Citygate kicks off Hamilton CBD transformation programme

Hawkins has begun construction work on Citygate, a McConnell Property - five-storey office and retail - development adjacent to Wintec in Hamilton’s central city.

Scheduled for completion in mid 2013, Citygate will be the first new office building in the Hamilton CBD for several years and it will transform a site that has been vacant for almost 17 years.

The high-quality 5,300sqm building, which is to be 4 star Green Star design rated, is set to become the premium business address in the city.

McConnell Property Development Manager Aidan Donnelly says a strong vision and commitment to revitalising Hamilton’s central city, between McConnell Property, the Hamilton City Council and Wintec, have resulted in this progressive development becoming a reality. 

“McConnell Property is committed to developing safe, resilient and efficient buildings and environments, and Citygate is a great example of this,” says Mr Donnelly.

The purpose-built office space is future-proofed with access to multiple high-speed fibre connections and, with safety front of mind, Citygate has been designed to best practice structural and seismic standards.

Donnelly credits the significant input of the Hawkins team into the preconstruction phase.

“We have benefitted enormously from Hawkins design management and buildability experience. It’s one thing to read the promo blurb that says you save dollars by getting the builder in early; but the reality is, that in doing this we have been able to refine certain areas of design and construction sequencing which has allowed us to  enhance the value and programme. And on top of this Hawkins has pulled out all the stops to mobilise equipment and resources ahead of time,” he says.

In addition to the state-of-the-art office space, the high-profile corner development will create street level retail opportunities and a 735sqm open-space plaza for Citygate users and the public alike.

Mr Donnelly says that Citygate’s strong, visible presence is a key part of the Citygate offer. “The striking building and the sunny north-facing plaza will become a landmark for the CBD. Over 300 Citygate workers, 20,000 Wintec students and staff, and the Hamilton people will be able to enjoy the many benefits of these new and inspiring spaces.”

And Terry Buchan, Hawkins Central Regional Manager, believes that this building will spark the inner city alive.

“So many people are looking forward to seeing this project completed; it has been such a long time since something so regenerative happened in this part of the city,” says Buchan.

ENDS