Client: Willis Bond And Co
Project Type: Carpark, Office And Retail
Project Timeframe: 2005-2007
Architects: Athfield Architects
Awards: Property Council Of New Zealand Supreme Award 2009
Willis Bond winning the 2005 tender to redevelop the Chews Lane precinct began one of the biggest projects LT McGuinness has ever undertaken.
Many elements contributed to the job winning major industry awards. Among them was how it combined new and refurbished commercial office and retail buildings in the area between Victoria and Willis Streets.
The project began with two eight-storey concrete podia built on either side of Chews Lane to support a bridging apartment tower made of steel. Not only were different structural materials used but the pods had to be identical to support the apartments.
At the same time, four existing buildings were strengthened and refurbished to retain their heritage value and to create more effective interior spaces. In one, the façade was kept while the building was strengthened with steel bracing that had to be strong enough to support the huge new tower crane later used to build the tower apartments.
At 60 Victoria Street, a six-storey heritage facade was kept while the main structure behind it was demolished. The façade was then tied back into a completely new structure. It contains a new carpark with no level surfaces as it spirals upward through the building.
