The new Countdown store in Kerikeri was delivered ahead of schedule by main contractors, Aspec Construction, despite a tight timeframe.

“We have built several other Countdown stores for Progressive Enterprises – so are familiar with the process”, says project manager Michael Barttrop. “Thanks to a great team effort from our own construction staff and a very good group of local sub-contractors we were able to bring the completion date forward by three weeks.”

The Auckland-based company started work on­ site in May 2011 and handed over the $8 million, 3,800 sqm store in late November. It was officially opened on 13 December after Countdown spent around three weeks stocking shelves, setting up IT systems and training new staff.

The store is more than twice the size of the old Countdown supermarket in Kerikeri that has since closed.

All of the existing staff transferred to the new store which has an additional 60 new employees.

“The new Countdown is an extremely positive development for Kerikeri.It has created permanent employment opportunities and given the local construction sector a boost.”

“We were particularly impressed by the local sub-contractors we coordinated to work with us on this project” says Barttrop.

He says the store Is a “reasonably simple structure” with a steel portal frame, pre-cast concrete wall panels,concrete floor, and insulated roof panels. With no suspended ceiling, all the steel working the roof is exposed, he adds.

Once the main structure was complete, Aspec spent around 11 weeks doing fit-out works inside the “spacious, upmarket store” that has a large bakery, deli, seafood department, walk-in beer and wine chiller, and spacious aisles with vinyl tiles.

Energy-efficient lighting and fridges, state-of-the-art blinds on the fresh produce fridges and sliding covers on freezers are some of the ‘green features’ designed to reduce the store’s power consumption and carbon footprint.

The new Countdown store In Kerikeri contains many features to promote energy efficiency.

Aspec Construction was also responsible for adding the finishing touches to the building’s exterior including the new on-site car-park.

The company is currently building another Countdown store for Progressive at Warkworth and has several other commercial projects underway, in the retirement village and educational sectors.

It has worked on projects in numerous other sectors Including warehousing, retail, health, industrial, car park buildings, civil projects,and entertainment and residential developments.

Interior fit-outs are another significant part of the company’s business while It also has a specialist division called Aspec Maintenance Property Services that offers planned and contingency maintenance services to building owners.

Barttrop says the company carries a “large and motivated” team of around 100 including its own site management staff and a core group of carpenters and labourers.

Business North / March 2012 – Jo Bailey