TE W'ANAKE THE FOUNDRY

SOUTH TARANAKI now has a coworking space

Te W’anake The Foundry is open for business right in the middle of the CBD in Hāwera. The first coworking space and enterprise hub in South Taranaki is a reality.

A collaboration between South Taranaki District Council and Bizlink Hāwera, The Foundry aims to support entrepreneurship and economic growth in the District. On offer are hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms and event space.

It’s the ultimate makeover and Scott Willson, as the Council’s Business Development Manager has been part of the team behind making the concept a reality. He heads a business development team of three; with Enterprise Hub Lead Paul Whakatutu and Nikki Watson, the council’s Events and Vibrancy Coordinator. Nikki is well known as the livewire coordinator of Bizlink Hawera. She is now part of the business development team but will continue her work with Bizlink and be based at The Foundry.

Dating back to 1905, the building at 130 High Street boasts a proud history as a home to enterprise in Hāwera. Originally a men’s outfitter, it has also housed a photographer, radio station, paint shop, drapery, charity store and shoe shop.

The Foundry now enters a new chapter, forging the business success stories of the future. “The name The Foundry celebrates that it’s been a home for businesses in Hāwera for nearly 120 years, it’s a place where there have always been founders coming together” Scott says.

“Te W’anake means to move forward, grow and develop, so is also really fitting as an aspiration for our community.”

Like many retail buildings of its era the formerly two-storey building is now one, with the subsequent high stud giving a light, airy feeling. Featuring original interior bricks and salvaged rimu, complemented by modern exposed beams, The Foundry offers a warm, industrial ambience that’s ideal for a modern, welcoming coworking location.

Scott explains how it started. “About two-and-a-half years ago we got around the table with a bunch of stakeholders and discussed whether a coworking space and enterprise hub would benefit South Taranaki.’’

It was a vision that Bizlink Hāwera had in their plans and one that was quickly endorsed by others. “Elected members, staff and the business community enthusiastically embraced it and research and feasibility studies showed the project should become a reality.” After input from local suppliers and tradespeople, The Foundry is open for business.

WHO WILL USE THE PREMISES?

The facility will support business owners, entrepreneurs, remote workers, travelling professionals and will provide space for the business community to host their own meetings and events.

“We’ve already attracted a workshop that will bring together a team from all over New Zealand to do their strategic planning here, which is great for Hāwera” says Scott.

New Plymouth and Stratford based businesses which regularly do business

in South Taranaki should also be interested. The Foundry is set up with ample free parking, wi-fi, conference facilities, a lounge, kitchen and outdoor courtyard. The flexible plans and the benefit of no overheads for members means The Foundry is ideal for those looking for a casual or longer-term base.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

Paul, who manages the venue, memberships and co-worker events is very pleased with the number of customer enquiries he has fielded. “Especially about using the hot desks; they’ve come from all over really. We offer 12 hot desks, either hourly or by the day, as well as 18 permanent desks; three private offices, two meeting rooms that can hold up to eight people and one event room for up to 30.’’

For more information and to book a tour, visit www.thefoundrycoworking.co.nz

PLANS AND PRICING

• Private Office: POA

• Dedicated Desk: $500+GST per month

• Hot Desk Full Time: $375+GST per month

• Drop In - Full Day: $40+GST

• Drop In - Per Hour rate: $6+GST

• Meeting & Event Hire

• Meeting Room: $30+GST per hour

• Meeting Room Half Day rate: $100+GST

• Meeting Room Full Day rate: $175+GST

• Event Space: $50+GST per hour

• Event Space Half Day rate: $150+GST

• Event Space Full Day rate: $250+GST

For more info contact Paul through their website, email or phone.

www.thefoundrycoworking.co.nz

paul.whakatutu@stdc.govt.nz

027 774 3701