Developing a flexible, world-class venue within strict timing and budgetary constraints
Setting the scene for success
This project involved major upgrade and refurbishment of the existing facilities to provide a multi-purpose 5,000-seat indoor arena for live performances and sport, a new four-star conference facility, plus comprehensive landscaping and wetlands in the park.
We undertook a comprehensive project management role that included assisting with the feasibility study, extensive stakeholder liaison to develop a robust brief, managing the design and construction processes and rigorous management of the project cost to meet the client's budgetary constraints.
Making ends meet
The main challenge faced during the project was the apparent discrepancy between the client’s aspirations to develop a flexible, high quality international venue and the available budget.
In order to successfully deliver the project, an extensive value engineering process was undertaken that required almost every aspect of the design and pricing to be considered and reviewed. This process was time consuming and challenging for all parties, but was a spectacular success and absolutely instrumental to project outcomes.
Points of interest
- The drive to provide a high quality venue, capable of hosting international events and acts underpinned the whole design process.
- The various facilities were constructed in parallel to facilitate a staged handover to Hamilton City Council, enabling them to meet predetermined event deadlines.
- We were proud to be part of the team which won the Gold and Silver awards for this project at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. The venue also claimed two major awards at the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand Awards.
