NZ International Convention Centre: Approved Concept Designs

MEDIA RELEASE

New Zealand International Convention Centre announces approval of concept design and key appointments

13 August 2014

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited has today revealed approved concept designs for the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), in addition to further key appointments within the project design team.

Following an initial consultation process with the Government, SKYCITY is now able to outline key elements of the concept design that will help bring the vision for New Zealand’s first truly international convention centre to reality.

SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison says the project is entering an exciting phase.

“These key concepts are the first steps in establishing what the NZICC is going to look like, not only in terms of the physical scale and appearance, but also the breadth and complexity of what the building can offer,” says Mr Morrison.

“Through a collaborative process with the Government, we now have an approved concept and vision that will inform our design team and enable them to produce a compelling and considered design for the NZICC ahead of lodging resource consent which is anticipated for the fourth quarter of 2014.”
SKYCITY Group General Manager New Zealand International Convention Centre Simon Jamieson has also outlined the key design details.

“The design includes flexible, innovative convention and exhibition space. Spread over four levels the facility will contain a public atrium entrance, multiple day meeting rooms and a dedicated multi-use plenary theatre able to accommodate 3,000 people for convention and entertainment events. The exhibition floor will be the size of Eden Park’s rugby pitch with a 9 metre high stud and the ability to accommodate two Dreamliner 787 aeroplanes side by side,” says Mr Jamieson.

“In addition, the master plan for the Hobson Nelson Street site will also include a 300 room 5 star hotel and pedestrian laneway both of which will benefit from the increased visitation generated by the NZICC.”
“The success factor of a convention centre is its integration into the city fabric and its ability to deliver an authentic experience for the visitor. The NZICC concept has been developed so the building plays a role in a living, breathing precinct that Aucklanders will be encouraged to use and enjoy. The design of a large plaza entry off Hobson Street, leading to a through site laneway, will provide social, retail and hospitality experiences for Aucklanders and visitors alike. With the laneway, hotel and plaza, the NZICC will have a significant differentiated offering for the international business events market.”
The NZICC will enhance the rejuvenation of the western edge of the CBD and will provide a catalyst for further visitor and entertainment development in Victoria Quarter and SKYCITY’s Federal Street. Auckland businesses of all sizes will benefit from increased high-value visitation. It will reinforce Auckland’s reputation as a leading, vibrant, international city.
With a total gross floor area (GFA) of 85,000 m2, the NZICC is understood to be the biggest building project undertaken in Auckland since 1997 when the Sky Tower was constructed.

Mr Jamieson says, “during construction, the NZICC is expected to create 1000 construction related jobs. Once up and running, it is expected to attract more than 33,000 new international visitors to New Zealand, generating $90 million of economic benefits to New Zealand annually and 800 jobs. The hotel development will create a further 150 jobs. This is a significant opportunity to train young New Zealanders for a wide range of skills and jobs in the hospitality, tourism and construction sectors.”
Momentum is gathering for what is going to be a unique urban building, adding to the vibrancy of Auckland. Design Lead and Warren & Mahoney’s Chairman, Andrew Barclay says “The New Zealand Convention Centre will be the venue in which our country hosts the world. It is designed to reflect the character of our country and people – the shared qualities of an open and dynamic culture, of dramatic landscape, of deep textures and innovative technologies. Essentially this building, more than most others, has the responsibility to present the New Zealand experience.” The NZICC will be an international standard asset, positioning New Zealand competitively in the international convention market and showcasing New Zealand as a smart innovative country.
Following on from the initial key appointment of the collaborative architectural team in February this year, Mr Jamieson is now pleased to announce that the full team charged with developing the design of the NZICC has been confirmed.

Project Management
Beca Project Management will project manage the NZICC development, with Tony McKee leading as Director of Project Management. Mr McKee has extensive knowledge in delivering large projects including the world-class Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore, which has many parallels with the NZICC. Mr McKee is supported by Geoff Wicks, Beca’s Design and Consents Manager who will be responsible for developing the design within the project brief and cost parameters, and drive all consenting activities.

Urban Design
Boffa Miskel Director of Design Rachel de Lambert, has been appointed Director of Urban Design for the project. Ms Lambert brings over 27 years professional practice in the field of landscape and urban design, environmental and heritage planning and community facilitation.
“The NZICC project will be new sort of urban convention centre facility, it will provide a real boost to the urban amenity of this western edge of the city and deliver on some key initiatives signalled in the Auckland Central City Masterplan. It’s a great opportunity to improve the city for pedestrians and to continue the good work that is underway in making Auckland the world’s most liveable city, I’m looking forward to seeing the changes we can achieve with its implementation,” says Ms Lambert.

Engineering
Beca has been confirmed as providing Structural, Civil, Geotechnical and Building Services Engineering design, with Brendon Dwyer the Engineering Director for the NZICC development. Mr Dwyer has particular experience in large scale environmentally sustainable design projects across the UK & Asia-Pacific region. Richard Built, Beca’s Structural Engineering’s Technical Director will be the Structural Design Lead for the project, with Charles Roos undertaking the Lead for Building Services design for the project.

Town Planning
Karl Cook, a Director at specialist town planning consultancy Barker & Associates, has been appointed Director of Town Planning for the project. He has significant experience in planning approvals, plan and policy assessment and infrastructure, transport and public facility planning.

Ends

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