| 3 “For this unique project, I assembled an experienced team that I knew I could rely on to think outside the square.” Centraus Structural Consulting - Wood’s Mill redevelopment REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Kim Newth Mill complex enters exciting phase The original Wood’s Mill building in Addington first began operating as a flour mill in 1892. Addington’s industrial heritage is getting dusted off and taken to a whole new level this year as the next exciting phase of the Wood’s Mill redevelopment nears completion. A massive old grain store adjacent to Wood’s Mill has been strengthened and repurposed as a landmark amenity for the city, combining residential, hospitality and entertainment in one. The original Wood’s Mill building first began operating as a flour mill in 1892. Saved and restored in the years following the 2011 earthquakes, the landmark brick building is today home to a music school (SOLE Music Academy), coworking space (Millworks), an architectural practice and the offices of Michael King, the visionary structural engineer and driving force behind this entire project. He is excited about what’s coming in 2024 now that the transformation of the mill’s former grain store – spanning some 4000sqm – is almost finished. “For this unique project, I assembled an experienced team that I knew I could rely on to think outside the square,” says Michael, who is Director of Centraus Structural Consulting. “Over the past year, we have been working to put in 17 apartments, a theatre and some restaurants; we should be finished around July 2024. There is also an outdoor stage between the two buildings.” Most of the apartments – situated at the rear of the grain store building - have sold, with only a handful remaining at time of writing (listed with Harcourts Holmwood Realty New Zealand). The Addington location, close to the central city, is ideal, with the added bonus that these modern apartments also come with unique industrial chic style. “Instead of typical rectangular windows, we have put in long, tall, skinny windows to complement the brick and to let in lots of light. All the apartments have balcony decks. We put in big plate glass sliding doors to the deck on the top floor to extend living space and enjoy the views. The apartments have been acoustically engineered as well to ensure they are nice and quiet inside.” On the building’s ground floor are a number of small boutique restaurants with two-person kitchens, complemented by a central drinks station. “We want to hear from interested people with unique, fun ideas for these food truck sized kitchens, [email: michael.king@centraus. co.nz]. “We’re trying to make it cost effective for prospective operators so they can easily get set up and start making a profit straight away.” One of the restaurant spaces has been earmarked as a resource for culinary students as well as guest chefs wanting to try out something new. Also coming to the site is a three-level, 1200sqm theatre that can accommodate table seating out front. “It will be perfect for TED talks, concerts, or community theatrical shows and events. We’re aiming for a soft opening in July.” Michael loves the mixed use functionality of the Wood’s Mill site and invites Christchurch people to fully explore what’s available too. For example, three big conference rooms in the site’s main tower are used by office workers by day but could be booked as a venue for private dinner parties after hours. “I hear from so many people who have memories of these buildings from the past. I’m looking forward to everybody coming here so we can create new memories together. I’m doing this for Christchurch – creating something that’s cool and fun and with a lot going on!” TRANSPORT • STRUCTURAL STEEL CONCRETE MOULDS • ARCHITECTURAL METAL WORK ON-SITE WELDING AND INSTALLS • CAD Proudly Supporting Centraus Structural Consulting Ltd 092747154 geoff@certweld.co.nz www.certweld.co.nz MASTER ELECTRICIANS 021 791 397 | 021 210 3616 elec@drenp.co.nz RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SHOP FIT OUT • DATA & COMMS Painting & wallpaper specialists. Call us for your next renovation! 022 529 1908 www.flawlessfinishes.co.nz
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