Business South September 2023

44 | Thompson Property Group T T Kim Newth Development adds style to Hardy St The revamp of 93-97 Hardy Street helps to meet Nelson City Council’s objectives to provide more accommodation in the centre of town. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Three modern retail spaces and five new contemporary apartments at 93-97 Hardy Street are delivering an upmarket boost to Nelson’s inner-city fringe with Nelson-based property investors, Thompson Property Group, adding to the streetscape in Hardy Steet. Following a fire in one of the tenancies in 2021, the potential of the existing single-storey footprint was reassessed, paving the way to the addition of new apartments above existing ground floor retail. Nelson architectural design practice WCA Studio and head contractor Fitzgerald Construction have worked closely with Thompson Property Group to deliver the design and build to the highest standard. Gaire Thompson, Director of Thompson Property Group, says the revamp of 93-97 Hardy Street helps to meet Nelson City Council’s objectives to provide more accommodation in the centre of town. It also transforms what was a fairly nondescript site into something modern, stylish and purposeful. “One of the shops is already completed and is leased as a barber shop,” says Gaire. “We have two other ground floor shop spaces coming up for lease - one is around 100sqm and the biggest one is 126sqm – and they will soon be ready to go. Once the construction fencing comes down at the front, the public will be able to get a better view of the whole development. As it is, we have already had a lot of favorable comment on the timber frontages and upmarket design.” The five Hardy Street apartments are now in the finishing stages, with Thompson Property Group in discussions with property management partners. “We think they could be offered as short term, fully furnished rental accommodation for the corporate market to give visiting professionals a perfect short term base in Nelson,” says Gaire. Built on two levels, the three two-bedroom high spec apartments come with large sunny decks for outdoor living and inviting outlooks. The one-bedroom apartments are chic single level options, offering good sized living areas with front verandahs. Entry to the apartments is off Hardy Street. The city fringe location is ideal, with a good selection of cafes and restaurants close by. “People staying in these apartments wouldn’t need a car as everything is within walking distance.” WCA Studio worked with the site’s geometry and orientation to optimise the site’s commercial and residential potential. The considered apartment design includes internal lightwells and layouts that balance the need for privacy with contemporary city living. Fitzgerald Construction started work on site in early 2022, with the team taking care to safeguard the public from worksite activity. New foundations have been put in place under the steel structure that supports the two top floors, which have been built over the original ground floor. “Throughout the whole process – from planning through to completion - we have enjoyed harmonious relationships with both WCA Studio and Fitzgerald Construction,” observes Gaire, who with wife Nanette established Thompson Property Group in 2009 as an umbrella for the various companies that they trade under. Gaire and Nanette are from Canterbury originally but Nelson has been their home for many years. They employ a dedicated team, focussed on working closely with tenants and building long term relationships based on flexibility and expertise. Today, Thompson Property Group is a substantial privately owned property investor specialising in commercial and bulk retail We have a meaningful impact on our clients’ lives, helping them through life’s many encounters. www.hflaw.co.nz Nelson 2F Montgomery House, 190 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Phone: (03) 539 0210 Richmond 186 Queen Street Richmond, 7050 Phone: (03) 544 2357 Together we’re building New Zealand PROUD TO SUPPORT THE THOMPSON PROPERTY GROUP placemakers.co.nz Appraisal No. 1098 [2019] Appraisal No. 1097 [2019] Appraisal No. 509 [2019] 03 922 9849 | premierinsulation.co.nz | sales@premiertasman.co.nz NZ's Premier Supplier and Installer of Polyester & Glasswool Insulation RetroFit | New Build | Commercial Proud to partner with the team at Fitzgerald Construction on another great project Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?

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