| 115 Marlborough Boys’ College COMMUNITY Construction is well underway on a two-storey innovation hub that will become the school’s new technology centre. Having people on the ground and offering a wide range of technical expertise has proven a winning combination for Eliot Sinclair on a major redevelopment of Marlborough Boys' College. Its Nelson office has played a central role from the earliest site investigations through to ongoing construction monitoring. “Being based in the region means we can respond quickly, maintain close relationships with the wider project team and provide continuity from investigation right through to construction,” says Nick Harwood, Eliot Sinclair Principal and Geotechnical Engineer. Architects BCN, which is leading the project, selected Eliot Sinclair as part of its trusted consultant team continuing a relationship built across several successful Ministry of Education projects throughout the South Island. Rather than delivering a single specialist service Eliot Sinclair provided an integrated package of geotechnical investigation, foundation advice, construction monitoring and resource management planning, ensuring the project team had access to a broad range of expertise through one consultant. Nick says a significant challenge emerged during ground investigations with shallow groundwater encountered about 1 to 1.5 metres below the surface. Poor ground conditions meant foundations needed to extend into competent material beneath the water table requiring both a dewatering strategy and resource consent before construction could proceed. “The ability to bring together multiple disciplines under one roof meant we could solve problems quickly without clients needing to engage additional consultants,” explains Nick. When the original planning consultant determined the dewatering consent sat outside its scope Eliot Sinclair's planning team stepped in to prepare the necessary technical reports and manage the consenting process. The council subsequently sought further information about how dewatering water would be discharged onto the school's playing fields. Eliot Sinclair developed an effective response that resolved what had become a complex consenting issue allowing the project to continue. Its involvement has continued throughout construction with Nelson-based Engineering Geologist Matt Boyland regularly travelling to site to monitor foundation works and confirm construction is proceeding in accordance with the geotechnical recommendations. “Our local presence allows us to stay closely involved throughout construction giving the contractor and wider project team confidence that any issues can be addressed promptly,” says Nick. The project also highlights Eliot Sinclair's collaborative approach, working alongside Marlborough Boy’s College, Ministry of Education, BCN, structural engineers Lewis Bradford and contractor HRS to support delivery of an important community asset. As architects increasingly seek trusted consultant teams capable of delivering multiple services Nick says that Eliot Sinclair’s combination of regional presence and multidisciplinary capability provides a strong advantage. Expertise on hand
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