said the next step for the city is to work in collaboration with the Brian Perry Charitable Trust to develop a detailed property development and green space plan.

Simon Perry, son of Hamilton businessman Brian Perry and Chairman of the Brian Perry Charitable Trust, said the Trust is excited about having a hand in creating a significant city amenity.

"The Trust envisions this land will be transformed into a space the whole city will enjoy. Hamilton is crying out for a development that allows people to have a coffee, sit on a park bench or even work at their office desk - while enjoying the beautiful river views."

"For many years the people of Hamilton have voiced their opinions that we need to embrace the river and the Brian Perry Charitable Trust is excited about helping to make it happen," said Mr Perry.

In February 2007 Perry Property – a division of Perry Group - announced it was planning a $50 million property development on the site, named Victoria on the River. The development was to contain 12,000 square metres of premium office space; 1,000 square metres of riverfront retail space and up to 550 car parks.

General Manager of Perry Property, Tony McLauchlan, said the company will have the first option to develop the site. Hamilton City Council will not be involved financially in any future property development.

“The next step is to work with City Council and the Trust to develop some specifics around the site. However, we are confident that the completed development will include more green space than originally planned.

“This, in turn, means the office space will be on a smaller scale. It’s likely to be several smaller buildings with smaller floor plates, rather than one large building,” explained Mr McLauchlan.

Demolition of the current building on the site began today. In the short-term, the existing adjacent public car park will be expanded once the demolition site is cleared.

ENDS

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