Hamilton’s central city is entering a period of significant change, with major private developments taking shape alongside essential work to maintain and renew the infrastructure people and businesses rely on every day.
One of the most visible signs of that change will arrive next week, when a 70-metre tower crane goes up as part of the Pullman Hotel Hamilton development.
It’s one of several developments bringing new investment and activity into the heart of Hamilton Kirikiroa, while below ground significant work is also planned to make sure the central city’s infrastructure is resilient and ready for the future.
Pienaar Piso from Mistry Centre, one of the developers behind Pullman Hotel Hamilton, said the development reflected growing confidence in Hamilton and the central city.
“We’re investing in Hamilton because we believe in the city and where’s it’s heading. Seeing the tower crane go up will be an exciting milestone for our development and a very visible sign of change taking place across the central city.
“We know construction can have an impact on businesses, residents and visitors, so keeping people informed and working closely with Council and others will be important. The central city remains open for business, and we hope people continue to come in and support everything it has to offer.”
Hamilton City Council's General Manager of Infrastructure and Assets Kevin Strongman said the changes people can see above ground need to be supported by work that is often less visible.
“The central city is changing above ground, and we need to make sure the infrastructure underneath it is ready for the future too.
“This is also about looking after the people and businesses already here by maintaining what they rely on every day. Doing that work now helps reduce the risk of unplanned failures and disruption, while making sure the central city can support more homes, businesses and people in the future.”
The work includes water infrastructure, roads, footpaths, lighting and connections that help people move safely around the central city.
A $150.6 million Government Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) grant is helping fund key infrastructure needed to support growth in and around the central city. This includes major upgrades to the city’s drinking water and wastewater networks, as well as a new 25-million litre reservoir.
More people living, working and spending time in the central city will also mean more potential customers for existing businesses and create opportunities to fill current vacant retail and office space.
With infrastructure, maintenance and private construction activity happening across the central city over the coming years, some disruption will be unavoidable.
Council is working closely with IAWAI, which delivers and maintains Hamilton’s water infrastructure, as well as developers, businesses, residents and property owners to coordinate work where possible and provide practical and timely information about upcoming construction and maintenance work, including impacts on access and travel.
“We know disruption has a real impact, particularly for businesses and people who are in the central city every day,” Strongman said.
“Our focus is on looking after what we have today while building the foundations for tomorrow, and doing what we can to keep the central city moving and accessible while that work happens.”
Visitors can still enjoy everything the city has to offer, with events, restaurants, cafés, shops and attractions all open as usual. There will also be a giant crane on site, giving families something extra to see. Getting into the city is easy too, with two hours of free parking, bus services, and the option of walking or cycling along the Waikato River.
Photo caption: Pienaar Piso from Mistry Centre, one of the developers behind the Pullman Hamilton, with the landmark hotel redevelopment taking shape in Hamilton’s central city.