Business: AA parks safely in more secure office

Doing the honours cutting the ribbon are (front, from left) AA regional manager Brian Roberts, local manager Sue Lumsden and AA Wanganui council chairman John Unsworth. Behind are other council members and staff.

AA Wanganui has started business from its new office on the corner of Victoria Ave and Ingestre St.

The $400,000 project was in the hands of Wallace Development of Havelock North, with the contract handled by WW Construction of Wanganui.

The formalities took place on Monday and on hand were AA Wanganui district council chairman John Unsworth, AA regional manager Brian Roberts and Wanganui council members.

The corner section had been used by a car yard, and buildings on site were demolished before building could start. The site includes off-street parking.

Wallace Development recently built offices for the AA in Napier.

Sue Lumsden, AA Wanganui district manager, said the staff were "really pleased" with the new office. The shift was motivated by concerns about the earthquake strength of the premises it was leasing at 78 Victoria Ave.

"It's a shame because it was an historic building, but it's typical of what's been happening in the inner city with some businesses looking to relocate," Ms Lumsden said.

The staff had got in behind the relocation, moving gear on Friday and then returning on Saturday to complete the shift.

Ms Lumsden has five full-time staff and one casual working with her.

"We're providing all the services we did in the other premises so nothing's changed in that regard."

AA Wanganui had been in its other location since 1980.