Project overview

Nestled in the heart of Invercargill, New Zealand, the Invercargill Central Project stands as a testament to urban rejuvenation and community transformation.

Undertaken by Amalgamated Builders Ltd, this visionary NZD$165 million project is commissioned by multiple stakeholders including Invercargill Central Limited, Invercargill City Council, O’Donnell CBD Limited, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Community Trust South, and Geoff Thomson.

The recently completed project is a dynamic, walkable precinct spanning an entire inner-city block (21,500m²) comprised of commercial mixed-use industry, and primarily serving as a bustling shopping centre.

Aligned with The Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDS), the Invercargill Central Project is a landmark blending modern and heritage architectural traits that bolster the SoRDS vision of revitalising and regenerating Invercargill’s central business district.

The project embraces the concept of curated zones and precincts, a blend of retail, hospitality, civic amenities, entertainment venues, commercial spaces, and many multi-service offerings. Remarkably, the project was the largest development effort in Southland since the 1970s.

Moddex’s role in the Invercargill Central Project

Recognised for its innovative approach and commitment to quality, Moddex played a pivotal role in the Invercargill Central Project’s success story. This was also one of Moddex NZ’s largest projects to date.

Engaged by Amalgamated Builders Ltd, Moddex supplied and installed modular balustrades and handrails throughout the project’s expansive landscape. This collaboration called upon Moddex’s compliance and design expertise, ensuring that safety, functionality, and aesthetics converged harmoniously.

“Throughout the entire process, [Moddex] made my life as a project manager extremely easy. In my opinion, the install is extremely fast relative to other components we’ve used in the past. Easy to assemble, clean, durable, maintenance-free, flat-packed, and easy to navigate around the tight logistic constraints we had onsite. All Moddex installers are top-notch, professional, courteous, show up on time, and have all the materials. In and out. Couldn’t ask for anything better,” says Charles Ulmer, senior project manager, Amalgamated Builders Ltd.

The project’s dynamic nature demanded a flexible and responsive approach from Moddex. The building’s phased opening to the public prompted Moddex to supply and install public egress stairs for fire escape purposes. As the mall’s different segments were unveiled, Moddex tailored installations accordingly, ensuring seamless integration in sync with the project requirements.

During the closing stage of the project, it was identified that a public safety solution for the car park access ramps was required for compliance. This called for swift action, and Moddex rose to the occasion. Within three weeks of the initial request, Moddex designed, custom-fabricated, and installed the necessary safety barrier solution, underscoring their agility and commitment to meet evolving project needs.

In essence, Moddex’s role transcended the conventional supplier-contractor relationship at Invercargill Central, reaffirming our legacy as an agile partner that adapts to all project demands and goes out of our way to ascertain smooth transactions, no matter how complex.

A triumph amidst adversity

The Invercargill Central Project achieved a milestone that set it apart from its contemporaries. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this project stands tall as one of the few major developments in New Zealand to have successfully adhered to its schedule. The relentless dedication of all stakeholders underscores the project’s resilience and unwavering commitment to completion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Invercargill Central Project encapsulates the essence of urban renewal, transcending its physical attributes to catalyse regional growth and prosperity.

Weaving commerce, culture, and community together, the Invercargill Central precinct sets a remarkable precedent for what can be achieved when vision, collaboration, and determination converge.

Moddex – Everything Fits

Project details

Project: Invercargill Central Project

Location: Invercargill, New Zealand

Client: Invercargill Central Limited, Invercargill City Council, O’Donnell Family Trust, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Community Trust South, Geoff Thomson

Products:

  • Assistrail® Disability Handrails: AR150
  • Conectabal® Commercial Balustrades: CB10, CB30
  • Tuffrail® Industrial Handrails: TR20