Downer NZ

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

PROJECT: Half Moon Bay Ferry Pier. CONTRACTOR: Downer NZ

Ferry reflections

The new Half Moon Bay Ferry Pier was designed to improve the existing ferry service by providing an aesthetic and pleasing structure that reflected the surrounding environment and gave the commuting public a modern, quality-built ferry boarding and disembarking facility with protection from the weather and views of the bay.

Architecturally designed, Downer was contracted under a construct-only contract to work with the architects and the client to bring the project to fruition. In so doing Downer worked closely with the design team, suggesting build improvements where feasible while ensuring a quality structure was delivered.

Downer applied a number of innovative solutions to the build, including the temporary works design to maximise offsite fabrication. This minimised exposure to safety risks and allowed the construction team to maximise opportunities around tides and inclement weather.

Due to the complexity of the project and budget constraints a robust set of controls and measures were put in place during the construction planning stages, which included detailed construction methodology, the logistics of long lead times for fabrication and the appointment of key subcontractors.

The new, 96-metre long pier was constructed in stages, and replaces the old pier. It sits on 33, 500mm diameter concrete piles, precast concrete beams and pre-stressed concrete slabs. The superstructure features stainless steel, glulam timber and glazing.

A floating landing pontoon, 21-metres long is stabilised by six, 600mm diameter steel piles, while the gangway itself is 24.5-metres long and provides the connection between the pier and the pontoon.

A rigid safety plan was adhered to throughout the construction, with particular emphasis put on working at a height, over water and in often extreme wind conditions. In one instance, and to facilitate the safety requirement, a special frame for lifting entire roof modules of up to six metres long was developed.

The Downer team also worked with Auckland Transport to communicate to all stakeholders and the commuting public through both leaflet drops and traditional and social media outlets.

The pier was funded by Auckland City, NZTA and the Howick Local Board through its Auckland Transport capital fund. l