Vision Formers

The Loaded Hog bar and restaurant on Auckland's Viaduct is about to undergo a transformation. Owner Jonathan Botherway's vision is for four themed bars - all designed to attract a more sophisticated, "25-plus" crowd.

Helping deliver that vision are The Building Intelligence Group, with renowned designers Alan Cowie and Tom Skyring on board to develop the venue's four themed areas: a Thai restaurant, a cocktail bar, an English bar and main contemporary bar.

As the owner of bars up and down the country, Jonathan saw an untapped opportunity that prompted him to buy the Loaded Hog at the beginning of last year.

"As far as location goes, this has everything. It's a top tourist spot, high traffic area, the commercial centre of the city and amidst the biggest concentration of bars in Auckland - and close to those with disposable income who want to wine and dine," Jonathan says.

"At the moment it's a tired, run-down former icon. When it's finished, it will be amazing. You'll be able to walk in off Hobson St if you like and come to a lobby area, where you can go into either the cocktail bar, or the English style bar or the main bar. Then, when you're in the main bar, there will be a doorway where you can go upstairs and dine on authentic Thai." The Building Intelligence Group senior project manager Blair Wolfgram is excited to be leading the team, and bringing to the job a history of involvement by The Building Intelligence Group on projects that have shaped the development of the Waterfront, including the original Loaded Hog development in 1998, The Westin Hotel fitout, Lighter Quay apartments, Sebel Hotel, The Quays and Maritime Square.

Construction is due to start in August, with completion in November 2008.