Symphony Releases New Plans For Alpha Street

Media Release, 15 June 2007

Symphony Releases New Plans For Alpha Street Development

Symphony Group has released a new design of its Alpha Street development after consulting and reaching agreement with the Heritage Places Trust and Waipa District Council.

Symphony announced in March plans to revitalise Alpha Street and refurbish the well-known Sample Room and National Hotel. The original drawing presented to the council was a preliminary line drawing which has since been developed following consultation with several relevant interest groups.

Symphony director Adam Reynolds says: “We have worked hard on the development of the design to come up with a solution that suits all parties. Having reached agreement with the Heritage Places Trust and Waipa District Council we are very pleased with the outcome and believe it will complement the heritage features of the adjacent two buildings.”

Waipa District Council planning services manager Wayne Allan says Symphony Group have worked closely with Waipa District Council and Historic Places Trust’s architects as required by the conditions of the resource consent.

“Symphony Group has worked closely with Antanas Procuta Architects and the Historical Places Trust to ensure the architectural design of the buildings reflects the strategic importance of the site, which adjoins the historic National Hotel located within the Cambridge commercial area.

Symphony Group has agreed to significant changes made to the original concept plan which has been approved by the Council and the Historic Places Trust in accordance with the consent.”

Gail Henry, Lower Northern Area Manager of the NZ Historic Places Trust, says it has invested a lot of energy in the Alpha Street aspect of the development, as have the Symphony Group and Waipa District Council. “It has been an important collaborative effort,” Ms Henry says.

“Given that the development borders a significant local heritage place, the National Hotel, an iconic corner building in the Cambridge CBD that is registered Category Two by the Historic Places Trust, it was important that we got it right.

“The Historic Places Trust is comfortable with the design concept that has evolved from our discussions, and looks forward to seeing the finished plans. “

Mr Reynolds says he is pleased that all parties could reach agreement with discussions centered around the historical significance of the area and its importance to the community.

“Symphony from the outset has welcomed the involvement of interested parties in this project. Reaching agreement has been a collaborative effort between all these parties.”

Symphony plans to build three new buildings in the Alpha Street area. Construction of the first proposed retail buildings is underway and due for completion in early 2008.

ENDS

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