Britomart restoration takes shape

The Northern Steamship Building, built in 1898, is now fully restored.

Refurbishment and leasing of the first three Britomart buildings have been completed for $17.1 million, and a $1 million makeover on a fourth building is about to be finished.

The Bluewater consortium, which won the $350 million heritage job, held a function on Monday to update those associated with the project and show off the amount of work completed.

Work on a fifth building started last month and contracts have been let for the next two which will be finished by 2008. And Bluewater's main complaint? People continually inquiring whether they are actually doing any work in the heritage precinct.

"That's because you can't see the buildings changing that much," said Matthew Cockram, Bluewater chief executive.

To some extent, he likes it that way. Heritage features of the buildings are being retained so structures' appearances will not change significantly. Even though the question irks him slightly, he understands because most of the work is internal.

Bluewater invited guests to "join us in celebrating the completed restoration and leasing" of the first four buildings.

Level two of the Northern Steamship Building on Quay St was converted into a function room for the mid-afternoon presentation and party.

Bluewater owner Peter Cooper flew from the United States to attend the party with construction company bosses, heritage architects, city officials, planners and others who have worked on the buildings.

Cockram gave the presentation showing work on the buildings, then guests split into three groups to tour the sites.

The largest project was the old Chief Post Office, a $10.5 million design and construction job by Multiplex Constructions (NZ). Carson Group was project manager and Jasmax was the architect. Only a small portion of space is left to be leased but not all tenancies have been announced.

Duncan Cotterill leased a half floor on level one but the other half will be announced soon. Maersk has levels two and three. A full restoration of the lobby and three upper levels has transformed the grand old building into modern commercial office space.

The Northern Steamship Building is the next-largest project at $3.58 million. Canam Interiors was the main contractor. Project managers were Carsons and the architects were Cheshire Architects. The ground floor on Quay St has been leased to Northern Steamship Brew Bar and Restaurant. Level two is leased to Mediterranean Shipping.

Window joinery was restored by craftsmen. Timber was taken from other buildings around the precinct and used there. All exposed brickwork is original. The main doors at the Quay St entrance to the bar and restaurant were an original feature, removed from the site, restored and reinstated.

The Levy building was an expensive job at $3.07 million. The head contractor was Canam Interiors with Carsons as manager. The architects were Mercer and Mercer. The ground floor is leased to Aveia Gallery and Wine bar. Coltrane has taken level one and two. The exterior has changed - a new deck has been added. Kauri blocks discovered buried under the old foundations have historical significance and have been put on show in a purpose-built display box, recessed into the ground floor.

Work restoring the Maritime building is about to be finished. This $1 million job by Forster Decorating was managed by Bluewater Management and the architect was Cheshire Architects. Santos Cafe has leased the ground floor. Cheshire Architects has leased level one and Bluewater Management has leased levels two and three. Its exterior has been repaired and re-plastered. Original steel windows were fixed and the foyer has been done up.

Cockram outlined the programme for the new group of buildings. Shane Brealey of NZ Strong has the head contract on the two-level Union Fish building. Work started on July 31 and the building's interior is being stripped out. The project is due to be finished by February. Offices have been leased to 42 Below and tenant fitout will start next April. Ground-floor area will be leased for shops.

Work will soon start on the Stanbeth and Excelsior buildings. Auckland City has leased space on level one of the Stanbeth building as an exhibition and display centre. Work on these buildings begins next year and is due to be finished by 2008.

PROJECT UPDATE

* At $350 million, Britomart is Auckland's largest urban renewal project.

* Comprises 18 heritage buildings and eight new buildings.

* An area of 5.8ha in the downtown waterfront is being restored.

* Offices, shops, restaurants and apartments are being developed.

* Work on first three buildings is done and a fourth will finish soon.

* By 2008, restoration and refurbishment of eight buildings will be finished.