Local Construction Firm Appointed to Multi-Million Dollar Contract by Bayfair Shopping Centre

Having contested a multi-million dollar bid for the construction portion of Bayfair Shopping Centre’s $15 million expansion, Tauranga’s Marra Construction has been appointed to the project.

On average, Marra Construction will have over 30 people on-site each day, including between eight and 10 subcontractors – all local businesses appointed by the construction firm.

This is a high-profile job for the 30-year-old local company, which operates in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and has previously worked on projects such as the ABN Amro Craigs headquarters, a $7-8 million building constructed in 2006.

Bayfair Shopping Centre Manager Andrew Wadsworth says the start of the project in the coming week is an exciting time for the centre’s staff and retailers. “It is a tremendous refurbishment and the timing is ideal as we approach Bayfair’s 25th anniversary. It will add more shops to the retail mix and give the front of the centre a more contemporary look – which will be great for retailers and customers alike.”

Marra Construction General Manager Rob Bailey says his team is looking forward to getting started: “It’s a coup for us to have been appointed to a project of this nature – one which will be of benefit to many people in the region.”

Bayfair and Marra have a lot in common – both have solid sustainability credentials. Bayfair’s commitment to sustainable practices has resulted in a 44% reduction in waste costs, a 50% reduction of its carbon footprint during the last five years and the creation of New Zealand’s first waste-free food court, while Marra is currently undertaking the design-build of a new ‘5 star green star’ school.

The Bayfair Shopping Centre project, scheduled for completion later this year, has two stages: Stage One involves the widening of the entry into Woolworth’s via the food court, and a refurbishment of the Woolworth’s store. Woolworths will continue to trade throughout this project.

Stage Two will see the temporary closure of one of the entries to the front of the centre to enable a realignment of the floorplan in this sector, the addition of a number of new stores and the provision for the Bay’s first JB Hi-Fi!

JB Hi Fi is one of the country’s most popular new retailers, and is a valuable and exciting addition to the centre, offering the world’s leading brands of hi-fi speakers, TVs, DVDs, VCRs, cameras, car sound, home theatre, computers and portable audio and exclusive specialist hi-fi products. JB Hi Fi also sells video games, recorded music, DVD music and DVD movies.

Bayfair has prepared a programme to ensure customers continue to enjoy a pleasant experience during the project and will keep the community updated throughout the refurbishment. To receive our newsletters, please visit www.bayfair.co.nz.