Education
James Hight Central Library, University of Canterbury
Hawkins Construction
Seismic strengthening and refurbishment works | Foundation remediation Canterbury
Services
Timeframe
Completed
Consultants
PDF case study download
Scope
Following the Canterbury earthquakes, Farrell Construction was engaged by Hawkins as a super-subcontractor to support the seismic remediation and refurbishment of the James Hight Central Library — one of the University of Canterbury’s most significant buildings and the first major campus facility to be undergo structural upgrades.
Process
Our role covered extensive foundation remediation works and general remediation works, including careful removal and storage of thousands of library books, demolition, concrete slab repair and replacement, and a full interior commercial fit-out. Farrell also provided Hawkins with construction project management support, supplying Site Managers, trade foremen, carpenters and labourers. With more than 120 staff mobilised at peak, the scale of our resourcing reflected our ability to deliver programme certainty on complex, high-pressure CBD redevelopment projects.
Result
Delivered in 15 months, the project successfully delivered seismic strengthening and a refurbished library, enabling it to reopen as a safe, modern facility while setting the standard for further remediation works across the campus.
