Telecom To Build Sustainable Offices

Telecom To Build Environmentally Sustainable Offices In Wellington

Telecom announced today it has signed an agreement with The Wellington Company to develop new purpose-built environmentally rated premises at 52 Willis St, Wellington.

The Wellington Company will build two environmentally sustainable 5 Green Star-rated buildings, linked by a central glass atrium, to create a campus-style development of approximately 26,000 square metres.

Telecom CEO Dr Paul Reynolds said the new development would bring together employees currently located in six properties throughout Wellington.

“We are committed to Wellington and having a purpose-built campus will maximise future operational efficiencies as well as meeting our environmental sustainability commitments.”

The new premises, known as Willis Central, will house around 1,700 employees from across all parts of Telecom with the exception of staff from the separated Chorus business.

Dr Reynolds said that The Wellington Company was chosen because of its proven excellence in developing environmentally sustainable facilities.

The Wellington Company recently won the Property Council of New Zealand Excellence Award for their redevelopment of the former Mid City movie theatre complex as New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star-rated building, now home to the Department of Conservation.

“We’re committed to sustainability and have a 5 Green Star compliance requirement for all property developments, including the recently completed redevelopment of our Auckland Gen-i office, and the new campus development currently underway in Auckland,” said Dr Reynolds.

The new Willis Central development will feature active chilled beam cooling technologies, energy efficient lighting, solar panels and possibly wind turbines, a thermally active exterior, and during construction will use materials and technologies which minimise environmental impact.

Ian Cassels, managing director of The Wellington Company, said the development is a major step forward for Wellington.

“Located in the heart of the golden mile, the Willis Central development will significantly contribute to the vibrancy and business value of the city and will further enhance Wellington’s status as the environmentally friendly office city.”

The building is scheduled to be ready for Telecom occupancy in mid-2011. Telecom will be the majority tenant in the property, committing to 19,000 sq metres of office accommodation for an initial 12-year lease term.

A new four-building campus development is currently underway at 167 Victoria Street in Auckland. The premises will provide new environmentally sustainable offices for over 2,500 Auckland based staff, and is due to be completed in 2010.

ENDS

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