Law firm buys into Crossing

The Crossing is handy to the motorway, the airport and central Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Auckland law firm Wynyard Wood is leasing space in The Crossing development now being built at Goodman Property Trust's Highbrook Business Park in East Tamaki.

Wynyard Wood is a seven-partner legal firm with origins dating back to 1894, and counts Auckland Mayor Len Brown, among its former partners.

The firm, which will continue to have a central Auckland office, has already moved some partners and staff from its downtown office to temporary accommodation at Highbrook, until the new office is completed around March next year.

Goodman Property Trust is promoting The Crossing as "the next phase of a world class business park" at Highbrook. The development has five buildings around a podium base and linked by an open air plaza.

Construction of the first three buildings at The Crossing has started, anchored by commitments from Westpac, NZ Post, Hollywood Bakery, Kagura Sushi and a Quest serviced apartment hotel.

Goodman Property Trust's portfolio manager for Highbrook, Michael Gimblett, says the development will blend a business town, convenience retail hub and 40ha of parkland.

"The open air plaza with shaded entertainment areas, with restaurants, cafes and convenience retail outlets will be the focal point of The Crossing which is a 24,700sq m mixed use development that incorporates office, retail, serviced apartment accommodation and hospitality elements," he says.

Jones Lang LaSalle brokers Tim Wilson and James Thorburn, who acted for Wynyard Wood, say the firm was attracted to The Crossing by the quality of the office space, the Business Park's supporting infrastructure and environmental surroundings and its proximity to the motorway, central Auckland and the city airport.

"When discussing the different options at Highbrook, Goodman indicated they could provide temporary alternative fitted-out office space with desks and other accessories until their new premises were completed," Thorburn said.

"This is an additional service that not many other landlords would provide. We knew this would be a key selling point in the negotiation."

Jones Lang LaSalle aided in the 2004 sale to Macquarie Goodman of the 153ha of commercial land which is now the Highbrook Business Park.

JLL has also been involved with recent design and building commitments for the park, including the construction of headquarters for Stanley Black and Decker and for Scalzo Food Industries.

Wynyard Wood's business manager, Karen O'Reilly, says the move to new premises will make Wynyard Wood the largest legal practice in the area.

O'Reilly says the firm has a continuing commitment to East Auckland, which is why it has chosen to occupy a building in The Crossing.

"Operating close to a large portion of our client base is important to us, and The Crossing affords us this opportunity in a quality setting," she said.