Beca's latest involvement with key client Auckland Airport involved the reconfiguration of the international departures area to provide an overall enhanced passenger experience while passing through this area. The project also aimed to redevelop the retail offering to travelling passengers forming part of their departures experience.
Beca's services on the project included project management, quantity surveying, full building services, fire, civil, and structural engineering.
The project posed specific project management challenges for Beca, as the extensive modifications to the terminal had to be carried out while keeping the terminal fully operational. Not only were the works undertaken with minimal impact on airport operations and the travelling public, but Auckland Airport also improved its ranking as one of the Top 10 Airports in the (passenger choice) Skytrax World Airport Survey during the course of the project.
Further challenges resulted from a major design change mid-way through the project as a result of the move from one to two duty free retailers. Despite these challenges, Beca succeeded in delivering the works on time and within budget.
The airport's remodelled airside retail area centres on the tree-like fabric structure known as "Pou Manawa" with back-lit projection system creating artistic scenes of iconic New Zealand imagery.
The new retail area was officially opened on 15 December 2010 by Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Associate Minister for Transport Nathan Guy and Auckland Airport CEO Simon Moutter.
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