“We’ve just been completing the new satellite check-in at the front of the Transport Hub,” Beddis told the Herald.
Southbase was also working in the “back of house” behind check-in counters, refurbishing and piling.
“Step by step we’ll be moving along the building progressively,” said Beddis.
He said the project would run until the second half of 2028.
At its peak, several hundred workers will be on the ground and overall, probably 1000 would be employed over the course of the project, Beddis said.
Until today, some project details had been under wraps.
“We’ve been hiring across New Zealand over the past six months. Our headcount has grown a chunk, which is great,” he added.
Southbase was looking for mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.
“And digital engineering’s a massive part of what we do, so we design and build things virtually before we try and do it physically,” Beddis said.
The work will have to be conducted without adversely impacting crowds of travellers.
“It’s an incredibly complex project. This is the gateway to New Zealand, so the customer experience is front and centre of everything.”
Work will be split into several stages.
“We’ll close off areas and open up areas progressively, so it’s seamless really.”
A key feature will be a new facade from floor to roof, and the whole concourse will be refurbished.
“It’ll be a very light and bright building.”
Hawkins is constructing the new domestic jet terminal, which would be an indoor walk away from international.
Beddis said Auckland would be able to compete with other integrated international airports.
With the new terminal, a person travelling from Christchurch on a jet to Auckland then overseas should have fewer disruptions and not have to leave the Auckland building.
An impression of what the new temporary pavilion will look like. Image / Supplied
Beddis said he had been working on design and procurement with the airport for two years.
He said he previously worked in the Middle East, on major projects in Dubai.
“This is my first airport … across our team though we’ve got a lot of Auckland Airport experience, and guys who’ve worked on London Heathrow, for example. It’s a unique environment.”
Quin Henderson, Southbase founder and chief executive, said the project would create an innovative and efficient terminal.
“We’ll be expanding our workforce and partnering with local suppliers to deliver a terminal that sets a new benchmark for travel in New Zealand.”
Southbase said it was founded in 2013 as part of recovery efforts after the Canterbury earthquakes.
A group of independent specialist companies, the Southbase Group has become one of New Zealand’s biggest builders.
Its backers included Christchurch businessmen Philip Carter and Ben Gough.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said work would have to be delivered safely and carefully in a live airport environment.
“This project is about making check-in easier and more efficient for travellers, while giving us the space and flexibility we need as travel demand grows.”
Global architectural firm Populous last year said advances in security, biometrics and border policy were helping speed up adoption of integrated terminals.
Adelaide and Hobart already used integrated models.
Auckland Airport major projects
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and court. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
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