Kia Ora

Whilst we are all facing some significant challenges at the moment, our team can report that milestones on the Waikato Regional Theatre have continued to be achieved.

The last four weeks have seen further progress on the Theatre design and the construction management plans, such that we expect the Environmental, Noise and Vibration Management and CEMP Plans to be issued this coming week.

Progress on Site

On 19 October site-perimeter fencing was erected around Embassy Park, along Victoria Street, and down Sapper-Moore Jones Place. The hoardings are currently white, but Fosters are working on plans to decorate them and make the street frontage more colourful.

Embassy Park is therefore now closed to the public, although note its public toilets are still accessible – they will re-open to the public if Hamilton returns to Level 2 before the replacement has opened elsewhere.

The site office has been established and the inductions for the site crew have been carried out.

The demolition phase has therefore been able to commence, though the work to date has just been the careful removal of elements from the interiors of the heritage buildings.

The dismantling of Embassy Park’s Rocky Horror decorations began last week with the removal of the Chandelier and associated lighting rig. Plans for the re-location of the Riff Raff statue attracted national media attention.

Significant Events in the Next Month

In the interest of progressing with the next stage in the Demolition Phase, the following events are highlighted for this month.

  • The paved footpath on the Victoria St face of Embassy Park will be replaced for the duration of the project with a hard seal to allow for construction traffic.

  • Demolition will begin of the shops between Embassy Park and the hotel frontage, plus the cottage and house at the back of the site.

  • The streetlights will be modified to avoid access issues.

Overall Programme

The project is tracking as per the dates below – note this is more detailed than the previous edition.

Demolition November 2021 – February 2022

Earthworks February 2022 – May 2022

Foundations June 2022 – September 2022

Structure October 2022 – February 2023

Envelope January 2023 – April 2023

Fit-out March 2023 – February 2024

Completion March 2024.

Communications

Foster Construction team email for any queries relating to this project - queries.wrt@fosters.co.nz.

About this Update…

These Waikato Regional Theatre Construction Updates are produced by Graeme Ward from RDT Pacific, the Theatre’s Overall Project Manager, assisted by Mark Servian from Momentum Waikato, their Communications and Marketing Manager.

These newsletter issues will be posted at the website waikatoregionaltheatre.co.nz – the dedicated web address for construction news and contacts, separate from Momentum Waikato’s theatre community and fundraising site sharethestage.co.nz.