50 | “Three quarters of the structural steel has now been erected, which has changed the landscape of the area quite a bit. The building is scheduled for fitout and commissioning in the first quarter of 2024.” Distribution hub streamlines supply Fulton Hogan NZTA Christchurch T T Richard Loader REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Crisp and fresh from the farm gate to the consumer; Countdown’s new $100 million Fresh Distribution Centre in Rolleston, Canterbury, will enable fresh produce to be despatched to Countdown supermarkets throughout the South Island via Primary Connect, and ensure product quality. The 11,000 sqm purpose-built development is being built in Rolleston’s new Tawhiri Industrial Park, close to the Izone inland port, and will be one of the largest commercial projects built in Canterbury. Leading the construction of the distribution centre and its adjoining office block, is Watts & Hughes Construction, which was awarded the project through a competitive tender process. The company brings significant experience working with Countdown and its owners Woolworths, and the construction of Countdown’s supermarkets throughout New Zealand and the recently completed Palmerston North distribution centre. “We have a team of about ten staff on site managing the overall build process, including our own Christchurch based service engineers, site engineers, and site managers, and we have contracted all local sub-trades to carry the work out,” says Project Manager Matthew Willcox. In addition to Watts & Hughes, the construction team includes Auckland practice JWA Architects and structural engines BGT Structural, also based in Auckland. The client-side project manager is MPM Projects. Construction of the Rolleston building commenced in June 2022 and Matthew says it is similar to the Auckland distribution centre that was built last year, except for Canterbury’s stringent seismic requirements. “Thirty micropiles up to twelve metres in depth went into the ground, to meet both geotechnical and structural requirements. There are also 1000 tonnes of structural steel in the building. Three quarters of the structural steel has now been erected, which has changed the landscape of the area quite a bit. The building is scheduled for fit-out and commissioning in the first quarter of 2024.” At 17 metres high, the distribution centre contains a range of coolstores, all specifically temperature controlled for different kinds of vegetables, along with a banana ripening room. Investing in new technology and cutting-edge design to streamline the supply chain, a key feature of the distribution centre is that it enables fresher produce for the customer, and reduces waste through spoilt food. The produce is picked on the farm, transported to the distribution centre and from there distributed to Countdown’s supermarkets. “It will enable farmer/growers to transport produce directly to the refrigerated warehouse reducing the time the produce is exposed, maintaining its freshness and increasing its lifespan,” says Matthew. T T Rachel Graham New shared pedestrian and cycle lanes have gone gone in along all approaches to the Weedons Ross/State Highway 73 intersection There have been big changes at the intersection of Weedons Ross Road and State Highway 73, also known as West Coast Road, in the growing area of West Melton, Canterbury. West Melton sits just ten minutes west of Christchurch on State Highway 73. West Melton and its surrounding Selwyn district area have changed a lot in recent years with many people moving into the popular area to make the most of the rural atmosphere. In 2001, the Selwyn area was home to 16,000 people, but by 2021 that had leapt to over 70,000 people. The Weedons Ross Road/State Highway 73 intersection is being upgraded as part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, the government’s $8.7 billion investment in growing communities across the country. Fulton Hogan was selected by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as the key contractor on this project. The project sees traffic lights installed at the intersection, which will make travel times more reliable and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross. This is particularly handy with West Melton School and a busy shopping area just down from the intersection. The intersection was previously five legged, with West Melton Road, Weedons Ross Road and State Highway 73 all crossing, which made it challenging for road users at times. West Melton Road has now been transformed into a cul-de-sac at the point it previously met with the intersection. A new road has been built just down from the intersection to link West Melton Road with Weedons Ross Road and Kingsdowne Drive. A new roundabout has been built at the new intersection with the link road, Weedons Ross Road and Kingsdowne Drive. Crossing points have been installed to make it safer for pedestrians. New shared pedestrian and cycle lanes have also gone in along all approaches to the Weedons Ross/State Highway 73 intersection to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Power lines are also being undergrounded in the area as part of this project, and Fulton Hogan worked with utility service providers, such as Orion, Chorus, Enable and Vodafone, to do service trenching for future use and for the current realignment. Fulton Hogan staff says the project has been well received by locals, with comments that people will now feel more confident about letting their children walk and cycle to school along the busy road and intersection. “These changes will improve connections in the community to key facilities,” says Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships, James Caygill, “including the recreation centre, the Domain, local shops, West Melton School, and early childcare facilities.” Watts & Hughes Construction Upgrade improves safety West Melton Tavern & Stonegrill Restaurant GREAT FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT With great food and friendly service, come visit us and find out why we’re a favourite of locals and visitors alike. 03 347 8460 1147 West Coast Rd, West Melton Kerbco is a specialist kerb and channel contractor established by Scott Letton. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Scott set up Kerbco Limited in 2012, with the vision to provide a quality product, efficiently and safely. Proudly supporting Fulton Hogan NZTA Christchurch www.kerbco.co.nz | 027 212 2880 | scott@kerbco.co.nz 03 337 1994 admin@evolvefire.nz SERVICES FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS CHARGED RISER SYSTEMS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FIRE HOSE REELS BUILDING WARRANT OF FITNESS SPECIAL HAZARDS FIRE SYSTEMS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED WITH 150+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY. www.evolvefire.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=