22 | Bushnell Builders Ltd: 26A Innovation Road Warehouse T T Kelly Deeks New premises shore up firm’s future “It reflects the direction we’re moving in, and gives us a stronger platform to demonstrate the value we bring to our clients.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Longstanding Canterbury construction firm Bushnell Builders is stepping into a new era with the completion of its own purpose-built warehouse and office development on Innovation Road in the Christchurch suburb of Islington. The project, led by director Lance Austin, represents both a personal milestone and a strategic move for the company, giving its professional team premises that finally match its scale and reputation. The official opening is set for November 7, with Port Hills MP Vanessa Weenink cutting the ribbon. Key stakeholders will join the Bushnell team in celebrating a building that showcases the company’s craft, while enhancing its operational efficiency. Bushnell Builders’ new base covers 300sqm of office space, a 24sqm mezzanine, and 700sqm of warehouse. Lance says the facility creates opportunities for greater control and flexibility, particularly through the ability to pre-nail frames in-house. “That makes it more economical for our clients, and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” he says. The design process brought together multiple generations of talent. Weir Architecture completed the base build alongside structural engineers PTLNZ, while Lance’s son Camden, an architect with 360 Architecture, designed the office fit-out, using reclaimed timber collected from past projects. “He did a fantastic job of getting the balance right, and we’re proud not just of the result, but of him as well,” Lance says. The new site also allows for smarter storage and workshop facilities. A dedicated tool store and hard-plumbed workshop enable the team to process its own timber supply, built up over decades. Out front, the development includes 100sqm of ground-floor office space available for lease, while additional land opens future opportunities for new commercial builds. Bushnell Builders has landed in good company on Innovation Rd, with Trade Depot constructing one of New Zealand’s largest warehouses just across the street. Lance says the neighbouring project will generate a steady stream of traffic, creating commercial potential for Bushnell’s remaining land. “It really opens up opportunities for our site,” he says. “We’re already looking at building a couple of speculative units with office space at the front.” The relocation also makes sense for the team. Many of Bushnell’s key staff members live in Halswell, Lincoln, and Tai Tapu, and the Hornby-Wigram corridor has become a hub for construction-related businesses. The company previously operated out of Springs Road before purchasing the Innovation Rd site in 2023. The move represents more than just new facilities; it signals Bushnell Builders’ resilience and growth. Despite a challenging economy, the company maintains a steady pipeline of work across a diverse range of projects. “We’ve always been a professional company, and now we have a building that demonstrates that,” Lance says. “It reflects the direction we’re moving in, and gives us a stronger platform to demonstrate the value we bring to our clients.” With brand-new technology throughout the office, a polished boardroom for client meetings and the ability to host visitors on site, Lance says the new headquarters establishes a new standard of excellence that drives both the company and its team forward. “This project has exceeded all expectations, and it puts us in a strong position for the future.” Proudly Supporting Bushnell Builders Ltd Contact Us John Hamilton 027 449 9376 john@mjcontracting.co.nz Murray Bond 027 488 0652 murray@gbondltd.co.nz Certifying Drainlayers info@pt lnz.com | www.pt lnz.com | Chr istchurch | Queenstown | Auckland PTL are your next Structural and Fire engineering team. We offer professional consulting services for residential, commercial and industrial buildings by combining state-of-the-art technology and expert specialist engineers. PTL work with architects, developers and construction companies to provide innovative and economical structural and fire solutions, as quickly as possible.
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