7 SEPTEMBER 2012

Second workshop to meet strong demand

Strong demand has meant a second free workshop for first-time Christchurch property developers will be held in the city in as many months on 18 September.

The second Foundations 2012: Introduction to Commercial Property Development will be a repeat of the first educational workshop held on 1 August which was attended by more than 260 people including property owners, investors, and existing and potential developers.

"The first workshop was an outstanding success," says Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker. "Participants provided such positive feedback and there has been such strong interest from others wanting to be part of the city's rebuild that the Council has decided to hold a second workshop later this month."

The half-day Foundations 2012 seminar, sponsored by the Bank of New Zealand, is an introduction to commercial property development for investors who, as a result of the earthquakes, may find themselves having to rebuild damaged investment properties without any background in property development.

The seminar provides first-time property developers with practical information, including bringing together a project team and ensuring they take a robust risk management approach to property development. Mr Parker says it is fantastic to see so much interest in the rebuild in Christchurch and the property development community's desire to work closely with the Council, Government, designers and businesses.

"The process of developing a building in challenging circumstances requires a specialised skill-set to avoid making costly and time consuming mistakes. It's important that future developers arm themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed."

BNZ Managing Partner Mike Willetts says it will be the passion and commitment of future property developers that will drive the rebuild of our city. "The bank is committed to the rebuild and one of the best ways to support it is to provide the community with the skills they need to get on with the job and make the right decisions."

The tailored programme will cover:

* An introduction to property development

* Feasibility and market analysis

* The project team

* Recovery coordination

* Urban design principles

* The Consenting process

* The planning landscape post-Christchurch Central Development Unit Blueprint

* Building environmental performance

* Risk management

All participants will receive an introductory reference guide following the seminar.

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