Transforming an Icon Apr 29, 2009
The transformation of a tired former icon into Auckland Viaduct's vibrant Cargo Bar was a challenge we couldn't resist.
Our extensive bar and restaurant experience, including One Red Dog franchises throughout the country, and Coyote, Shed 5 and Dockside bars and restaurants in Wellington, made us the preferred choice for the client. Seventeen years earlier we had also project managed the refurbishment of these very same premises into the hugely successful Loaded Hog. Added to this was our history of involvement in projects that have shaped the development of the Auckland waterfront, including The Westin Hotel, Lighter Quay apartments, Sebel Hotel, The Quays and Maritime Square.
The client's vision was to extend the footprint of the rundown former alehouse to take advantage of what is arguably New Zealand's highest traffic area for hospitality.
The by-this-stage rundown premises would be transformed into three separately themed areas: Cargo, the main bar; Cargo lounge, the mezzanine bar with an extended upper deck; and Four Nations, an English style pub featuring live music.
It was important to the client to have the business operational in time for the lucrative summer trade, but there was a lack of time for the normal design, procurement and construction processes. Also, a single day opening for such a large venue created significant operational issues. To meet the
client's objectives, The Building Intelligence Group suggested a staged opening process. This would ensure at least one of the three areas would be open by the beginning of the summer trade with the two other areas opened throughout the season.
Senior project manager Blair Wolfgram and his team immediately put together a good front-end strategy and began the close collaboration that would be required with Auckland City Council to obtain consent for the three individual stages.
"The client could also rest assured that with our extensive experience working in the Auckland Viaduct area, issues that could stymie others were anticipated and overcome," Blair says.
"Working on reclaimed land presents unique challenges, as do strict resource consent parameters, noise control restrictions and a high level of surrounding public amenity that impacts on required health and safety levels. It was all familiar territory."
Cargo opened on time to enjoy the full lead-up to Christmas, chock full of festive punters eager to experience the Viaduct's latest offering. Four Nations was successfully opened for business a week later and the upstairs Cargo Lounge the following week to equal fanfare the week before Christmas - vision delivered.