Ready Set Go Apr 28, 2009
The extension and upgrade to the district courthouse in Nelson is imminent.
After being placed on hold for much of 2007 pending government funding approval, it's all go again, with work due to start in May on the addition of a northern extension and new top floor.
During the 14-month construction period the court will remain fully operational. In developing a strategy to meet this challenge, The Building Intelligence Group drew on experience from managing the 2007 Blenheim District Court refurbishment. Working collaboratively with the court manager and Ministry of Justice property team, a staging programme has been agreed to achieve minimal disruption to operations. This includes construction of temporary hearing rooms to provide relief from current demands, and working outside of business hours where possible.
Regular and open communication with court users and regular reviews will be critical to the success of this programme, says The Building Intelligence Group project manager Stuart Lyons.
"Communication is a big focus on this project, with an emphasis on keeping staff, the public and stakeholders fully in the loop as to what is going on, so there are no surprise disruptions, and so we can work and rework the programme in consultation with them if need be without creating unplanned and unnecessary delays."
Additional key areas in the building will include another three courtrooms, increased public waiting areas, new hearing rooms with video conferencing facilities, interview rooms, judicial chambers, court transcripts, storage and technology service areas, two cells and associated custodial facilities.
The refurbished facility will also incorporate environmentally sustainable initiatives, resulting in a reduction in energy usage and associated operational costs, while providing increased indoor comfort levels and lower overall impact on the environment. Construction is expected to be completed late 2010.
The Building Intelligence Group have also project managed the new Hastings District Court and the new Supreme Court in Wellington.