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GridAKL expands with new coworking operator announced

Release summary

  • A leading proponent in the global coworking movement, established operator Generator, will run two new GridAKL buildings, at the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct.
  • Mason Brothers and 12 Madden Street will officially open in September, joining the BizDojo-managed John Lysaght building in an expanded GridAKL innovation ecosystem.
  • GridAKL creates a community, place and services that businesses can tap into so they can grow faster, employ more people and stimulate the economy.
  • ATEED’s vision is for GridAKL to be part of a major Asia-Pacific innovation hub showcasing hi-tech industries, and growing world-class research, talent and technology-based ventures.
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GridAKL – at Auckland’s Innovation Precinct in Wynyard Quarter – is growing rapidly like the tech start-ups it has nurtured with one of Auckland’s leading coworking providers, Generator, today announced as the operator of two new buildings opening in the precinct later this year.

From September 2017, GridAKL will expand to occupy three buildings in the innovation precinct, bringing together a growing community of innovators, entrepreneurs, advisors and businesses ranging from start-ups through to large, global companies.

The refurbished historic building, Mason Brothers, and the newly-built 12 Madden Street – both owned by developer, Precinct Properties – will join the John Lysaght building to enhance the GridAKL innovation ecosystem and stimulate further growth in Auckland’s thriving technology sector.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the expansion of GridAKL – which is part of the wider Auckland Innovation Precinct in Wynyard Quarter – plays an important role in driving growth of the region’s technology sector, with 9000 jobs added in the last five years and nearly 26 per cent growth in the tech sector’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Auckland’s goal is to be recognised as an innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Our work to encourage high-tech industries into Auckland and grow world-class research, talent and technology-based ventures in our city is reaping financial and employment benefits for our local and national economy. The innovation precinct will continue to act as a centre for growth for these industries,” Mayor Goff says.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), which facilitates the strategic development of GridAKL on behalf of Auckland Council, is delighted to announce the appointment of Generator to support the next phase of growth.

Brett O’Riley, ATEED Chief Executive, says: “Generator is an established business with a strong track record, which will help us to achieve our ambitious growth objectives for GridAKL.”

“Generator will work alongside existing operator, BizDojo, the founding partner of GridAKL, which tenants and supports almost 100 predominately high-tech startups at the John Lysaght building, having started out with just four resident businesses.”

The two new buildings will house small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporates – the innovators, creators, coders, developers and designers – with Generator creating an environment to assist with scalability including pods, shared desks, private studios and large corporate floors.

Brett O’Riley says: “We’re confident that this expanded GridAKL innovation environment will help hatch the next wave of Auckland tech companies to succeed on the world stage, such as 90 Seconds, PowerbyProxi and Rocket Lab which have become global leaders in their respective fields.”

Generator Managing Director, Ryan Wilson, says he’s a strong advocate of ATEED’s vision for GridAKL, with coworking the fastest growing movement in commercial real estate.

“In addition to our coworking offering, at Generator our members will be able to access professional advisory services, and the investment advice they need to grow their business,” he says.

“Generator aims to be a growth partner for innovative New Zealand businesses. Its objective is to create value by ensuring the right growth conditions exist. As well as providing a coworking environment which fosters innovation, our members will be able to access advice on raising capital, direct investment, debt or advice to help strengthen their commercial model, financial modeling, governance, or whatever else is necessary to drive genuine value,” says Ryan Wilson.

The commercial redevelopment of the Wynyard Quarter, known as Auckland’s Innovation Precinct, comprises 48,000m2 and is attracting a stream of large technology-focused companies.

New Zealand’s largest IT service provider, Datacom, is the latest business to base its Auckland office at Wynyard Quarter alongside ASB, Fonterra and Air New Zealand. Irish cloud software heavyweight, Workday, has also recently moved its global centre to the outskirts of the precinct.

The GridAKL footprint will expanded to 12,000m2 when the two new buildings come online in September, forming part of a thriving community of innovation attracting a full range of businesses working together to grow faster and harness their full innovation potential.