| 23 T T Sue Russell Transformation of botanic gardens a triumph Downey Construction received a Gold Award at this year’s Master Builders Commercial Projects Awards, in the tourism and leisure category. Downey Construction REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT On September 18 last year, the much-anticipated major redevelopments at the world-class Hamilton Gardens were officially blessed and opened. Among those gathered were representatives from principal contractor Downey Construction, along with project partners BCD Structural Engineers, BHW Studio, who took care of project management, and architects Edwards White. According to Downey’s general manager, Gavin McNabb, it was the high level of consultation, professional capability and good-hearted collaboration that added values throughout the complex, multi-sequenced development. “We enjoyed strong collaboration and ongoing communication with all experts and consultants in their fields. At times we encountered the unexpected, but always found a positive way forward, while keeping the project on schedule,” Gavin says. The work involved five, key development areas: extension of the existing cafe, a new visitor information centre, refurbishment of the garden’s pavilion, redesigning of some grounds and a wonderful fern court structure at the entrance, boasting 77 bespoke flitch posts up to eight metres tall. Discussions and planning go back to September 2022, when Hamilton City Council called for ‘Expressions of Interest’. “We were delighted to have been selected, and one of the requirements was that throughout the developments the public’s experiences of the gardens were not to be detracted. “That called for resourceful planning and staging of work, something we’re used to doing,” says Gavin. A testament to Downey’s success at achieving this, was that through the build phases, 600,000 visitors enjoyed viewing the gardens. Further accolades came with Downey receiving a Gold Award at this year’s Master Builders Commercial Projects Awards, in the tourism and leisure category, testament to the quality of work and outstanding outcomes achieved. First up, the existing cafe was extended to allow a separate public accessible area for the selling of ice-creams and coffee. A little known fact is that Hamilton Gardens is New Zealand’s single biggest-selling venue for ice-cream! “Once the cafe was almost completed we got underway building all the new infrastructure needed. There were a lot of undocumented services we discovered when digging, which threw up some interesting challenges,” Gavin says. Next, the existing visitor information centre was demolished, while at the same time the main pavillion space was transformed with the addition of a massive curving, raking eight-metre- high wall. “This was a key element, because it meant Hamilton Gardens still had space for groups to meet in and was a critical part of the project.” Rebuilding the vision centre was the next priority – a critical phase given the demolition work had opened up multiple areas from the main pavilion. All the pavement work was undertaken by Shick Civil Construction, who had a dedicated team working over the site. The pride and prize of the development must be the fern court structure welcoming visitors into the gardens. Wanting it to convey a strong cultural narrative, architects consulted with mana whenua to ensure all the elements in this outstanding design reflected the virtues and values of the Tainui people. Its design honours the significance of the site to mana whenua and Ngaati Wairere. The close consultation with the mana whenua advisory group brought forward an appropriate cultural design embedded in manaakitanga – the giving of hospitality, care and respect, reflected in every element of the garden’s entrance. The history of numerous pa sites near the gardens has been reflected in the large vertical posts encircling both the fern court and the Gallagher Visitor Centre, resembling fortifications surrounding a pa. Gavin says the project was a privilege to undertake. “Projects in public spaces carry important value to us, because we know they contribute to a wider community and will bring pleasure to people for generations to come.” Nationwide Industry Floor Solutions Industrial and Commercial Flooring Solutions to Meet Your Every Need We specialise in: Epoxy Flooring Polyurethane Systems Chemical Resistant Flooring Non-Slip Textured Flooring Waterproof Flooring Fast Curing MMA Resin 06 356 1435 admin@nzsc.co www.nzsc.co Licensed Applicators of: Q T Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch , Battens • Supply • Fix • Stop • Paint We are proud to support Downey Construction Proud to have been part of the team that delivered the Hamilton Gardens upgrade.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=