In keeping with the theme of hosting the annual CBD Celebration Awards in unusual venues, the Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) has done it again, announcing this year’s location is yet another construction site, best known as the old IRD Building on Bryce Street.
“There is a method to this madness”, says Vanessa Williams, HCBA General Manager. “Although it takes a lot more work to take these construction sites and turn them into a showpiece for the evening, it is important because all these places will result in having a significant impact in creating the CBD that everyone wants.”
The constructions sites have all been in key locations on the Waikato River, highlighting the direction the CBD is finally going, building the city and creating ambient surrounds on to the natural river landscape. Past sites include the award winning Riverbank Lane development that sits alongside the award winning Victoria on the River inner city park. The former Hamilton Hotel that is the development site for the Waikato Regional Theatre and now the former IRD Building that holds a prominent position overlooking the Claudelands Bridge and the Waikato River.
There have been many whispers around the town on what this building will become and more than one wish that the height and subsequent stunning view the building offers, will see this turned in to a much needed hotel for the city. Although the final development plans have yet to be revealed, the owners and developers of the building Ian & Alex Cassels and the development and project managers Egmont Dixon, have generously given HCBA the use of the building to create a special Room with a View for the CBD awards ceremony to be held on 11 September.
“Creating a special evening for the awards ceremony is a big part of the what the awards are about,” says Ms Williams. “We really want the CBD business community to feel celebrated and recognised for what they contribute to the city. Year on year we are receiving record numbers of entrants sharing the fantastic stories of their business journey and each year we are blown away with the quality of businesses on offer in the CBD”.
One important aspect to the CBD Awards is to retain the local business contribution in creating the evening. On the night, catering will be provided by Palate, beverages by Hamilton Beer & Wine Company, Moving Media for photos and video, sound and lighting by SBI Productions and venue design and decoration by Royal Laboratorie.
Spark are proud sponsors of the CBD Celebration awards, recognising the successes and achievements of local businesses in the community. “Being local, we develop close partnerships with our customers. We are proud to be part of the betterment of our city by enabling our local businesses to succeed in a digital world.”
The awards are also supported by The Breeze radio station, who live and work in the central city, and are delighted to celebrate the businesses creating our vibrant CBD.