Construction of a two-storey office building at Queenstown Airport has begun, marking another milestone in a major programme of investment in infrastructure and innovation.
Designed to achieve a minimum 5 Green Star rating, it is anticipated Airport House will become the first Green Star-certified commercial building in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O'Hare said the $23 million project reflected the airport's commitment to sustainability and world-class infrastructure.
“We want to lead by example and show what's possible through thoughtful design, innovation, and long-term thinking,” Mr O'Hare said.
Queenstown Airport has developed its own Sustainable Building Guide and Airport House is the first project being delivered under that framework.
“We’re aiming to create a building that performs well environmentally and reflects the values of our region, while creating an exceptional workplace for our team and partners,” Mr O’Hare said.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover, Queenstown Airport Corporation Chair Simon Flood, mana whenua representatives Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Tūmai Cassidy, and Southbase Construction Chief Executive Officer Quin Henderson marked the start of construction by turning the first sods at the building site between the airport ring road and Lucas Place yesterday afternoon. Ms Tamati-Elliffe led a karakia whakawātea to prepare the site.
Queenstown Airport is working closely with its mana whenua partners on elements of the building's design to ensure Airport House reflects the cultural identity and sense of place that are unique to the region.
Mayor Glover welcomed the investment in infrastructure at the airport, which is majority-owned by the district council and a significant employer.
“It is particularly pleasing to see sustainability being embedded from the outset, with a clear ambition to deliver a building that sets a new benchmark for the district.”
John Glover, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor
The 1,953 square metre building will create modern workspaces for Queenstown Airport staff, NZ Police and partner agencies, who currently work in multiple offices and relocatable buildings across the airport campus. It will also incorporate an Integrated Operations Centre equipped with the most advanced technology and a dedicated Emergency Operations Centre.
Southbase Construction is delivering the project under a design-and-build contract.
Mr Henderson said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Queenstown Airport on this innovative and sustainable project. Targeting a Green Star rating has shaped how we have approached materials, energy modelling and buildability from the very outset, and we’re looking forward to delivering a world-class building.”
Airport House is being built on land formerly occupied by Europcar's vehicle service and grooming team, which has relocated to a new custom-built facility on Hawthorne Drive. Construction of Airport House is scheduled for completion late next year.
An artist's impression of Airport House.
Above: Marking the start of construction of Queenstown Airport's new office building with a sod-turning ceremony are, from left, Tūmai Cassidy, Quin Henderson, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, Mayor John Glover and Shane O'Hare.