Overview
Purpose-built, design-build facility for an incoming tenant at Northgate Business Park.
Comprising a large 11,726 sqm warehouse, 198 sqm office, 2,252 sqm breezeway, concrete yard and 22 car parking area, the project was designed to provide a flexible, high-performance storage and distribution space.
About the project
Special features included a 70m clearspan Steltech warehouse, 50 kPa fibre concrete slab, and engineered subgrade solutions to accommodate challenging swamp land conditions.
Value engineering and careful design coordination ensured that load compensation, soft-spot remediation, and structural sequencing were resolved efficiently without compromising quality or safety.
Subcontractors and consultants were tightly aligned, enabling rapid decision-making, early site works, and accurate prefabrication, all while maintaining high standards of finish and programme certainty – key requirements for the client.
From concept to completion in under eight months, Fosters delivered the project almost four months ahead of programme and under budget.
Client testimonial
UPC were looking for efficiency in timeframe, certainty on price, a design that was flexible (for different types of tenants), and a building that would stand the test of time.
“We chose to partner with Fosters for a few reasons” said UPC Head of Property Simon Mabin.
“Even before the project began, Fosters invested in our relationship, building goodwill and trust. On top of that, their reputation speaks for itself - Fosters are known as the ‘go-to’ team in the Waikato, and we had a great experience with their people.”
Cost certainty was another standout factor. “Fosters took a conservative approach, always under-promising and over-delivering,” Simon added. “In the end, the final price came in lower than their quoted figure, which was a great result.”
Fosters played a crucial role in the design process. “Having the contractor lead the design added significant efficiency. Their ability to critically assess buildability made a real difference,” he said. “Fosters made the process easy - offering clear options and recommendations at every step.”
On timeframe, Fosters again exceeded expectations. “This 14,000 square metre shed was delivered nearly 4 months ahead of schedule” said Simon. “That’s design, consenting and build in under 12 months. An incredible achievement.”
“Having the contractor lead the design added significant efficiency. Their ability to critically assess buildability made a real difference.”
Simon Mabin, UPC Head of Property
