Vero Centre

Infobox Skyscraper
building_name = Vero Centre


caption = The building from the north.
year_highest =
year_end =
plural =
location = Shortland Street, Auckland City
coordinates =
status = Completed
groundbreaking =
constructed = 2000
est_completion =
opening =
demolished =
destroyed =
use = Office tower
antenna_spire =
roof = convert|167.5|m|ft|1|abbr=on
top_floor =
floor_count = 38
elevator_count = 12
cost =
floor_area = convert|68900|m2|sqft|-1|abbr=on gross
convert|39450|m2|sqft|-3|abbr=on lettable
convert|4250|m2|sqft|-3|abbr=on site area
architect = PTW Architects
engineer =
contractor =
developer = Kiwi Income Property Trust
owner = Kiwi Income Property Trust
management =
references = " [http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/urban/urban-design-case-studies-mar05/urban-design-case-studies-colour.pdf Urban Design Case Studies] " - New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, March 2005, ISBN 0-478-18995-8]

The Vero Centre (constructed as the Royal & SunAlliance Centre) is a high rise office tower located in in Auckland, New Zealand. Constructed in 2000, it was Auckland's first major tower built since the 1980s. The centre contains a health club and gymnasium, main entry public foyer, retail outlets in the 5 podium levels and 32 office levels. As of 2005, it is is New Zealand’s tallest "and most technologically advanced" landmark office tower. It is also known for its 'halo' roof feature.

While atypically high compared to the surrounding area, its construction is considered to have had a positive effect on the regeneration of the eastern Auckland CBD area.

The site had previously been occupied by a number of vancant lots and low-rise buildings, including student accommodation, industrial warehouses and massage parlours. The developer's design process for the new site made use of the "bonus provisions" of the District Plan, allowing them to build more floor area in exchange for public benefits like displayed works of art and a public plaza. The value of these to the general public has however been called into question by some. Also criticised has been the lack of connection between the two frontage streets through the building.

The building received several awards for energy efficiency (such as the RICS International Award for Building Efficiency andRegeneration in 2001 and the EnergyWise Award 2004), and has been calculated to use around 10% less energy than the average New Zealand Property Council building.

References