Watts & Hughes successfully completed Stage 1 of the Northern Quarter Development, a major new mixed-use precinct located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD. This stage comprised approximately 5,500 m² of commercial office and hospitality space, including the full basement structure and shared infrastructure for future development stages.

An Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model was adopted during the preconstruction phase, enabling Watts & Hughes to collaborate closely with the client, consultants, and key subcontractors to refine design, optimise buildability, and de-risk complex aspects of the project before construction commenced. This early engagement significantly strengthened programme certainty, cost accuracy, and procurement sequencing, particularly for long‑lead structural and foundation components.

The works involved extensive site remediation and ground improvement following contaminated soil removal, followed by bulk earthworks, piling, foundations, structural concrete, steel erection, and architectural façade systems. The superstructure accommodates multiple tenancies designed for high-end retail, restaurant, and commercial office use, delivered to modern seismic, sustainability, and performance standards. The completed development successfully achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, recognising excellence in environmental design, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction practices.

Due to the site’s constrained urban location and proximity to neighbouring businesses, careful traffic and pedestrian management was implemented throughout the build. The team also conducted detailed dilapidation assessments of adjacent properties and established comprehensive environmental controls to manage dust, noise, and stormwater during excavation and construction.

The basement construction, undertaken as part of Stage 1, was designed to integrate with the future hotel component (Stage 2). This required precise coordination of service routes, structure, and fire separations to ensure seamless continuation into the next phase of the project.

Key early procurement packages—piling, reinforcing, precast concrete panels, and structural steel—were coordinated closely with subcontractors and suppliers to maintain programme certainty. The ECI process strengthened this procurement approach by ensuring market engagement occurred early, allowing for improved pricing clarity, risk allocation, and detailed planning. The project maintained a strong focus on health, safety, and environmental management, incorporating daily inspections, comprehensive inductions, and ongoing risk reviews in line with Watts & Hughes’ safety systems.

Through proactive collaboration, disciplined programming, and detailed planning—supported by the ECI model—Stage 1 was delivered successfully, providing a high-quality and sustainable foundation for the ongoing Northern Quarter master plan, which will include a new 4.5‑star hotel in Stage 2.