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Repairing Orewa’s leaky Nautilus apartment building is now expected to take until the end of the year – a full 12 months longer than originally predicted when work began at the end of 2016.
Prendos NZ is project managing the job of repairing the 12-storey structure. Director Philip O’Sullivan says the time overrun is due to a mix of factors including rectification of unexpected damage – this included corrosion in the structural steel (HM November 1, 2017). He says shortage of resources due to a busy building market, additional work and a slow start are also contributing factors.
Mr O’Sullivan has previously told Hibiscus Matters that with more time, comes more cost. However, he says he is not able to advise how much extra money will be required to complete the project over and above the $25 million that Auckland Council was ordered to pay by the High Court.
Work that is taking place between now and the end of the year includes repairs to the tower, above the Level 4 podium, and the completion of waterproofing work on the podium itself.
The scaffolding that recently appeared over the roof of the Nautilus, which looks like an upturned boat, is soon to be covered with white shrink-wrap plastic so that roof replacement can commence. Anchor points to the roof structural steel beams have been installed to tie this down.
Mr O’Sullivan says that the delay in replacing the roof stems from a pre-court settlement with Downers.
“There have since been ongoing arguments over the quality and cost of the roof repairs,” he says.
“These have recently been settled and a new building contractor engaged for the 36-week contract to replace the leaking roof.”
Access for roof repairs will be within the building and via a construction lift recently erected on the southwest corner of the podium. Occasional use of a crane from street level may be required.
The company recently obtained permission from the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board to continue its use of the Orewa Library carpark until December.
Mr O’Sullivan says that the co-operation of the library and the local board in allowing the use of its carpark is appreciated and also thanks local businesses for their patience.
