Earth’s iciest building site
Three Christchurch contractors have been shortlisted for the iciest construction job on the planet – the Scott Base rebuild in Antarctica.
Armitage Williams Construction, Leighs Construction and Naylor Love Canterbury are among five firms vying for the contract to build three large interconnected buildings and a helicopter hangar on the frozen continent. The two other companies are Hawkins 2017 Ltd, which was founded in Waikato, and Canstruct Pty Ltd, based near Brisbane, Australia.
Antarctica NZ must raise $50 million in charitable donations towards the $250m rebuild cost. Over the next 18 months, a detailed design of the new hub will cost $18.5m. Construction is expected to begin in 2020-21 and is likely to take eight years.
Two representatives from each company will fly to the site this week to learn what it will take to build in the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth. ‘‘It is an opportunity for the construction companies to understand the challenges and commercial risk, and the unique logistical requirements involved in safely living, working and building in Antarctica,’’ said Simon Shelton, Antarctica NZ senior project manager.
As well as being shown the construction area and the existing Scott Base, the contractors will visit several important long-term research sites.
They will also undergo Antarctic field training and experience what it is like to be outside in the freezing environment for a continual period of time and how to keep safe outdoors. The preferred contractor will be chosen by March 2021.
The new base will be able to accommodate up to 100 people at a time.