Building Extension to Begin in September

Construction of an extension to Rodney District Council’s Orewa offices is scheduled begin in September 2006 as the council prepares to meet the future demands of one of the fastest growing Districts in New Zealand.

“We need to expand in order to meet projected growth and deliver more services to the Rodney Community,” said Mark Johannsen, Rodney District Council Property Manager.

“In fact, we are probably overdue for that already.”

Mr Johannsen says the current building, which has been left largely untouched since it was erected in 1975, has exceded its predicted 25-year life. He says staff are being located in temporary accommodation and at sites throughout Orewa and the Hibiscus Coast.

“This increases council’s occupancy costs and efficiencies are lost due to staff operating from split sites,” says Mr Johannsen.

The three-storey extension, due for completion around September 2007, will help alleviate that problem by bringing many of the council’s services and staff into one building. It will also be future-proofed to allow for growth within the community and council.Â

The extension provides an additional 5000 square metres and costs approximately $16 million. The allotted space for staff in the extension is standard, and there are plans to lease out parts of the building to create a revenue stream until the entire area is required.

Budget provision has been made for it in this year’s budget with added accumulations from previous years’ budgets.

Construction of the extension will be carried out by Watts and Hughes Construction Company Limited. The open tender process will involve all sub contractors to ensure all costs are considered.

ENDS

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