The Christchurch City Council (CCC) approved a revitalisation plan to upgrade Victoria Street, with the work starting in March 2020 to bring it up a standard to support the private investment occurring in the central city. Victoria Street is a multi-use area which includes hospitality, accommodation, professional services, retail, and it also supports residential streets. The earthquakes and subsequent demolition work had left it in a sub-standard condition.
The work involved replacing dilapidated storm water drains, kerb and channel, footpaths, road surface, street lighting, and improving the street's appearance through the addition of more trees and landscaping. Widened footpaths, coloured surfacing, cycle lane markings, raised platforms and traffic calming measures were also added to create better definition for road users and a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Octa’s role in managing this project included tendering, stakeholder negotiations and management of the construction phase. The client, CCC and contractor, Fulton Hogan, favoured the “hard and fast” approach, and Octa assisted the CCC by engaging with the key stakeholders - local businesses, retailers, and hospitality owners - along Victoria Street to confirm an acceptable design preference, construction methodology, and sequencing on site that supported the needs of all the stakeholders.
This project was due to commence on site in March 2020. However, at this time, New Zealand was taking measures to manage and minimise the risk of Covid-19 and on 25 March 2020 @ 11.59pm, New Zealand moved to Alert Level 4 and the entire nation was placed into self-isolation. With no work on site, Octa was able to effectively use this time to consult with stakeholders, prepare, and finalise agreement to the proposed construction methodology and sequencing on site.
On 27 April 2020 @ 11.59pm, the country moved back to Alert Level 3, and the following day contractors were able to move on site and commence work.
As a result of this approach, the project was completed on 23 October 2020, under budget and five months ahead of programme. It has been noted as an “exemplary project delivery” by both the internal and external stakeholders.
