Auckland Council will, next Tuesday 12 April, be considering a report and presentation from officers on the cost of replacing stonework cladding on the council’s building at 135 Albert Street.
If approved, this budget will be subject to a procurement process so will remain confidential until all contracts have been awarded. The report also contains legally privileged information.
The proposal to replace the stonework cladding is based on a solution that retains the look and feel of the building; offers a full long-term warranty; is fire resistant and meets current building standards; better resists water egress; makes future maintenance much easier and is cost effective.
This proposal follows agreement at the 25 February Finance and Performance Committee to bring forward $4.7m of funding to do the first stage of safety and risk mitigation work. This work has started with construction of a working platform above the canopy and installation of a hanging scaffold from the top of the building underway.
Due diligence when the council purchased the building for its headquarters in 2012, and further investigative work since, confirmed a significant issue with the 25 year old building’s stone cladding. Some funding was set aside at the time of purchase and the requirement for work on the exterior of the building was also factored into purchase price negotiations.
The council’s decision to purchase 135 Albert Street has brought staff working within the CBD together, allowed it to vacate leased premises and enabled development of a more efficient working space.
