Work begins on the New Zealand International Convention Centre

The first phase of work on the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has begun, formally kicking off the 38-month building project.

Following a prayer led by Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua, a digger broke through one of many walls on the site, which stretches for nearly an entire city block in Auckland CBD’s inner west.

The demolition project is the first phase of what is one of the largest construction projects in downtown Auckland since the Sky Tower was built in 1997, which was also built by SKYCITY’S construction partner, Fletcher Construction.

Clearing the site for the landmark building is expected to take around two months, paving the way for Phase Two - excavation - which will lay the foundations for the country’s largest dedicated convention centre and a 1327-space underground carpark. Phase Three will see the NZICC and the Hobson Street hotel rise on the site.

The $700 million project will create an estimated 1,000 jobs onsite during the build plus an additional 2,000 jobs in associated industries flowing on from the construction project, according to Fletcher Construction.

Once open, the NZICC and hotel will create more than 1,000 jobs across conventions, hospitality, retail, food and beverage and gaming.

SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison is delighted to see work begin on the project.

“This is a day many in the travel, tourism, and conventions industry have waited many years for. New Zealand has been in desperate need of a high-quality, national convention centre that will bring more high-spending international visitors here and pump millions of dollars into the economy.

“Today also marks the beginning the transformation of a neglected and run-down part of inner-city Auckland into a lively tourism and entertainment precinct for locals and visitors alike.

“For SKYCITY, this represents a $700 million investment in the future of our business in the city of Auckland and New Zealand’s tourism industry,’’ says Mr Morrison.

Fletcher Building CEO Mark Adamson says the company is proud to be working on such a significant project and is focused on delivery milestones.

Mr Adamson also says Fletcher Construction is committed to reducing the impact of the project on those living and working near the site of the future NZICC.

“We strive to be a good neighbour to people who live, work and play near our construction sites. It’s going to be a busy site and there is a lot to achieve but we have comprehensive plans in place to manage noise, vibration and dust.”

There will be noise and vibration monitors onsite and a 24-hour hotline that will be answered 24 hours a day (0508 BEINFORMED - 0508234636).

Fletchers is using innovative, low-impact deconstruction techniques including excavators with hydraulic jaws to remove existing buildings piece-by-piece.

A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been developed that utilises smart sequencing and planned deliveries to reduce traffic impacts.

Fletcher Construction building the NZICC and the Hobson St hotel simultaneously, together with the retail laneway spanning Nelson and Hobson streets featuring specialty retail, and signature restaurants and bars.

SKYCITY has agreed with the Crown to spend at least $430 million constructing the NZICC, but now having finalised the design and let the construction contract, Mr Morrison says the company is expecting to spend $471 million on the building.

The NZICC will be the largest purpose-build convention centre in the country, capable of hosting conventions of around 3,000 people, or one-off events of up to 4,000 people on the exhibition floor. It will also be able to host multiple events at the same time.

The NZICC’s exhibition hall alone will be five times larger than the current largest exhibition hall in the country – SKYCITY Convention Centre’s New Zealand Room.