Work On Target For The HBMAG Upgrade

Redevelopment of the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery is on track to meet the targeted early-2013 completion date.

Removing unforeseen concrete in the basement of the new wing planned for the high-profile corner of Marine Parade, Herschell Street and Tennyson Street cost a few days. However, that delay was offset by a dry late winter and spring that continues to provide ideal building conditions.

With excavation work for the new basement completed, sheet piling is supporting the surrounding road and footpaths while work continues below ground level.

The building crew is pleased to be working in dry conditions, clear of any ground or sea water – the HBMAG site is eight metres above mean sea level.

Concrete foundations have been constructed for the new wing’s light well retaining wall and lift pit.

In the next phase, work will continue on constructing the new light well retaining wall and lift pit and preparing for the construction of the storage basement’s concrete floor.

Plenty is also going on behind the walls of the existing museum.

Basement work includes constructing a lift pit, and timber framing is underway for offices and other rooms. On the ground floor, demolition is progressing on the existing Holt Gallery, toilets and entrance to the Century Theatre.

The Gwen Malden and Bestall Galleries are being framed for new wall linings and the Century Theatre foyer area is being opened up to install large windows.

Large pohutukawa trees fronting the Louis Hay entrance in Herschell Street have been trimmed of straggly branches, admitting extra light and better revealing the Napier architect’s design.