Built in 1971, the building operated as Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant until mid 1998 when it changed ownership, running for two years as Doyles Seafood Restaurant.

From October 2002 until January 2003, the Phoenix Club used the premises, following which it was used by Suzanne Paul’s Rawaka Maori culture tourism venture, which came to a high profile end in July 2004.

It was at that point that developer Northcote Point Ltd approached Orange Productions with the proposal that the building could operate as a function venue. For Orange, the timing was perfect - a tailor-made venue in a prime location that would help them meet the demand of managing events throughout the year.

Whether the event be a spectacular gala dinner that enthrals guests with entertainment from beginning to end, or a product launch delivered with outstanding professionalism and innovation, nothing is too hard for Orange, Stu says. So in transforming the Fisherman’s Wharf building into a venue that supports that approach, Orange’s involvement in the design has been critical.

“Every inch of the building has been thought out, from how the lighting works and is controlled, through to ensuring joinery that is big enough to crane a car in if that’s the product we may happen to be launching.”

The Building Intelligence Group provided full project management services, working to a demanding programme that involved taking the building back to its base structure and rebuilding 75 per cent in just seven months, including the tenant fit-out.

With numerous challenges along the way, including large amounts of unforeseen remedial work, Project Manager Joe Holden hails the job as one of the most satisfying he has ever been involved in.