1926 Hookers Transport Building now known as Egmont Business Centre

This building has importance as an example of commercial architecture by TH Bates, a prominent New Plymouth architect. It also has historic interest for its association with an important New Plymouth business enterprise and high townscape values as a well-proportioned and prominent building located on a corner site.

The ground floor (street level) is very well utilised but Ekdahl Property Management believed there was an opportunity to create shared office space in the upper level attractive to vibrant professionals. With a growing community of entrepreneurs, start-ups, contractors, and professionals, the building and its location was ideally suited to this purpose. An extensive interior and exterior renovation was undertaken over a nine month period.

Exterior walls are painted Resene Uhi from the Traditional Maori palette with windows in Resene Slate Brown and detailing in Resene Brown Pod, both from the Resene Heritage collection. This was in keeping with the council’s desire to have a heritage colour palette applied. The colours in the heritage collection suited the character of the building and the result speaks for itself.

The site now is home to Frederics Bar, Jet Charm Barbers, Elwin and Evans Hairdressers and the Egmont Business Centre.

Building contractor: Taranaki Building Maintenance
Client: Ekdahl Property Management
Colour selection: Megan Ekdahl
Painting contractor: DR Gray
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2017