Council takes first steps towards tech precinct

Wellington City Council today announced the first steps towards establishing a central city tech precinct – with an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be released later this month.

Council is looking to kick-start the development of a tech precinct by supporting the establishment of a ‘tech hub’ – a shared space in the CBD for business accelerators and incubators, start-up businesses and small enterprise, university programmes, with collaboration spaces and event and function facilities. The EOI process will assess options for the provision of space, as well as the engagement of a Hub Operator.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says one of the critical conditions for success in high-tech industries is the opportunity for people to connect with each other, sharing knowledge, ideas, innovation, investment and pathways to national and international markets.

“A central city tech precinct will foster growth in high-tech companies and encourage connections between start-ups, established businesses, training providers and others in the sector,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

Councillor Jo Coughlan, Chair of Council’s Economic Growth and Arts Committee, says the tech precinct links directly to Wellington City Council’s Economic Development and Digital Strategies.

“In 2011 the Economic Development Strategy set a target of creating 10,000 new jobs by 2016. Smart, knowledge intensive businesses are an important part of this, with 50% of the jobs created between March 2011 and March 2013 being in this area”.

“A tech precinct will help to create a business environment where innovation can flourish and where ‘smart’ firms can access the resources they need to grow, as well as helping make Wellington a place where talent wants to live,” says Councillor Coughlan.

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