Southbase sets the stage for new Civic Centre

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Published: 19 Jan 2022

Canterbury-based building company Southbase have been selected to bring Timaru District’s new civic centre from the page to reality.

The company was selected to undertake work on the next stage of the project to create the new centre on Stafford Street, which will house the refurbished Theatre Royal and new museum.

Southbase’s work will involve the creation of detailed design and building plans based on the preliminary designs, specifying materials and designing the new stage house and changing rooms added as part of public consultation.

On completion of this, the project when then move onto consenting and subcontractor procurement prior to the start of the construction stage.

Manager of Property and Client Services Nicole Timney said that this was a critical part of the project to deliver this new community facility.

“It’s great to have reached  this major milestone in the project, and the community will see a lot more activity on site over the coming weeks as Southbase come on site.

“This is the part of the project where we take the concepts, preliminary designs and site plans and bring them to life. This is particularly important in the current climate as we need to ensure that the materials we specify are both available in our timescales and affordable.

“We’re looking forward to working with Southbase to deliver an amazing new facility for the whole community.”

Christchurch-based Southbase Construction has led a significant number of similar projects including the Christchurch Bus Exchange, Tūrangi, Waitohi Johnsonville Library and a number of schools throughout New Zealand.

They will be siting themselves in the foyer of the Theatre at this stage of the project.

Quin Henderson, Chief Executive for Southbase said that they were looking forward to working with local suppliers and trades to deliver the project.

“Southbase are pleased to be teaming up with Timaru District Council to commence the detailed design work on the project,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to working with the local industry to deliver what will be a fantastic community asset.”

The new Civic Centre, which is supported with $11.6 million from the Government’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, administered by Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, is planned to open in late 2023/early 2024.

Last updated: 19 Jan 2022