Business Central April 2025

18 | Flexibility needed for project Commissioned by the New Plymouth District Council, the new thermal dryer facility is set to replace the existing ageing infrastructure at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Street and Cook Construction T T Kelly Deeks REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT New Plymouth-based Street and Cook Construction has successfully completed construction of a design innovative for New Zealand – the new thermal dryer facility at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. A groundbreaking project, it was undertaken in collaboration with Beca Consulting and main contractor Downer Energy and Utilities, showcasing Street and Cook’s expertise in delivering complex, high-quality infrastructure. Street and Cook project manager Darran Seed says the project aligns perfectly with the company’s core strengths. With its extensive experience in commercial construction, specialising in concrete, precast, and steel structures, Street and Cook took on the responsibility of constructing a full-building enclosure for the thermal dryer facility. “Our work is about 70% commercial and 30% residential, so constructing a facility of this scale was right in our wheelhouse,” Darran says. “We got to work closely with Beca and the council and other Taranaki-based businesses, which was fantastic.” Commissioned by the New Plymouth District Council, the new thermal dryer facility is set to replace the existing ageing infrastructure at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The facility plays a crucial role in drying biosolids to produce Bio-Boost fertiliser, ensuring continued environmental sustainability. The 1600sqm building features a steel frame with precast concrete and sandwich panels. It houses state-of-the-art drying equipment, with an adjacent control room and elevated penthouse section for explosion-relief hatches. Four silos positioned at strategic heights allow for efficient material disposal into trucks. Led by Downer Energy and Utilities in collaboration with Street and Cook, Downer Transport, Dialog Fitzroy, JLE, Beca, and Haarslev, the project is a testament to innovation and teamwork in delivering essential infrastructure for the community. One of the biggest challenges faced during construction was the integration of a brandnew design in a partially live environment. With the project site adjacent to the existing wastewater treatment plant, careful planning was required to ensure uninterrupted operations. Additionally, key equipment had to be sourced from manufacturers worldwide, necessitating flexibility in scheduling and coordination. “We had to adjust our workflow depending on when materials arrived from different parts of the world,” Darran says. “There were between 30 and 80 contractors on-site at any given time, which made the local labour aspect of this project crucial to keeping things running smoothly.” Beyond its technical achievements, the project holds special significance for Street and Cook and its team, who take immense pride in contributing to a facility that will benefit their community for the next 50 years. “Our team is incredibly proud to have worked on something that will serve New Plymouth for generations. It means a lot to be able to go home and tell our families about the positive impact of our work.” Looking ahead, Street and Cook is eager to take on similar projects: “We are definitely putting our best foot forward for the next one,” says Darran. In business for more than 45 years, Street and Cook Construction has cemented its reputation as a trusted name in the industry. The company’s expertise spans commercial construction, refits, seismic upgrades, and large-scale infrastructure projects, always maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and quality. “Being a well-established company, we continue to deliver outstanding work, and our long-standing relationships with clients and repeat business speak to the quality and reliability of what we do.” air con & heat pumps residential rural & DAIRY commercial data, networking & Communications specialist services sustainability Proudly supporting Street & Cook 0800 200 210 | helrimu.co.nz Proud to support Street & Cook Construction Commercial • Residential • Maintenance www.flowmasters.co.nz | office@flowmasters.co.nz 0800 NO FLOW

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