Media Release

‘Back where we belong’ -
Canterbury Development Corporation returns to the CBD

“We’re coming back and we’re bringing 40 people with us!” That’s the message from the city’s economic development agency, CDC, which is moving back into the CBD in July. The move into their Cashel Mall office is a ‘logical next step’ for the organisation, according to CEO, Tom Hooper, and sends a powerful message to the wider community.

“The more businesses that commit to coming back, the more confidence others will have in investing, returning, relocating or simply visiting the CBD. As a local government agency, it’s important for CDC to show commitment to re-establishing and helping to rebuild and re-populate a CBD which was – and will again be – the engine room of our economy.”

Throughout the recovery phase, CDC staff have been working closely with the Christchurch City Council and CERA on plans to reinstate the central city. The new site will ensure staff are ‘right in amongst it’ during the rebuild of the CBD.

“Moving back into the CBD will allow for greater collaboration and ensure staff are at the coal face of the central city rebuild” said Mr Hooper.

Since the loss of their former Union House premises in the February earthquake, CDC staff have been working out of a converted warehouse in Addington.

“We’re really grateful to Hawkins Construction who housed us at very short notice in a warehouse in their complex in Addington, and I acknowledge our staff’s considerable stoicism and resilience in working in a sometimes less-than-ideal environment. But it’s time now for us to re-establish ourselves in an area that will become the hub of the recovery” said Mr Hooper.

Jonathan Lyttle, general manager of Colliers International in Christchurch who worked with CDC on finding their new site, said the commercial leasing team was fielding daily enquiries from companies wanting to return to the inner city.

"The suburbs have served businesses well post-earthquake but the tenants we're talking with are telling us how keen they are now to re-establish a presence in central Christchurch. This is where activity will be and tenants are keen to be close to the action. CDC is one of the early movers and has a prime presence in a real focal point of Christchurch at present.

"It's fantastic to see the leadership shown by a civic entity such as CDC and their commitment to central city Christchurch."

About Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC):
CDC leads economic development for the Christchurch City Council. Our staff provide a range of services to business and industry to support the region’s economic growth. These services include capital raising advice and support, economic modelling, analysis and research, establishing trade and investment alliances and industry clusters and supporting innovative, high growth sectors.

ENDS

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