Lower Hutt’s central business area has been in decline since the Queensgate Mall opened in 1986. Smaller owner operator businesses have struggled, unable to compete with the centre. Feast said people living in the central city would reinvigorate the area as businesses moved in to meet demand for services. Dr Imran Muhammad, associate professor of urban planning and design at Massey University, said converting surplus office space to housing was an efficient solution to the shortage of housing and land.
Matthew Tso / Stuff
Developer Ian Cassels is converting the tower at TVNZ s former Avalon studios in Lower Hutt into 68 apartments.