DCC Assists Fisher & Paykel Expansion

Dunedin (Monday, 3 March 2014) – Dunedin’s Wall Street complex will be redeveloped to accommodate an expansion of the Fisher & Paykel design centre.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with Fisher & Paykel as they consolidate their status as a world-leading appliance designer.”

Fisher & Paykel, a key employer and one of the largest tenants in the central business district, wants to extend its existing lease of office and laboratory space in the Dunedin City Council-owned Wall Street complex in George Street. This is to provide the Design and Call Centre with capacity for a total of 230 staff, enabling the continuation of a growth plan that will see a 40% increase in design staff numbers by 2018.

Mr Cull says, “This kind of development is exactly what the city needs and lines up with Dunedin’s Economic Development Strategy, which aims to support high-tech industries and create more knowledge economy jobs.

“It builds on the relationship that has been established with Qingdao and Haier as a result of recent visits to China and the subsequent signing of an economic partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the Qingdao Chamber of Commerce.”

The expansion means the DCC will invest up to $2.3 million to provide extra office space in the Wall Street complex (including a break through to the Penrose building), upgrade the Penrose building, make a contribution to tenant relocation costs. It will receive additional rental.

Fisher & Paykel Dunedin Site Manager Richard Butler says today’s announcement is a continuation of the research and development growth plans announced in February last year.

“As we expand our research and development facilities, it is vital that all our activities are able to be accommodated in a shared space. The current site is well-suited to meet our needs and we were keen to remain there rather than shift to another location in the city.

“The design and central location of the Wall Street building have enabled us to build a high quality, creative space that is close to our customers and very convenient for staff. Our expansion plans, in partnership with the Dunedin City Council, will mean that we can enhance the aspects of the facility that work so well for us currently, as well as growing those areas that need increased capacity.

“In the next few weeks we expect to be in a position to provide more detail on our expansion plans,” Mr Butler says.

DCC Acting Chief Executive Tony Avery says the growth of the design centre would bring more people into the central city and add to the vitality of the area. An economic impact report predicts wider economic benefits for Dunedin of up to $11 million.

A building consent application is expected shortly. Tenders for the work, which will close in late March, will also be advertised soon. Work is expected to be underway in April.

ENDS

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Council_minutes_24_Feb_LGOIMA.pdf
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Wall_St_24_Feb_LGOIMA_version.pdf

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