Vision Formers

In appointing The Building Intelligence Group as project managers for the new Hastings Court, Ministry of Justice were assured not only of the necessary experience and expertise, but also the ability to deliver nationwide.

In short, the project is reaping all the benefits of local project management, with the added advantage of The Building Intelligence Group's capability, skills, capacity and size, and experience with projects of this nature.

The Building Intelligence Group Project Manager Stuart Lyons says the challenges of delivering a project while based in Wellington or Auckland are easily overcome through good planning, organisation and the willingness and resource to travel and be on site as needed. Technology including e-mail, and video and phone conferencing also make it easy to interact as needed with local architect on the job, Paris Magdalinos, and his design team.

Whether a project is local or at the other end of the country, the bigger issue is to provide the right structure and expectations for the project team, Stuart says, particularly the contractors.

"It's about planning the project properly and setting clear expectations so that people know how it will work."

It's a proven approach that The Building Intelligence Group has used successfully in projects as varied as refurbishment of the Blenheim District Court through to work currently being delivered for Les Mills New Zealand for its new Christchurch gym and temporary premises.

"We've got it covered, and are able to offer additional value that overcomes what is normally seen as being the drawbacks of using a non-local project manager," Stuart says.

For Ministry of Justice's Director Property Strategy and Service, David Stevenson, that additional value extends to specific courthouse experience, an obvious passion and commitment to the job, and shared objective of doing the job right.

"We see this reflected in The Building Intelligence Group's willingness to take ownership, to go the extra mile, to get stuck in and deal with problems, their high level of stakeholder management, and in their reliability," David says.

The main contractor on this project is Argon Construction Ltd.