Ashley Church

The Newmarket Business Association says confirmation that the University of Auckland has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire the 5.2ha former Lion Breweries site in Newmarket is great news for the area.

Chief Executive, Ashley Church says

"Newmarket is a logical location for a Campus providing, as it does, exceptional transportation links; unparalleled public amenities; significant opportunities for public / private educational partnerships; and some of the best retail and commercial services in New Zealand."

Mr Church has praised the University for its proactive approach in consulting with local stakeholders about it's plans for the site and says there has already been a "meeting of minds" in terms of future development.

In many respects, he says that the proposed development of the site by Auckland University compliments the Association's Strategic Plan and can only have positive outcomes for Newmarket:

1. It will revitalise the north eastern end of Newmarket and bring forward badly needed infrastructural and traffic improvements

2. It will provide a 'ready made' catchment of consumers for Newmarket products and services

3. It will complement the pending extension of Westfield 277 at the south western end of Newmarket and provide a logical demarcation between the retail district and an education quarter

4. As proposed, it will provide other, non core, facilities such as good quality accommodation and lecture / conference amenities

Mr Church says he looks forward to ongoing discussions with the University.