Wellington, September 29 2011 - The Royal Thai Embassy has moved into a new home at 110 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, after being based in Karori for the past 26 years.
The landmark Thorndon site, on which the former Lion Tavern once stood, has undergone a major redevelopment led by CBRE Projects and Fletcher Construction.
CBRE Projects and Fletcher Construction have collaborated together in a unique Design and Build project delivery model. Fletcher Construction managed and delivered the entire project including design, consents, construction, fitout and furnishings.
CBRE Projects was appointed by the Embassy as Client Representative to represent the Embassy’s interests throughout the 24 month Design and Build process.
The Ambassador of Thailand, His Excellency Mr Noppadon Theppitak, said a Thai Architect had visited the site in January 2008 and provided the original concept design, which had been developed and built by Fletchers.
“CBRE acted as our representative throughout the process and they’ve done an excellent job at guiding us through it, since from the start we knew almost nothing about buildings. So I’d have to say that this model of project delivery has definitely produced a great result for the Embassy,” Theppitak said.
“The other critical factor was having the final price fixed from the beginning: without that certainty we wouldn’t have been able to get the funding from Thailand to go ahead with the project. I and my staff are really very pleased with the excellent work that has been done by Fletchers, with the support of CBRE. I also think that all Wellingtonians should feel very happy at the result: we are certainly very happy to be based here in Thorndon again after more than 26 years away,” Mr Theppitak added.
Located on the corner of Pipitea and Molesworth streets, just a stone’s throw from the New Zealand Parliamentary precinct, the complex now includes a three -level refurbished building housing the Embassy’s offices and an adjacent new three-storey wing along Pipitea Street containing several apartments and a functions suite with a modern restaurant-style kitchen.
The Visa and Consular Section is located on the ground floor for ease of public access from Molesworth Street. Attached to that is an exhibition space visible from the street through full length windows.
CBRE National Director, Global Corporate Services, Tim Rookes, said the collaborative approach had continued throughout the project. Fletchers began the design work in September 2009 and submitted an Application for Resource Consent in December. The Consent was granted in February 2010 and the demolition and construction work commenced in earnest during April 2010. Fletchers have also been on hand to assist the Embassy with settling in to the new building after moving in on 14 September.
“Of key importance was creating a culturally correct design, echoing a traditional Thai aesthetic, which would also complement the surrounding area,” Mr Rookes said. “To achieve this, the building features a pitched and stepped mansard roof and a Thai influenced render motif at various points around the façade. This motif is repeated in some key aspects of the interior design, together with large wall panels of patterned Thai silk. I expect that the Embassy will be adding its own artworks to that rich background.”
The Thai Embassy project marks the first major undertaking by CBRE Projects in New Zealand. The Pacific CBRE Projects team specialises in project management, development advisory, corporate workplace planning and construction management and has been involved in a wide variety of landmark projects throughout Australia.
About CBRE
CBRE, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2010 revenue). The Company has approximately 31,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our Web site at www.cbre.com.au