27 August 2002

Briscoes Signs Up For Laings Road Development

News that the Briscoes retail chain had signed a Heads of Agreement to lease space in the Methodist Trust Association's Laings Rd development is a huge boost for southern High Street and a real vote of confidence in our city, said Hutt City Mayor John Terris.

"Council has been keen to see development in this area and officers have had ongoing discussions with the Trust over the future of the prime CBD site.

"It is fantastic news that the development is now going ahead and a demonstration of the results that can be achieved through Council's more proactive approach to encouraging economic development in the city," said Mayor Terris.

The Methodist Trust Association (MTA) confirmed that the old church sitting on the site would be demolished.

"The Trust has worked very hard for a long time to secure a development for this site and we are very pleased to have secured a quality tenant like Briscoes, which means we can begin construction in the very near future," said Greg Wright, MTA Executive Officer.

Council was very keen to see a building design that would see part or all of the old church preserved but in the end this was not possible.

"The demolition of the old church is extremely sad and something I wanted to avoid, but it was ultimately beyond Council's power to stop. We need to focus on the positive impact the development will have on retailing in this area and in the creation of jobs for our people," said Mayor Terris.

"I will also be encouraging the developer to include some sort of memorial to the old church in the final development.

"However, we must recognise that Council cannot force the developer to include any memorial if, for any reason, they choose not to."

ENDS
For further information please contact:
Kirk MacGibbon
Communications Manager
DDI: 04-570 6940
Fax: 04-570 6964
Email: kirk.macgibbon@huttcity.govt.nz

Website: http://www.huttcity.govt.nz

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