CLC Consulting Group Ltd were engaged by Auckland Council to act as the project management consultant for the recently completed Mangemangeroa Walkway extension works project. As project managers we were involved through the concept, developed design, consenting and contract and project implementation phases of the project. The project comprised of the formation of a delineated walkway route through a Council recreational park. The existing walkway path was already formed at either end of the project and this work essentially completed the pathway from discrete way–points located at geographical ends of the Mangemangeroa Walkway. 

The project works were the construction of a narrow pedestrian pathway of mixed surfacing to suit the local environment with respect to low impact aesthetics balanced with a durable all year round pedestrian surface. To achieve this an innovative use of ‘sure–pave‘ permeable paving for reinforcing grass and gravel with a permeable surface was used. In other less visible areas to the adjoining residential sites a more conventional type narrow gravel surfaced path was constructed. 

Through the concept and developed design phases of the project there was extensive consultation carried out both with the wider community and also the residential sites that directly abutted the recreational reserve area. It was immediately identified that there was a strong opposition from some of the residential against the construction of a dedicated pathway through the reserve area. This opposition was responded to by way of reduction in the width of the path and use of low impact surfacing and varying the surface construction to suit local geographical considerations. In order to maintain good public relations between the Council and the local residents it was at the forefront of the mind of the Council and Consultant‘s representatives that the selected contractor to carry out the physical works construction would need to be actively responsive to engagement with the local residents and any Park users and also able to complete the physical works to the highest standard and with the least disruption. 

The later part of the project delivery involved our services for contract and project implementation. The physical works contract was awarded to Jesmond Construction and throughout the contract we found Jesmond Construction to have more than satisfied the construction requirements in terms of budget, quality of workmanship, construction programme and responsiveness to changes to scope and variations. Most significantly and importantly their professionalism when undertaking daily engagement with the local residents and any Park users. The manner in which the project manager and workers conducted themselves on site was nothing short of exemplary and we have no hesitation in recommending Jesmond Construction for further Auckland Council projects of this nature.