Wigram Skies is an exciting new development built on the site of the former Wigram Aerodrome in Christchurch. In 1997 Ngai Tahu Property purchased the site with the long-term view of subdividing the land and creating a sustainable, master-planned community. However following the city’s 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, what was originally a 20-year plan became fast-tracked to five.
The development is built around an architecturally designed Town Square - The Landing - providing a modern retail and mixed use space for Wigram Skies and greater south west Christchurch residents. Visitors can take time out to enjoy restaurants and bars in a piazza-like environment created by thousands of pavers from Firth.
TradeMark Paving Ltd, the paving contractor tasked with the sometimes involved job of laying the many square metres of pavers, were nominated by Ngai Tahu Property after a long list of successful projects together.
Josh Hastie, Operations Manager for TradeMark Paving explains, “This was a very large project to do almost all at once. We had up to three large crews working on the various sections of The Landing. Liam our foreman and his crew were the main guys on site for us. We have worked with Firth for many years and know we can rely on them - especially on projects like this when you need to have a supplier who jumps when you need them to.”
The Runway, named in keeping with the aeronautical theme of the development, is Wigram Sky’s arterial route through the subdivision and was designed to also encourage pedestrian access. It is paved with 820m2 of 80mm standard Black Sand Holland pavers, with Graphite crossings in a number of places - all laid by Josh’s civil paving gang.
“Most of the paving we supplied for The Landing - which was used for the outdoor areas for the bars and restaurants - is Firth Piazza pavers 400 x 200 x 80mm in Titanium and Graphite with either a honed, hammered or plain finish,” explains Paul Cumberland, Sales Representative for Firth. “In total over stages one and two we have, and will, supply about 4500m2 of paving.”
“There were quite a few design elements that were worked to in the landscaping plan,” adds Josh. “There are some Maori design elements mixed in with the paving and concrete. Once again the Firth teams were great, as we often needed concrete at short notice. It wasn't always a lot but they accommodated us every time - which we really appreciated.”
With up to 20 trades working on site at once, negotiating in and around the landscape gardeners, the manufacturing of concrete planters, drain layers and numerous other trades was quite a task.
“I can say we certainly care about the quality of the work we do and I guess this shows with the fact we have been given stage two and other work as a result of this project,” adds Josh. “We have a great working relationship with the team from Armitage Williams, the main contractor, and Firth also supported us all the way. Everyone is happy.”
The name Wigram Skies reflects the land's history as a flight school and an air force base, along with Ngāi Tahu Property's vision for the future and the creation of a vibrant community. Wigram's history remains an integral part of the community and is remembered in the Air Force Museum, historic buildings and street names.
