18 May 2007

Council building gets major upgrade

A major refurbishment of Manukau City Council's Civic building starts this month, the first since the iconic building was completed in 1976.

A contract for $10.4million has been awarded to Mainzeal Interiors Limited for the refit, which is expected to take 19 months to complete. The refit will include changes to the layout of work space to maximise space and natural light, more meeting rooms, improved filing and storage space, an improved Emergency Management Crisis Centre and the refurbishment of the public committee and meeting rooms including the Council Chamber.

Work on the refurbishment has resulted in major changes to the entrance to the council building, which has moved from the west side of the building to the eastern side closer to the Westfield car park. The through lane accessible from Wiri Station Road is also closed to all traffic. Visitor parking remains in the same place in the main council car park off Osterley Way. All changes are clearly signposted.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says that the refurbishment has been a long time coming and has been driven by a number of factors, in particular the need to upgrade the 30-year-old air conditioning system.

"Upgrading the old air conditioning system alone would have required significant work to the building and for floors to essentially be gutted, so we have taken the approach that it is prudent that all upgrade work is undertaken at the same time."

Mr Walden says that the council has not made the decision to upgrade the building lightly, but the age of the building meant that if the council was going to remain located where it is then the work simply had to be done.

"The refurbishment will mean more staff are located within the civic building, therefore reducing the need for the council to lease other space in the city centre, and will result in an improved environment for staff."

Mr Walden says that Mainzeal Interiors were selected to complete the work because of their competitive tender, and because of their strong track record in Manukau city.

"Mainzeal have completed a number of projects for the council in recent years including the Botany Library and Mangere Leisure Centre, and we have confidence in their ability to complete the project on time, within budget and to a high standard."

The cost of the upgrade has been budgeted for in the council's Long Term Council Community Plan.

ENDS

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