Local firm to lead first stage of Trafalgar Centre Reopening Project

4 May 2015

Local Nelson firm Gibbons Construction, working in partnership with Downer, have been engaged by Nelson City Council for Stage 1 (Detailed Design Phase) of the Trafalgar Centre Reopening Project.

The combined bid between Gibbons Construction and Downer was selected as the preferred tender through the tender process, which drew interest from New Zealand's leading firms in the construction sector.

Council has deliberately engaged construction professionals early in the project development to assist in the project design. This helps to achieve greater cost effectiveness and cost certainty during the construction phase of the project.

Mayor Reese was pleased that a local firm came out on top through this selection process. "We have real construction talent in our city and it's good to see a local firm competing and winning a tender in competition with major New Zealand (and International) firms.

"The combined bid with Downer highlights the benefits that partnerships can have, each leveraging off their respective expertise. Taking a partnership approach is highlighted in our Long Term Plan consultation document. Gibbons Construction has demonstrated an excellent understanding of our city and the steps required to get this important community facility re-opened."

Gibbons Construction is delighted to be involved in the project with Chief Operating Officer Shane Trench calling it a project “of huge significance for the region”. Trench notes “There are a number of challenges with this project which require specialist technical experience, as well as sufficient resources to complete the works in what is a relatively tight timeframe. Aligning ourselves with Downer ticks all those boxes and clearly the tender evaluation team agrees.

"Council are to be applauded for their approach of early contractor involvement for the project and we are chuffed that we, Gibbons/Downer, both significant local employers in our own right have been selected for Stage 1."

The Trafalgar Centre is scheduled to be reopened in February 2016.

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