Aotea Square Innovations Save RatePayers $4.85 million

Savings like these have contributed to the lower-than-expected 1.9 per cent rates increase for next year, announced last week.

The project came about after significant repairs were needed for the Civic car park roof, and the council decided it was an ideal opportunity to refresh and modernise the square. Construction began in October 2008 and will be completed this October.

"Thanks to excellent planning and investigations into the repair of the car park, we were able to use international best practices, reduce disruption and subsequently make considerable savings for ratepayers," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

"For instance, we were able to build a new roof for the car park while keeping the facility open. Closing this busy CBD car park would have caused considerable disruption for many who rely on it."

Other innovations include a unique waterproofing system and an electronic leak-detection system for the car park roof, and the use of carbon fibre to reinforce existing concrete beams.