Aurora Centre

The redevelopment, re-purposing, and structural upgrade of two buildings in central Wellington, NZ has provided a bold new home for the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and an outstanding asset for owner Kiwi Property Group.

RCP's role in this $90m development included assisting with development agreement negotiations, design management, early contractor involvement procurement, and contract administration. We also designed and tendered trade packages early to expedite long lead times and satisfy program demands. 

In a first for New Zealand, the development featured innovative fluid viscous dampers as part of the seismic design. The 18-floor Unisys House was upgraded to 90% of the new building standard and the nine-story Aurora Chambers to 100%.  

Strengthening work included the simultaneous demolition of a multistorey annex and the construction of a larger structure in its place. Work was completed in multiple stages while access was maintained through the building to an adjacent car park. Careful planning and programming were critical to meet deadlines and keep workers and the public safe. 

RCP’s on-site project management resulted in no serious health and safety or lost time incidents during construction. Moreover, it implemented safety-in-design principles as part of the design management to produce a building that was not only safer to construct but also safer to maintain and occupy.  

The design was governed by a development agreement, including detailed building performance and sustainability specifications. The product was tailored to meet MSD’s needs and provides 75,s00 sq ft of efficient, expanded floorplates. The seamless connections between the structurally separate buildings offer an open, flexible, and connected style of working. The new two-story retail pavilion boasts a pedestrian-scale extension at the ground and first floors, an enhanced entrance lobby, and new retail and café frontages.