Ann: GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces approval of NZICC Concept Design

• Release Date: 13/08/14 08:53
• Summary: GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces approval of NZICC Concept Design
• Price Sensitive: No
• Download Document  6.73KB

					SKC
13/08/2014 08:53
GENERAL

REL: 0853 HRS SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (NS)

GENERAL: SKC: SKYCITY announces approval of NZICC Concept Design

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited has today revealed approved concept
designs for the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), in
addition to further key appointments within the project design team.
Following an initial consultation process with the Government, SKYCITY is now
able to outline key elements of the concept design that will help bring the
vision for New
Zealand's first truly international convention centre to reality.
SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison says the project is entering an
exciting phase.
"These key concepts are the first steps in establishing what the NZICC is
going to look like, not only in terms of the physical scale and appearance,
but also the breadth and
complexity of what the building can offer," says Mr Morrison.
"Through a collaborative process with the Government, we now have an approved
concept and vision that will inform our design team and enable them to
produce a compelling and considered design for the NZICC ahead of lodging
resource consent
which is anticipated for the fourth quarter of 2014."
SKYCITY Group General Manager New Zealand International Convention Centre
Simon Jamieson has also outlined the key design details.
"The design includes flexible, innovative convention and exhibition space.
Spread over four levels the facility will contain a public atrium entrance,
multiple day meeting rooms
and a dedicated multi-use plenary theatre able to accommodate 3,000 people
for convention and entertainment events. The exhibition floor will be the
size of Eden Park's
rugby pitch with a 9 metre high stud and the ability to accommodate two
Dreamliner 787 aeroplanes side by side," says Mr Jamieson.
"In addition, the master plan for the Hobson Nelson Street site will also
include a 300 room 5 star hotel and pedestrian laneway both of which will
benefit from the increased
visitation generated by the NZICC."
"The success factor of a convention centre is its integration into the city
fabric and its ability to deliver an authentic experience for the visitor.
The NZICC concept has been
developed so the building plays a role in a living, breathing precinct that
Aucklanders will be encouraged to use and enjoy. The design of a large plaza
entry off Hobson Street,
leading to a through site laneway, will provide social, retail and
hospitality experiences for Aucklanders and visitors alike. With the laneway,
hotel and plaza, the NZICC will have a significant differentiated offering
for the international business events market."
The NZICC will enhance the rejuvenation of the western edge of the CBD and
will provide a catalyst for further visitor and entertainment development in
Victoria Quarter
and SKYCITY's Federal Street. Auckland businesses of all sizes will benefit
from increased high-value visitation. It will reinforce Auckland's reputation
as a leading,vibrant, international city.
With a total gross floor area (GFA) of 85,000 m2, the NZICC is understood to
be the biggest building project undertaken in Auckland since 1997 when the
Sky Tower was constructed.
Mr Jamieson says, "during construction, the NZICC is expected to create 1000
construction related jobs. Once up and running, it is expected to attract
more than 33,000 new international visitors to New Zealand, generating $90
million of economic
benefits to New Zealand annually and 800 jobs. The hotel development will
create a further 150 jobs. This is a significant opportunity to train young
New Zealanders for a
wide range of skills and jobs in the hospitality, tourism and construction
sectors."
Momentum is gathering for what is going to be a unique urban building, adding
to the vibrancy of Auckland. Design Lead and Warren & Mahoney's Chairman,
Andrew Barclay says "The New Zealand Convention Centre will be the venue in
which our country hosts the world. It is designed to reflect the character of
our country and people - the shared
qualities of an open and dynamic culture, of dramatic landscape, of deep
textures and innovative technologies. Essentially this building, more than
most others, has the
responsibility to present the New Zealand experience." The NZICC will be an
international standard asset, positioning New Zealand competitively in the
international convention market and showcasing New Zealand as a smart
innovative country.
Following on from the initial key appointment of the collaborative
architectural team in
February this year, Mr Jamieson is now pleased to announce that the full team
charged with developing the design of the NZICC has been confirmed.
Project Management Beca Project Management will project manage the NZICC
development, with Tony McKee leading as Director of Project Management. Mr
McKee has extensive knowledge in
delivering large projects including the world-class Marina Bay Sands complex
in Singapore, which has many parallels with the NZICC. Mr McKee is supported
by Geoff Wicks, Beca's Design and Consents Manager who will be responsible
for developing the
design within the project brief and cost parameters, and drive all consenting
activities. Urban Design Boffa Miskel Director of Design Rachel de Lambert,
has been appointed Director of Urban Design for the project. Ms Lambert
brings over 27 years professional practice in the field of landscape and
urban design, environmental and heritage planning and community
facilitation. "The NZICC project will be new sort of urban convention centre
facility, it will provide a
real boost to the urban amenity of this western edge of the city and deliver
on some key initiatives signalled in the Auckland Central City Masterplan.
It's a great opportunity to
improve the city for pedestrians and to continue the good work that is
underway in making Auckland the worlds most liveable city, I'm looking
forward to seeing the changes we can achieve with its implementation," says
Ms Lambert. Engineering
Beca has been confirmed as providing Structural, Civil, Geotechnical and
Building Services Engineering design, with Brendon Dwyer the Engineering
Director for the NZICC
development. Mr Dwyer has particular experience in large scale
environmentally sustainable design projects across the UK & Asia-Pacific
region. Richard Built, Beca's Structural Engineering's Technical Director
will be the Structural Design Lead for the project, with Charles Roos
undertaking the Lead for Building Services design for the project. Town
Planning
Karl Cook, a Director at specialist town planning consultancy Barker &
Associates, has been appointed Director of Town Planning for the project. He
has significant experience
in planning approvals, plan and policy assessment and infrastructure,
transport and public facility planning.
End CA:00253781 For:SKC    Type:GENERAL    Time:2014-08-13 08:53:51