| 13 T T Kelly Deeks Newbuilding taking shape - at last The Auckland technology business is seeing its long-awaited new building take shape. REGIONAL Just Laptops A six-year development saga has tested the patience and the finances of Just Laptops director, Forrest Tan, but the uckland technology business is finally seeing its long-awaited new building take shape. The project began when Forrest purchased the property, including an existing building, in 2018. Resource consent was secured in 2020 for a new, four-level development, combining space for his businesses with a home for his family. Construction, however, could not begin because scaffolding from the neighbouring property extended about 1.5 metres across the boundary. Forrest says the scaffolding remained in place for the next five years, while the building’s owner tried to fight Council’s direction to demolish the building, which included unconsented works. The scaffolding was finally removed last year, allowing for demolition of Forrest’s building. Construction was to begin in March this year. By then, however, construction costs had risen substantially, forcing Forrest to redesign his plans and resubmit both resource and building consent applications. The four-level design was reduced to three levels, with the first and second floors retained largely as planned for Just Laptops’ operations. The upper level will now provide a home for Forrest and his family. He estimates the delays and redesign have lost him about $1 million, including consultants’ fees, engineering work, contractor deposits, legal costs, and other costs associated with a design that ultimately had to be abandoned. He has sold the family holiday home to help fund the project. There were also two serious incidents during the neighbouring building’s problems, including one in which steel bars fell into Forrest’s building and damaged several vehicles on the road. While the disputes tribunal awarded Forrest $30,000 on two occasions, the awards were never paid. The neighbouring property was owned by a Hong Kong company, and he says the owners have somehow disappeared. Forrest says the experience has reinforced the importance of following the rules and doing everything properly, although he does not believe there was anything he could have done differently to prevent what happened. “You can say be more careful, but these types of things don’t normally happen,” he says. “If I had a time machine, I would probably do the same thing again. I would get my building consent and my resource consent.” Just Laptops has been operating since Forrest sold his first laptop on Trade Me in 2002. The business has grown by specialising in laptops and related technology, rather than trying to compete as a general electronics retailer. Specialist knowledge remains one of Just Laptop’s key strengths, with staff focused on understanding products and providing technical support. The new building will give Just Laptops a new retail store and office, while allowing Forrest and his family to live above his workplace. He says the location’s hill, which some may see as a disadvantage, creates opportunities for second-floor parking and multiple retail spaces. Just Laptops now serves more than 700,000 small businesses and home users, alongside larger clients including councils, universities, and retailers. After 24 years in business, Forrest says the new building represents both a reward for persistence and a foundation for the next stage of growth. “I really love the building. I love the land. It’s not the space I originally planned, but it is the best space I could get for my budget.” “If I had a time machine, I would probably do the same thing again....” 021 365 665 | ling@meng.co.nz | meng.co.nz | 11 Morgan Street, Newmarket, Auckland Building Services Engineering Consultants Electrical Engineering | Mechnical Engineering | Hydraulic Engineering • Power distribution system • General lighting • Emergency lighting and exit sign • Lightning protection and earthing • Structural cabling system • Security and access control system • Natural light assessment (NZBC G7) • Heating, ventilation and air conditioing (HVAC) • Building management systems • Ventilation design (NZBC G4) • Energy efficiency assessment (NZBC H1) • Hot and cold-water supply • Potable and non-potable water • Stormwater and rainwater collection recycling system • Sanitary drainage systems • Gas services
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=