Business North September 2020

96 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 businessnorth BUILDING » Arrowsmith Builders Enjoying the challenges of building renovations Arrowsmith Builders is working on restoring the building at 105 The Strand in the centre of Tauranga. Sue Russell S ince its establishment in 1997 Arrowsmith Builders Limited has increasingly specialised in commercial alterations and maintenance projects in the Bay of Plenty. Three directors oversee business activity with Blair Arrowsmith in the role of Managing Direc- tor, Commercial Manager Ryan Pratt and Logan Basham Construction Manager. Completing the core team is Sue Arrowsmith, along with a strong administration team. Arrowsmith Builders Ltd has undertaken a large number of school projects, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, along with commercial work for both city and regional councils and private com- mercial property owners. “In recent years we’ve taken on quite a bit of earthquake strengthening work,” says Logan. “We also specialise in all aspects of building remediation and maintenance to both ends of the spectrum. This can often be technically challenging work, however the end result is incredibly satisfy- ing,” he says. Though the Covid pandemic phenomenon slowed progress on some current projects Logan says the company is poised to pick up well, given the ongo- ing nature of the work they take on, and the great team of people they employ. “We’re looking at older buildings which no longer meet code or have been poorly built. “Often it’s a case that they have simply been under maintained or are reaching a cycle of age where large-scale restoration and strengthening is necessary.” One such project, at 105 The Strand promises to restore a building of note in the centre of Tauranga. It’s principally an earthquake strengthening pro- ject with an expansion of Harbourside Backpackers, over the two upper floors of the three storey ex Cobb & Co building. By early June the structural and concrete rein- forcing phases were well underway with the largest steel reinforcing cage requiring a custom gantry to fit into place. Large trenches have been dug out next to the existing foundation for the new steel cages to be housed and new concrete footings poured. Above ground in-situ cast concrete walls and new steel beams are being installed. Work began on the complex project at the end of January and when Business North spoke with Logan mid June work was well underway on refit- ting the first floor and doing building repairs on the tired-looking second floor deck. “We’re towards the end phase of the refit and the upgrade has transformed the backpackers.” Ahead was upgrading all the fire compliance sys- tems including the installation of 28 new fire doors. Tauranga’s Historical Trust Board was keen to preserve the original character of the building. This is an aspect of working on projects like this that Logan and the team of especially enjoy. “It’s always challenging work, with a significant degree of problem-solving but we believe you shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water in the process of making it more modern and compli- ant. “I find that aspect of projects like this really satisfying.” Proud to be associated with Arrowsmith Builders COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL · AUTOMATION · SERVICE Phone (07) 578 0050 Unit 1, 43 Koromiko St, Judea, Tauranga Contact Brad e Plumbing • Gasfitting • Underfloor Heating Central Heating • Drainlaying • Rain Water Harvesting Ph: 07 543 2481 www.tpc.net.nz Proudly associated with Arrowsmith Builders T 64 7 578 3383 W www.crowthers.co.nz A 445 Cameron Road, Tauranga. Providing Cost Management and Contract Administration Services. We are proud to be part of the project team bringing new life to this historic building.