Future looking brighter for New Plymouth RSA

Joint Press Release
New Plymouth & Districts RSA and 435 Devon Limited
29 July 2009; 3:30 pm

Future looking brighter for revitalised New Plymouth RSA

Following recent media reports regarding concerns about the future of the proposed redevelopment of the New Plymouth and Districts Returned and Services Association clubrooms at the Te Ara Complex, 435 Devon Street, representatives of the RSA Executive met with the property owners and developers 435 Devon Limited and lawyers for both parties this week to discuss the development and the future of the RSA on the site.

The RSA President Mr Graeme Lowe has today been shown preliminary design drawings for the redevelopment of the site as prepared by New Plymouth Architects Boon Goldsmith Bhasksar. Mr Lowe said the drawings showed a very substantial development on the property which appeared to meet all the requirements of the agreement between the RSA and the developers to retain the RSA facilities on the site and to develop new features such as a dedicated RSA museum while at the same time integrating these premises into a commercial development to occupy the rest of this landmark Devon Street property consisting of approximately 4,500m2 of land.

Citing a Confidentiality Agreement between the RSA and 435 Devon Limited, Mr Lowe refused to elaborate on the drawings or provide any details as to exactly what the developers have planned for the site. He also refused to comment on any timeline other than to say that he believes that consents for the first phase of the redevelopment will be applied for within the next couple of months.

"I am very excited about what I have seen and learned about today" said Mr Lowe "it is clear that the Crow brothers (435 Devon Limited) have committed considerable resources and are making good progress with their plans for the future of the site" he said. "I am reassured that they remain as fully committed as ever to preserving the RSA's presence here for the future and that what they are planning for the site offers great opportunities for the RSA's increased and ongoing viability in the region. Our future is looking brighter than it has for a long time" he said.

Ends