HBMAG Upgrade Progress

Construction continues apace on the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery redevelopment, with good weather helping to keep the project on track.

An interim report recently released by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Canterbury earthquakes may impact on design and building progress, however. The Napier City Council is awaiting further information from the project’s structural engineers to determine the extent of any recommended changes to improve the redevelopment’s seismic integrity.

Gemco Construction executed a technically difficult task in building the retaining wall for the museum and art gallery’s new wing. Although there was a high risk of formwork moving under the weight of wet concrete being vibrated into place, the contractors safely completed the challenging exercise.

Work on the basement will continue through November. The former Holt Gallery, meanwhile, has been completely demolished. New work will involve placing new precast concrete panels at either end of the old gallery space.

The Louis Hay-designed entrance is taking shape in Herschell Street, with new steps and planter boxes being formed. Interior work has included painting the basement ceiling and framing up for various offices and workshops. Trades have also started work on services for the original museum building.

Scheduled for completion in early 2013, the new complex will provide a landmark new home for the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust’s treasured collection and objects.