Christchurch's new Innovation Precinct will play host to Vodafone New Zealand's $50 million South Island heaquarters.
The purpose-built, four-level, 8,300 square metres open plan floor space facility at Tuam Street will allow Vodafone to bring together its 350 Christchurch staff – currently working across several temporary sites – into one central location, with capacity for future expansion and growth.
The company expects to occupy the building in early 2016.
“We have a proud history in Christchurch. This new building will facilitate the growth and development of our entire South Island business, as well as supporting the recovery and growth of the city,” said Russell Stanners, Vodafone CEO.
“The development will embrace our technology solutions and offer the most advanced working environment in New Zealand. We’re setting a new workplace standard: fully mobile, cloud and video aware, delivering new levels of productivity and convenience for our employees, customers and partners.”
Vodafone Christchurch will also feature an innovation incubator – the xone – developed and sustained jointly with Callaghan Innovation and the city of Christchurch.
According to Vodafone, the xone will provide technical expertise, logistical support and facilities to help promising New Zealand technology companies gain a fast-track into proof-of-concept trials across its network. It will also draw on knowledge and learnings from Vodafone’s other xones in Silicon Valley, London, Cairo, Dusseldorf and Milan.
“The xone will allow between 10 and 20 start-ups to cluster together in a purpose-built, collaborative environment, and gain access to Vodafone’s global innovation community.
“Every element of the Vodafone SuperNet is available, making it a “playpen” of connectivity for these promising technology companie,” added Stanners.
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