10 | Amalgamated Builders T T Karen Phelps Partnerships underpin longevity ABL operates across four South Island regions with offices in Christchurch Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT For over six decades, Amalgamated Builders Limited (ABL) has been steadily constructing not just buildings across the South Island but something far more valuable: enduring relationships built on trust, quality and reliability. “We like to build long-term relationships with our clients, subcontractors and supply chain, many of which have spanned decades,” says Chris Dowall, ABL’s Otago area manager. “These connections, along with our longstanding history in the region, are key to the successful delivery of projects.” ABL’s story began on November 1, 1961, when the late Graeme Hill opened the doors to G.R. Hill Ltd as a young local Invercargill builder. By 1972, expansion necessitated a partnership with another builder, Steve Farrant, and Amalgamated Builders was born. Graeme guided the company through the challenging economic climate of the late 1980s and early 1990s, setting the stage for future success Today, ABL operates across four South Island regions with offices in Christchurch Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown. The company takes a collaborative team- based approach with regionally-based teams focused on delivering projects, and directors taking a more strategic view of the South Island business as a whole. However, it is the company’s approach to partnerships that truly sets it apart in the commercial construction sector. “As a commercial builder we rely heavily on the performance of our subcontractors,” says Chris. “This dependency has become one of ABL’s greatest strengths, with more than 500 regular subcontractors forming the backbone of our operation across the company.” ABL offers a full range of construction-related services, backed up by its large in-house workforce, who carry out the core concrete and carpentry trades, and its significant supply chain. It can complete small projects, such as maintenance contracts, right through to significant construction projects, such as the $165 million Invercargill Central Project Chris says ABL can come on board once a client has their design completed and is ready to start building. It can also get involved as an ECI contractor right from the inception of the project, fulfilling an advisory role on buildability, budgeting and material selection, or as a design-and-build contractor taking on the management of the design as well as the construction. The company’s portfolio of completed projects demonstrates the tangible results of these enduring relationships. The Oracle Aged Care Apartments project, comprising 24 residential apartments over four floors, and completed in 2024 with a contract value of $15 million, presented particular challenges due to escalating costs during the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a matter of working with the client and contractors to make changes where necessary to ensure the project met the budget,” says Chris. “The project’s success was only possible through collaboration, goodwill and trust between all parties.” Another significant project illustrating ABL’s capabilities and collaborative approach was the Dunedin Law Courts Restoration Project, completed in 2017. This high-profile, $12 million restoration of the Category I historic building required substantial interventions along with maintaining the highest conservation standards. The Southern Heritage Restoration Award jury recognised the project’s excellence. Another testament to ABL’s project-management capabilities was the Dunedin Town Hall Redevelopment, a $32.5 million project completed in 2013. Undertaken in three stages over 33.5 months, the project transformed the historic venue into a state-of-theart conferencing and performance centre, whilst preserving its renowned historical features. The project was completed on time and well under budget, despite encountering numerous unknowns inherent in working with heritage buildings. www.impactotago.co.nz | 10B Strathallan St, Dunedin SPECIALISTS IN ROOFING, PLUMBING & GAS FITTING Drainlayers 03 455 5871 THE BEST CONNECTION Pleased to be associated with Amalgamated Builders - Dunedin ELECTRICAL • data • TELECOMMUNICATIONS • security Phone (03) 477-2795 | www.oec.co.nz OEC (2017) Ltd - Trading As: Otago Electrical & Communications Tansley Electrical “Trusted for over 65 years” www.tansleyelectrical.co.nz • Residential & Commercial Electrical • Fire Protection & IQP Compliance Proud to support Amalgamated Builders Limited. 0800 847 434 viridianglass.co.nz For specialist frameless glass & retro-fit double glazing Viridian Glass is proud to support Amalgamated Builders - Dunedin There's something special about natural light
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