TLC to invest in new office
24 October 2024
The Lines Company (TLC) has confirmed it will build a new head office and refurbished depot in Te Kūiti.
The office will be built on TLC-owned land in Waitete Road and will include an overhaul of its existing field depot. Building is likely to begin next year and be complete by the end of 2026. It means the whole of TLC’s Te Kuiti-based team will be based on one site.
TLC chief executive Mike Fox said the company was a people-first business and needed a modern, safe working environment to compete against other companies to attract and retain highly sought-after staff.
“Likewise, our field team out there doing the mahi need an environment where they can quickly access all the gear, especially during major storms. Our King St office is almost 70 years on and has some issues; it’s done its time.”
TLC is working alongside Waitomo District Council and other stakeholders to decide what might happen on the King St site.
“One thing is certain and that is, we will not leave the building vacant. It will either be sold for development, or potentially demolished with the land turned into a community green space,” Fox said.
“Those options are being worked through; we have not made a decision. But one thing is absolutely clear – there is no way we are leaving an empty building in town.”
Fox would not disclose the cost of the new build, confirming tenders have not been let. A ‘buy local’ policy was part of the procurement strategy, he said.
“We’ll be requiring the main contractor – whoever that is – to provide an opportunity for King Country businesses to price work if they have the skills and capacity to deliver. As much as possible, let’s keep money in the community.”
Fox said the existing King St building would require significant work to make it a modern working environment and to meet earthquake standards. Resilience in the case of a natural disaster, was a factor in moving the energy operation to one, modern site.
“If a disaster happens, we need to know we can keep the power on, and our communities connected to vital services.”
Waitomo mayor John Robertson said he was delighted and relieved at TLC’s decision to invest in Te Kuiti, just a minute’s drive from the CBD.
“Mike and his team have done their homework and looked at all options including refurbishing the existing building. But that will come with a lot of issues and be incredibly disruptive over a long period of time. I understand why its preferable to have staff on one site and in a modern working environment,” he said.
“Vacating the King St site could open up some really exciting opportunities for the town, especially given its proximity to the river and the Les Munro Centre. This is a substantial investment and is very good news.”