Capital Tech Precinct EOI released today
Capital Tech Precinct EOI released today
Wellington
City 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.
A call for expressions of interest (EOI) was released today on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website.
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”.
“The ANZ Business Micro Scope survey of small firms released this week shows that Wellington is the nation’s most upbeat region at +30%, as our small firms play to their strengths in technology, smart industries and the creative sector. This demonstrates that we really are on the right track in terms of our economy – and developing a tech precinct is one way to ensure we continue to make gains 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.
Potential operators have until Wednesday 5 November to
respond to the EOI. Submissions for the EOI will be
evaluated in November.
ends