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Invercargill’s CBD: a new chapter for all

A new chapter has begun for HWR, as its head office in Invercargill turns off the lights for the last time at Inglewood Road, and takes up residence in its new home at 25 Esk Street in Invercargill’s CBD.

Since HW Richardson Group as we know it began in 1984, 35 Inglewood Road has been its home. In the years that have followed, the business has grown and diversified exponentially. As the company grows into a new era, 25 Esk is a fitting reflection of where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed in the years to come.

Head office teams have had a staggered move into the new office building. The space brings together our teams that were previously based at numerous off-site locations and it is great to have everyone under the same roof.

HWR is located on floors 5-8 of the building, with local businesses occupying the lower floors. It’s great to be part of the CBD, a reinvigorated space which the directors of HWR have had an instrumental role in bringing to life.

Next time you need to pop into the office, don’t forget – we’re in the CBD now! No need to worry about parking. There’s about 600 spaces you can choose from in the adjoining Invercargill Central carpark.

Meanwhile, next door at Invercargill Central there’s never a dull moment to be had. Several new stores have opened during the past few months, including Majestic Tea and Toba (serving bubble tea, crepes and ice cream).

The centre has hosted several community events, demonstrating just how much Invercargill is enjoying having a central place for its community to come together. Hosting events and providing exhibition space, Invercargill Central has:

  • Supported a Southland Heritage Month event hosted with New Zealand Heritage Property
  • Hosted a celebration of the history of Invercargill with the descendants of John Kelly (Invercargill’s first European settler)
  • Supported New Zealand Archaeology Week
  • Been a venue for Night of the Arts, with performances throughout the centre
  • Teamed up with He Waka Tuia, the Southland Art Gallery and the Invercargill City Council to host fairy door workshops and an artist’s trail
  • Supported the Westpac Chopper Appeal, ANZAC Poppy Day, Guide Dog Puppy Appeal, Shave for a Cure, Youthline’s Youth Week and the Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Partnered with He Waka Tuia and the Southland Art Gallery to brighten our Tay Street lobby with local art

With so much happening in the centre, it’s no wonder that Invercargill Central is quickly becoming a “must visit” destination in Southland. This has certainly been reflected in the number of people coming through the doors. There have been more than 385,000 vehicles through the carpark and more than 350,000 people visiting the centre via the revitalised Esk Street since opening. During the past month, the number of vehicles using the Invercargill Central carpark has exceeded those that visited during the peak Christmas period in 2022. These increases are also reflected in the amount of foot traffic through the centre.