Green Giltrap Grey Lynn building
Car firm drove construction and seeks like- minded tenants, says Colin Taylor
T wo floors are being marketed for lease in a new four- level retail and office building developed by the Giltrap Group in Auckland’s city fringe suburb of Grey Lynn.
“This spectacular high- spec building, which is a few weeks away from completion, is of exceptional design,” says Nick Bernecker of Barfoot & Thompson Commercial who, with colleague Scott Whitten, is offering space to lease on Levels 3 and 4 of 119 Great North Rd.
“The two office floors total 3000sq m — about 1500sq m each — and feature stunning views along with efficient floor plates and secure parking for 66 vehicles,” Bernecker says.
The building, 119 GNR, has t wo floors of high- end retail space, to be occupied by Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Bentley, along with three floors of premium office accommodation. There is a service centre and lobby with cafe, cycle storage and changing room facilities.
“The lease offer represents a chance for ‘ aspirational’ businesses to relocate to the trendy vibrant Grey Lynn- Ponsonby precinct — only 10 minutes away from the Auckland CBD,” Bernecker says.
“Giltrap Group is seeking to partner with tenants who share their own aspirations for sustainable commercial impact, environmental efficiency and a desire for aesthetic design that will complement and enhance its own commercial practices.
“Potential occupiers are offered a turn- key solution working on their relocation and fit- out with arguably the best contractors and consultants in the business.”
Bernecker says the views from each office level take in Auckland landmarks like the Waitemata Harbour, Waitakere Ranges, the Sky Tower and Mt Eden. The building is well serviced by public transport and has quick access to State Highway 1 and the Northwestern Motorway.
Sir Colin Giltrap, owner of the Giltrap Group, says mixed- use properties are good for business.
“Given that we invest heavily in our buildings and deliver a great product, we expect to attract high- end tenants who want to be with us in the same building.
“It meets all my expectations and more. 119 GNR will be one of only a few mixed- use buildings in New Zealand to carry a Green Star rating and the first with a luxury retail automotive component,” Sir Colin says.
The building’s design to 100 per cent of New Building Standard incorporates ambitious requirements for sustainability and energy efficiency.
It i s targeting a Five Green Star rating and a Four Star Excellent energy performance under NABERSNZ ( National Australian Built Environment Ratings System NZ).
It is envisioned that, as a tool that rates actual performance, the NABERSNZ rating will be achieved after one year of occupancy.
A NABERSNZ accredited consultant has been engaged during construction and is under a long- term arrangement to guide and ensure the building’s ongoing excellent energy performance.
The lighting design within office areas will minimise energy consumption and provide consistency across the office floors, to maximise flexibility in tenancy layouts and reduce the risk of occupant eye strain.
The building’s facade will incorporate “a high- efficiency clear low E IGU glass, internal bling pelmet to house blinds, propriety unitised curtain- wall system, double- glazed and self- draining pressure equalising”.
Building energy use will be monitored, with electrical submetering used as an ongoing building management tool to address and give a breakdown for all major uses within the project.
Where vehicles are in use, carbon monoxide levels will be monitored to ensure air quality and the safety of all building occupants and users.
There will be provision for the parking of fuel- efficient vehicles, motorbikes and scooters in order to promote preferred transport options for building occupants
Whitten says the floor plates have been designed to be functional, flexible, efficient and allow excellent entry for natural light.
“The lobbies and toilet amenities will be finished to a high commercial standard and all floors will be serviced by two high- speed Kone lifts,” he says.
“E- chargers for electric and hybrid vehicles will be available as well as parking for fuel efficient motorcycles, scooters and bicycles.
“Proximity cards will be provided to staff allocated a car park, permitting vehicle entry into and out of the building, and access to the upper floors.
“Secure bicycle storage, convenient showers and changing facilities will be on level B01.”
Whitten says the common entrance lobby will be accessed from Great North Rd.
“Entry will be through a glazed vestibule with automatic double sliding doors containing a recessed mat- well, leading to a cafe and lobby.
“The high- spec avant- garde cafe will transform the lobby from merely an entry point, into a collaborative space for visitors and staff to mingle and take in the surroundings.”
A feature staircase will lead from the ground to the first floor with its contemporary seating arrangements for informal meetings and dining.
“Entering the building from Great North Rd will be a sui generis [ unique] experience,” Whitten says.
“The European- designed showrooms will feature luxury marque vehicles — Bentley, Aston Martin and Lamborghini.”
Whitten says Levels 2- 4 will comprise prime commercial office accommodation.
“These floors have been designed to create and support a high- calibre workplace environment.
“Floor plates are large and contiguous, offering flexibility and efficiency for space planning.
“The services have been designed and integrated to support the performance and appearance of the contemporary architecture.”
The central stair core will have an industrial look and “feel” to it with large graphic signage used to identify access to specific floor levels and areas. Toilets will be located centrally on each office floor — with each having an accessible toilet and featuring quality hand wash basins, tapware and fittings.
Bernecker says Giltrap Group is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council ( NZGBC), which helped guide its approach to Environmental Sustainability Design ( ESD) at 119 GNR.
“The group considers that, to be truly sustainable, ESD should also be commercially sustainable so that the ‘ green’ and economic objectives sit naturally together in the management and operation of the property,” he says.
“From a commercial perspective, these initiatives will lead to significantly lower energy use, lower costs of occupancy for tenants, healthy, pleasant environments for staff and customers; and a building which relates positively to its neighbourhood.”
Bernecker says 119 GNR i s “at a great location for staff wanting to avail themselves of the ‘ social delights’ of Ponsonby, just a five- minute walk away”.
Buses run along Great North Rd to downtown Auckland every five to 10 minutes connecting with train and ferry services.
Whitten says the facilities and property management of the building will be performed in- house by Giltrap Group Property Services.
“GGPS staff have the experience and expertise to provide effective management while making sure 119 GNR operates efficiently,” he says.
“The group has a proven property development and landlord- tenant relationship track record.”