Work to begin on new Kiwibank centre in Bay

HBT141718-01.JPG Danny Blair, leasing manager, Colliers International, in front of the old Farmers building in Queen St, Hastings, site of a proposed Kiwibank Contact Centre. Photographer: Du

Work gets underway for a new regional office and operations centre for Kiwibank in Hawke's Bay - a move likely to create as many as 130 jobs locally.
The fit-out of the former Farmers building in the centre of Hastings CBD (corner of Queen and Market Streets) will accommodate about 100 staff and will supplement the company's key banking services that are currently located in Wellington.

The 2,200 m2 building will undergo a $1.5 million refit that will create the office space required to maintain thee banks core services in the event that a major earthquake or other disaster should affect their operations in the main centres.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says "I am delighted that work is now underway to provide Kiwibank with their office in Hastings.

Council staff have worked closely with Kiwibank and the property owner, HBM Ventures to make this move possible and I believe the business they will bring to Hastings will be a major boost to the city centre and the district."

"The establishment of the business will not only provide a much needed boost to the job market in Hastings, but will bring further vibrancy to the CBD."

Danny Blair of Colliers Hawke's Bay says this is the largest office leasing deal ever to occur within Hawke's Bay. He says "This will have a major impact on the district, both in its economic development and overall reputation as a business destination."

Danny Blair says "The relocation is expected to be completed in early December and will greatly impact the commercial real estate industry within Hastings, in both sales and leasing. Not only will the transition have a major effect on neighbouring vacancies, but investor confidence within the region is expected to rise as a consequence of this transaction."

Hastings property developer and consultant Terry May is the spokesperson for the building owners, HBM Ventures. He says "We are very pleased that the fit out work is now underway and we're looking forward to having the building ready for occupation in early December."