Mixed reactions from South Canterbury business leaders over Scott Base redevelopment pause

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

The Scott Base redevelopment will look something like this.

South Canterbury’s business leaders have expressed mixed reactions to news a $500 million project to rebuild Scott Base, at Timaru’s port, has been put on hold.

Antarctica NZ chief executive Sarah Williamson confirmed on Monday it had not been able “to reach an agreement on commercial terms” with Leighs Construction, the Christchurch-based preferred contractor for the redevelopment, with the project now under review.

“Antarctica New Zealand will now consider a range of options on how to progress the project.

“This options analysis is expected to take 10 weeks, utilising a team of external and internal experts.

Antarctica NZ chief executive Sarah Williamson says the “options analysis” is expected to take 10 weeks.

“Some of the work already underway at Scott Base will continue, in preparation for a recommended option. This includes the upgrade to the Ross Island Wind Energy system,” Williamson said.

Venture Timaru chairperson Nigel Davenport said they had “no reason for concern” at this stage, and would await the result of the options analysis.

“Venture Timaru have worked closely alongside both Antarctica New Zealand and Leighs Construction since the announcement was made that Timaru was to be the home of the Scott Base Redevelopment,” Davenport said.

“Our role has been one of promoting local capability, making introductions, as necessary, and jointly exploring the wide variety of accommodation, educational and promotional opportunities aligned to the rebuild.

Venture Timaru chairperson Nigel Davenport says they await the result of the options analysis and, at this stage, “have no reason for concern”.

“We have a great relationship with all parties, including ongoing engagement which provides us with the ability to support as appropriate.

“We continue to enjoy our close relationship with Antarctica New Zealand, who will update us as things progress.”

However, South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chairperson Wendy Smith said the rebuild going on hold was a “very real concern” for Timaru.

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chairperson Wendy Smith says the news is a “very real concern” for Timaru.

“Projects of this size and scale contribute to individual businesses, the economy as a whole, and bring a wealth of expertise and focus to our district,” Smith said.

“Our understanding is this is a commercial decision, and is going through a review and analysis phase.

“We understand Antarctica New Zealand is committed to a successful delivery of a redeveloped project. Details of this will be shared as appropriate.”

Building was due to start this austral summer season (between October and March) – with work at Timaru’s port expected to be visible to the public from November.

Williamson said this year’s research programme won’t be affected.

Scott Base chef Thomas Robinson had a rare opportunity to travel to remote Cape Crozier (video published March 2023).

In June 2023, The Timaru Herald revealed the costs for rebuilding the 65-year-old facility had gone up by almost $160m. The project was allocated $344m in Budget 2021.

Leighs Construction was chosen over four competitors as the preferred contractor, and had been working with Antarctica NZ during the design phase.

Leigh’s Construction chief executive Gary Walker said: “There is nothing more for Leighs Construction to add to the Antarctica NZ statement, it reflects the current status of the Scott Base Redevelopment project.”

He did note that this summer season’s works “are being planned at present and will proceed this year”.