Forsyth Barr Stadium At University Plaza
For immediate release 1 July 2009

Initial Construction Work Progressing Well On Forsyth Barr Stadium

Initial construction work is progressing well on site at the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza, with the first subcontracts let for demolition and piling work.

Stadium Trust Development Director Darren Burden said demolition and site establishment works were well underway and the first piles have been successfully driven, overseen by Main Contractor Hawkins Construction.

“The site is now fenced with Awatea and Leander Streets closed off to traffic. Local Dunedin firm Hall Bros is undertaking demolition work, starting with clearing the site for the Main South Stand and progressively demolishing the remaining buildings.

“Much of the demolition materials is able to be re-used or recycled. For example, concrete is retrieved and crushed for use as building fill.

“The first eight piles have been successfully driven on the area which will be the Main South Stand. The piles were all driven at the depths anticipated by our geotechnical modelling. The total number of piles for the entire Stadium is approximately 530 and piling work continues.

“Main Contractor Hawkins Construction is responsible for securing tenders and prices from subcontractors and suppliers to deliver the construction work. This is undertaken on an open book basis where Hawkins provides a recommendation to the Trust for each subcontract which the Trust assesses along with independent advice from its consultants Arrow International and quantity surveyor Rawlinsons.

2 “Subject to being satisfied with the recommendation, the Trust approves the subcontractor’s appointment and Hawkins then proceeds to confirm the subcontract.

“The Trust’s procurement objective is to achieve the best value for the project with a preference for local contractors. The various components of construction will be tendered and include: demolition, piling, excavation, precast concrete, structural steel, cladding and building services.

“One of the first subcontracts to be confirmed was for demolition – awarded to local Dunedin firm Hall Bros Limited. Piling work is being undertaken by Daniel Smith Industries, based in Christchurch. Further subcontracts are in the process of being finalised and expected to be confirmed in coming weeks.

“The subcontract procurement process is both robust and transparent, providing a high degree of confidence that best value is achieved for the project. We hope that local subcontractors and suppliers will get behind the project, be competitive and help us deliver the project on budget.

“More than 600 jobs are expected to be created over the next two years in building the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza,” said Mr Burden.

ENDS

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