Wellington Waterfront Ltd (WWL) has begun a campaign to find suitable tenants for the ground floor of Site 7, Kumutoto.

"As with all new buildings on the waterfront, the Waterfront Framework requires that the ground floor is predominantly publicly accessible. We want to ensure the attractions or services will complement the waterfront's holiday atmosphere and attract people to the newly redeveloped Kumutoto Precinct. To this end, we have taken a head lease out over the ground floor of the building from developer Dominion Funds Ltd and are actively seeking experienced operators to fit the location," says WWL CEO Ian Pike.

A print advertising campaign across New Zealand is seeking registrations of interest from retailers, food and beverage producers and tourism ventures. Direct approaches are also being made to some businesses that WWL believes have the right product or service that would fit well in the location, to gauge their interest in the location.

Currently under construction, there are three sections to the ground floor of the building.

The Seaward section is the largest at 658 square metres and will features six-metre high glass exterior walls. These walls make the building transparent at ground floor level, allowing views through to the harbour and beyond from the Kumutoto Plaza public space, that is also under construction. The footprint may be divided according to the floor space needs of the successful tenant or tenants. A priority is to ensure internal walls do not compromise the view through the building.

The Annex (120 square metres) and Kiosk (7 square metres) sections would suit individual tenancies such as cafés, light food and refreshment outlets.

Construction, including tenant fit outs and the public space surrounding the building, is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

Registrations of interest close on Friday 21 July.