Business South May 2021

28 | Bunnings project a boost for Queenstown T from page 26 Work on the 8100 square metre structural steel and concrete tilt panel building began immediately before the Covid-19 lockdown last year. DEVELOPMENT Calder Stewart: Bunnings Development Queenstown Calder Stewart Otago regional construction manager Richard Johnson says the project is an example of what the company does so well and has a great track record in successfully completing. Site work for the 8100 square metre struc- tural steel and concrete tilt panel building began immediately before the Covid-19 lock- down last year, but fortunately the project was not at the construction stage. “We were at the design and consent stage at that point so that was able to continue along,” says Richard. Other than some challenging ground condi- tions construction went well, with the building being handed over to Bunnings for stocking and fit-out in stages. Richard says the project is a prime example of how important construction projects are to regional economies, especially with tourism taking a hard hit; Calder Stewart had up to 20 staff working on-site while subcontractors comprised 31 companies employing more than 100 staff. “It is a big stimulus and just about all the Calder Stewart staff aren’t from Queenstown, they’re from out of the region, from Milton, Dunedin and over Otago. “The staff are actually coming into the region and staying so there’s the accommo- dation, the meals, it’s hugely important for a place like Queenstown for these projects to be continued on.” Despite this he notes that Queenstown’s tourism sector is suffering badly. By contrast Calder Stewart is very busy. “It’s the complete opposite to tourism. We operate largely in the commercial and industrial sectors. A big part of the business revolves around logistics. Stores like Bunnings require a whole logistics arm of the business that have a flow-on effect.” As an example, Calder Stewart built a ware- house in Cromwell that will serve as a feeder bulk store to Bunnings new Frankton store. “We are finding that trend nationally with all the business we are doing in some way linked to shopping and the logistical supply chain connected to it in some way, shape or form.” WE DO WATERPROOFING Dunedin - Otago Central Otago - Southland p: 03 466 3076 e: info@tituswaterproofing.co.nz w: tituswaterproofing.co.nz THE WATERPROOFING COMPANY