Gallagher given naming rights for Gardens visitor centre
Friday, 16 August 2024
Long-time Hamilton philanthropists and international tech company Gallagher has scored naming rights for the new visitor centre at Hamilton Gardens.
The Gallagher Visitor Centre, which opens officially on September 18, is the centre of a $12 million upgrade to the entry precinct of the Gardens.
Hamilton City Council deputy chief executive Sean Murray celebrated the partnership, and praised Gallagher’s “continued commitment to making a positive impact locally and globally”.
“Gallagher is an international leader and a perfect fit for us to align with for this project,” Murray said.
“It is a privilege to have them join us in this new support for Hamilton Gardens.”
The visitor centre has been a long time coming, and is now quickly nearing completion. It comes with a few more big changes for the Gardens, including a new My GardenPass for locals and an entry fee for out-of-town visitors.
Gallagher chief executive officer Kahl Betham said the company is proud to play their part.
“Hamilton Gardens means so much to so many people, whether it’s a destination to seek inspiration and creativity, or simply a place to spend time with family and friends,” Betham said.
“The exciting development will enrich the experience for all visitors from across New Zealand and beyond.”
The entry precinct upgrade includes enhancements to the Hamilton Gardens Café, new retail space, and a park-like setting with additional seating and landscaped grounds.
The Gallagher Visitor Centre will also efficiently manage visitor flow and enable further accessibility, security, and visitor comfort.
The Gallagher group has long invested into the social and economic wellbeing of the city.
The visitor centre is far from the first piece of public infrastructure to have the Gallagher name on it.
Below is a list of significant Hamilton projects and builds that Gallagher was given naming rights for:
Gallagher Aquatic Centre
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts (including the Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber): Opened in 2001 but Gallagher Group had made donations to the project before then, such as $500,000 in 1998 prior to obtaining naming rights in 2011
Gallagher Lounge at FMG Stadium: $160,000 was donated over five years in 2001, and Bill Gallagher made a 'significant' contribution to Waikato Stadium in 2003 to help with a debt problem
Gallagher Hockey Centre: Gallagher has supported Waikato Hockey for over 25 years. They had a 10-year naming rights agreement, which has been renewed
Gallagher Family Hospice: Ten-year naming rights were announced in 2007
Gallagher Chiefs: Naming rights were awarded in 2013 to take effect in 2017
Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter: Gallagher was a major sponsor since it started in 1987
And finally, the Gallagher Visitor Centre: A 15-year naming partnership was awarded to Gallagher