City 'open for business'

Multi million dollar developments in Hamilton's CBD were in sharp focus this week.

At a celebration breakfast sponsored by Hamilton Central Business Association, half a dozen major projects were centre stage.

Described by Mayor Julie Hardaker as a 'good news story', heightened interest in Hamilton ventures included the $300 million construction boom and an influx of 116 land use consents - 38 for commercial developments - which pointed to more jobs, new tenants and expanding business.

"Hamilton is open for business," she says.

Interest in the 'Cranes Over the CBD' event was strong and a waiting list of 40 was signalled at the early morning breakfast.

Representatives of the Hamilton Club redevelopment, Citygate, Les Mills, SkyCity Hotel, Centreplace and Club Cardio showcased their designs to a full house at SkyCity's function venue.

Presenters expanded on the latest ventures:

Centre Place, a $39.9m redevelopment embracing new Farmers flagship store and Hoyts digital cinema refurbishment. Completion October.

SkyCity Hotel - $35m four-and-a-half-star, 135 rooms, 11 suites, presidential suite. Employment for 100 more staff and more development on adjacent sites in three to five years. Hotel completion early 2015.

Les Mills - new gym on former Dallas Motors site on Victoria St north. Most ambitious project by the fitness group - 440 sq m group exercise studio, 280 sq m exercise area, 46-bike RPM studio, outdoor training area, 85 car parks. Completion next month.

Citygate - six storey commercial/retail building catering to 300-400 staff with four commercial floors and ground floor retail opening on to a 735 sq m plaza. Anchor tenant PwC. Completion mid July.

Project Grantham - new riverside office with options for retail. Accommodation for Mighty River Power. Six levels with two levels of parking embracing natural ventilation, rainwater recycling and design incorporating best seismic performing materials and design. Completion later this year.

Club Cardio - new gym facility at 800 Victoria St incorporating two 25m swimming pools, a 20m by 8m learn to swim pool, an endless flow pool and gym and aerobic facilities with retail spaces and provision for 110 secure car parks.