The concrete structure of Te Kaha – Canterbury’s Multi-Use Arena – now rises vertically from the ground, with the first of the concrete columns breaking the lid today.
The first four five-meter-high columns were boxed and filled with concrete on Thursday, then left to cure for three days before the formwork was removed.
Te Kaha Project Delivery Chief Executive, David Kennedy, says work on the southwest corner of the site marks the start of the next phase of construction of the 30,000-seat arena.
“From this point on, people will see real tangible progress happening on site as contractors begin vertical construction,” says Mr. Kennedy.
“In addition to regular pouring of more concrete columns, pouring and boxing of the walls on the ground floor started this week.
“A tremendous amount of work has been done over the past eight months to improve the land and complete 17 major concrete pours for the foundations of the arena, but from this point on, people will begin to see Te Kaha rise above the billboards around the site. ”
Ground improvement work was completed ahead of schedule two weeks ago, while substructure continues to work across the site to the north and east.
“At this point, about 75 percent of the south grandstand and about half of the substructure of the west grandstand are complete,” says Kennedy.
“The work on the substructure is scheduled to be completed in the coming months. We are happy with the progress and that the project remains in line with the program and budget.”
An all-weather surface of AP65 and AP40 gravel and stones has been added to high traffic areas of the site to minimize mud during the winter months and control dust during drier periods.
A signposted pedestrian crossing will also be installed on Tuam St to allow hundreds of subcontractors and contractors to safely access the site from BESIX Watpac offices. This will be operational in mid-April.
To learn more about Te Kaha and to sign up for a monthly e-newsletter, visit tekahaproject.co.nz.
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