Slow progress for Pu¯ta¯ruru eyesore
More than a year-and-a-half after a rundown building was poised to become the next big thing for Pu¯ ta¯ ruru it remains untouched.
The former State Highway
1/Tirau St Honda building opposite the award-winning Over the Moon cheese factory has remained as is since caught up with then new owners, the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (Swift), in late 2019.
The trust, which was set up in
2014 to manage South Waikato District Council funds generated from the sale of its PowerCo shares, said it would undergo over $400,000 in renovations, alongside a new 167sqm premises, with the aim of marketing it towards the artisan food and beverage industry to align it with the town plan. But actioning those plans, which includes removal of its asbestos roof and earthquake strengthening, is proving difficult.
Swift economic development manager Francis Pauwels said despite several inquiries an appropriate tenant was yet to be found.
‘‘Swift has had several inquiries for the site, including from national entities, however it is maintaining its focus on wanting artisan food and beverage-type businesses in alignment with the Pu¯ ta¯ ruru Plan and community wishes,’’ he said.
‘‘The Long Term Plan created by the Pu¯ ta¯ ruru community in conjunction with [the council] was very clear that the site was considered cornerstone to the refocusing of the town centre with a focus on artisan food and beverage products.
‘‘We don’t currently have tenants for the building but the investment that Swift is making in redeveloping the site will allow for single or multiple tenancy options that we’re confident will attract the type of businesses our community is looking for.’’
Despite the lack of visible progress, Pauwels said the wheels were in motion.
‘‘Design and consenting work is under way to strengthen the building to 100 per cent [of the] New Building Standard (NBS) and to reroof it,’’ he said.
‘‘Once that’s done we will be going to market to attract tenants and be able to showcase an earthquake-compliant building.’’
He defended the length of time it was taking.
‘‘We have chosen to be patient and allow time for inquiries to come in to either lease or purchase the building,’’ he said.
‘‘If we adopted a purely commercial approach of just seeking a commercial return we could have leased or sold it several times over, however, Swift is a community-focused trust and keenly aligned with the vision and wishes of the Pu¯ ta¯ ruru Plan.
‘‘Certainly the building has sat empty for a few years now and is not the best look in a prime position, however, when it’s upgraded and modernised, it will be a great asset for the town and help attract attention.
‘‘It’s great that the Pu¯ ta¯ ruru community wants to take ownership of the future of their town and the redevelopment of this site will build on the success of neighbouring businesses and be key to creating a modern and vibrant town centre.’’
Pauwels said the tender for the building work would go out over the next couple of months.