Overview
Located on the corner of Fergy Place and Turakina Rise, Fergus Bar was a design and build, plus fitout project delivered by Fosters’ construction team.
The single storey building features aluminium cladding facades, aluminium joinery and glazing with a Kingspan insulated panel roof and polystyrene raft floor slab.
About the project
Challenges included working in a busy environment, very wet weather through the structural phase of the project, along with low strength ground conditions. Late changes to the kitchen layout caused a compressed fitout programme.
With good communication and clever adjustments in methodology, the team delivered on their objectives.
A raft slab was designed to span the low strength soils, reducing the site dig out requirements.
Additional resource helped to combat weather delays and ensure delivery to programme.
Fitout changes were accomplished with Hamilton City Council consent being updated in consultation with the tenant, consultants, and kitchen designers.
Both the basebuild and fitout were completed to a high level of finish within the project period.
With Fosters managing both areas, delivery could be streamlined at completion. Code of Compliance was achieved for the liquor licence, enabling the facility to begin operations.
2024
840m2
$5.6M
Client testimonial
Blending modern aesthetics with the comforting ambience of a traditional pub, Fergus Bar and Kitchen has been loved by locals since it opened in Rototuna on Valentine's Day 2024.
It’s an inviting space where friends, families and neighbours can pop in for a morning coffee, enjoy a laid-back lunch or relax with a pint over a delicious evening meal.
“We always had high expectations for a quality finish, and we’ve been very happy with the outcome,” said Veros Development Manager Aaron Fergusson, who oversaw the facility’s construction process.
“It’s an awesome space, exactly as we envisaged. And it ties in with the architecture of the surrounding development, so it looks fantastic.”
The project was launched in a time of “high construction cost volatility”, Aaron said, and Fosters won the tender after backing themselves to offer a lump sum design and build contract.
“It was clear they understood exactly what our clients wanted to achieve, so we had complete confidence they would provide both a high-quality build for our tenants, and cost clarity prior to committing funds,” he said.
There were multiple challenges for the Fosters’ construction team, including difficult ground conditions and wet weather.
A raft slab designed to span low-strength soils worked brilliantly to minimise excavation work, Aaron said.
“Fosters demonstrated their experience by questioning some original geotechnical advice, seeking a second opinion, and coming up with a better solution under programme pressure.
“They were really good – really collaborative in terms of pushing for a better result.”
Also impressive was Fosters’ willingness to integrate a tenant fitout into the original base build programme.
“It would have been easier for them to run separately, but they took on the challenge to achieve a better outcome.”
Late changes to the kitchen layout were not a problem either, as Fosters collaborated with the tenant, consultants, and kitchen designers to satisfy Hamilton City Council consent requirements.
“Fosters’ ability to manage resources to deliver this project on time and on budget despite the challenges that arose during construction was outstanding,” Aaron said.
“They are a trustworthy and capable construction partner who impressed us from the word go.”
“Fosters’ ability to manage resources to deliver this project on time and on budget despite the challenges… was outstanding. They are a trustworthy and capable construction partner who impressed us from the word go.”
Aaron Fergusson, Veros Development Manager
