Vodafone New Zealand Ltd and AMP Asset Management have joined forces on a unique building project.
The two companies today announced the completion of a design and build agreement for the construction of a $7 million
switch and call centre in South Auckland.
"As a consequence of the rapid growth in mobile communications, we now require more space for our call centre staff and
also an additional switch," says John Rohan, managing director of Vodafone New Zealand Ltd.
"We are delighted to be joining forces with AMP Asset Management to ensure that we end up with a building specifically
designed and built to meet our needs, " says Mr Rohan.
James Darkins, head of property for AMP Asset Management says the design and build concept is an increasingly popular
option. "In this instance, Vodafone has quite specific needs for housing its additional switch plus its call centre
staff. It needs a two-level 3000 square metre building incorporating design criteria specific to its use and with
parking for 100 cars. Vodafone wants this to be completed in February 2000," Mr Darkins said.
Today's announcement is the second design and build for AMP Asset Management this month. Recently they also finalised a
design and build agreement with Eskimo Logistics at the new Paisley Place Industrial Park.
"With the industrial property market being so competitive at the moment we are finding more firms exploring the
design/build option. Developments like Paisley Place give companies the ability to have someone build them the perfect
premises, and then provide them with a secure long term lease over the premises," Mr Darkins said.
Vodafone New Zealand Ltd is part of Vodafone AirTouch Plc, a world wide company that has a proportionate customer base
of 29 million network customers. Vodafone AirTouch is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with
interests in 23 countries. Vodafone New Zealand now has in excess of 250,000 customers on its fully digital network and
provides coverage to 95% of the population.
AMP Asset Management is New Zealand's largest private property investment company managing $1.4 billion of property.
ENDS....