Businesses anticipate Waikato DHB move
The Waikato DHB’s big move has prompted varied emotions from surrounding businesses.
Surrounding businesses have mixed views of the Waikato District Health Board’s move into the CBD’s former Farmers store later this year.
Renovations are well under way at the vacated building on the corner of Collingwood and Alexandra Street, which housed other businesses alongside Farmers.
Manish Chauhan, of Collingwood Shoe Repairs, said: “Since Farmers left, there hasn’t been much foot traffic.”
However, he’s not concerned about new businesses that may crop up in the area after the move.
“This shop has been here for 15 years — the same place.”
Chris Lander of MK1 Comics felt similarly, saying the DHB’s move “will be a massive positive,” and highlighted the need for something new.
“Walks through town right now are pretty desperate.”
Located at the corner of Collingwood and Alexandra Streets, the site is set to be the community operations hub for the DHB, which will consolidate several of its services into one building.
Chief executive Nigel Murray had said a number of its services are separated throughout Hamilton and “are coming to the end of their leases,” prompting the move.
