16 | Letts Construction: Tauranga Airport Fire Station T T Kelly Deeks Fire station has the ‘feel good’ factor The fire station is just one part of a wider programme of development at Tauranga Airport that has kept Letts Construction busy. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Letts Construction has marked another milestone in its 60-year history with the completion of Tauranga Airport’s new fire station – a complex and rewarding project that has given the airport’s rescue fire crews the modern facilities they need to keep travellers safe. The Bay of Plenty family-owned business, which has been behind many of Tauranga’s most significant community and commercial projects, finished the fire station midway through this year. “The existing fire station was tiny, and the team needed more space – not for more trucks, but to allow their two fire appliances to move safely in and out,” says Letts Construction general manager Sean Cleverly. “Because we were working in a live environment, right next to the runway and with airport operations continuing around us, there were strict protocols to follow. We were liaising with the control tower every day, and every time a Hiab came on site, they needed plenty of notice.” The build also required close coordination with Fulton Hogan, who was constructing new roading and car parking at the airport at the same time. “Our access to site went right through their construction zone, so that added another layer of complexity,” Sean says. “But these are the sorts of live environments we’re experienced in, and our team thrives on the challenge.” With water tables and ground levels critical to ensuring fire appliances could move quickly from the station onto the runway, accuracy was everything. The fire station is just one part of a wider programme of development at Tauranga Airport that has kept Letts Construction busy. The company is currently undergoing the construction of a total of 16 hangars, recently completing Stage One which was hangars one to six, and now underway with Stage Two which is hangars seven to 16, while also delivering a taxi canopy beside the rental car area to provide passengers with shelter as they move into taxis. “Along with the reconfiguration of the Powerhouse building, which we cut in half and gave a full roof replacement and makeover, Tauranga Airport has been investing heavily in improving its facilities,” Sean says. “With the huge increase in people travelling into the Bay, the airport is a real gateway to the region. “It’s now a beautiful facility to match the beautiful Bay.” Sean says the airport projects have been a real feel-good experience for his team. “Our guys were pumped to be building a fire station for the local airport. It was a job with purpose, and one we’ll always be proud of.” “We come When you call” From leaking taps to blocked drains, we can do it all! Bell Plumbing Plumbing • Drainage • Gasfitting Mount 575 3049 | Tauranga 578 0190 | A/H 0274 975 591 Your Local Plumber Since 1939 Proud to support Letts Construction www.bellplumbing.co.nz Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams Your Trusted Custom Kitchen and Wardrobe Specialists in Tauranga 07 574 8686 www.kitchensrus.co.nz www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz P: 07 575 7032 | 42 Poturi St, Tauriko, Tauranga Metalcraft Roofings’ wide selection of roofing and rainwater systems are manufactured from Colorsteel® made, tested and trusted for New Zealand’s environments. Metalcraft are proud to supply Letts Construction for steel structure and all Roofing products
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