DHB brings prospect of new life to CBD

The Waikato District Health Board will be moving into the old Farmers building by the end of 2017.

Some central Hamilton businesses are set for a boost when the Waikato District Health Board moves into the former Farmers building.

For now the building on the corner of Collingwood and Alexandra Streets is a construction site, but the DHB is set to move 700 staff in by the end of the year.

Moshe Malal of Coffix, who welcomes the DHB
and potential increase in business that comes
with it.

Moshe Malal, franchisee of Coffix on Alexandra Street, said that construction has not hindered the operation of his business.

He said they took two weeks off after the new year, but have heard from others in the area that it had been a late start since construction started. “Other than that it has been picking up.”

Moshe welcomed the DHB move.

“The more people we have, the more business, the more life, and the more vibrancy.”

Since Farmers left Alexandra Street and construction began, there has been a decrease in foot traffic.