Business South November 2021

18 | Innovation hub to boost diversification T T Kim Newth Award winning architectural practice Mason & Wales has delivered an impressive design for the new RIQ centre and Cook Brothers Construction is leading the build. D iscussions are already underway with both domestic and international tenants interested in securing space at Research & Innovation Queenstown (RIQ), an exciting new R&I hub under construction on Market St in Frankton, next to the Remarka- bles Park Town Centre. The new $45m centre is being part-funded by a loan from the Government’s shovel ready infrastructure fund with the other funding partner being Research & Innovation Queens- town, a subsidiary of Remarkables Park. The onset of Covid-19 last year highlighted the region’s heavy reliance on tourism, with these problems once again in focus with the latest lockdown. The RIQ centre will help fast track diversi- fication and pave the way to a more resilient economy. Earthworks and foundations are already underway. The full build is expected to take 18-20 months. “We’re very pleased to have government backing as it means we have been able to start on site faster and it demonstrates the serious level of commitment to this project,” says Johnathan Chen, executive director of Remarkables Park Ltd. “This is the first stage of a bigger precinct we’re planning to create for the research and innovation sector in Queenstown. In addition to this 6000sqm mixed use building, we have left land for stage two and three expansion. “We anticipate the new centre will start a ripple effect that will attract more people in the sector and drive demand for further expansion.” Award winning architectural practice Mason & Wales has delivered an impressive design for the new RIQ centre and Cook Brothers Construction is leading the build. “We’ve had the builder and designers in the same room from the early stages and we’re happy with how that has been working with their input to date.” The building’s glass façade is going to be “quite special” and has been designed to make the most of the spectacular surroundings. The top three floors will house offices and research facilities including break-out areas for collaborative meetings, as well as quiet spaces for private work. The ground floor will comprise mixed use retail and hospitality. “This isn’t just a pure research hub - we want to ensure a balanced lifestyle for our users as well as providing opportunities to connect with others in the area. Some people will want to share ideas in a more relaxed atmosphere such as a café rather than the boardroom.” A cinema and entertainment complex planned for the building’s basement has been designed to offer a bespoke, innovative multi-media experience. The 50-seat rooms will function in a flexible way to meet users’ needs, for example, serving as cinema spaces in the evening and lecture/presentation rooms during the day. Remarkables Park is a master planned 150 hectare urban development in Frankton that combines new visitor accommodation and residential neighbourhoods connected by paths and trails with a beautifully landscaped town centre. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Remarkables Park It is part of a long term vision of the Porter brothers – Alastair, John and Neville – who have been part of the Queenstown business community for more than 20 years. The new RIQ is sited next to the vibrant town centre and co-located with existing office buildings, apartments and hotels. “There will be that convenience of everything on your doorstep; retail, enter- tainment, recreation, education, close to Queenstown Airport and easily accessible to the stunning trails and outdoor activities in Queenstown.” A new Research & Innovation advisory board, being set up to help develop the RIQ, is chaired by Dr Hermann Hauser, who co-founded Acorn Computers and is vice chairman of the European Innovation Coun- cil’s deep tech fund. “ He has a wealth of knowledge and extensive networks and is helping to spread the word on what we’re doing here. There are a lot of parties that have ex- pressed interest in being involved.” By creating high value jobs, the vision is that this exciting new centre will help attract, retain and grow local talent and create a more secure and sustainable economic future for the Queenstown region. “This isn’t just a pure research hub - we want to ensure a balanced lifestyle for our users as well as providing opportunities to connect with others in the area.”