Blue Mountains Campus celebrates the official opening of KiwiRail's National Train Control Centre

KiwiRail’s state-of-the-art National Train Control Centre at Blue Mountains Campus in Upper Hutt has today been officially opened in a ceremony overseen by the Hon. Michael Wood, Minister for Transport.

KiwiRail’s 100-strong rail control team will be based across the new control centre and another two levels of space in the fully refurbished Buddle Building, which together form Stage 1 of the new business campus.

The campus has also been recognised as the Government’s first official regional hub, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment set to join KiwiRail in the Buddle building later this year.

Speaking at the event, Willis Bond’s Managing Director (Development), David McGuinness said: “This is not only a special milestone day for KiwiRail, as this is a strategic asset for the national rail network, but also for the campus, as it marks the first official occupation of a new concept for Wellington focused on resilience, sustainability and staff in a beautiful green environment.”

We are delighted to welcome KiwiRail as our first tenant, and they perfectly represent what the campus can deliver – bespoke and highly resilient solutions such as the control centre and attractive office space incorporating green design and views,” says McGuinness.

Stripped back to bare structure and completely refurbished, the Buddle Building has been awarded 5 Green Star design certification, which recognises how it is now effectively a new office building - highly energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable for occupants. The building enjoys views across the established green campus site, and will also include a boutique cafe, which is due to open later this year.

The next major phase of the campus, will deliver large footprint new timber office buildings.

“With KiwiRail and MBIE settling into the campus this year, we are excited to now turn to the next phase of works. These new buildings will deliver next-level design, offering exceptional resilience, large modern workspaces and sustainable timber design,” explains McGuinness.

In addition to the onsite cafe, campus occupants will also enjoy amenities including end-of-trip facilities, neighbouring childcare options, easy access to running and cycling tracks, co-working facilities and other wellbeing services as future buildings come online.

“We are keen to talk to businesses and government agencies looking for world-class, future-proofed premises in the region as well as amenity providers who see an opportunity to support these businesses and the wider local community,” says McGuinness.