Vero Centre

The Vero Centre (constructed as the Royal & SunAlliance Centre)[1] is a high-rise office tower in Auckland, New Zealand. Constructed in 2000 and designed by architect Peddle Thorp, it was Auckland's first major tower built since the 1980s.[1] The centre contains a health club and gymnasium, main entry public foyer, retail outlets in the 5 podium levels, and 32 office levels. It was New Zealand's tallest office tower until June 2019 When the Commercial Bay Commercial Bay (skyscraper) PwC Tower was topped out. It is also known for its 'halo' roof feature.[1]

Vero Centre
The building from the north
General information
StatusComplete
TypeOffice tower
LocationShortland Street, Auckland City
Coordinates36°50′48.14″S 174°46′5.93″E
Construction started1998
Completed2000
OwnerKiwi Income Property Trust
Height
Architectural170 m (557.7 ft)
Technical details
Floor count38
Floor area68,900 m2 (741,630 sq ft) gross
39,450 m2 (425,000 sq ft) lettable
4,250 m2 (46,000 sq ft) site area
Lifts/elevators12
Design and construction
ArchitectPTW Architects
DeveloperKiwi Income Property Trust
References
[1]

While atypically tall compared to the surrounding area, its construction is considered to have had a positive effect on the regeneration of the eastern Auckland CBD area.[1] The site had previously been occupied by a number of vacant lots and low-rise buildings, including student accommodation, industrial warehouses and massage parlours.

The developer's design process made use of the "bonus provisions" of the District Plan, allowing them to build more floor area in exchange for public benefits such as displayed works of art and a public plaza. The value of these to the general public has however been called into question by some. Also criticised has been the lack of connection between the two frontage streets through the building.[1]

The building received several awards for energy efficiency (such as the RICS International Award for Building Efficiency and Regeneration in 2001 and the EnergyWise Award 2004), and has been calculated to use around 10% less energy than the average New Zealand Property Council building.[1] The building houses a number of commissioned artworks, including Coral, by New Zealand sculptor Peter Roche.[2]

See also

References
  1. Urban Design Case Studies - New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, March 2005, ISBN 0-478-18995-8
  2. "Vero Centre - Art Gallery". www.verocentre.co.nz. Retrieved 2016-03-13.
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