When Life Church Central had to relocate to make way for the new Auckland City Rail Link, two new properties were uncannily found side-by-side – assuring the churches future.
With the experience of building three previous campuses for the community focused evangelistic church, Auckland based construction company Stryde Projects was engaged to spearhead the new build at 25 and 27 Normanby Road Mt Eden.
Stryde Projects Construction Manager, Callan Good, says a large portion of an existing building at 25 Normanby Road was pulled down and a new purpose-designed structure added.
The old Ministry of Works yard at 27 Normanby Road, presented the perfect space to construct 212 carparks along side the church.
“The contract value of the build is about $35m, with a fitout of about $10m. The building will be focused around the auditorium, which will seat 1800 people. With tiered seating around a large stage, the building reaches three storeys in height at the apex.”
In addition to the auditorium, the church includes two large foyers designed for meeting and greeting, a gymnasium, parent’s room and a multi purpose room.
“Much of the church is based around the children and the children’s involvement with the church. The multi-room is actually called ‘the kids room’ and is designed for children aged between 2 – 13 and young adults.”
As work on the Church nears completion, Callan says the Stryde Project’s biggest challenge throughout the project was the design development.
“Pressure came on the church when they had a date to be out of the previous premises and we just had to jump into the job. We actually started on site without a full design. The skeleton and structure was there – but walls would move, and materials would change. We were very much changing tack with our programme to move forward if decisions hadn’t been made on design.”
Callan attributes the project’s success to teamwork involving a multitude of trades and contractors including electricians, roofers, drainlayers, alarm and fire techs, painters and of course Stryde Projects own crew of builders and site managers.
“We have an amazing team working on the project who are making this happen – we are very lucky. Without the team we would be nowhere and the amazing thing is that the team we’ve used here has also completed the other projects for Life Church.”
Passionate about building and seeing detailed work through to completion, Callan and business partners Kelvin Cartwright and Mal Moate bought Stryde Projects 18 months ago as a well established business.
Since then, a real push has been made towards team drive, with both Callan and Kelvin maintaining a strong on-site presence and providing support to their team.
“The team has a real passion to build and the guys like to know that we’re there to support them. It’s also about showing appreciation for all the team and subcontractors on site.
That has really paid dividends. Once the guys know that you appreciate their work and are there for them they will put so much more in for you.”
This article was brought to you in association with the following businesses…
- Megafloor – Home Ideas Centre
- Hope Construction Ltd
- Rylock
- Saint Electrical
- Degree Air Conditioning & Electrical Services
- B & W Construction Limited
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