New Zealand's biggest building business, Fletcher Construction, has just been announced as the main contractor for SkyCity's International Convention Centre.
In a move widely expected, Skycity chief executive Nigel Morrison said the company had agreed the terms of a binding, $477 million contract with Fletcher Construction Company Ltd to build and complete the design of the NZICC, the 5-star, 300-room Hobson Street hotel, the retail laneway linking Nelson and Hobson streets, and 1327 carparks under the NZICC.
The parties are confident the work can begin by Christmas, the announcement said.
"The construction projects will create at least 1000 jobs during their 38-month build, plus approximately 1140 positions across conventions, hospitality, retail, gaming and food and beverage once both the NZICC and the new hotel are operational," the announcement said.
"Including all other associated costs, including land, fit-out, and contingencies, the projects represent a $700 million total investment by SkyCity in the Auckland economy," it said.
"The NZICC is one of the most significant building projects in Auckland since the construction of the Sky Tower - also built by Fletcher Construction - 18 years ago. Fletcher Construction will build the 32,000sq m convention centre and a new 300-room, 5-star luxury hotel simultaneously, providing a huge boost to the local construction market and kick-starting a five-year inner-city building boom estimated at putting $6 billion into the local economy.
