Trust to Support Building of Chch Hi-Tech Business Hub

3 April 2012

Trust to Support Building of Chch Hi-Tech Business Hub

Today’s announcement of the development of the EPIC campus in central Christchurch will provide a huge boost for not only the businesses involved but the wider Christchurch community.

This is according to the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust, which is lending its support to the EPIC campus by underwriting parts of the project. Thanks to the Trust’s support EPIC, or Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus, has been able to secure the funding to get the project off the ground.

The hi-tech business hub will be built on the corner of Tuam and Manchester Streets and will be home to 17 hi-tech Christchurch businesses. The project was officially launched today by Minister for Economic Development and Science and Innovation Hon Steven Joyce.

Canterbury Business Recovery Trust Executive Director Louise Edwards says they are excited to be part of the EPIC project.

“This is an innovative project which is providing a home for 17 small ICT businesses that have all been affected by the Christchurch earthquakes. Along with providing a home for these businesses the EPIC development will also firmly put Christchurch on the hi-tech map, which will provide huge economic benefits and opportunities.

“EPIC will also provide a huge psychological boost for Christchurch business people and the wider Christchurch community. Seeing a project of this scale get off the ground, and seeing building get underway, is such a positive step forward in the rebuilding of our city,” says Ms Edwards.

Helping to get EPIC off the ground is a range of public and private organisations including the Ministry of Science and Innovation, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Christchurch City Council, BNZ, the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust and a number of other supporting organisations.

“This project is a wonderful example of businesses working with government, the public and the private sector to develop a model that will be hugely positive for Christchurch’s economy well into the future,” says Ms Edwards.

About the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust was established after the Christchurch earthquake to help businesses survive, revive and thrive. The Trust is administered by Recover Canterbury and provides cash injections into viable but earthquake-affected businesses. 100% of the funds donated to the Trust go to supporting Christchurch businesses.

Some of the key expenses businesses are requesting funds for include business planning and development costs, costs associated with relocation and fit out, access to expert advice and assistance, marketing costs and bridging finance.

The Trustees of the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust are Bruce Irvine, Andrew Thorburn, Humphry Rolleston, Lady Adrienne Stewart and Sir John Anderson.

ENDS

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