Security Initiatives

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +1300

The Albany Business Association is pleased to announce the launch of a Dedicated Security patrol in the business area.

Operated by our preferred security provider, ICON Security, the ABA area now has a dedicated continuous security patrol 10 hours per night, seven days a week, from 7.30pm – 5.30am as part of the Association’s Crime Prevention Scheme. All perceived insecurities within the business district (ie: gates insecure, window and doors open) are secured where possible and reported daily to the Police and the ABA General Manager for follow-up where necessary.

This dedicated patrol will assist in deterring any criminal or suspicious activity within the area, and is also available during these hours to respond to calls for assistance from business members or the general public within the Business District. In addition a “Biz-Watch” security alert system has been established which gives ICON patrol officers, police and businesses in the area the ability to phone a local number with a description of a suspected offender or particular incident that they wish to “alert” all business district members to. On receipt of information from ICON, an email “alert” will be immediately sent to the ABA contact for distribution to members. A description of the person and the nature / location of the reported incident will be included in the email.

You are warmly invited to attend the official launch of the ABA Security Patrol and join us for festive drinks and nibbles on: Wednesday 10^th December at 5pm at the BNZ, 2A William Pickering Drive, North Harbour Estate. Come along and network with other local businesses and even try your hand at the wheel of the Simdeck Formula 1 Racing Car Simulator as part of the inaugural “ABA Virtual Grand Prix”.

For catering purposes, please RSVP numbers attending to gm@albanybusiness.org.nz or call Gary on 09 968 2222.

Click here to view the invitation and Security Alert Procedure

Parking on William Pickering Drive

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +1200

North Shore City Council has announced that approximately 70 parking spaces will be removed along William Pickering Drive in early October . To improve safety and visibility when entering and exiting at driveways, no-stopping lines will be installed which will remove two parking spaces to the right of entrance ways.

The Albany Business Association became aware of the proposal earlier in the year and immediately commenced discussions with Council to protect the interests of the local businesses. Originally it had been proposed that 3 parks to the right of each driveway be removed which would have resulted in the loss of over 100 car parks, but after urgent discussions, this was reduced to two per driveway (12 metres)

Whilst ABA expressed concerns to Council that it was not offering alternatives to this plan, we do support any moves that will lessen the risks for those using William Pickering Drive. Also Council's own survey showed that on average 56% of car parking spaces available on William Pickering Drive were being used, while the reduction in car parks represents a loss of 25% of the parking spaces available

We understand that new bus services will be introduced shortly and ABA will communicate the details once known.

A firm date for the introduction of the new no-stopping lines is subject to contractors scheduling the work but it is expected that the changes will be implemented early October.

Click here for NSCC's communication.

Gary Holmes

General Manager

New General Manager

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +1200

The Albany Business Association is pleased to announce the appointment of former North Shore City Councillor, Gary Holmes, as the organisation’s new General Manager.

Gary Holmes brings a wealth of experience to the role and will play a critical role in the future growth and development of the Association as it enters new and challenging times ahead.
Having served as a city councillor representing the Albany and East Coast Bays for nine years, Mr. Holmes offers extensive local knowledge, energy and commitment to helping the Association now that it has become a council-supported Business Improvement District, Mr. Pearson said.

Mr. Holmes, who has a background in sales, marketing and public relations, says he is looking forward to the opportunity of helping the Albany Business District continue to grow and become the pre-eminent business district on the North Shore.

“One of the major challenges facing the Albany business area relates to the whole transport issue, particularly the possibility of Transit closing off the Paul Matthews Rd at the Upper Harbour Highway connection, Mr. Holmes said. “I believe it will be important to ensure that the view of businesses in the area is communicated forcefully to the local council and various government agencies on this issue”.

Mr. Holmes says he is also looking forward to working with local businesses to enhance the profile of the area, and work on business development and attracting new businesses to the area, as well as continuing work on crime prevention.
The Albany Business Association at its recent AGM elected Gray Pearson, Principal Officer of Premium Commercial Real Estate, as its new chair. Five new committee members were elected: Graham Boult, Wendy Auger, Kevin Moore, Richard Ede and Geoff Bonham, while Geoff Ashenden, Warren Kitchin, Pamela Peryman, Les Probert and Michael Whybro were all re-elected to serve a further term.

At the AGM, special thanks were given to two retiring executive members, chair Matthew Bellingham and Executive Officer Peter Reid. Mr Bellingham has stepped down after leading ABA for the past five years as its chair, and Peter Reid is leaving his position as Executive Officer to take up a new business opportunity in the Albany Basin. Particular thanks must go to these gentlemen for their leadership and hard work in guiding the Association as it went through the process of becoming a BID.

Contact details for Gary Holmes are (09) 968-2222 (office), 0274 966283 (mobile) or gm@albanybusiness.org.nz