Green light

ANYONE IN the construction industry will tell you that it is far simpler to build a new building than it is to refurbish an existing one. For contractor McKee Fehl Constructors the challenges associated with the gutting and reconstruction of the Mid City Cinema Complex, and the associated fit-out for the Department of Conservation, were two-fold.

There have been a number of unusual challenges and risks associated with this project; commencing with major structural demolition and then building new structures all within a building that had resident tenants and achieving this within the strict time constraints, says McKee Fehl project manager Stephen Cummings.

"The demolition required extensive hands-on management and innovation to cope with the limited access and noise constraints. This saw us concrete-cutting, drilling, hoisting, breaking, and moving material around within the building by hand, with bob cats and various types of craneage.

"The construction of the new floors within the old theatres had to be programmed and co-ordinated with the demolition, to ensure critical parts of the demolition could be carried out in the available time windows, or to maintain access for other tenants," says Cummings.

Carried out over 12 months, the successful completion of the two projects was closely linked to a number of extenuating factors, says Cummings.

"There were lead time and supply issues for products not normally available in the local market, such as the low-emission MDF panelling and whiteboards, and Tasmanian oak timber door and window frames. We also had to co-ordinate with DOC as they carried out a progressive shift of their office equipment while construction work continued."

Limited site access also played a role, necessitating the closure of Manners St to lift major plants into three separate locations, and having only one day to do so.

For details, contact McKee Fehl Constructors, PO Box 13143 Johnsonville, Wellington, phone (04) 232 8102, fax (04) 232 4683. Email: mckeefehl@mckeefehl.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas