Downer NZ

HIGHLY COMMENDED

CATEGORY 1B

CATEGORY 1B: Projects with a value of less than $5 million (Company turnover greater than $10 million)

PROJECT: Le Roy’s Lookout. CONTRACTOR: Downer NZ

Lookout centrepiece

Le Roy’s Lookout (Kaimataara-o-Wai Manawa) and café was an Auckland Council and local community revitalisation project that involved the design and construction of a new open space overlooking Le Roy’s Bush in Birkenhead – one of Auckland’s largest remaining urban bush areas.

The lookout was constructed on a steep, narrow site in the heart of Birkenhead, Auckland. The two-level, 20-metre steel framed timber viewing deck structure and café was built to extend out over the bush canopy, providing visitors with uninterrupted views over the bush and beyond to Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

Included in the design element is a colourful balustrade and bleachers sandblasted with several Maori motifs relating to the ecological richness of the area, in particular the water and bush balancing in nature.

Logistically, the project presented a number of challenges, all requiring comprehensive planning and mitigation to ensure delivery of a high quality and safe public facility within a tight timeframe. Risks involved in working at often considerable height and in a confined working area were mitigated through prudent health and safety adherence, while a management plan ensured a limited impact on traffic and pedestrians by the construction activity.

Communication with nearby shop owners, advising of the work and likely impacts, was maintained throughout the project. Where native bush (pongas, etc) had to be cleared to allow for construction this was kept to an absolute minimum.

Downer’s commitment to industry development was evidenced during this project with cadet/graduate engineers’ training actively managed, with a strong focus on leadership, career mapping, summer internships, regular mentoring and regular appraisals.

The completed project has provided an inviting, open space that provides not only excellent views, but also a facility that has been designed to be used for performances and other public activities, while providing a connection to the Birkenhead urban town centre. This space has effectively become a centrepiece for the people of Birkenhead and visitors alike. l