Joint Press Release
New Plymouth & Districts RSA and 435 Devon Limited
29 July 2009; 3:30 pm
Future looking brighter for revitalised New Plymouth RSA
Following recent media reports regarding concerns about the future of the proposed redevelopment of the New Plymouth and
Districts Returned and Services Association clubrooms at the Te Ara Complex, 435 Devon Street, representatives of the
RSA Executive met with the property owners and developers 435 Devon Limited and lawyers for both parties this week to
discuss the development and the future of the RSA on the site.
The RSA President Mr Graeme Lowe has today been shown preliminary design drawings for the redevelopment of the site as
prepared by New Plymouth Architects Boon Goldsmith Bhasksar. Mr Lowe said the drawings showed a very substantial
development on the property which appeared to meet all the requirements of the agreement between the RSA and the
developers to retain the RSA facilities on the site and to develop new features such as a dedicated RSA museum while at
the same time integrating these premises into a commercial development to occupy the rest of this landmark Devon Street
property consisting of approximately 4,500m2 of land.
Citing a Confidentiality Agreement between the RSA and 435 Devon Limited, Mr Lowe refused to elaborate on the drawings
or provide any details as to exactly what the developers have planned for the site. He also refused to comment on any
timeline other than to say that he believes that consents for the first phase of the redevelopment will be applied for
within the next couple of months.
"I am very excited about what I have seen and learned about today" said Mr Lowe "it is clear that the Crow brothers (435
Devon Limited) have committed considerable resources and are making good progress with their plans for the future of the
site" he said. "I am reassured that they remain as fully committed as ever to preserving the RSA's presence here for the
future and that what they are planning for the site offers great opportunities for the RSA's increased and ongoing
viability in the region. Our future is looking brighter than it has for a long time" he said.
Ends