CLIENT BRIEF/PROJECT CHALLENGES
The project was triggered by the increasing popularity of the Pouakai Track within the Egmont National Park. The track begins at the end of Mangorei Rd and there was limited parking available on the side of a narrow rural road and creating congestion and safety issues.
New Plymouth District Council secured funding through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund to construct a carpark and toilet block. Challenges associated with this project included: tight timeframe (the TIF funding came with timeframes attached and there was a requirement for the carpark to be ready for the busy period over the Christmas/New Year period), sensitive environment (the site is on the boundary of a National Park), climate (the site experiences high rainfall) stakeholders (because of the tight timeframes there was limited time available to get effect party approvals), traffic management during construction (the narrow road and high demand for access to the track need to be considered).
OUR SOLUTION
To speed the construction process WSP elected to use a prefabricated toilet block. On-site meetings with affected residents were held to complete the consultation in a compressed timeframe. Time allowances and construction sequencing were considered to minimise the risk of disruption due to wet weather. Traffic concerns during construction were mitigated by closing the road and contractor running a shuttle service to transport members of the public to/from the track.
OUTCOME/CLIENT BENEFITS
Although not fully completed, the carpark was able to be opened for the Christmas break. The final outcome provided parking for 66 cars and 4 coaches and has been well-received by the client and the public.
LIST OF PRIMARY SERVICES
- Planning advice
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resource consents
- Topographic survey
- Geometric design of carpark and entrance
- Design of retaining walls
- Stormwater design
- Design of toilet block
- Preparation of contract documents
- Tender phase support
- Construction supervision.
