Co-working space opens in Whanganui

The upper storey of Whanganui's former National Bank is to have a new use. PHOTO/ FILE

Hive & Co will be a place where people meet to exhange ideas, grow their businesses and make goodness, Andrew Tripe says.

He bought the former National Bank building in Whanganui's Victoria Avenue last year. The lower storey is now leased to Frank bar and eatery and the upper storey is to become a space for co-working and collaboration.

Hive & Co will be opened by Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall on Friday night. Guests will have time to drink and nibble before a couple of speeches open up the place to its new use.

Once business bankers used to work up there. Now, after some renovation, there are a boardroom and two offices available.

Hive will supply business basics like a printer, power and ultrafast broadband. One person who works for an out of town business is already using them.

Mr Tripe would welcome more. He said the co-working concept is about bringing people together to collaborate on projects and solve business problems together.

It could bring new people together, extend client networks, and give people work colleagues and the buzz of membership.

Having such a group of people coming and going from one of the city's most impressive buildings will add vibrancy and diversity to the city centre, he said.