| 41 T T Karen Phelps Collaboration key to successful build The new Auckland Rail Operations Centre in Greenlane. Oyster Group: Macrennie Construction - Auckland Rail Operations “This asset has been planned to serve occupants well into the future.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The new Auckland Rail Operations Centre demonstrates the value of a collaborative landlord-tenant partnership, says Oyster Property Group head of development Mark Hitchcock. The integrated design and build project was delivered by KiwiRail and a joint-venture between Oyster Property Group and KKR in an 18-month build sprint to meet City Rail Link (CRL) testing timelines. The result is a purpose-built space, which will support the smooth running of Auckland’s rail network for KiwiRail and its partners, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail. Mark says designing and building to meet KiwiRail’s bespoke user requirements included future flexibility, safety, sustainability and resilience considerations. The people-centric facility showcases industry leading credentials from base-build to fit out and targets a 5 Green Star ‘Design and As-Built’ certification and a NABERS 5 Star base build rating. “This asset has been planned to serve occupants well into the future,” says Mark. Located at Central Park, Greenlane, Auckland, the building is set over three levels offering 3,393sqm of net lettable area. The project came in on time, and under-budget via a fast-tracked integrated design and build programme. Mark says that key to this was KiwiRail’s early commitment to a 25-year lease term via a development agreement with Oyster, which meant teams collaborated from day one to maximise efficiencies. 3D BIM modelling improved build accuracy, design coordination and reduced contractor variation risk. A staged approach to integrated design, procurement, consenting and construction resulted in further efficiencies. The project also utilised an existing adjacent multi-level car park structure, avoiding requirement for excavating basement parking provision, which would have added significant cost, time and risk. Partner Macrennie Commercial Construction was engaged early to provide buildability advice and manage procurement lead-times and a combination of developed and detailed design packages provided a balanced approach to cost certainty versus early procurement, says Mark. Careful sequencing was required, for example with the installation of 31km of data cabling. Mark says that basalt rock, Auckland weather, diversion of existing services and supply chain issues provided challenges to overcome, as did the need to plan site access after-hours and on weekends to avoid traffic and pedestrians within a live business park environment that was simultaneously developing new residential and hotel accommodation at the location. Mark says a Life Cycle Assessment was an important part of the sustainability focus undertaken to gather quantifiable metrics concerning energy use and greenhouse gas reduction, which led to a step change in design. Initiatives adopted to reduce embodied carbon included selection of specialist materials to reduce air pollutants and environmental management during the construction process including demolition, materials and waste minimisation. Innovative use of piling rig for mass concrete shafts and adapting under-pad footings to variable basalt depths minimised need for temporary works and wholesale excavation. Outside air ventilation rates are above minimum building code requirements (controlled via carbon dioxide monitoring) to improve the indoor environment of the building. Other sustainable features include installation of metering and monitoring systems (including a building management system) for managing energy consumption and ensuring indoor environment quality (air quality, acoustic comfort, lighting, thermal) has been designed to drive operational performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The building envelope has been designed for thermal load minimisation and balanced natural sunlight. “Oyster and KiwiRail’s trusted partnership has resulted in a resilient and fit-for-purpose building that meets the needs of those who work there” says Mark. “ As a commercial office asset that will provide critical support to Auckland’s growing rail network the Auckland Rail Operations Centre provides an outstanding facility to safeguard future operations and meet the needs of its people well into the future.” SERVICES INCLUDE Pipework from 20mm to 500mm in PE, DI, UPVC New Reticulation, Network Extensions and Diversions Installations of PRV’s, Meters, Backflows and Associated Pits and Cages. Traffic Management and Full Reinstatement. Testing and Sterilisation. Ph: 09 573 0566 | P.O. Box 251176, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140 | www.citycontractors.co.nz Established for 25 years, we specialise in Water main and Fire main construction in the greater Auckland Area
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