There’s been a hive of activity on the Christchurch Art Gallery project site in recent weeks, where Fulton Hogan are getting it ready for its grand re-opening on 19 December.
Fulton Hogan has carried out nearly NZ$35m of strengthening and repair work on the public art gallery since August 2014. Christchurch Art Gallery Director, Jenny Harper, and Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, had the honour of cutting the final piece of concrete to complete the base isolation work on the building on 17 November.
South Island Civil Operations Manager, Ben Hardy says this is a significant milestone for Christchurch. “The gallery is a corner stone of the city’s culture, and one that has been sadly missed by many people for a long time. The base isolation works not only ensure the safety of the gallery’s collection and its visitors, but also help secure the loan of art from around the globe. Art owners and insurers now have peace of mind that the art will be safe in a world class facility,” he said.
Fulton Hogan carried out base isolation work as well as earthquake remediation on the gallery. The base isolation work means the gallery now stands on 140 triple pendulum bearings that allow it to move 600mm in all directions. This innovative solution means the gallery could withstand a one in 2500 year earthquake.
“To do this, we had to prop up the building, sever it from its foundations, put in the base isolators and dig a trench around the building to facilitate movement,” said Ben.
Fulton Hogan also carried out building remediation works which includes repairing the glass facade of the building, painting of galleries and other public areas, replacements and repair to ceilings and timber floors, and improvements and repairs to numerous building service systems.
“This is the first project of this type undertaken by Fulton Hogan and is a great example of our diverse capabilities,” said Ben.
Partnership with the community
Fulton Hogan has also signed up to a three year strategic partnership with the Christchurch Art Gallery. This includes sponsorship of community activities such as:
- Arts-heimers club – Art club for individuals suffering from Alzheimers
- Blind Foundation – Art activities based on senses other than sight (touch and sound)
- Intellectually Handicapped Children NZ
- Baby it’s art – Mum/dad and bubs morning art experiences
- Earthquake emergency response workers morning tea during the Summer of Art
- Special opportunities for Fulton Hogan staff and families
“We have committed to this sponsorship as part of our ongoing commitment to Christchurch,” said Ben.
“We are proud to have helped restore such an important asset for the Christchurch community, playing our part in keeping arts alive for many generations to come.”
