Innovation saves ratepayers millions

Innovation and efficiencies have created a $4.85 million dollar saving in the Aotea Square redevelopment project.

A further $5 million reduction from the project’s contingency that was not needed for work that has already taken place has also been achieved.

Chairperson for the council’s Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Greg Moyle, says the project is on track for completion in October and he is proud that the collaboration and innovation of the council’s project team and external consultants has led to these cost savings.

“The extensive planning and initial investigations into the repair of the Civic Car Park meant we could adopt global best practices, reduce disruption and improve efficiencies.”

“For example, the landscaping in Aotea Square was removed and a new roof for the Civic Car Park was built over the existing one, while the car park remained open for use” says Mr Moyle.

The Aotea Square project was originally driven by the need for repairs to the Civic Car Park, however it has also provided the council with an opportunity to refresh and modernise the square. Construction began in October 2008 and will be complete by October this year.

Chairperson of the council’s Finance and Strategy Committee, Councillor Douglas Armstrong is pleased that the savings from the Aotea Square redevelopment project can be passed on to ratepayers. “Savings from projects such as this has helped the council keep rates down in the next financial year,” says Mr Armstrong.

Some of the other innovations of the Aotea Square redevelopment project include:

• a waterproofing membrane system with a memory material which can re-form to its original size if stretched. This reduces membranes tearing when movement occurs. The waterproofing membrane has not been applied in this way in New Zealand before and proved to be a more cost effective option. It has only been used for smaller and vertical services.
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• an electronic leak detection system is extremely accurate in detecting damage and leaks to the waterproofing membrane both during construction and on completion of the works. This reduces construction time and costs. This system has never been used in New Zealand before.
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• the concrete mix has been specially designed and is unique to this project. It is a premium concrete with low shrinkage constantly monitored through a quality assurance system to ensure the performance of the new roof complies with the high specification required
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• the use of carbon fibre to reinforce existing concrete beams. This has not been done much before in New Zealand
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ENDS

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