Business and recreation park launched in Wellington

The park will fill a site on the capital's waterfront. File picture / Herald

A 6.5 hectare business and recreational park on Wellington's waterfront has been launched.

To be called Harbour Quays, the land owned by CentrePort Wellington will be developed into a major commercial, retail business and recreational space with room for at least a dozen multi-level buildings.

Development Manager Ray Di Leva told the 100 strong crowd at the launch led by the city's mayor Kerry Prendergast: "Harbour Quays is the most significant development in Wellington's commercial property market in the last ten years and the first based on looking after the environment."

He saw tenants including corporates, government departments and retail with a strong emphasis on providing recreational space such as parks, cafes and entertainment facilities.

Mr Di Leva added: "We've put significant effort into ensuring Harbour Quays integrates well with the existing buildings, the city and especially Wellington's Waterfront.

"Underpinned by an environmentally friendly philosophy, all character buildings will be retained and views to the harbour carefully protected."

Ms Prendergast added: "Harbour Quays is a fantastic development for Wellington and I commend CentrePort Wellington on its foresight and vision in turning this area into a business park that caters not just for the needs of business in Wellington, but also their employees and our residents."

Existing tenants at Harbour Quays include the head office of the NZ Rugby Football Union, Williment Travel and TelstraClear.

The first built-to-order building in the complex is the $20 million Statistics New Zealand building, due for completion in October.

The new properties will vary in size, floor levels and use some floor plates comparable to prime CBD real estate. The height restriction is 27 metres or approximately six storeys.

A number of prospective tenants are currently in negotiation with Harbour Quays.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF