Exciting City redevelopment set to offer space for 700

Hawke’s Bay’s Largest Office Buildings Sold, Paving the Way for Exciting City Redevelopment

Two iconic office buildings in the heart of central Napier, Dalton and Vautier Houses, have recently been sold, and will see an exciting redevelopment taking place within the city. The landmark properties, recognized as the largest office block in the Hawke’s Bay region, were acquired by Wallace Development Company, a move that promises to transform the cityscape and invigorate the commercial landscape.

Wallace Development are known for transformational developments such as the recently completed Power Board building in Hastings, now a contemporary Quest Hotel.

Located at 180-190 Dalton Street, the buildings are adjacent to the new civic centre, which will include a new library, Napier City Council Chambers and community spaces, along with a new civic square. The properties will undergo a remarkable transformation, featuring two distinctly different towers with captivating facade enhancements that will not only elevate the design but also create additional office space. 

Ryan Schnell, Development Manager at Wallace Development Company, shared insights into their ambitious vision for the buildings. “We are committed to creating sustainable improvements to the buildings with the addition of solar, EV chargers and end of trip facilities. The fit-outs will cater to the unique needs of incoming tenants, transforming these buildings into a landmark property that will redefine the city centre,” said Schnell. “By enclosing balconies to create more floor space, the total net lettable office space will increase from 7,269sq m to 8,400sq m, providing ample room for businesses to thrive.”

Positioned at the corner of Dalton Street and Vautier Street, these buildings enjoy a prime location in the central Napier commercial area providing unparalleled access to a myriad of amenities, including hospitality offerings and popular shopping destinations. With the city’s retail hub and Marine Parade just a two-minute walk away, the site holds exceptional appeal. 

Boasting a 100 per cent NBS rating, the buildings will feature flexible floor spaces that cater to a range of needs, with prospective tenants being able to secure areas spanning from 150sq m to 2,500sq m. On completion the building will have a total occupancy of around 700 people. 

The addition of further on-site car parks will complement the existing basement parking, enhancing accessibility and convenience for occupants. The refurbishments are slated for completion during the first quarter of 2024, promising a timely delivery of these state-of-the-art office spaces. This project promises to be a game-changer for Napier, invigorating its commercial landscape and adding to the city’s vibrancy.

Napier City Business Inc General Manager Pip Thompson says there’s no doubt this redevelopment will be an enormous boost for the daily vibrancy of our city. 

“The increase in foot traffic and activity will open up countless opportunities for both existing businesses and incoming businesses to thrive. We are really excited for Napier’s future as an exciting and prosperous place to live, work and play”. Developers and building owners have so much responsibility to keep investing and maintaining their properties and we applaud Wallace Development Company Ltd for their constant support, vision and investment in our CBD. 

Wallace Development Company has already secured Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand as an anchor tenant, leasing approximately 1,500m2 of space, with the tenancy scheduled to commence on 1 September 2023. Negotiations with other prospective Government, local and national tenants are at an advanced stage and Schnell is confident the building will be at full capacity by the end of 2024.