New commercial, retail and hospitality development for Havelock North

An artist's impression of what the new Joll St development will look like. Image / Supplied.

A quartet of Hawke's Bay hospitality outlets are expanding to new premises, as work starts on building a new retail and hospitality precinct in Havelock North.

The commercial development on Joll Rd is being carried out by Murrayfield Properties Ltd, owned by Jonathan and Cristina McHardy's family trust, and is one of the village's largest commercial developments in a decade.

Trust spokesman Warren Ladbrook said the fact key tenants were already confirmed for stage one, was a signal of strong confidence in the fast-growing CBD and the trust's vision to create a modern vibrant retail, commercial and hospitality precinct.

A total of four hospitality businesses, all of which were local and were either expanding their business to the new complex or opening new offerings were already confirmed for stage one.

Ladbrook added that two high-profile corporate businesses had also signed tenancy agreements for the top level of the complex and there's strong interest in commercial space ranging from 150m2 to 450m2 on the first level.

"Havelock North is going from strength to strength as a retail, hospitality and commercial office CBD, which is proven with the first stage of the development close to being fully tenanted during the early stages of construction.

"The McHardys see a significant opportunity to create something unique in Havelock North offering an integrated work and lifestyle precinct for building occupants as well as locals and visitors to enjoy the variety of hospitality offerings.

"We've worked very closely with Hastings District Council, both in building consents but also in creating more on-street public parking and better pedestrian connectivity. The complex will have 45 carparks initially, growing to 90."

Award winning Auckland architect firm RTA Studio had designed the building with a focus on a work and lifestyle urban environment that has a strong connection with the existing Havelock North CBD.

RAT Studio executive director Richard Naish said the design had a rural-styled influence inspired by high pitched farm sheds and wineries and creating courtyards and laneways both for customers of the hospitality businesses and office staff to enjoy.

"There is a strong design influence utilising quality building materials to create a modern and relaxed setting."

Havelock North construction firm Gemco would be the lead contractor and expected to complete the complex by June, next year.

A range of other local businesses are involved in the project including structural engineering firm Strata Group.

Ladbrook said stage two of a 2200m2 complex was likely to commence in mid-2019, with accommodation potentially included in future stages.

"In the future, the entire development could be a base for over 400 workers, putting it on par with similar type mixed-use developments like the Tech Hub in Ahuriri."

The news comes just days after the Environment Minister approved Hastings District Council proposals to a variation to the Hastings District Plan to rezone the land at the western side of Havelock North - a move that would free up nearly 400 residential sections for housing developments.

"It is another really positive sign of continued growth in Havelock North," Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said of the Joll Rd development.

"Although it is unrelated to the Iona development, both projects reflect the confidence people have in investing in our district, both commercially and residentially."