20 Oct 2017

A new home for education and technology organisations, along with student accommodation, will be created in the former IRD building in Cashel Street.

The eight-storey building at 224 Cashel Street is on the edge of the central city inside the East Frame Residential development and near the Innovation Precinct.

The former IRD building on Cashel St will be developed by Studio D4.

The former IRD building on Cashel St will be developed by Studio D4.

Ōtākaro Limited has selected Studio D4, led by Patrick Fontein, as the preferred developer for the building.

Mr Fontein says with Rauora Park, thousands of residents and the central business district on its doorstep, the building will add to the success of the Innovation Precinct.

“Studio D4 intends to create an education, research and technology transfer hub named ‘The Lighthouse’.

“There will be a series of technology companies, ICT education organisations and student accommodation within the building. This technology incubator will match tertiary technology with commercial application.”

Ōtākaro Ltd Chief Executive Albert Brantley says Mr Fontein’s projects, including the Vodafone, Kathmandu, Dux Central, Lichfield Lanes and Innovation Carpark developments, have played an integral part in the thriving Innovation Precinct.

“The redevelopment of this large building will provide a space for successful smaller businesses in the Innovation Precinct to expand, while students will benefit from studying, working and living right alongside these innovative companies.”

Work on the redevelopment is expected to get under way about April 2018.

Studio D4 has also been chosen to reinstate the Cashel Chambers buildings and car park as a hospitality, retail and office space next year.