Fresh in Frankton
A development taking shape in High St in Frankton is just what one of Hamilton’s veteran commercial areas needs, say local advocates.
The project, the initiative of Intop Homes and long-established Hamilton developer Henry Wu, gained its resource consent in 2017.
When completed, it will include ground floor office, shop and cafe space with 23 two-bedroom and three-bedroom first-floor apartments and parking, on what was the Forlongs Car Park.
Wu said the complex was described as a ‘‘work and leave’’.
‘‘It’s not quite for families but more for people and businesses who want somewhere to work and live nearby. It’s about bringing people back into Frankton.’’
The consenting process had taken two or three years. Design included architectural elements from surrounding character buildings and had been well received by the city’s urban design panel, he said.
The three-stage project, on about 5000 square metres, is expected to be completed later this year.
Frankton business advocate Vinod Bhikha welcomed the development.
‘‘Anything that enhances Frankton and brings more people in; having people living there will help to breathe more life into Frankton.’’
Bhikha said there had been a long-term desire to create a village environment in Frankton but this had been a struggle as the city focused on the welfare of the CBD.
Bhikha, the long-time organiser of the iconic Frankton Saturday markets, said local business owners were in the throes of developing a new Frankton Business Association that aimed to have far greater buy-in from business people.
City councillor and mayoral contender Angela O’Leary worked on the Frankton plan in 2014 and said the council got the zoning for Frankton about right.
‘‘It’s light industrial, which includes trade and retail, which I think is perfect for Frankton. The area has a relatively young population and an interesting mix of businesses.’’