Construction Contractor approved for Wakatu Quay development
Following strong positive community support, Kaikōura District Council decided to take the lead on the Wakatu Quay development in late 2023. Since then the Kaikōura Marine Development Programme (KMDP) team has continued its work towards construction of the first building as well as civil and landscape designs on the Wakatu Quay Site as part of a staged development approach.
The development will revamp the area once occupied by old commercial fishing buildings that suffered damage in the 2016 earthquake. The Wakatu project has been working alongside leading New Zealand architectural practice Warren and Mahoney who were appointed the designers of the development.
Council approved the final detailed design for the first stage in May 2024. The KMDP team has subsequently been progressing the procurement process for identifying a preferred lead contractor to carry out the construction works. KMDP is also actively in the process of finding a potential tenant for the development which will continue to occur alongside the construction and development of the site.
At August’s Council meeting the members approved the local Kaikōura construction company LMC Building and Construction Ltd as the lead contractor. Councillors expressed their pleasure that a local company would lead the delivery of the project and in doing so was contributing towards fulfilling the desired objectives of enhancing economic development opportunities, creating local jobs and boosting opportunities in the Kaikōura District.
Mayor Craig Mackle said “The elected members are very happy to have confirmed the selection of a local company LMC Building and Construction. The Council has been committed to the Wakatu Quay development and pleased to see that the funds will be distributed throughout the community, being the intention of the fund to begin with. This is the beginning of an exciting development that will support the town for many years to come”
The Wakatu Quay development is funded through a $10.18 million PGF grant, which is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Luke Chambers said “We are thrilled to have been selected by the Kaikoura District Council and excited to be contributing our team to delivering this important community project. We are really looking forward to working with the Council and stakeholders to deliver this new building,”
Construction is expected to commence in the coming month and the community will be kept informed on progress.
