DHB move to vacant Farmers building prompts questions

Hamilton businesses are looking forward to the DHB’s arrival at the former Farmers building on Collingwood Street at the end of the year.

However, the move will come with some issues. 

“Where are they going to park?” asked Justin Ponga of Benefit Furniture, which is on the opposite side of the road.

“Reserve parking takes up half of the complex. They need it here, but currently I pay $147 a month and am not even guaranteed a space.”

Ponga once worked in the building that’s under construction and despite his concern about parking, he was upbeat about the change.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s an establishment in the heart of the city and will bring professionalism to the area.” 

Ponga was unsure whether new stores were opening or how the move would affect his sales, but expected it would mostly help the food shops nearby.

As for what stores he would like to see open at the base of the building, if there are to be any at all?

“They took away my favourite sushi shop, the only authentic one in the city, so perhaps they could turn it into a mini China Town.”