A stealthy style hidden within CBD
The old saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ certainly befits Hamilton’s CBD.
With no skyscrapers and many historical buildings it’s hard to believe the city is growing fast. So why not take a look at the city behind its cover?
Waikato Times reporter Ke-xin Li went on a surprise tour with Hamilton Central Business Association to check out amazing things happening beneath the city’s surface. And no, it’s not just the theatre.
RDT Pacific is the consulting company behind the Waikato Regional Theatre. Having overseen the transformation of many beautiful buildings, the company has high standards for its own office in Garden Place. The office they chose is on Level 2 of 341 Victoria St. The building was originally built in 1940. Categorised as at risk in 2011, the building has been earthquake strengthened and recently refurbished.
The upgrade gave the historical building a modern touch while keeping some unique character features.
With exposed concrete and brick walls, noise reduction panelling and vintage ceiling lights, even the old windows look more like a stylistic choice than part of the original building. An added touch of character in the RDT Pacific office is a row of theatre chairs in the boardroom.
Engineering consultants
BBO reside on Level four and five of Union Square Building E.
With rapid growth in staff numbers the company was looking for new digs after being at its London St office for 20 years.
Their Union Square office was specially designed for BDO with an internal staircase connecting the two floors.
Two months in, BDO is already seeing the benefit of the new space - their electricity bill has halved, possibly due to sensor lights.
Another unique feature of the building are spaces with an arch entryway, which BDO use as breakout rooms on one floor and printing space on another.
A mindfulness room is also in place with a shelf of colouring books and fidget toys. At first sight I mistake it as a play space for little ones, but it makes sense that adults also need a play space like this.
Work was busily underway to transform two floors in South Bloc for Fonterra to move-in. The interior was still looking very basic, but the team promised it will look very “Fonterra” when 25% of Fonterra’s London St staff start to work there in June.
A fun amenity is a shoe changing block. A wooden box with soft furnishing covering all sides, it seems to be a perfect spot to snuggle up with a cup of tea and a book. But it’s actually designed for employees to change their shoes.
Note: the cushions in this picture are for trial only, colours will be changed to “Fonterra” style. Not too much else to see yet, but we look forward to the transformation.
A secret distillery, can you guess where it is exactly? The award-winning Clark Lane Distillery is producing 120 bottles of delicious gin every week from the heart of Hamilton. And no, it’s not on Clark Lane, we don’t have a Clark Lane in the CBD.
Secret doors, a skylight and delicate wallpapers are not only for skyscraper apartments in metropolitan cities. It is possible in Hamilton CBD.
The apartment maybe smaller than their last lifestyle block, but Matt and Tess have made their CBD life spacious and full of surprises. One of their secrets is the book shelf door that leads to their private living quarters, and another is how comfortable their couches are.