16 September 2004

First burst of major commercial building activity since mid 80s

It’s been nearly 20 years since a major commercial building consent has been issued in Henderson’s town centre.

The massive tower crane currently driving piles is the first sign of major commercial construction activity since the mid 1980s with the Waitakere Central library and Unitec campus and car park building project now underway at Ratanui Street.

Cranes are likely to become a regular feature of the Henderson skyline, as predictions of fresh new growth and private investment in the town centre are fulfilled over the next few years.

Mayor Bob Harvey expects the new commercial activity will kick-start further investment in the town.

“The retail heart of Henderson will be the centre of the knowledge economy that is so important to the future well-being of our citizens. This is an opportunity to take up tertiary education and future employment in Waitakere as the Unitec campus and Waitakere Central library offering the latest technology take shape,” he says.

The campus and library buildings, currently being piled, are due for completion at the end of 2005 and after internal fit out will be open for business in early 2006 The laying of the foundation stone to commemorate the buildings starting is likely to take place early in the new year

The combined value of the buildings: Unitec, Library and six floor carpark is $38 million.

ENDS

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