Firm signals history's value

Sean Gillespie | 17th February 2010

A Parnell business proves that destroying history for profit isn't the way to go about change, writes Sean Gillespie.

Money and modernisation are eating the historic heart out of Parnell, New Zealand's oldest suburb. Last decade, rugby league  fans watched in horror as Carlaw Park decayed into ruins,  historical societies were angered when the White Heron Hotel was demolished, and many a past diner was upset when the 1890-built Rodean House restaurant was knocked down.

But one company is proving business and moving into the future aren't necessarily the enemy of preserving the past.  Paul O'Connor has shifted his 16-year-old company Datamine into Parnell's abandoned railway signal box and engine room.

The business solutions outfit has transformed the 1930s structure from a dank graffiti-covered dump  into a modern, tech-heavy office.

Mr O'Connor, a resident and fan of Parnell, says restoring the derelict site wasn't just about the convenience of being able to walk to work.

"It does feel good that we've been able to see something and bring it back to life," he says.

The father of two has watched disapprovingly as Parnell's history has been stripped away. "It's been raped and pillaged in some ways," he says.

 "There was a lovely villa just around the corner from where we lived that got torn down three years ago and what looks like a cheese grater was put up in its place.

"It's really sad that New Zealand's oldest suburb is losing some of its heritage that makes it so special."

The time-worn railway buildings were built about 1930 to control train signals and change the tracks for district locomotives.

The facility was a technological  marvel in its day so perhaps it's fitting that one of New Zealand's more technologically savvy companies uses it as a head office.

The open-plan, high-ceiling workspace suits Datamine. Before moving into their new workplace, Datamine's 19 staff were crammed into a four-bedroom Parnell villa. Some had to work in the hallway and meetings were often held in a cafe.

Much of the building's original features have been retained, such as brass levers and the original mimic panel - the switch that changed the tracks.

And in keeping with the building's history, the toilets are named after well-known children's toy carriages and engines: Clarabel, Henry, Annie and Thomas. O'Connor plans a fitting message system - a toy train set that passes each staff member.

Quirkiness aside, the move has so far proved a success. Datamine's "Pilot" Sonya Crosby says many of the company's clients are so intrigued that they prefer to meet at The Signal Box rather than their own highrise offices.