Business South August 2020

58 | Volume 29 | Issue 4 businesssouth Powell Fenwick places a strong emphasis on buildable, cost effective and sustainable design solutions offered with a flexible, service based approach. T. 03 366 1777 • E. engineering@pfc.co.nz • W: www.pfc.co.nz Structural • Mechanical • Electrical Fire • Civil • Hydraulic • Acoustic Proud to be associated with The Building Intelligence Group & Redcliffs School For design & supply contact: CHRISTCHURCH • TIMARU • DUNEDIN • QUEENSTOWN • INVERCARGILL Email: choffice@unitedscaffolding.co.nz | Phone: 0800 27 22 33 | www.aplkwikform.co.nz COMMUNITY » The Building Intelligence Group New beginnings for Redcliffs School and community The Building Intelligence Group led the successful delivery of the new Te Raekura Redciffs School. Kim Newth I t has been a long journey for Redcliffs School to get home but, nine years after earthquakes forced staff and pupils from the suburb, the school has reopened in Redcliffs with a beautiful new campus. The school had to leave its original site after earthquakes in 2011 destabilised cliffs behind the school, with temporary refuge found at van Asch Deaf Education Centre in Sumner. For years the school’s very existence hung in the balance before the government eventually agreed to its return on a different site. Te Raekura Redcliffs School finally opened on Beachville Rd on June 25, much to the relief, delight and excitement of staff, pupils, parents and the whole team associated with the new campus. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and musician Dave Dobbyn were there to welcome them home and celebrate the school’s story of endurance and perseverance. The Building Intelligence Group is proud to have been on the journey with Te Raekura Redcliffs School. Christchurch-based Project Director David Hopkins says the school’s first assembly and opening ceremony represented the culmination of nearly three years’ hard work for their project management team, who were thrilled to share in the opening celebrations. “Hundreds of people have been a part of this project - not just us, but also the design team, con- tractors, subcontractors, suppliers, the school and the Ministry of Education representatives. “Everyone has really supported each other. It was fantastic seeing the kids in the hall and Dave Dob- byn there performing. “One of the parents created a haka for the school; they’d been practising that since last December and it was performed at the opening to the Prime Minister. For myself and project manager Tom Ranier, it was a wonderful moment to be a part of and for us to be able to see the school in full operation was simply magical.” Leading into this project, The Building Intelli- gence Group had an extensive track record of other successful project management experience in the education sector including the rebuild of Avonside Girls’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School, Ao Tawhiti new school in central Christchurch and the construction of Rangiora High School’s Rakahuri building, one of the South Island’s largest Innova- tive Learning Environments. The Christchurch team has strong relationships with local councils, key consultants and contractors. Appointed to project manage Redcliffs School in April 2018, The Building Intelligence Group started soon after the concept design was completed. Its multi-level role included assisting with contrac- tor procurement, overseeing design development, coordination and documentation through to building consent. Naylor Love was engaged early as lead contractor, contributing to the design process along with a quantity surveyor. The Building Intelligence Group liaised closely with both. “It’s about making sure everything fits together and ensuring that the whole team provides what is required in order to meet the Ministry’s brief and budget, along with balancing the school’s wants and needs,” says Dave. At the tail end of the design process, The Building Intelligence Group also coordinated and managed the enabling phase that included reconfiguring of power and sewer services and ground stabilisation works. The main contract documentation was then collated, procured and evaluated to ensure value for money was achieved. Maintaining good communication with the school community was a key priority as the project progressed. “It is absolutely vital: in the end this school belongs to them, it’s where their children will learn.”