98 | BUILDING Templeton Construction T T Rosa Watson Central Otago fertile ground for builder Twizel-based construction firm Templeton Construction has expanded its business into the Central Otago region. “It’s been really good marketing for us. We’ve been able to pick up a few jobs. I’ve even been asked to go further south to Riverton.” Twizel-based construction firm Templeton Construction has expanded its business into the Central Otago region off the back of massive growth in the Cromwell area. The firm, which has been operating out of Twizel for 18 years, recently moved staff to be based in Cromwell with a number of projects popping up in the area. “I originally did a job for family down there, so that just took us down there for a start,” director Ben Templeton says. The 360sqm home lies on the shores of Lake Dunstan. The project was a long time coming for the owners, Ben says. “They’d already built a dwelling and sheds and finally did the house, which was designed by (them).” The home included schist stone exterior cladding, a raked ceiling in the lounge and an extensive outdoor entertaining area. It was a large undertaking for the firm, “mainly just the sheer size of it”, and the large amount of stonework in the finishing details inside as well as the outside. Materials included tongue-and-groove ceilings and hardwood on the walls. It provided great experience for the team, Ben says. “It was really good to actually get into some really high-end work and put a lot of time into it. We spent a lot of time on the finishing details, right down to designing the landscaping and driveway.” The build has led on to more work for the company, he says. “It’s been really good marketing for us. We’ve been able to pick up a few jobs. I’ve even been asked to go further south to Riverton.” A build in the centre of Cromwell is currently underway, also involving a large amount of stonework in keeping with the natural environment. Three staff members, who were keen to move to the Central Otago region, are now based in the Cromwell area. “We ended up just splitting staff and just based staff there and in Twizel.” Ben himself spends most of his time in Cromwell now, working to grow business in the area. “The way things were looking in the Central Otago area it felt like a good chance to go out and make a change,” he says. And he expects growth in the Central Otago area to continue into the foreseeable future, especially around Cromwell. A number of subdivisions are popping up, and a $4.4 billion gold mine is expected to get underway this year. Meanwhile, Twizel is also experiencing a housing boom, many that are holiday homes, but there are also a growing number of people moving to the area. “It’s ticking away nicely now and growing quite steadily.” Construction of a new school is underway and expected to be completed early next year, as well as a major upgrade to a local accommodation provider. “There’s a lot of growth going to start happening in the area, so everything’s moving forward.” This is a change to when he started out when there was lucky to be one house being built a year. Now there are six to 12 builds, Ben says. There were about three other construction companies operating in the area at the time, and now there are up to 20. Foundry56 — we dedicate ourselves to crafting innovative solutions for our clients. Proud to support Templeton Construction Ltd +64 3 688 6644 office@foundry56.nz foundry56.nz Level 1, 56 Bank Street, Timaru Helping build businesses from the ground up. here for you Plumbing World Oamaru 66 Humber Street | P. 03 434 0199 We’re proud to support TEMPLETON CONSTRUCTION LTD plumbingworld.co.nz Ezy Kitchens are the experts at combining smart design, the latest technology & quality craftsmanship to make a kitchen that will work hard for you & look great. Ezy Kitchens Central Otago - 03 448 9586 | @ezykitchenscentral | www.ezykitchens.co.nz
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