PGF investment a game changer for Invercargill
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will help bring the heart back to Invercargill’s inner city as part of a $165 million
redevelopment, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced today.
The announcement was made on the same day as Air New Zealand launched its new direct service between Auckland and
Invercargill. Minister Jones was among those on the inaugural flight on Sunday night.
“It’s a happy day for Invercargill and the wider Southland district with new direct flights between Auckland and a
Provincial Growth Fund boost of $19.5 million,” Shane Jones said.
“Our investment, which will be in the form of a loan, is part of a $165 million project to redevelop an entire block in
the Invercargill city centre for retail, hospitality, office space and entertainment.
Today’s funding follows an initial investment of $995,000 in December towards a business case, feasibility study, concept designs and procurement strategies.
“The business case shows the project could boost Southland’s real GDP by around $48 million per year while creating more
than 500 jobs during the construction phase and a further 300 retail and hospitality jobs once the redevelopment is
complete,” Shane Jones said.
“These results would be an absolute game-changer for Invercargill and the wider region. With the help of the Provincial
Growth Fund, the redevelopment is an opportunity to attract businesses and shoppers back to the central city and put
vacant or abandoned buildings back into use.
“The redevelopment has been identified as a key project in the Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan, and
is being led by key local players including the Invercargill City Council.
“This is a prime example of a project that is driven and powered by the region and its people.
“It may be a small city at the bottom of the South Island but it’s one with a big vision. I’m pleased the PGF is able to
help boost economic growth in the district and attract more people to our southernmost region. It’s a project with
widespread support from the local community and one that the Government is proud to support,” Shane Jones said.