Octa was engaged to project manage the repairs and re-build on this high-profile site at the corner of Bealey Ave and Park Terrace, opposite Hagley Park and the Avon River. In 2008 the original heritage buildings were converted to high spec apartments along with a new modern apartment building and basement car park. The 2011 Canterbury earthquakes caused considerable damage to the heritage buildings and to the original pool-house. The modern building (and basement) was founded on piles and suffered relatively little damage. Liquefaction across the site caused significant differential settlement (approximately 200mm), and the perimeter brick walls, pathways and landscaped gardens all required extensive repair.
In consultation with the Insurer it was resolved to demolish the heritage apartments. Four of these were bought by one owner, who subsequently replaced them with a new housing development. The 18 apartments in the modern building were repaired in three stages, with each of the owners required to vacate for a four-week period while epoxy crack injection was undertaken prior to internal refurbishment. The pool and pool-house were completely re-built on new piled foundations.
The formal garden was highly landscaped with water features, sculpture, paving and raised garden beds. This impacted the demolition and repair process, and care was needed to preserve and temporarily relocate prized plants and features. This outdoor area had high amenity for the owners and was a major aspect in the valuation of the apartment complex but was under-insured for its replacement cost.
Octa guided the Body Corporate through the decision-making process and their dealings with the Insurer and the Loss Adjuster. No funding was available other than the entitlement in the insurance policy. Each request for change (from what had previously existed) had to be justified to the Insurer. At times this meant deciding not to repair inconsequential damage in lieu of preferred betterment.
